Susan M. Huey, age 57, passed away peacefully at home on August 30, 2011 after a five year battle with cancer.

A funeral Mass will be held at­ Pax Christi Catholic Church in Rochester at 11:00AM on Friday, September 2, 2011 with the Rev. Thomas Loomis officiating.

Susie was born on January 12, 1954 to Ben and Louise Dusek of Grafton, North Dakota.  She graduated from Grafton High School and went to the University of North Dakota.  She earned her elementary teaching/music degree and began teaching at Viking Elementary School in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Susie married Thomas G. Huey on September 1, 1978 in Grafton, North Dakota and moved to Rochester in 1979.  She was the music teacher at St. Pius Catholic School from 1991-1999 and was known for her Christmas programs and actually getting junior high kids to sing.  She was a substitute teacher at all the other Catholic schools in Rochester.

Susie loved to cook, entertain and teach.  She will be greatly missed by her many friends and students.

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Thomas G. Huey of Rochester; sons, Ben of Chicago, IL and Paul of La Crosse, WI; father, Ben Dusek of Grafton, ND; three sisters, Barbara (Jake) Coykendall of Denver, CO, Jan (Bob) Rongitsch of Mounds View, MN, Grace (Scott) Mathison of Moorhead, MN; three brothers, Tim (Shelly) Dusek of Atlanta, Georgia, Jim (Kris) Dusek of Grafton, ND, John (Mary) Dusek of Grafton, ND; and her dog Ruby.  She was preceded in death by her mother Louise.

Friends may call from 5:00-8:00PM on Thursday, September 1, 2011 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Memorials are suggested to the Lourdes High School Music Program.

Matthew Tyler Hanson, age 21 of Rochester, passed away with his family, friends, and loyal black lab Lacy at his side on Sunday, August 28, 2011 following a courageous two-year battle with colon cancer.

Matthew was born on March 3, 1990 in Rochester to Rodney “Rod” and Brenda Ingalls Hanson. Matt attended St. Francis Catholic Grade School, and graduated from Dover-Eyota High School in 2008. Following graduation, Matt attended Rochester Community and Technical College and completed one year of the Automobile Mechanics Program. Matt began working at Fleet Farm Rochester until 2006, most recently in the Tire Center. He was unable to complete school and continue to work due to his illness. Matt loved all things motorized. He was an avid motorcycle rider, and was proud to have his own Harley. Matt especially loved making the annual trip to the Sturgis South Dakota Motorcycle Rally with his family and friends. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and dirt-biking. Matt loved being outdoors especially in the fall, during hunting season, when he would often be seen bow and gun hunting. Matt was known as a hard worker who always did his best, and strived to enjoy life until the very end.

He is survived by his Parents Rod and Brenda, a brother Patrick, great grandmother, Evelyn Delaney, grandparents Ginger Delaney Ingalls, George and Elaine Ingalls all of Rochester, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

A funeral service for Matthew will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2011 at 10:30AM at the new River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Rev. Kevin Connolly officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. A visitation will be held on the evening of Wednesday, August 31, 2011 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

A visitation for Monroe “Hog” Palmer Brenhaug will be from 5:00 – 8:00 PM Friday, September 2, 2011 at River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at the 63 Club, beginning at 1:00PM.

Mr. Brenhaug died Saturday, August 27, 2011 at St. Marys Hospital due to an accident he had swimming.

Monroe was born January 27, 1951 in Roseau, Minnesota to Martina and Pearl (Lange) Brenhaug.  He

graduated from Falls High School, in International Falls, MN in 1969 and then attended Condordia Moorhead College, in  Moorhead, MN.  On November 24, 1979, he married Cammy Raboin in International Falls, MN.  The couple later divorced.

Monroe worked for several  construction  companies in Rochester.  He was amember of Labor Union #405, and also a member of the Eagles.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was a youth hockey coach in Rochester.

Survivors include his two sons, Troy (Melissa) Brenhaug and Jacob (Fiance Dana Seadlund) Brenhaug and grandson, Hunter Brenhaug, and his former wife, Cammy Brenhaug, all of Rochester.  Monroe was preceded in death by his parents.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneral.com.

The Funeral Mass for Mary Kathryn Conrad will be at 11:00am Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at St. Pius X Church in Rochester with the Rev. Charlies Collins officiating.  Burial to follow at Rochester’s Grandview Memorial Garden.

Mrs. Conrad, 79, entered eternal life on Saturday (August 27, 2011) after an extended illness at home with her family.

