Marilyn Drewes (Hemingway), age 79 of Rochester, passed away at her home early Thursday morning, November 24, 2011 surrounded by her loving family.

Marilyn was born on January 13, 1932 in Kasson, MN to Mr. and Mrs. Calvin and Ina Hemingway. She was raised in the Kasson area with her sister Muriel. In 1948 she married Darrel Sparrow, and was later divorced. In 1954, Marilyn married Lynn Drewes.  She became widowed when Lynn passed away in 1987.

Marilyn loved to read and worked many jobs throughout her years, but her greatest accomplishments were always family-related. Her family was her life and she worked extremely hard at raising and supporting them over the years. Marilyn loved to get together with family and friends to talk, laugh, and reminisce about the old days. She was never at a loss for words, always had great stories, and had a wit that was difficult to match. Many people will be proud to have had her as a friend, and her family is thankful to have known her as a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. We love you.

Marilyn is survived by children: Sandy (Jim) Fitzpatrick of Wisconsin, Mark Drewes of Rochester, Marla (Bob) Drake of Rochester, Bonnie (Brian) Birchmeier of Michigan and step-son Tony (Gloria) Drewes of Rochester. She is preceded in death by her sister Muriel husband Lynn, sons Darcy Sparrow, and Terry Drewes, and step-son David Drewes.  She is survived by twelve grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Family and friends will be celebrating Marilyn’s life with a funeral service on Monday, November 28, 2011 at 11:00AM at Christ Lutheran Church of Rochester with Pastor Scott Schilbe officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at Christ Lutheran Church on Monday, November 28, 2011.

Memorials are preferred to Christ Lutheran Church.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

The funeral for Russell Predmore will be at 10:30am, Tuesday November 29^th, at Marion Church of Christ, with Pastor Rick Walston officiating.  Burial will follow at the Marion cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00pm, Monday November 28^th, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Mr. Predmore, 94, of Marion, died Tuesday, November 22, at Sunrise Cottages in Rochester, surrounded by his family.  Mr. Predmore had been in good health until Saturday November 12^th, when he suffered a head injury as a result of a fall.  Russell had been a resident at Sunrise Cottages since February of this year.

Russell was born in his lifelong home of Marion MN, on November 24^th, 1916.  He was the only child of Millard and Ada Predmore.  He attended grade school in Marion and graduated from Rochester High School in 1934. After high school, he was employed by the Rochester Post Office until enlisting in the Army, July 31^st 1942, at Fort Snelling.  After entering the service, Russell traveled to California, where he trained in the motorcycle core and was classified as Mail Clerk 056.  Harley Davidson motorcycles were an interest throughout his life, and he was a member of the local motorcycle club. He then was assigned to Ireland, followed by Scotland, the European Theater, then after traveling through the Panama Canal to the Pacific Theater, he was then stationed in the Philippines and then occupied Japan.  The highlight of Russell’s time serving our country happened when he was stationed in Ireland, for that is where he met the love of his life, Doreen Montgomery, when he attended the Antrim Road Baptist Church.  Russell married Doreen on July 23^rd, 1945.  After the wedding they were only able to be together a short while before Russell was transferred.

Following three and a half years of service in World War II, Russell returned home to Minnesota alone and regained employment at the local Post office.  In 1946, Russell and Doreen were reunited in America when Doreen arrived on the bride ship Queen Elizabeth.  Russell met her in New York, and they traveled by train home to Marion MN.  Russell and Doreen lived with his parents until he was able to build their own home with the help of their friends.  They moved into that home in 1950, and there raised three children, Lawrence, Raymond, and Maureen.

Russell retired from the Post Office in 1974 at the age of 58, after 33 years of service. Russell was a lifelong member of the Marion Church of Christ where he was an Elder for many years.  He was an avid collector, and was well known at the many auctions he attended. Russell collected guns, knives, antiques, and antique tools.  He was a member of the Zumbro Valley Arms Collectors, Minnesota Weapons Collectors, The NRA, The Northstar Blade Collectors, and Antique Tool Collectors.  Russell was also a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and served as their treasurer for many years. .

Russell was creative and industrial, a man before his time.  He was always solving puzzles and predicaments, fixing and building, and tinkering and constructing.  Even as a youngster he was a problem solver. As a child he desired a bicycle, but his family could not afford to buy him one, so he claimed a pig from Uncle Henry as his own, and named it “Bicycle”.  The money raised after the pig was grown funded his first real bicycle.

