20
BURNETT COUNTY SENTINEL
MILESTONES
SEPTEMBER 14, 2016
www.burnettcountysentinel.com
OBITUARIES
Violet Beckmark
Carol Karl
Darleen Highstrom-Groves
Violet Katie Beckmark, 98, a resident of Siren, passed away August 30, 2016 at the Traditions of Frederic Assisted Living Home in Frederic. Funeral services were held Thursday, September 8 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren, with Pastor Paul Peterson officiating. Interment was at Lewis Cemetery. Violet was born to Charles and Alice Blom of Siren on December 3, 1917 in her grandmother’s home in Lewis. Her father and uncle owned the Blom Brother’s General Store in Siren, and her parents also ran a boarding house out of their home. Violet was very proud that the Bethany Lutheran Church of Siren was organized in her parent’s home in April of 1921. During that time, Dorcas Ladies Aid of Bethany Lutheran Church was also organized at her parents’ home. Violet and her parents were charter members of the Bethany Lutheran Church. Violet was the last charter member. Her father, Charles Blom, was the first township chairman when the Town of Siren was created in 1913. He was later town treasurer and held numerous offices throughout his life in Burnett County. Violet attended school in Siren; however, because it was not offered at Siren, she had to attend her senior year of high school in Frederic and graduated in 1935. Violet met her future husband while attending Frederic High School. On June 26, 1943, Violet married LeRoy Beckmark. They were the first couple married in Bethany Lutheran Church. Ruth and Charlotte Dennis came to live with Violet and LeRoy until they graduated from high school. LeRoy and Violet then adopted three daughters: Meraye (who passed away as a baby), JeRaye and Shannon. Violet was a housewife and also a strong, supportive spouse of her husband LeRoy and his volunteering endeavors, which included The Siren Fire Department, Siren Ag Club and Bethany Lutheran Church Council. Violet was a member of the Eastern Star of Masonic Lodge in Frederic. Violet and Leroy were married 65 years. Violet is survived by her cousin, Eldora Brown (who was raised by Violet’s parents); grandson, Benjamin Carlson, Greg Carlson, Charlotte (Don) Jensen, Eric (Debbie) Nystrom and Paul Nystrom, plus many cousins. Violet was preceded in death by her husband LeRoy; children, Meraye, JeRaye, Shannon and Ruth Dennis; her parents, and numerous other family members. Arrangements were entrusted to the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home of Webster. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.
Carol E. Karl, 91, of Clam F Falls, passed away peacefully o on Wednesday, September 7, 22016 in her home with her familly around her. A memorial service honoring C Carol’s life will be held at 1 p.m. o on Saturday, October 1, 2016 a at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral H Home in Siren. Visitation will b begin at the funeral home two h hours before the service. Carol was born to Arthur and Hilda (Johnson) Giles on February 6, 1925 in Siren. She attended May School down the road from her parents’ farm and graduated from Siren High School in 1941. Carol was united in marriage to Warren A. Karl on November 4, 1943 in Pine City, Minn. Together they raised seven children on the family farm near Lewis, Wis. Carol created a loving home filled with the sound of her beautiful singing, the laughter of children running in and out, and the aromas of fresh-baked bread. Carol worked as a cook at the Frederic School District in Lewis in 1962, and was employed as a secretary for the district in 1968. After 33 years of marriage, Warren passed away in 1976. Shortly after, Carol attended the WITC in Rice Lake and earned an Associate’s Degree in accounting. After graduation, she was employed by the Village of Luck. Later she transferred to Burnett County Government Center, where she worked until her retirement. Carol met H. Donald Johnson in 1979 and they married in November of 1985. They enjoyed their life together happily on the farm, traveling, gardening and entertaining family and friends until his passing in June of 2016. Carol was a wonderful seamstress who not only created her own clothes, but redesigned clothes in fresh ways. She loved embroidery and decorated many objects in her home with the artistry of her needle. She created quilts for several of her grandchildren. She enjoyed flying and aviation (including a recent flight with her grandson just this summer), traveling and creating a colorful yard full of flowers. She was a talented cook whose holiday meals were legendary. She loved to host big family gatherings and go on outings with her grandchildren. Carol always provided care to others. She was kind and could never turn away anyone in need. She was a self-sacrificing person who never complained. She loved to care for others more than for herself, nursing many injured animals back to health. She will be deeply missed and remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister, grandma and friend. Carol is survived by her children: Renn (Barb) Karl, Luis (Jane) Karl, Perry (Kessea) Karl, Max Karl, Darwin (Elizabeth) Karl, Kris (Gary) Surbaugh and Vaughn (Angela) Karl; 20 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; brother, Emory Giles; sister, June Klein; many nieces, nephews, in-laws, relatives and friends. Preceding Carol in death were a son, Arthur R. Karl; husband, Warren A. Karl; sister, Alesa; brother, Robert; sister, Faith; brother, Gardner; sister, Bernie; husband, H. Donald Johnson. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home of Siren. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.