Mary was born October 10, 1931 on the family farm at Ellendale, Minnesota to Edward Francis and Carlyn Irene (Hansen) Butler.  She attended a one room country school and in 1949 graduated from Blooming Prairie High School where she was involved with the school paper, lettered in Band; was a member of the Honor Society and a State American Legion representative.  Mary attended St. Marys School of Nursing, graduating in 1952 as a Registered Nurse.  She was privileged and humbled to care for those at St. Marys Hospital during the polio epidemic and then was the head nurse of orthopedics.  In 1954 she became a homemaker but returned to nursing in 1957 as an industrial nurse at IBM.  She later worked for thirteen years at Madonna Towers, retiring in 1992.

On June 8, 1963 she married Lyle L. Conrad at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Rochester.  Lyle introduced himself to her at IBM by asking her if she wanted a kiss—he then produced a candy peanut butter kiss and the rest is history.

Mary belonged to the St. Pius Parish since 1963, the Rosary Society and the local Suicide and Brain Injury Support Groups.  She enjoyed her ’57 Chevy Bel Air, ’67 Buick Electra 225 and was given a ’95 Buick Sabre, her “tip” for 32 years of packing Dad’s lunch.  Mary enjoyed reading and a meal she didn’t have to cook.  She worked hard maintaining an acre garden, canning, baking and sewing.  Mary had a great amount of love and understanding.  She was a generous person with her time and support for those who needed assistance, a hand up or just some summer vegetables.  Her main priorities were her faith, family and that her children have a Catholic upbringing.

Mary’s sense of humor was constant and she always had a twinkle in her eye.  She will be truly missed.    Blessed be her memory.

Mary is survived by her husband Lyle, sons Robert Ball and David Conrad; daughters Micki Ball, Theresa (Edward) Nielson, Susan (Michael) Pitzer and Karen (Steven) Barnes.  She leaves behind her grandchildren Ashley, Michael and Katie Pitzer, Emma Barnes and great-grand daughter Lilly Ann Kennedy; her sister Janet Morgan; sister-in-law LaVonna (Don) Ruhl; brothers-in-law Devon (Irene) and Lotus (Jacqueline) Conrad; “adopted” daughter, Linda S. Ball-Boschee; cousins Pat & Jim Ferrell and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her son John Edward; brother Jerry Butler; parents; step father James Butler; inlaws Russell and Inez Conrad; her first husband, Robert Blayne Ball and sister-in-law, Evelyn L. Ball D.C.

The family wishes to express their gratitude and thanks to Doctors Durpas, Nagpal, Gupta and Lee; Andy McDermott, RN; Mary Norrie and Mayo Hospice.

Visitation will be from 5pm to 8pm Tuesday, August 30, 2011 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Memorials may be made to the charity of choice.

A Nurses Prayer:

Dear God, I thank you for calling me to the vocation of nursing.  It is a hard but blessed life.  Give me strength and patience O good Saviour, that I may help those who suffer and ease the burden of mankind.  Let me never grow hard and unsympathetic, but make me firm to do what must be done.   O blessed Mother of God, O good St. Anne, and you St. Catherine of Siena, who at night with lantern in your hand sought out the victims of the deadly plague and served their needs, give me of your strength for Jesus’ sake.  Amen.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Ronald E. Gathje passed away on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at his home in Rochester.  A funeral Mass will be at 10:00AM, Saturday, August 27, 2011 at St. Pius X Catholic Church with the Rev. Charlie Collins officiating.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.

He was born on December 6, 1928 in Stewartville, Minnesota to Jacob Gathje and Maria (Erichsen) Gathje.  He was the second youngest of sixteen children.

Ronnie graduated from Stewartville High School in 1949.  He worked for the Drayline and Erdman’s Grocery in Stewartville before entering the service in 1951.  He was stationed in Fort Jackson, SC, Fort Benning, GA, and Camp Attabury in Ulm Germany.

On June 12, 1954 he married Helen Weis at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester.  They have lived in Rochester for 57 years.

He was employed by Utility Sales & Engineering (later sold to HIMEC).  He worked at HIMEC until retiring in 1993.  He was in the sheet metal trade for 42 years.

He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Sheet Metal Union Local 10, and the Golden Kiwanis Club.  He was a volunteer at Channel One.  He enjoyed his grandchildren, traveling, playing cards, his flowers and family vacations.

Survivors include his wife, Helen; sons, Steven (Laurie) Gathje of Minneapolis, MN, Peter Gathje of Memphis, TN,  John (Melissa) Gathje of Omaha, NE, James (Jeanne) Gathje of Bloomington, MN, Michael (Luciana) Gathje of Pittsburgh, PA; daughter, Donna (David) Mueller of Rochester; sisters, Emilie Winter of Rochester, Rachel Warren of Belgrade, MN, Florence Haack of San Diego, CA; eleven grandsons, five grand-daughters, one step-grandson and one great-grandson.  He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and six sisters.