Russell and Doreen spent many wonderful summers at their second home on Long Lake, near Park Rapids, where they were frequently joined by children and grandchildren. He was a loving husband, wonderful Dad, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and friend.  Russell was always kind, gentle, and loving. He was an avid reader, and usually had a wise opinion which he would express to others and often shared with in letters to the local editor.

Russell was always hardworking and active; he loved woodworking, animals, fishing and hunting. He hunted deer until he was over 91 years old, and shot his last buck when he was 89.  He loved to hike in the woods, and even in his latest years, could be seen walking the streets of Marion. He was very knowledgeable and loved to share his thoughts, ideas, wisdom, and jokes with his friends and family.

Russell is survived by his children Lawrence (Susan) Predmore of Predmore, Raymond (Pam) Predmore of Marion, and daughter Maureen (Jim) Newell of Marion.  His seven grandchildren, Sarah (Cini Morn) Predmore, Ryan (Melinda) Predmore, Kelly (Todd) Predmore-Rodgers, Robert Predmore, Jessica (Luke) Wittkop, Ira (Gina) Newell, and Laura (Ryan) Lowry.  His great-grandchildren Kacy, Eric, and Ray Morn, Aaron Wittkop, and Aria Newell.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Doreen who passed away October 18^th of this year.

Russell will be greatly missed by us all but we feel this was God’s way of reuniting Mom and Dad who loved each other for over 66 years. We all share the hope and faith of all being together again one day in our Heavenly home, with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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

Maureen “Mo” Vokaty of Rochester died Saturday, November 19^th, 2011 at her home, surrounded by her loved ones, after a courageous 5 month battle with cancer.

Maureen was born on June 15, 1964 to Cletus and Lorraine (Shimek) Vokaty in Cresco, Iowa.  She grew up in Schley, Iowa, graduated from Crestwood High School in 1982, and obtained a Human Services degree from Ellsworth Community College.  She worked at Fillmore Place in Preston, MN before beginning her career at Mayo Clinic.  She worked in the Blood Donor Center for 16 years and most recently at St. Mary’s hospital as an Anesthesia Tech.

Maureen enjoyed playing softball for many years, camping, cutting wood, and spending time with her family and many friends.

She is survived by her life partner of 24 years, Jenny Bradt; one brother Wayne (Darla) Vokaty of Cresco; two sisters Jillaine (David) Kappes of Cresco and Ruby (Dan) Vandaver of Center Point, IA; two nieces Jesse (Scott) Njus and Courtney Reicks; three nephews Reggie, Sam, and Terry Reicks; a great nephew Chandler Njus.

Also survived by her in-laws; Dorothy Bradt, Roseann (Tim) Bremseth, Linda (Bill) Huntington, Matt (Lisa) Bradt, Keith (Kris) Bradt and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents Cletus and Lorraine.

A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2011, 11 a.m. at Peace United Church of Christ with Pastor Paul Bauch officiating.  Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 22, 5-8 p.m. at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday.

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

A memorial gathering for Lawrence “Larry” Brown will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Wednesday, November 23, 2011 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home.

Mr. Lawrence “Larry” Brown, 80, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2011 at Golden Living Health & Rehabilitation East.

Larry was born August 15, 1931 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.  He married Jeanne Wallace on September 12, 1957 in the Little Brown Church in Iowa. Larry Graduated from Rochester High School in 1952.  He was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force serving in Korea where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart.  Larry was a fireman on the Rochester Fire Department for 29 ½ years.

Larry was also a member of the VFW and American Legion Post 92.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, vegetable gardening and was an avid Viking football fan.  Larry especially loved children and his dogs.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanne; children, Steven (Cathy) Brown of Monticello, Georgia; Kerry (Dan) Laures of Rochester, Minnesota and Molly Bee Brown of Rochester, Minnesota; grandchildren, Chase and Gabrielle Laures of Rochester, Minnesota and one sister, Shilloy Hentges of Rochester, Minnesota.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Donovan, Jack and Darrel and one sister, Doreen Campion.

Memorial are preferred to the Rochester Fire Department.

The Funeral Mass for Linda Caroline Daly will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 10:30AM at the Madonna Towers Chapel with Fr. James Russell officiating. Visitation will be held one half-hour prior to services at Madonna Towers. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Linda Caroline Daly, age 97, of Rochester, passed away on November 13, 2011 at Madonna Towers Nursing Care.

Born Linda Caroline Martini in Stambaugh, Michigan on Feb. 24, 1914, she was a graduate of Stambaugh High School and St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Rochester, MN and attended the University of Michigan.  Linda worked as a public health nurse in Saginaw, MI and served as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps during World War II.

