Donald Joseph Kaster, 90, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, Sep. 25, 2011. He was born on May 25, 1921, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, son of the late Joseph and Kathryn (Gehl) Kaster. He married Ruth Elizabeth (Betty) Walls in Wilmington, Delaware on Feb. 8, 1945. Don served his country in the US Army Air Corp during World War II and the Korean conflict. He was a Pearl Harbor Survivor. Near the end of the war, he was a crew member on a special “Round the World” mission to carry 15 well known war correspondents to the fighting fronts. On this mission he saw quite a bit of the world including Casablanca, the Taj Mahal, and the Vatican which included an audience with the Pope.

Don sold insurance for over 40 years and was the eternal optimist. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and you would think they had known each other for years. He enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing and playing cards. He would tell fish stories and he always said he knew where the best fishing spots were located. Don lived in Rochester from 1955-1964 and returned in 1999. He was a Boy Scout leader for many years for St John’s scout troop in Rochester. Don and Betty spent more than 20 years in Gainesville, FL before returning to Rochester.

Don is survived by his wife, Betty Kaster, Rochester, MN; two daughters, Mary Lou Devlin, Rochester; Linda (Kevin) Schultz, Columbus, OH; and a son Jeffrey (Lynn) Kaster, St. Cloud, MN. He is also survived by grandchildren John (Kimberly) Devlin and Jeffrey Devlin, both of Rochester, MN; Jennifer (David) Murphy, Cincinnati, OH; Juliane Schultz, Columbus, OH; Heather (Andrew) Stephens, Cincinnati, OH; Stephen Kaster, Madison, WI; Elizabeth (Peter Stanley) Kaster, Tacoma WA; David Kaster, St. Cloud, MN; great-grandchildren Joseph, Benjamin, Matthew, and Jonathan Devlin, Rochester, MN; Evelyn and Reilly Murphy, Cincinnati, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, a son Stephen Kaster who died in the Viet Nam conflict, a son Gregory Kaster who died at birth, a brother Eugene Kaster, as well as a brother and sister, twins John and Mary Kaster who died as infants.

A celebration of Don’s life with a Memorial Mass will be held at Pax Christi Catholic Church on Friday, Sep. 30, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be later at the Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Cemetery in St. Paul. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Stephen Joseph Kaster Memorial Fund at St. Johns University, Collegeville, MN.

At 91.7 years of age, Loretta joined her family and friends in Heaven on Monday, September 26, 2011.

Loretta was born on February 5, 1920 to John W. and Anna M. (Knox) Gossman. She is survived by five daughters: Ann (Joseph) Fitzpatrick, Kathleen (Todd) Gibbons, Mary (Joseph) Kernan, Joan (Bryan Rossi) Kneeskern, Carol (William Brown) Kneeskern, 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and one sister-in-law Naomi Gossman. She was preceded in death by her parents, 4 sisters, 1 brother, 2 sons-in-law and 1 great-grandson, Shane Fitzpatrick.

Loretta retired from St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester in March of 1986 after 18 years as an executive in Environmental Services. She was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church.

She inspired all who met her with her unfailing faith, courage, wit and unconditional love. She left this world the same way she lived in this world, with quiet strength and little fuss.

Visitation for family and friends will be in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12^th Street SE, Rochester, on Thursday Sept. 29, 2011 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church, 11 4^th Avenue SW, Rochester, at 10:00AM on Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, with visitation from 9:00AM to 10:00AM.

Burial will be at 11:00AM on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011 at St. Agnes Church in Plymouth Rock, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. John’s Catholic Church, 11 4^th Avenue SW, Rochester, 55902 or Seasons Hospice House, 1811 Greenview Place SW, Suite 110, Rochester, 55902.

On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.

The funeral Mass for Elaine M. Thompson will be 11:00AM Thursday, September 29, 2011 in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester officiated by Rev. Donald P. Schmitz. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Thompson, age 75, of Rochester died Monday, September 26, 2011 following a brief illness.