Friends may call from 5:00-8:00PM on Friday, August 26, 2011 at  River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Kiwanis, Seasons Hospice, Lourdes Foundation or St. Pius X Catholic Church.

A celebration of the life of David Pitkin will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church on Thursday August 25 at 11:00 AM. The family will greet family and friends an hour prior to the service.

David died at his home in Rochester on Monday August 22, 2011 of a massive cerebral hemorrhage.

David Winton Pitkin was born September 19,1942 in Clear Lake, Iowa to Norval and Doris (Conibear) Pitkin.

In 1961 he graduated from Clear Lake High School in Clear Lake, Iowa.

In 1963 he married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Kay Shoop, at Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, Iowa.

David graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa with a BA Degree in Mathematics in 1965. He received his Masters Degree in Mathematics in 1969 from the University of Northern Iowa and later an Educational Specialist.

David taught mathematics for 5 years at East Waterloo High School in Waterloo, Iowa, and for 32 years at John Marshall High School in Rochester, Minnesota, retiring in 2001.

As a member of the National Teachers Association and the Rochester Education Association he served for several years as chief teacher negotiator in contract settlements.

While teaching he purchased a farm near Oslo, Minnesota and enjoyed grain farming for the past 25 years. He found great peace planting and watching the crops grow to harvest as they thrived under his care and excellent farm management skills. Everything he did was done to the best of his ability.

Gentle hearted David loved nature as he fed birds and animals, lingered by his farm creek, and maintained two immaculate lawns.

His grandchildren loved being with him and he with them especially on tractor rides and gator rides at the farm as well as a ride in one of his three classic cars.  He thoroughly enjoyed sharing in his children and grandchildren’s sporting events and other accomplishments. David loved traveling especially to mountainous scenery locations with many trips to the western United States/Canada including Alaska and Hawaii as well as Norway.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Steven, in infancy.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sandra, one son, Daniel, (Carleen) of Highland Illinois, one daughter, Angela, (Rob) of Corvallive, Iowa, three grandchildren, David, Alicia, and Laura, one brother, Galen (Cecelia) of Clear Lake, Iowa and one sister, Judy (Don) Ytzen of Clear Lake, Iowa along with several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials be given to Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester.

A private family burial will be held at Clear Lake Cemetery in Clear Lake, Iowa.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.

Macken Funeral Home Funeral is in charge of arrangements.

The funeral service for Gordon L. Danuser will be held on Monday, August 29, 2011, at 1 pm in Christ United Methodist Church of Rochester, 400 5^th Avenue SW, officiated by Rev. Nancy Wheeler Handlon, with the visitation one hour prior and a reception following.  The interment service will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Mantorville, MN, at 3:30 pm.

Well-know musician Gordon L. Danuser, 89, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on August 22, 2011, at Season’s Hospice in Rochester, MN.  Born and raised in Galesville, WI, Gordon was the son of Lester and Belle Danuser.  He married Virginia Bergmann in 1944; they had one daughter, Leslie.  Gordon was preceded in death by wife, Virginia; brother, Norris Danuser, and sister, Constance L’Odense.

After graduating from high school, he served in the US Army and later graduated from Winona State University with a Bachelor’s degree in music ultimately earning a Master’s Degree from McPhail College of Music in Minneapolis.  He was the music teacher and band director for the Dodge Center Public Schools (13 years) and continued as a music educator at Rochester Community College (19 years) until he retired.  Gordon and Virginia were active members of Christ United Methodist Church where he taught an adult Sunday school class for years.  He belonged to the following clubs/organizations:  393^rd ASF Band (Army); Musician’s Union (70 years); Sertoma Club, Elks Club; Turkey River All Stars (38 years); Rochester Park Band (20 years); Director, Rochester Park Band, 1978-1979; Rochester Symphony (20 years); Bob Hirsch All Stars (2 years); and Al Townsend’s Wonderful World of Jazz Band (2 years).

Gordon Danuser was the original “music man,” but he was the real deal, not a fake.  He played every instrument in the band and gave thousands of lessons.  His first job as an eighth-grade musician was playing for 10 cents a night and all the root beer he could drink.  He was the band director at Dodge Center for 13 years—all K-12 students.  His band had 12 years of  “A” ratings at district and state music contests.  His Dodge Center band was also WCCO Basketball Band of the Year in 1960.  It was his goal to develop the finest band possible.  Gordon served as a judge for music contests for over 20 years.  As a member of the Turkey River All Stars, a Dixieland band, he played many jobs locally, represented the State of Minnesota for one week at the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans, played 25 years of river cruises on the Delta Queen and the Mississippi Queen, appeared at the opening of the Metrodome, and performed for four US Presidents.  For 19 years he worked at Rochester Community College; his band took trips to Winnipeg, New Orleans, Tampa, and Orlando.