She married Clement M. Daly in 1945 and moved to Rochester that year. She was employed at the Mayo Clinic and St. Mary’s Hospital as a nurse and an instructor in the School of Practical Nursing. She retired in 1977.  Linda is survived by her sister, Melba Stork (Robert), a daughter, Mary Stotts (William) and two grandchildren, Carolyn Palestino (Ernesto) and Christopher Thompson. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Clement who died in 1961, and a brother.   Mrs. Daly was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church the Altar Society, St. Mary’s Alumni, St. Mary’s Auxiliary, St. Mary’s Retirement Club, and Mayo Friendship Club.  She enjoyed golf, bridge, reading and traveling.

Online Condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Sharon Stoos

Ms Stoos, 63, formerly of Rochester, Minnesota, died Thursday, November 10, 2011, at her residence in Clinton Township, Michigan.

Sharon was born March. 6, 1948, in Rochester, to Richard and Florence (nee Koenig) Stoos. Sharon graduated from Lourdes High School.  She graduated from Mankato University with a degree in teaching. At that time, she moved to Michigan and began a long career teaching mathematics and special education in the Fraser Public School System. She also obtained a Masters degree in Education.  She retired from teaching in 2009.   She also taught swimming and managed a swimming program for many years.

Sharon greatly enjoyed teaching swimming and certified many successful swimming instructors.  She also enjoyed traveling and studying American Indian cultures.

Sharon is survived by her father, Richard Stoos, of Rochester, sisters Brenda (Wayne) Neumann of Wisconsin, Patricia (W. Scott Mason) Stoos of Maryland, brother James Stoos of Texas and close family friend Joan Kolstad. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother and her sister-in-law Ruth Stoos.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday November 19, 2011 at River Park Chapel,  Macken Funeral Home in Rochester with Rev. Harry Jewison officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Online condolences are welcome at www.MackenFuneralHome.com

Shirley Mae Whitaker, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Stewartville Care Center on November 8, 2011.

Shirley Mae July was born on April 3, 1930 in Harrold, S.D., the daughter of George and Mary (Broeffle) July. She graduated from Stewartville High School in 1948. On February 8, 1954, Shirley married Charles Whitaker in Rochester, MN. They resided in Stewartville where they raised their four children. They celebrated over 50 years together until Charles passed away in March of 2009.

Prior to her retirement in 1994, Shirley had worked at Rochester Methodist Hospital as a unit secretary.  With over 40 years of service at Mayo Clinic, she had a passion for helping others.  She was also very active at Racine United Methodist Church and at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164.  Shirley was an amazing person and was well-loved by all who met her. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2000 and had resided at the Stewartville Care Center since 2004.

Shirley is survived by four children, Rick (Janet) Whitaker of Rochester, Kari Whitaker of Woodbury, Katrina (Bryan) Stephens of Branson, MO, and Traci (James) St.Martin of Zumbrota, six grandchildren, Eric Ptacek, Amanda (R.J.) Ellwanger, William Stephens, and Jake, Braden and Isaiah St. Martin, and a sister, Lenora (Pete) Thompson of St. Michael, MN. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charles, two sisters, Ardis and Della and five brothers, Donald, Gordon, Milford, Roy, and George Jr.

A memorial service for Shirley will be held on Saturday Nov. 12, 2011, at 11:00AM the Racine United Methodist Church in Racine, MN with Pastor Glen Holland officiating. A visitation will be held Friday November 11, 2011 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN, and one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Hamilton Cemetery in rural Racine.

Blessed be her memory.

Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online Condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Darlys Jean Hecker – Rochester

Darlys Jean Hecker, age 62, of Rochester, MN went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 8^th, 2011, after her courageous battle with cancer.  Darlys was surrounded by her loving family and at home at the time of her death.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 12^th at 10:30am at River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN.  Public viewing of her body will be from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m.  Friday evening November 11, 2011 and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at River Park Chapel.  Burial will later follow at Oakwood East Cemetery in Rochester.

Darlys Jean Schmitt was born on June 16^th, 1949, to Ray and Delores (Dee) Schmitt.  Darlys graduated from Winona High School.  She later met Mark Parma, married and was blessed with three children.  After their divorce, Darlys later met and married Robert Hecker, who survives her.

Darlys lived most of her life in the Rochester/Winona area; however, she also lived in Chicago, Texas, and in the Park Rapids, MN area.  When Darlys returned to Rochester, she was employed by Mayo Clinic up until the time of her death.

