Honored Hospital Pharmacist

Louise Schmitz Kortz, 99, of Rochester, MN, retired pharmacist of Saint Mary’s Hospital, died Wednesday, May 22, 2013 of heart failure at her Madonna Towers residence. Louise Frances Schmitz was born on February 23, 1914 in Wells, MN, the second child of George Louis Schmitz and Mary Margaret (Mame) Hines Schmitz. In 1929 the Schmitz family moved to Minneapolis where Louise attended Central High School and discovered her interest in pharmacy while working weekends at Walgreen’s Nicollet/Lake Drug Store. She attended the University of Minnesota, earned her degree from the School of Pharmacy and passed all examinations for her State Pharmacy License on July 6, 1936. (The day was one of the hottest in Minnesota’s history, 114°F in Moorhead and 104° in Minneapolis.) Her first hospital pharmacy position was at Saint Barnabus in Minneapolis.

In 1942 Louise was asked by the War Production Board to move to Washington D.C where she worked for the duration of WWII and later for the American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA). She enjoyed playing Contract Bridge throughout her life and it was during a game of cards in Washington that Louise met her husband, Philip M. Kortz, Lieutenant Commander in the Navy from Pennsylvania. They were married on June 21, 1947 at Incarnation Catholic Church in Minneapolis and then moved to Rochester where Louise worked as a hospital pharmacist and Philip taught at Rochester Junior College.  Among her many achievements, Louise facilitated the distribution of antibiotics during wartime, and was instrumental in developing hospital pharmacy automations and best practices at healthcare facilities. In 1975 Louise was appointed by Governor Wendell Anderson to the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy and in 1983 was chosen as Honorary Chair of the APhA Board of Directors. She proudly served her profession and retained her pharmacy license for a total of fifty years.

Louise’s long life and positive attitude were achieved by her focus on spiritual faith; unlimited benevolence; appreciation of violets and pansies; delight in arts and history; joy of winning hands at Bridge and the unconditional love she shared with family and friends.

Survivors include two daughters, Jane Kortz of Seattle, WA and Elaine Kortz (John Hammond) of Plymouth, MN; two sons, James of Woodbury, MN and David (Andrew Rogosheske) of Minneapolis; grandson, Matthew of Woodbury; sister, Dorothy Wolf of North Oaks, MN, and brother, Robert (Geri) Schmitz of Palm Springs, CA; sisters-in-law Dolores Schmitz of Crystal, MN and Joan Schmitz of Roseville,

MN; many nieces and nephews. Louise was preceded in death by her husband; three brothers, Thomas, George and Daniel; daughter-in-law Catherine Shipman Kortz; sister-in-law Marie Schmitz; brother-in-law Richard Wolf. Louise, Philip and family were long-time members of The Church of St. John The Evangelist in Rochester.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 31, 2013, at 1:00 PM at Madonna Towers Chapel, 4001 19th Avenue NW, Rochester, with Rev. James Russell officiating. Reception will follow.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may gather from Noon to 1:00 PM before the funeral Mass.

Memorials preferred to Madonna Towers Foundation, U of M School of Pharmacy or the charity of donor’s choice.

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

Don was born on May 17, 1924 in Rochester, MN.  Don played baseball for the Rochester Royals before serving in France during WW II. Upon his return, he married Rosemary Forbes on August 20, 1949.  Don was a wonderful husband and father and loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.  He was an avid golfer and follower of the Minnesota Twins and Gophers.   Don had a long and distinguished career as a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service from 1947-1986. He was a devoted steward and charter member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.  Don also enjoyed volunteering at the Mayo Clinic.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Captain Peter Mackey RFD, mother Louise, and sister Mary Lou Harris.  He is survived by his loving wife Rosemary and children: Timothy (Elizabeth) Mackey, Jane (Patrick) Farrell, Patrick (Laurie) Mackey, Gerald Mackey, Colleen (David) Sawinski, James (Brenda) Mackey, Paul Mackey, Charles (Karen) Mackey and thirteen grandchildren.

The Mackey family wishes to express their appreciation to Seasons Hospice for the excellent care Don received in his final days.

George was born April 18, 1936 in Rochester, MN to Gladys Ingalls and George Eiden.  His mother passed away when George was one-month old.  He was then raised by his grandparents Catherine and Andrew Ingalls.  George is a descendent of Laura Ingalls Wilder.  Over the years he was able to visit several of the Laura Ingalls Wilder sites.  Courtesy of Merle “Pete” Peterson, George became a lifelong member of the Laura Ingalls Wilder museum in Walnut Grove, MN.

George was raised in the Pleasant Grove/Predmore area.  He attended the rural Struckman School and graduated from Chatfield High School in 1954.  He joined the Army on January 9, 1955 and completed the basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, MO and then went to advanced anti-aircraft training in Fort Bliss, TX.  He arrived in Korea on January 1, 1956.  George often spoke of hitchhiking home during his leaves.  In those days people would not pass a soldier in uniform so he never had a problem hitching a ride. He was honorably discharged from the 24^th Infantry.  He was a proud member of the Rochester Korean War Club, served on the Executive Committee, and participated in many of the parades, and other club events.

