A Mass of Christian Burial for Dorothy Frances Sokol will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, July 2 at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 11 Fourth Avenue SW, Rochester, MN.  A visitation will precede the service at 9:30 AM at the Church. A light lunch at the church will follow the service. She will be interred at St. Hedwig’s Cemetery in Detroit, MI.

Mrs. Sokol, age 91, of Rochester, died on Monday, June 29, 2009 at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester, MN after a short illness.

Born on August 6, 1917 in Romulus MI and graduated from Lincoln High School in Bellville MI. She married the love of her life, Henry John Sokol on February 3, 1940. They made their home in the Detroit area until 1996, then St.Petersberg FL until moving to Charter House, Rochester MN.

Mrs. Sokol was a wife, mother, homemaker and assisted her husband in his State Farm Insurance Agency. She had been active in her children’s PTA, enjoyed a long standing card club with seven other women in and was recently a member of the Charter House Choral Group. She enjoyed visiting with grandchildren and great grand-children, golf, fishing for pan fish, and crossword puzzles. She was very creative, crocheting shawls and afghans for many family members. Dorothy enjoyed nature at a lake home in Northern Wisconsin, and lovely backyard gardens.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Henry Sokol, a sister, Julia Katanski, Carlton, MI, three children, Cynthia Sokol Daube, Rochester, MN, Christine Sokol Graham, Southlake TX and David Sokol, Rochester Hills MI, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by one sister and one brother.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to the St. Mary’s Hospital Hospice, Rochester, MN and Catholic Charities.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  1105 12th Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904.

A funeral Mass for Regina A. Raring will be at 10:30AM Wednesday at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Rochester. Burial will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring, Maryland.
Mrs. Raring, 81, died Monday, June 29, 2009 at her residence.
Regina Stellpflug was born November 16, 1927, at Galesville, Wisconsin. Her parents, Stephen Stellpflug and Frances Oberle, moved to Minnesota in 1931 and Regina grew up on farms near Rochester. She attended a one-room country school for two years, then St. John’s Grade and Lourdes High School, followed by two years at St. Teresa College in Winona.
She was employed as secretary-bookkeeper for O’Connor’s Men and Boys
Wear in Rochester and administrative assistant for the Dairy Division at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C.
She married Richard H. Raring, a research engineer for NASA, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. on June 24, 1967. They moved to Newport News, Virginia, in 1971 when Mr. Raring was transferred to NASA’s Langley Research Center.
After moving to Newport News, Regina and her husband co-founded the local Guild for Infant Survival, an organization promoting education and research on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Regina received a BS Degree in Biology from Christopher Newport College in 1977. She was an active member of the neighborhood garden club and the Church ladies guild. She enjoyed gardening, genealogy, and taking courses with the Lifelong Learning Society at Christopher Newport University. Mrs. Raring moved back to Rochester in 2006.
She was preceded in death by her husband and an infant son, Stephen Richard and parents, Stephen and Frances Stellpflug and a sister Mary Stellpflug.
Survivors include a sister, Margaret (Vern) Walton of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, and five brothers: Paul (Eleanor) and Joseph (Dorothy) Stellpflug of Rochester, John (Jan) Stellpflug of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, Leonard (Judy) Stellpflug of Rush, New York, and Leo (Jolene) Stellpflug of Paris, Texas.

Visitation is from 5:00-8:00PM, Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at Macken Funeral Home and an hour before the service on Wednesday at the church.

The family prefers memorials to Seasons Hospice.
Macken Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 507-282-1075 www.mackenfuneralhome.com

The Memorial Service for Glendoris Offerman Sizer will be held at Macken Colonial Chapel  at 11:00AM on Tuesday,  June 30, 2009 with the Rev. Charlie Collins officiating.  Visitation will be for the one hour before the service.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Glendoris Sizer, 95, of Rochester, MN died Saturday, June 27, 2009 at Plummer Place Adult Foster Care.

Glendoris Offerman Sizer was born in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, on December 27, 1913.  Her parents were Clara (Schmitt) and Robert Offerman.  The family moved to Butterfield, Minnesota, where she attended grade school and was a high school honor graduate.  She also graduated from Minneapolis DeSalle School of Hairdressing & Cosmetology.  She married Oren M. Sizer of St. James.  They moved to Rochester in 1940 and were later divorced.  Mrs. Sizer was a home maker.

Mrs. Sizer was active in school, church and community affairs.  She was a Past President of St. Francis Altar Society and St. Ursula’s Rosary Group, a member of the first Parish Council of Resurrection Catholic Church and the Marian Rosary Group.  She was also a Lifetime Member of St. Raphael’s Guest Hour Auxiliary and the Legion of Mary.  She was a past Chairman of Sister Egmard Golden Age Club and a member of the Volunteer Home Visitors.

Survivors include one daughter,  Victoria R. (Dean) Sandvik of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, two sons Bradley W. Sizer of Fairbault, MN and Michael (Gail Barret) Sizer of Fort Myers, Florida, and three grandchildren and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father, step-father, one sister and two step-brothers.