Darleen (nee Hunter) Highstrom-Groves, 84, of Siren passed away peacefully Saturday night, August 27, 2016, at Birchwood Health Care Center in Forest Lake, Minn., after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Services were held Saturday, September 10 at the Siren United Methodist Church, with Pastor Eddie Crise officiating. Born in Burnett County on March 9, 1932, Darleen was the daughter of the late Glenn and Genevieve (nee Wade) Hunter. Darleen was married to Virgil Highstrom for 30 years, with whom she had four children. She later married Ralph Groves, with whom she spent many happy years until his passing in 2014. Darleen attended Superior Vocational College, where she received her LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) degree. She worked for a time at the Frederic Hospital and later at Siren Schools as school health nurse and guidance secretary. She enjoyed many activities, including what she referred to as “the 4 Bs:” Bingo, Bowling, Bridge and Blackjack! Upon retirement, Darleen and Ralph purchased a 15-passenger van in which they picked up friends and took them to bingo at various sites. She enjoyed this venture immensely as she and Ralph made many lasting friendships. Darleen is survived by her four children: Jilene Perreten, Greg Highstrom (Holly), Kevin Highstrom and Todd Highstrom (April); four siblings; three brothers: Ned Hunter (Helen), Dean Hunter (Donna) and Roger (Sharon); a sister, Flora Holmberg. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Lance Ramsdell (Terah), Richelle Quirk (Tom), Brianne Perreten (Michael), Tiffany Highstrom, Gregory Highstrom (Bree), Lindsey Millard (Jeff), Stephanie Miles (Aaron); six great-grandchildren: Addison Quirk, Brady Quirk, Aiden Miles, Valerie Millard, Harrison Millard and Josie Ramsdell; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by an infant brother, Raleigh Randy; husband Virgil Highstrom; husband Ralph Groves; son-in-law Chuck Toenges; and infant granddaughter Jaidan Quirk. She will be sadly missed by family and friends. She was loved by many. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home of Siren.
Joseph Klecker Joseph Bernard “Joe” Klecker, 78, of Sand Lake Township, Burnett County, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 7, 2016. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, September 12, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Webster, with Father Michael Tupa officiating. Interment was at the church cemetery at Webster. Born on February 27, 1938 in Ellsworth, WI, Joe was the son of the late John B. and Wanda M. (Schlumpf) Klecker. He was a 1956 graduate of Ellsworth High School. He worked for many years at 3M Corporation in Cottage Grove, Minn. In 1978, Joe moved to the Webster area to manage his hobby farm. He was a prolific vegetable gardener – growing, selling and canning many varieties of produce. He was known for the juice recipe he created from tomatoes and vegetables. Joe also grew spruce and pine trees on his farm and sold them to area landscapers. Joe was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish in Webster and also attended Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church in Scott Township. He loved fishing and hunting, and he was a good cook. Joe was helpful in maintaining local snowmobile trails. Joe is survived by his children: Connie (Marvin) Wenzel, Patricia (Tom) Level and Judy (Chris) Schwanke, and their mother, Virginia; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, John (Marge) Klecker; a sister, Karen (Tom) Cernohaus; and nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Robert; and a sister, Elaine, in infancy. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com. Arrangements were entrusted with Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home of Webster.
Wayne Ptacek Wayne Noel Ptacek, 77, of Webster, formerly of Prescott Wis., passed away September 7, 2016 at the Prescott Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Private services for Wayne will be held at his request, with interment at Pine Glen Cemetery in Prescott. He was born October 20, 1938 in Prescott to John and Josephine (Windau) Ptacek. He was united in marriage to Sandra E. Bottolfson on March 20, 1958 in Prescott. Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sandy Ptacek of Webster; his children, Julie Ptacek (Tom Baker) of Albuquerque, N.M., Jeff Ptacek (Jill) of Ellsworth, Wayne A. Ptacek (Sherri) of Prescott, Greg Ptacek (Todd Janisch) of Ramsey, Minn.; grandchildren, Brandon, Ryan, Sarah, Allen, Nicole; four great-grandchildren; brother, John “Jack” Ptacek (Stephanie) of Florida; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Hill Funeral Home of Prescott assisted the family with arrangements.
Barbara ‘Jean’ Peterson
Barbara “Jean” Peterson, 83, of Danbury, passed away Sunday, September 11, 2016 at Indianhead Medical Center in Shell Lake. No formal services will be held. A private family Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Jean was born on June 3, 1933 to Francis and Lilian (Maxon) Boyce in Minneapolis. She graduated with honors in 1951 from Washburn High School in Minneapolis. Jean was united in marriage to James Peterson on April 24, 1954 in Minneapolis. The couple lived in Bloomington, where together they raised their six children. In 1967, Jean and James bought their family cabin in Burnett County. This served as their weekend retreat and later turned into their retirement home. Jean enjoyed traveling, tending to her many plants and feeding the local wildlife animals that visited her yard. She also loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Jean is survived by her children: Jeff (Cindy) Peterson, Cindy (Bill) Mccann, Dan (Darlene) Peterson, Jim (Pam) Peterson, Terry (Ruth) Peterson and Barbara (Mike) Branville; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Patty (Dick) Gorski and Helen (Maurice) Duffy; sister-in-law, Jean Boyce; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Preceding Jean in death were her loving husband of 60 years, James Peterson; brother, Robert Boyce; and sisters, Dorothy Southworth and Marian Norman. The family wishes to send special thanks to the Indianhead Medical Center for its caring and compassionate staff. Online condolences may be expressed at www. swederg-taylor.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home of Webster.
MORE OBITUARIES, PAGE 21
Deadline for all advertising and copy is Monday at noon