Gordon is survived by his daughter, Leslie Jeanne Davison, Ph.D., Maple Grove, MN; grandchildren, John Mark Froiland, Ph.D., and Andrew Mark Davison, CPA, MBA; and great-grandchildren:  Elijah, Isabella, and David Froiland; and Samuel and Rebekah Davison.

Gordon Danuser’s family wants to gratefully acknowledge the amazing kindness and goodness of so many people in Rochester, including Elder Network, Christ United Methodist Church, Golden Living East, Season’s Hospice, and his many friends and neighbors.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.

The Funeral Mass for Mary A. Delaney will be at 10:30am on Friday, August 26, 2011 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with Fr. Mark McNea officiating.  A visitation will be held the evening of August 25, 2011 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm with a rosary vigil service at 7:30pm at Macken Funeral Home’s new River Park Chapel along with a visitation one hour prior to services at the church.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery of Rochester.

Mrs. Delaney, age 80 of Rochester, died Monday, August 22, 2011 at Maple Manor Care Center and Rehabilitation. Mary Schwartz was born on November 22, 1930 in Plainview, MN to Henry and Esther (Arends) Schwartz.  Following graduation from Rochester High School, she married Cyril Delaney at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on April 22, 1950.  Along with being a full-time homemaker, Mary worked for a time at St. Mary’s Hospital, and also had various jobs including providing day-care and doing seasonal work at Libby’s in Rochester.

Mary was a member of the St. Theresa’s Rosary Group at St. Francis of Assisi Church.  She loved gardening, bird watching, and playing bingo and cards. She was a long-time member and supporter of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Survivors include her husband Cyril, children: Steven (Sylvia) of Rochester, Rita (Dean) Rehbein of Sidney, MT., Ronald (Debra Zwiener) of Red Wing, MN., Ellen of Roseville, MN., Carol Levasseur (Gib Baker) of Rochester, Teresa (Ken) Frazier of Welch, MN., Mark (Christie) of Sidney, MT., Nancy of Rochester,  Paul (Janet) of Rochester, Fred (Elisa) of Rochester, Dean of Rochester, and Karen of Rochester; brothers, Dale(Darlene) of Rochester, David (Paula) of Detroit Lakes, and Dennis of Rochester; a sister, Janet (Jim) Sheldon of Rochester; Twenty-three grandchildren, and twenty-seven great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, an infant son Edgar, a son-in-law Steven Levasseur, and two sisters, Elaine Lamb and Donna Hinck.

Macken Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Carmen Rathke, 62, of Rochester, Minnesota died August 21, 2011 at home. Carmen was born November 23, 1948 in Slayton Minnesota to Arvin and Jeraldyne ”Jerre” (Schimek) Schmidt. She graduated from John Marshall High School in 1966.

Carmen married Ronald Rathke on a cold, blizzardly day on December 28, 1968 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester.

Carmen worked as a manager and a buyer at several companies during her career including IBM, Waters Instruments, Cary Bio-Science and D.S. Manufacturing.

Survivors include her husband Ron, her three children, Craig (Sarah) Rathke, Jeff (Julie) Rathke, Jessica (Kevin) Rathke; six grandchildren, Madison, Austin, Sawyer, Logan, Oliver and Aubrey; father Arvin (Anne) Schmidt and mother Jeraldyne “Jerre” Schmidt; two sisters, Carla Daly and Camilla “Cami” Schmidt and two brothers, Arvin Jr and Bruce Schmidt. Carmen loved entertaining, cooking, gardening, dancing and music.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. at Peace United Church of Christ in Rochester with the Pastor Paul Bauch officiating. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the River Park Chapel Macken Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

The memorial service for Helen Ruth McCallum will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 27, 2011 at Christ United Methodist Church with the Rev. Nancy Wheeler Handlon officiating.  Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the church.

Helen Ruth McCallum, 92, of Rochester, Minnesota passed away Thursday, August 18, 2011 at Seasons Hospice.

Helen was born October 28, 1918 in Randolph, Minnesota to Edward and Myrtle (Errington) McCallum.  She graduated from Rochester High School and was a lifelong resident of Rochester.  Helen was a phone operator at North Western Bell and transferred into the district office as a clerk.  She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers and a 50 year member of Christ United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her brother, Dick (Donis) McCallum of Rochester and sister, Alice (Stanley) Brooks of Rochester.  She was lovingly known as Aunt Helen to niece, Barbara (Les) Hexum;  five nephews, David (Jill) Brooks, Craig (Kate) McCallum, Scott (Shirley) McCallum, Jeff (Gretchen) McCallum and Todd (Tara) McCallum.  Helen will be missed by many great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins and friends.

Macken Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com