Memorials are preferred to St. Francis Building Fund

Macken Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  (507) 282-1075  www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Lorraine Vetsch passed away peacefully June 26, 2009 at her home and in the presence of her family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 70.

Lorraine was born April 22, 1939 to Pete and Hilda Behselich of Ipswich, SD. An only child, she grew up on a farm south of town. She was the 1957 class valedictorian of Ipswich High School. In the fall of 1957, she moved to Huron, SD to attend secretarial school. Upon her graduation from Northwest College of Commerce in 1958, where she was again the class valedictorian, Lorraine moved to Rochester to work at the Mayo Clinic.

Lorraine married Allen Vetsch June 4, 1960. They recently celebrated their 49^th wedding anniversary. She devoted her life to caring for her husband and children and working as the company bookkeeper for the family business. Lorraine loved gardening and had a particular fondness for flowers. She and Allen had many travels together, driving across America, and even made a trip to Alaska in 1973. An avid crocheter, Lorraine especially enjoyed making baby afghans to mark the arrival of a new grandchild.

She is survived by her husband, Allen, and her four married children: Linda Ambrose and her husband Michael of Stewartville, MN, Leonard and Nanette Vetsch of Elk Mound, WI, Peter and Erica Vetsch of Rochester, MN and David and Jodi Vetsch of Stewartville.

She took special delight in her ten grandchildren: Joe Ambrose, Heather Vetsch, Tim Ambrose, Troy Vetsch, James Vetsch, Jacob Vetsch, Karlie Vetsch, Madeline Vetsch, Nathan Vetsch, and Nicholas Vetsch. Other beloved members of her family include two sisters-in-law, Gladys Vetsch of Winona, MN and Katherine Vetsch of Houston, MN, and eleven nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their special thanks to the caregivers from Seasons Hospice, and to Dee Smith of the Mayo Clinic, who all gave their love and support, assisting the family to fulfill Lorraine’s wishes to remain in her own home. The family would also like to thank the many friends and family who visited and made her last days so happy.

A viewing will be held June 30, 2009, at Macken Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church of Rochester, July 1, 2009 at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Kevin Sorensen officiating.  Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens with a luncheon to follow.

Memorial gifts can be made to Mayo Clinic Cancer Research, The American Cancer Society, or Seasons Hospice.

The funeral service for Proscovia Godi will be Saturday, June 27 at 10:00AM at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester with the Rev. Anjanette Rist officiating.

 Mrs. Godi , 33 died Monday, June 22 at Rochester Methodist Hospital of cancer.  She had been ill for over two years.

 Mrs. Godi was born February 10, 1976 in Kampala Uganda, Africa.   In 1990, she married Scopas Solomon Godi in Uganda.  Mr. Godi is an escort for Mayo Clinic.  At the time of her death, she had been attending college to complete her Registered Nursing Degree.  She had been a Licensed Practical Nurse and had worked at Samaritan Bethany Heights.

 She is survived by her husband; 2 sons; Erickson and Joma; 1 daughter; Eron ; a niece and nephew, Moses and Mary, all of Rochester.  She is also survived by her mother, Gartride Wanyana of Uganda.  She was preceded in death by her father and one sister.

Friends may call from 5:00PM – 8:00PM, Friday, June 26 at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.  Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery.

 Macken Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Margaret “Marge” Ann Verdick, 77, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2009, at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Marge was born in La Crosse, Wis., to the late J. Clifford and Mary Gossman, and grew up in Preston. She was married to William (Bill) Verdick on June 30, 1956. Marge graduated from Preston High School and attended Winona Technical School. She was formerly employed at Nietz Electric for over 20 years. She was a member and volunteer of the Church of the Resurrection, and also volunteered for the Scrip program for the Rochester Catholic Schools. She was an avid crossword puzzle and trivia enthusiast, and enjoyed family history research. Marge’s greatest joy was spending time with family and friends, and she was especially renowned for her traditional holiday meals.

Survivors include husband, William (Bill) Verdick; children, Mary (Michael) Daily, William (Paulette) Verdick, Jeanne Verdick, Karen (John) Mozina and Daniel (Elizabeth) Verdick; grandchildren, Nathan and Laura Daily, Nicole (Jamie) Johnson, Matthew and Andrew Verdick, Bridget and David Mozina, and Olivia and Zachary Verdick; great-grandchild, Katryn Johnson; brothers and sisters, Alice Pott, Betty Barrett, Bob Gossman, Frannie Thene and Vince Gossman; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by parents, J. Clifford and Mary Gossman; brothers, Tom, Jim and Phil Gossman.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 23, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Macken Funeral Home. The funeral Mass will be Wednesday, June 24, at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Resurrection, with the public invited at 10 a.m.