George married Virginia “Ginger” Delaney on May 3, 1958.  They had three children.  They were later divorced.  On May 17, 1997 George and Elaine Sweeney were married.  George and Elaine operated the Olde Hatchery Flea Market off Marion Road.  Elaine is employed by Hiawatha Homes.

In 1958 George started working at Rochester Dairy.  He also sold real estate for Jensen Realty.  Over the years he worked for Stauffer Chemical, Claremont Creamery, and St. Peter Creamery.  He also worked in construction for Rochester Sand and Gravel as well as Dave Boutelle and Sons Concrete.  He drove over the road semi for a number of years and also owned and operated his own semi.  He retired from Qwest International in 1998.

George was an avid collector of older Ford Mustangs and was one of the original founding members of the Southeastern MN Ford Club and also served a term as the club’s President.   After retirement, George enjoyed helping his son Mike with his house moving business.  He enjoyed traveling around the US and abroad.  One of the highlights of his life was being able to connect/meet his half sister Carol (Eiden) Masters three years ago.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine, his daughters Brenda Ingalls Hanson (Rod), Donna Whiting, son Mike Ingalls, step-son Brian Sweeney, sisters Viola Felt of Eyota and Carol (Gary) Masters of Colorado Springs, Colorado.  George is survived by 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, many family members, as well as his step-daughter Michelle Sweeney, grandson Matthew Hanson and loyal Schnauzer Riley.

A funeral service for George will be held on Friday, May 24^th at 10am at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Thursday, May 23^rd from 4pm – 8pm at the River Park Chapel and one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Rochester Korean War Club, Hiawatha Homes or Paws and Claws.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

James Wayne Seiver, born on April 4, 1941, died peacefully at home Saturday, May 18, 2013 at the age of 72.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Janet (Morehouse) and sons, John (Kathy) and Greg; and grandson, Nicholas.  Jim also leaves behind his step-mother; four brothers; two sisters; brothers and sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews and many friends.

Jim was born in Austin, Minnesota to Don and Exie Seiver.  He graduated from Austin High School and completed two years of training at Austin Vocational School.  Jim went on to work as a machinist and then quality control engineer at IBM Corporation in Rochester.  He retired from IBM in 1994 after 30 years of service.

Jim continued to be active in retirement working part-time at Oak Summit Golf Course.  He was a sports enthusiast having spent many years coaching little league baseball and managing youth hockey teams.  He also loved hunting, fishing, golf and in recent years looked forward to his winter months in Texas.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

The funeral Mass will be held at 1:00PM Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester with Rev. Charlie Collins and Rev. Paul Nelson co-celebrating.   Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens with full military honors provided by American Legion Post 92 immediately following.

Visitation will be from 6:00-9:00PM Tuesday, May 21, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and also from 11:30AM-1:00PM prior to the Mass at the church on Wednesday.

Cecil was born December 22, 1922 in Wabash, Indiana to Francis and Helen Shephard.  He graduated from Wabash High School in 1941.  He married Evalyne Ilo Brock on November 20, 1941 in Wabash.

He served in the United States Navy from July 1943 until his honorable discharge January 3, 1946 in the South Pacific on board an LCT.

He was a life member of VFW Post 8729, Lake City, life member of American Legion Post 92, Rochester, 2001 Charter Member National WWII Memorial, Washington, D.C. and Fraternal Order of Eagles, Rochester.

Cecil was a life member of Elks Lodge #1091 in Rochester for 44 years and served as Lodge Tiler for 42 of those years.  He was an Elks National Foundation Benefactor, Elks National Foundation Honorary Founder and Past Officer of the Year.

Cecil was a member of the Knights of Columbus St. Pius X Council 14574.  He was initiated to the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus on April 20, 2013 and is a member of Bishop Edward A. Fitzgerald Assembly 548 in Rochester.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling and roller skating in his younger days.  He also devoted much of his time and energies supporting various activities at Elks Lodge #1091, especially veterans programs through the Veterans Service Committee at Elks Lodge #1091.

Cecil was preceded in death by his wife, Evalyne, his parents and a step-brother, Victor Shephard.

He is survived by his children, Karen (Thomas) Sink of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Vicki (James) Sink of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Linda (David) Rodewald of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Tommy Carey of Rochester, and Patricia (Gary) Larson of Frisco, Texas; 14 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; half–brother, Bob Shephard of Marion, Indiana, half-sister Virginia Steffenhagen of Red Wing, Minnesota, and Colleen Borgschatz of Red Wing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Veterans Service Programs, or Elks Lodge #1091, 1652 Highway 52 North, Rochester, MN 55901.

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

Yvonne (Vonnie) Rogers, 77, of Kasson, Minnesota, formerly of Rochester, Minnesota, died Friday, May 17, 2013 at Golden Living Center East in Rochester after an 18 month battle with cancer.