She was born Elaine Marcella Joyce August 12, 1936 in Rochester to Allen and Margaret (Towey) Joyce and grew up in Grand Meadow where she graduated from high school. On August 12, 1958 she married Glenn G. “Tommy” Thompson in Grand Meadow, he survives. Elaine was a homemaker and later became a nurse’s aide when her youngest child reached junior high school age. She worked at Woodside Convalescent Center in Rochester for twenty-seven years.

Over the years Elaine, her husband and children opened their home, serving as a host family to 26 different foreign nursing students. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and belonged to one of its rosary groups.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Lisa (Joe) Gaona of Inver Grove Heights, Minn. and a son, Jeff (Teri) Thompson of Eau Claire, Wisc. One grandson, Charlie, survives. Elaine also loved her two cats, Sliver and Gizmo.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister.

Friends may call from 5:00PM to 8:00PM Wednesday, September 28, 2011 in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour before the service on Thursday. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuenralhome.com.

The funeral for June A. Trabert will be 10:30AM Friday, September 23, 2011 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rochester with the Rev. James Heining officiating. Entombment will be in Grandview Memorial Cemetery Mausoleum.

Mrs. Trabert, age 88, died Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at Samaritan Bethany Home on Eighth.

She was born June Arlene Gruchow December 27, 1922 at Montevideo, Minnesota and later moved to Spencer, Iowa where she married Donald Trabert  on May 21, 1941. The couple ultimately moved to Rochester. Mr. Trabert died January 26, 1996.

June was a homemaker and also worked for Waters Conley for many years. She was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and enjoyed reading and embroidering.

She is survived by two daughters and two sons:  Nancy (Vern) Walterman, Patty (Dayton) Younger, Alvin Trabert, all of Rochester and Richard (Phyllis) Trabert of Eagan, Minnesota. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, two sisters, a sister-in-law and three grandchildren.

Friends may call from 5:00PM to 8:00PM, Thursday, September 22, 2011, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour before the service at the church on Friday. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfunealhome.com.

The Funeral Service for Charles E. Stiles will be held at 10:30am, Thursday, September 22, 2011, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with the Rev. Michael Wuehler officiating. Burial will be in High Forest Cemetery, High Forest, Minnesota.

Charles Elliott Stiles, 92, formerly of Rochester, passed away on Monday, September 19, 2011 at the Luther Memorial Home in Madelia, Minnesota.

He was born on November 2, 1918, in Bismarck, North Dakota, where he was raised on the family farm.  He moved to Racine, Minnesota in October of 1933.

On October 4, 1939, he married Nadine Roselea Taylor.  The couple farmed in the Racine/Stewartville area until 1945.  Nadine passed away on May 5, 1987.

Charles worked in the construction of the Standard Oil Refinery near Spring Valley, Minnesota. In 1942, he began employment with Marigold Dairies of Rochester, retiring in 1981.  He moved his family to Rochester in 1950, where he resided until 2007.  His remaining years were spent in Madelia, Minnesota at the Luther Memorial Home.

Charles is survived by four children: Sandra (Bob) Myhre of Tustin, CA, Sharon Stiles of Long Beach, CA, William R. (Darla) Stiles of Des Moines, IA and Sally (Mike) Bottin of Madelia, MN; 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren and a sister, Elinor Lamb, of Stewartville, MN.  He was preceded in death by his wife, an infant daughter, parents, a sister, Barbara and a brother, Ray.

Charles enjoyed camping, woodworking and his grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service on Thursday.

Memorials may be made to the Luther Memorial Home in Madelia, Minnesota.

Merlin “Mike” Spading, age 79 of Rochester, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, September 18, 2011.

Merlin Harold Spading was born on November 24, 1931 in Douglas, MN to Harold and Mabel Spading. Mike graduated from Pine Island High School in 1950. Following high school, he was drafted into the US Marine Corps and served during the Korean Conflict. In May of 1954, he married Elaine “Laney” Clark at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Rochester. Mike began his career with IBM in October of 1956 and retired in 1987 after over 31 years of service. Mike was very mechanical with the ability to fix almost anything. Mike loved northern Minnesota, and enjoyed traveling often with his wife Laney in their motor home. Mike looked forward to the many fishing trips his family took together spanning four generations.