Marge will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. S.E., is in charge of arrangements. www.mackenfuneralhome.com

The funeral service for Alger M. Johnson will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday June 23 at Madonna Towers with the Rev. James A. Mattson officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.

Mr. Johnson, age 92 of Rochester, died  Wednesday (June 17, 2009) at Madonna Towers. He was born December 11, 1916 in Portland, Oregon. He farmed in the  Birchwood, Wisconsin area from 1918 – 1956 when he then moved to Rochester. He married Mary Wray in Duluth, MN. In 1939. She died 1968. He Then married Helen Marren  May 3, 1980 in Rochester and she died  January 26, 2005. Mr. Johnson retired from Carpentry work in 1979 and from work he did at the Guest House in 1983. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge #2228, Carpenters Local 1382,  the Sportsman Club, and the Senior Citizens Club.

He is survived by four sons, Pat (Sheila) of Denver, CO. ; Terry (Pat) ; Mike (Della)  and  Lynn Johnson all of Rochester. Three Daughters, Peggy (Don) Holtan of Rochester ; Beth (Bob) Schunke of Port Richey, FL.; Kathy (Vern) Mercer of Eleva, WI. A step-daughter  Mary Ann Lott of Citrus Heights, CA. 24 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren, and 1 great  great  grandchild. 1 step granddaughter and 2 step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both his wives, 1 brother, 2 sisters, and 1 great grandchild. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday June 22 at Macken Funeral Home and one hour before the service on Tuesday at  Madonna Towers in Rochester.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, 507-282-1075.  www.mackenfuneralhome.com

The memorial service for Phyllis E. Seitz will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 18, at Macken Funeral Home, with Rev. Chris Paulson officiating.

Mrs. Seitz, 94, died on Thursday (June 11, 2009) at Sunrise Cottages in Rochester.  Phyllis was born to Theron and N. Marguerite (Winkley) Nash on June 2, 1915 in Minneapolis, Minn.  She married1^st Lt. John M. Reed, on March 6, 1943 in Gainesville (Camp Howze), Texas; he died in 1944 during WWII.  Phyllis later married Rocsus (Ross) G. Seitz on May 17, 1952 in Minneapolis; he died January 3, 1989.  They lived in South St. Paul, Minn. until 1956 and later moved to and farmed near the Elmwood, Wisconsin area.  In 1965 they moved to Rochester, where she worked at the Rochester State Hospital for 17 years.  Phyllis was a member of the American Medical Record Association and the Medical Records Committee for the State of Minnesota.  She was also a volunteer for Paws and Claws Humane Society.  Phyllis loved her grandkids Matthew and Nicholas Seitz.  Although she endured deaths of her little sister, both parents, and a husband in the war, she remained cheerful, selfless, and loving.  We will always cherish her memory.

Survivors include a son, John (Mary Lynn) Seitz of Rochester, and one daughter, Sally (Roger) Anderson of Prescott, Wisconsin.  Phyllis is also survived by one sister, Betty McAdams of Austin, Texas.  She was preceded in death by her two husbands, one sister, and one brother.

Friends may call one-half hour before the service.  Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements; 1105 12^th Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904; 507-282-1075.

Beverly Ann Scovill was born in St. Paul on May 7, 1926 to the parents of George Michael Steinle and Verna Violet (Carlson) Steinle, both first generation immigrants; one family from southwest Germany, the other from Sweden.

She began her education in the city, later moving to Lamberton. They moved to Grandon, N.D. It is here that she met Donald, who with his father Maxwell and sister Norma lived above the small grocery store the Steinles purchase. The family returned to St. Paul where she was married to Donald. He returned from leave in the Army to participate in the Italian Theater from Sicily to northern Italy. Donald (working construction as an electrician) and Beverly lived in trailer camps/parks from Louisville, Ky. to Ohio, northern Minnesota to Riverdale, N.D., rooting in Revere, Minn., home area of the Steinle/Carlson clans, rearing five children (Michael, Debra, Therese, Mary Greg).

In the mid 1960s, they moved to Byron. Beverly began working for Dayton’s in the cashier/ticket office, retiring after 20 years. Living in Rochester, she and Donald became active in Meals on Wheels, volunteering at the Dorothy Day House, the Ronald McDonald House, at Mayo High School and investigative volunteer for the State Ombudsman for the Elderly. She was an activist for justice and peace. At Resurrection Church, Beverly was involved in Bible studies, a prayer group, an Eucharistic server, at times assisted in teaching the children. This anonymous author fits Bev: “This is the beginning of a New Day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste is or grow in its light and be of service to others. But what I do with this day is important because I have exchanged a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. I hope I will not regret the price I paid for it.”

Beverly and Donald traveled throughout the United States and British Columbia, preferring the west’s mountains and parks. She had a great love for birds, flowers, trees, land formations — all of God’s creation. With Donald by her side, her spirit left this world on June 4, 2009 to everlasting joy.

Visitation is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Church of the Resurrection with the funeral at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Beverly will reside at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Lamberton. Macken Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.