Today we rejoice in the knowledge and take comfort in the fact that she is forever at home and in glory with the Savior that she faithfully served.  Darlys touched the lives of many people with her smile, courage, and generosity and maintained her sense of humor to the end.  Darlys loved her family and friends and spent as much time with them as she could.  Darlys enjoyed being outside and always looked forward to spring and working in the garden.  Darlys reminded us just how precious life is.

Surviving along with her parents, Ray and Delores (Dee) Schmitt of Winona, MN, and her husband Robert Hecker of Rochester, three sons and one daughter:  Jeff Schmitt of Garland, Texas; Mike (Deb) Parma of Rochester, MN; Chad (Traci) Parma from Harrisburg, PA; and Angie Balkcom of Warner Robins, GA.  She is also survived by her grandchildren: Andrew Parma, Tyler Parma, Craig Parma, Heather Parma, Dylan Balkcom and Alissa Balkcom.  She is also survived by one step granddaughter, Misty (Brian) Lampson-Phillips of Nora Springs, IA, one step great grandson, William Wendell Phillips of Nora Springs, IA, one brother Alan Schmitt of Minneapolis, MN, and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all their support and comfort during this time.  A special thanks to Pastor Jim Filbeck and Pastor Bruce Kallies from the Assembly of God Church along with members of the church.  A special thanks to members of the Hospice team for everything they did and every kindness shown during her last days.  The family would also like to give a special thanks to Amy Seegmeller-Renner for being such a great friend to the family and everything she did for Darlys.

Online condolences are welcome at www.MackenFuneralHome.com

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

The Funeral Mass for John J. Janikowski will be at 10:30 am Friday, November 11, 2011 at Pax Christi Catholic Church in Rochester with the Rev. Paul E. Nelson officiating.  Visitation will be held from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Thursday, November 10, 2011 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and a half hour prior to the services at the church.

Mr. Janikowski, 93, of Rochester, MN, formally of Winona, MN, died Sunday, November 6, 2011, at his residence.

John was born on August 4^, 1918 in Winona, MN to Felix and Julia (Cierzan) Janikowski.  John married Isabelle Eischin on October 25, 1952.

John served in the Army during WWII as a cook.

John worked during his civilian life as a chef for the Hot Fish Shop in Winona, MN before opening John’s Plastering and Stucco business.  Many fine examples of his buildings exist today in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.

John is survived by two daughters, Karen Janikowski, of Rochester, Gwen Lee (Gary) Kirckhoff of Platteville, WI; one brother, Lawrence Janikowski of Lansing, MI; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Isabelle, two brothers and two sisters.

John enjoyed volunteering at the American Legion, VFW, Eagles and his church.  He loved hunting, fishing, cooking and family.

The Janikowski family wishes to thank Mayo Hospice for their quality care and comfort.

Mr. Janikowski’s body was donated to the Mayo Clinic.

Memorials can be sent to the family for distribution to his charities.

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

Robert W. Schoenfelder, 92

The Funeral Mass for Robert W. Schoenfelder will be at 10:30AM on Friday, November 11, 2011 at Resurrection Catholic Church with the Rev. Shawn Haremza officiating.  Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00PM on Thursday, November 10, 2011 at the original Macken Funeral Home building and also one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church.  Burial will be at St. Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery in Simpson.

Mr. Schoenfelder, 92 of Rochester died Monday, November 7, 2011 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Robert W. Schoenfelder was born July 15, 1919 to William and Mary (Fogarty) Schoenfelder.  He married Helen Sheehan November 5, 1940 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church.  He farmed south of Rochester his entire life.  In 2009 the farm was designated a Century Farm.  He served on the Marion Township Board.

Survivors include two sons, Randall (Patricia) and Kenneth (Patricia) both of Rochester; three daughters, Bernadine (Patrick) Stevens of St. Charles, Carol (Kerry) Hofner of Inver Grove Heights and Deborah (Ken) Haas of Rochester; 12 grandchildren, Philip (Sherri) Nensel, John (Therese) Schoenfelder, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Schoenfelder, Amy (Michael) Brass, Daniel (Michelle) Schoenfelder, Molly (Todd) Doran, Jill Schoenfelder, Stephanie (Steven) Brady, Erica Hofner, Kathryn (Kenny) Kreitzer, Matthew and Jacob Haas; 24 great grandchildren; one brother, John Schoenfelder of Bemidji and three sisters, Marian Halloran of Chatfield, Betty Baker of Stewartville and Patricia Leonard of Tucson, AZ, and special friend and companion Marilyn Allen of Eyota.

He was preceded in death by his wife Helen in 2001 and four brothers, Richard, Gerald, Donald and Neil.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rochester Area Foundation for agricultural education or to the Mayo Foundation for cardiovascular research.

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