He is survived by a daughter Sue Spading of Rochester, three sons, John (Karen) of Rochester, Dennis (Jennifer) of Maple Grove, and Rodney (Laura) of Rochester, grandchildren, Wendy (George) Caucutt of St. Paul, Dean Spading and Jane Spading both of Rochester, and Jack Spading of Maple Grove, and two great-grandchildren, Owen and Will Caucutt of St. Paul. He is preceded by his wife “Laney” and a son, William.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Byron, MN with Rev. Paul Suprenant officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Rochester. A visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 8:00pm Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at Macken Funeral Home’s River Park Chapel and one hour prior to the Mass.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Macken Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

The Funeral Mass for Margaret I. “Peggy” Briese will be 10:30AM Saturday, September 17, 2011 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester with the Rev. Charlie Collins officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Briese, age 88, died Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at Norris Square Senior Living Center in Cottage Grove.

She was born June 12, 1923 at Zanesville, Ohio to Manning and Margaret (Engle) Imlay. She grew up in Zanesville and worked in the family flower business, Imlay Florist, while in grade school and high school. She moved to Rochester to attend and graduate from St. Mary’s School of Nursing and did private duty nursing for a time. On September 14, 1946 she married E. Elliott Briese in Zanesville. Mr. Briese died November 18, 1991.

Peggy was a mother and a homemaker and also worked as an accountant in her husband’s business, Briese Iron Works. She was a volunteer at Dorothy Day House, Community Food Response and S.P.R.E.A.D, an organization devoted to religious education for special needs. Many individual people benefited from her time, talent and  treasure including sharing her home and visiting shut ins and nursing home residents.  She was a founding member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and belonged to the Serra Club.

She is survived by three sons and four daughters:  Patrick V. Briese of Rochester, Stephen E. (Jeanette) Briese of Malta, John I. (Julia) Briese of Mantorville, Jan T. (Jerry) Grundhauser of Cottage Grove, Margo M. Briese of Mankato, Beth Briese of Peterson, Minn. and Diane (Cathy) Briese of Lanesboro.  She is also survived by 21 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, two infant daughters, two sisters and one brother.

Friends may call from 5:00PM to 8:00PM Friday, September 16^th at Macken Funeral Home, River Park Chapel building, and one hour before the service at the church on Saturday.

Memorials are suggested to the Dorothy Day House.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Lester Lyle Jobe, age 84 of Rochester was welcomed into paradise with Jesus on September 7, 2011. He passed away peacefully at home due to complications from diabetes.

Lester was born on July 6, 1927 near Otsico (Waseca County) to Arno and Clara Jobe.  He served in the Navy during WWII when he was just 17 years old. He later spent two years in the Army, working as a medic in a Frankfurt Germany hospital during the Korean Conflict. On October 15, 1950, he married the love of his life, Marjorie Jean Riddle, in Owatonna. They enjoyed over 60 wonderful years together.

Les worked in the Maintenance Department at St. Mary’s Hospital for 33 years, retiring in 1993. He was known for his uncanny ability to fix anything. Les enjoyed family activities, fishing, camping, golfing, bowling, playing cards, and watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. He was active in the Boys Scouts, and was instrumental in both of his sons attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Les will always be remembered for his gentleness, kindness, and his willingness to help anyone in need. He had a deep, abiding faith in God and held numerous positions at Redeemer Lutheran Church. He remained courageous and strong in spirit his entire life, even when faced with numerous medical challenges. The entire Jobe family extends a sincere “thank-you” to Seasons Hospice of Rochester for the high level of care Les received near the end of this life.