Yvonne was born December 21, 1935 in Harmony, Minnesota to Warden and Eva (Armstrong) Turner.  She grew up in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota and graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1953.  Yvonne was married to Warren Knauer and later divorced.

Soon after graduation, Yvonne worked at NSP in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She then worked at Mayo Clinic Information Services for 31 years and retired on June 29, 1999.  She was a member of The Church of St. John the Evangelist and was an active volunteer at the church.  Yvonne also volunteered for the Rochester Police Department Triad Crime Prevention program, was an avid walker, Vikings fan, loved shopping and spending time with her family.

Survivors include her daughter Julie (Knauer) Aubrey of Marion, Iowa; two grandchildren, Tyler and Alyssa Aubrey of Marion, Iowa; sisters, Delores Sletvold of Redlands, California and Joan Sathre of Austin, Minnesota; brothers, Norman (Hilda) Turner of Austin, Minnesota, Larry (Sonja) Turner of Kasson, Minnesota, Bob Turner of Northfield, Minnesota, Dean (Anne) Turner of Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey, Denny  Turner of Kasson, Minnesota and Jim (Teresa) Turner of Mantorville, Minnesota, sister in-law Betty Turner of Austin, Minnesota, and many special nieces and nephews.  Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Lyle and Ronald Turner and one sister, Ramona Turner.

Mr. Kazos, 75, of Rochester passed away on May 17, 2013, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester after a brief illness.

Ronald F. Kazos was born on March 20, 1938, in Rochester to John and Alma (Milke) Kazos. Ronald married Lois Gilmartin Mckeon in 1969; she preceded him in death. He worked as a chef at Bilotti’s Pizza for 30 years before retiring. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, woodworking, building model airplanes, music and gardening; he was also a proud veteran of the United States Navy.

He is survived by his loving partner of 13 years Sharon Kimball. He is also survived by his children, Sean (Bawn) Kazos, of Maplewood, Casey (Lori) Kazos, of Rochester, Bradly Kazos, of Byron, Angie (Micah) Turner, of Catlett, Va.; Kimball’s children, Michael, of Rochester, Daniel (Athena), of Beloit, Mass., Patrick (Zenaida), of Owatonna, Joseph, of Rochester, and Brigh (Chris) Parker, of Hudson, Wis., and stepchildren, James (Kathy) McKeon, of Mazeppa, John McKeon, of Houston, Texas, Glenn (Brenda) McKeon, of St. Cloud, Mary (Tim) Hickey, of Oronoco, Preston (Kim) McKeon, of Rochester, and Lois (Mike) Sorensen, of Herman, Neb.; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Lois; his parents John and Alma; two brothers, John and Ernest; and three sisters, Marian, Angie and Darlene.

Blessed be his memory.

Aaron leaves behind his two “Wildflowers,” daughters Jacelyn (15) and Alice (9), his mother Patti, who taught him how to be good to others, and his father Joel, who fished next to him. Aaron’s sisters, Katie (O’Neil) and Kristen (Kunert), live on, still trying to solve the late 80s disappearance of his He-Man at White Water State Park.

 Rather than the latest gadgets, trendy jeans, or pampered vacations, Aaron was happiest with a loving soul next to him as he threw a favorite Frisbee disc. He valued soulful bike rides, a freeing skateboard coast, heavy metal music that’s misunderstood, originality, and most of all people, his people.

 What Aaron hated was liver (lee-veer), tomatoes, the sight of chewed gum on a dinner plate, and people sneezing on his food.

Rochester’s South Walgreens has seen skyrocketing sales in previous months as Aaron was the Midwest’s top sales associate, a job he thoroughly enjoyed.

 Aaron passed away in his sleep after having a seizure. He had a seizure disorder since the age of nine.

 To celebrate Aaron, his passion for living, and to share memories of him, please join friends and family at 10 a.m. at Macken Funeral Home on Monday, May 20th, 2013. Memorial services begin at 11 a.m.,  with Jane Day officiating, followed by a fellowship time to share stories and special moments.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation towards a memorial bench at his favorite Frisbee hangout, Slatterly Park.  Any donations made beyond that will go to educating his budding “Wildflowers.” 

 Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Mr. Hartley, 50 of Rochester died Wednesday May 15, 2013 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester from a heart condition.

Brian was born August 3, 1962 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Howard Sr. and Glendine (Richardson) Hartley. March 11, 1988 he married Cindy Lane in Rochester.

Brian was a lead guitarist and vocalist for many bands including the MN. Wreckin Crew. He loved fishing, hunting, and traveling.

Survivors include his wife Cindy; his mother Glendine of Ottumwa, Iowa; brothers Howard Jr. (Margaret) of Rochester; Jeff of Ottumwa, Iowa; sister Marsha (Bruce) Rowden of Theodosia, MO.; two nephews, Chris (Amanda) of Gainsville, MO. ; Alex (Samantha) of Rochester; one niece Julie (Jai) Skaar of Galesville, WI. He is also survived by four great nephews and one great niece. Brian was preceded in death by his father and brother Steve.