James A. Wellnitz
Mundwiler Funeral Home announces the death of James A. Wellnitz, age 70, of Milbank, SD, who died Nov. 12th at his residence. A memorial service was held on Sunday, Nov. 16th at 7:30 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home. Rev. Keith Bicknase officiated. Military honors were provided by the American Legion, Birch-Miller Post # 9 and the VFW Grant County Post #3486. Music was provided by Tim Mundwiler, vocalist.
James Arthur Wellnitz was born June 9, 1938, at home in Revillo, SD. He was the son of Arthur and Amanda (Miottel) Wellnitz. Jim was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Revillo. He attended and graduated from Revillo High School on May 17, 1956.
Jim joined the United States Navy in 1956. His tour of duty took him to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where he was promoted to Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class in 1958 and Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class in 1959. Jim was honorably discharged to inactive duty in June of 1960.
Jim returned to South Dakota and attended college for one year in Aberdeen, SD. He was united in marriage with Judy Stenzel on June 23, 1961. From this union they were blessed with two daughters: Konni and Cathy. Jim met and married Barbara (Arndt) Nelson on July 7, 1990. From this union he became a father to Barb’s children: Kimberly, Amy, Vicki, and Bradley.
Through the years, Jim worked for the Mercantile Co. in Milbank, SD and then worked for National Beauty Supply for 25 years. He retired in 2003 and joined his wife’s upholstery business forming B & J Upholstery. He was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church and was a Sunday School teacher.
During Jim’s early adult years he enjoyed golfing and playing in a band. He later purchased a lake home on Big Stone Lake where he and his family spent most of their summers. After his retirement he and wife, Barb spent all their summers at the lake fishing, throwing darts, hosting fish-frys and enjoying time with children, grandchildren, and many friends.
Jim Wellnitz is survived by his wife Barbara of Milbank; daughters: Konni and husband Bill Tunney of Kewanee, IL; Cathy Pond of Wilmot, SD; step children: Kimberly and husband Wayne Ehlebracht of Milbank, SD; Amy and husband John Sutton of Rosemount, MN; Vicki Nelson of Milbank, SD; Bradley Nelson and special friend Jennifer Johnson of Milbank, SD; 4 grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren and 9 step-great-grandchildren.
Dorothy Linneman
Mundwiler Funeral Home announces the death of Dorothy Linneman, age 80, of Big Stone City, SD. Dorothy Linneman died Nov. 9th at the Northridge Care Center in Orton-ville. Private family services will take place at a later date.
Dorothy was born on June 2, 1928, in Delhi. She was the daughter of Glen and Florence (Baer) Bolland. She was united in marriage on January 26, 1952, with Bernard Joseph Linneman in Kahoka, MO.
Dorothy was very proud of her private pilot license. She worked part time as a florist in a greenhouse. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed cross word puzzles, ceramics and mosaics. She and Bernard had lived the past 17 years in the Big Stone Lake area. Bernard died May 25, 2008.
Dorothy Linneman is survived by one son, Joseph and wife Cheryl of Sartell; one daughter, Patty and husband John Binsfeld of Big Stone City, SD; three grandchildren: Jeff Linneman of Bemidji; Sharon Bemis of St. Cloud; Christine Bemis, USN, stationed in Hawaii; two step grandchildren: Ashley and Adam Preusse of Sartell; one sister Marge Sweeney of Buffalo Grove, IL; a sister-in-law: Bernadine Leak of Heber Springs, AK; niece Robbi Anderson of Huntington Beach, CA and her beloved dog, Chance “Chester”.
Marie Menzel
Funeral Services for Marie Menzel were held on Saturday, Nov. 15, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Odessa. Pastor Benjamin Pollock officiated. Burial was at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Odessa. Pall-bearers were Michael Menzel, Jamie Aragon, Melissa and Joe Lock, Kelly Menzel, Jenny Menzel and Brian Menzel.
Marie Emma Ida Hiepler was born Jan. 17, 1917, to Adolf and Martha (Struck) Hiepler in Madison. The family later moved to the Ellendale, ND area where she spent most of her growing up years. Marie was a child of the depression and droughts of the 1930’s. That experience shaped her understanding of what, in life, is really important; her relationship with God, family and community.
Marie died on Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, at Manor Care Health Center in Aberdeen, SD, having lived to reach 91 years.
Marie is survived by her children, Richard (LJ) Menzel of Hayward, WI; Dorene (Gordon) Cink of Sioux Falls, SD; and William (Debra) Menzel of Aberdeen, SD; grandchildren, Mike Menzel (wife Jamie and children Grace, Isabelle, and Thomas) of Chanhassen; Melissa Lock (husband Joe and son Andrew) of Minneapolis; Kelly Menzel of Columbia Heights; Jenny Menzel of Aberdeen, SD; and Brian Menzel of Mitchell, SD.
Marie was preceded in death by her husband; daughter-in-law Linda; parents; and brothers and sisters Louise, Adolf, Ferdinand, Herman, August, Richard, Walter, Ernest, and Dorthea.
Kathryn Tessien
Memorial Services for Kathryn Tessien were held on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008 at 2 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church in Ortonville. Pastor Marlene Elmstrom officiated. Memorial Services were also be held on Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Oster-berg Funeral Home in Jackson. Rever-end Eric Hullstrom officiated. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery in Jackson.
On March 26, 1920, a daughter, Kathryn Mae Tessien was born to Leuie and Alma (Miller) Tessien, at Heart’s Delight farm, in Wisconsin Township in Jackson County.
Kathryn is survived by her brother, Dr. Robert (Rita) Tessien of Springfield; sister, Ruth M. Hansen of Ortonville; aunt, Leonora Miller of Austin; nieces, Patricia A (Norbert) Walter, Beth M. Hansen, Anne K. (David) Hansen-Tonn; nephews, James R. (Sandra) Tessien, Kurt L (Dori) Hansen, Robert D. (Anne) Tessien; fourteen great nieces and nephews; fourteen great-great nieces and nephews; cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leuie and Alma Tessien; nephew, Spec/4 Peter R. Hansen; and brother-in-law, Dr. Peter R. Hansen.
And on a personal note: “As I look back, I thank God that I was born into a Christian family who early brought me to the baptismal font where I became a member of God’s family and for all the faithful pastors, Christian friends and co-workers and loving family members who have been a blessing to me. I am thankful most of all for my Savior who died and rose that I might have eternal life here on earth and now go to be with Him in the Home He has prepared for me. My prayer is that we will all meet in Heaven.”