Lester is survived by his wife, Marge of Rochester; sons Dr. Lyle (Ingrid) of Harrisburg, PA. and Larry of Rush City, MN; brothers Norris (Lorraine) Jobe of Waterville and Harvey Jobe of Waseca; sisters Nora Schoenfeld of Waseca and Shirley (Marvin) Schwardt of Alexandria; grandsons Jason and Justin Jobe of Harrisburg, PA; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Walter and Clarence Jobe, and sisters Viola Jobe and Edna Mork.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at Redeemer Lutheran Church of Rochester with the Rev. James Heining officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00PM to 8:00PM on Friday, September 16, 2011 at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at Redeemer Lutheran. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Macken Funeral Home is handling the arrangements

The Memorial Mass for Elaine Vessey will be at 10:30AM, Monday, September 12, 2011 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with the Rev. Mark McNea officiating.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Elaine Josephine Vessey passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 6, 2011.   She was born March 4, 1921, in Elma, Iowa. She was the last of eight children born to parents, Margaret and William Kurtenbach. Elaine attended business college, in 1939.  She met Clark J. Vessey in 1940 and they married in 1943. Clark was stationed in Savannah, Georgia.  Elaine accompanied him there and their only son, Ron, was born there in 1945. With the end of WWII, Elaine and Clark returned to Minnesota. Elaine worked through the years at the Brown Derby, the Alibi Inn, which she owned for a few years, the Town House, Dooley’s and Mc Murphys’s.  Her values of hard work and honesty helped her gain the respect and admiration of her employers and she continued to work at her last position one day a week until the age of 85.  Elaine’s natural effervescence and good humor endeared her to many her customers.

Elaine and Clark loved their pontoon boat that they kept on the Zumbro River for years. Outings with family and friends added to their enjoyment. Elaine helped Clark in his auction business for years until his retirement in 1995. They enjoyed many trips to Seattle, Kansas, and Chicago to visit her sisters, as well as to Hawaii in 1980 and two cruises to the Caribbean with friends. Clark passed away in 2001.

Survivors include her son, Ronald (Judy) of Edina, MN; and grandchildren, Jonathan (fiancée Cynthia Foht) of New York, NY; Joshua (Kate) of San Francisco, CA; Rachel (fiancé Rob Gibson) of Bethesda, MD; and Alex (special friend Heather) of Minneapolis; and great-grand daughter, Olivia Susan.

Elaine’s grandchildren fondly remember their days in Rochester swimming at the Holiday Inn South, feeding the geese at Silver Lake and having treats from the deep freeze with Grandma and Grandpa. While grown up and scattered to both coasts, Elaine’s grandchildren appreciated her phone calls and sent her photos of their endeavors via an electronic picture frame so Grandma could keep track of them.

Elaine was also “mother” to her two cats, Polly and Maggie. They provided her with companionship and warm snuggles.

Many thanks to Elaine’s neighbors, Bryan and Corinne, Renee and Virginia for their kind attention to her over the years.

Elaine enjoyed an active, full life and celebrated her 90^th birthday with a big party in March.

Friends may call from 3:00PM – 6:00PM on Sunday, September 11, 2011, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Memorials are suggested to the Lourdes High School Building Fund.

The memorial service for Boyd Jay McGee will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 12, 2011 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with his brother, Deacon Newell McGee officiating.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home on Monday.

Boyd Jay McGee, 75, of Rochester, MN, died Saturday, September 3, 2011 at his home from complications of heart failure.

Boyd was born May 6, 1936 at his home near Vital, South Dakota to Clyde and Rowena McGee.  When he was 8 years old, his family moved to Quimby, IA where Boyd graduated from High School.  After graduation, Boyd attended Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska, getting a bachelor’s degree in Education, he then taught school at Allen, Neb.  He then pursued a Masters degree in Education and went on to get his Masters degree in Mathematics’ at the University of Virginia where eventually he was hired as Professor of Mathematics.  Due to illness, he came to Minnesota where he resided until his death.  Boyd enjoyed bowling, playing pool and exercising.

He is survived by his six brothers and five sisters, Joanne (Marvin) Christianson of IA, Carol Fee of CA, Ben McGee of Kasson, MN, Merle (Mamie) McGee of CA, Larry (Corita) McGee of CA, Jerri Buhrke of AR, Paul (Connie) McGee of TX, Newell (Ramona) McGee of Pine Island, MN, Steven McGee of St. Anthony, Leafy (Robert) Gahagan of Chicago, IL,  Ila (Dan) Jensen of WA, and also by many nieces and nephews.  Boyd is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde (Rowena) McGee and brother, Neil McGee.

Macken Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com