Remembering our Ten Mile Lake Friends...2012
Jerre A. Petersen Sr.
Jerre Petersen died peacefully at the home of his son, Jerre Jr. in Portland,
OR on Sunday, December 16, 2012, from complications of Parkinson's Disease.
Mr. Petersen was a full time resident of Ten Mile Lake in Hackensack, MN.
His wife, Irene Carol, his granddaughter, Audrey Brianne Petersen, brother
David Wayne Petersen and his sister Marion, preceded Jerre Petersen in death.
Mr. Petersen leaves behind his son, Jerre Jr, his daughter, Heidi Petersen
and his granddaughter, Cherie Elizabeth Petersen.
His friends and family will remember Mr. Petersen for his love of walking,
his loyalty and devotion to his pets, his caring demeanor for his friends and
his never tiring love for Ten Mile Lake.
Sometime In the Summer of 2013 Jerre Jr. plans on having a memorial service
for his father at his lake home. Notification of dates and times to follow.
(Information was provided by Jerre Petersen, Jr.)
John L. Hartzell passed away at his home on Ten Mile Lake on December I,
2012, after a lengthy illness. The loves of John’s life were his family and Ten
Mile Lake. He especially enjoyed his time on the Ten Mile Lake Board of
Directors and on various committees. John will be lovingly remembered for his
laughter and his joyousness of life.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion Post 202 in
Hackensack on June 1, 2013, commencing at 5:00 p.m.
(Information provided by Donna Hartzell.)
Virginia Margaret Smith Lane, 93, of Austin, Minn., passed away Nov. 28,
2012.
She was born August 1, 1918, on a ranch outside Chouteau, OK., to Ernest Levi
and Mary Elizabeth Shannon Smith, the youngest of five children.
Virginia attended Park College at Parkville, MO., where she earned a degree
in biology and met her husband, Stuart ‘Tate’ Homer Lane. They were married
February 22, 1940, at Jackson Heights, Long Island, NY. The couple lived on the
East Coast for about three years. When World War II approached, they moved to
her husband’s hometown of Austin, where she stayed with her baby, Karin Parker,
born March 30, 1943, and her mother while her husband was in the Armed Forces in
Europe for about 2.5 years. During that time, she worked as a receptionist at
the Fox Hotel.
After the war, she moved to Minneapolis with her family (1946-1951) and then
to Richfield (1951-54). In 1954, the couple returned to Austin where she lived
the rest of her life. The couple had two more children, Nancy Bliss, born April
3, 1947, and Kathy Stuart, born April 21, 1948.
Virginia gave much time and service to her community. She ran the Sunday
School at First United Methodist Church for many years. She also worked as a
“Grey Lady” at St. Olaf Hospital. She was a member of Collectors Club and
Chapter CU PEO, where she served as president.
With three friends, she started a small business called Devine Design. They
designed and sold needlepoint kits to stores throughout Minnesota.
Starting in 1949, she spent part of each summer at Ten Mile Lake near
Hackensack. In 1977, she and her husband and their friends bought land that had
belonged to Camp Hillaway. From then on, they spent all of every summer at their
cabin where their family gathered for many wonderful times.
Virginia is survived by her husband, Stuart ‘Tate’ Lane of Austin; daughters,
Karin (Ahmet) Arsan of Ten Mile Lake/Prior Lake and Nancy Mackenzie of St Paul;
grandchildren, Stuart Kemal Arsan (Jessie, Jialiang Yang) of New York City,
Katherine (Pete) Nohre of Minneapolis, Dr. Jeanne (Neil) Goodspeed of St. Paul,
Elizabeth Leyla Arsan of Portland, Ore., Benjamin (Alisan) Martin of Mill
Valley, Calif., and Sibella Mackenzie (fiancée Jeremy Marshik) of Minneapolis;
great-grandchildren Greta, Ivy, Simon Goodspeed and Cecilia Lane Martin; and
son-in-law, Franc Sloan.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathy “Katherine” Martin, whose
husband was Franc Sloan.
She was the most perfect and loving wife and mother, beloved of the Lord and
her family and friends.
Donations may be made to PEO Chapter CU, Austin, or to the Ten Mile Lake
Association, Hackensack.
(Information was taken from the Pilot Independent,
December 18, 2012.)
Kenneth L. Odell, age 77, died peacefully on November 16, 2012. Ken was born
March 18, 1935 in Montrose, SD to Robert and Cora (Hetland) Odell. He graduated
from Montrose High School in 1953. He graduated from South Dakota State
University at Brookings in 1957 with a degree in Pharmacy. Ken was a pharmacist
in Valley Springs, SD before relocating to St. Peter in 1963. After working for
Dry Pharmacy, he purchased the business in 1965 and renamed it Odell Rexall
Pharmacy. He sold the business in 1981. He went on to become a general agent for
Lutheran Brotherhood, retiring in 1997. After retirement, he volunteered at
Monroe Elementary, Habitat for Humanity and the ECHO Food Shelf.
Ken married Jane (Johnson) Briggs on July 29, 1991 in Stillwater. Ken was a
loving and devoted husband, father, grandpa, brother and friend. He enjoyed
music, fixing things, and spending time at the Johnson family cabin on Ten Mile
Lake near Hackensack. Jane’s father, Raymond G. Johnson, built the cabin on Long
Beach Road in 1948. Once Ken began coming to Ten Mile, he soon knew that this
special lake would become a big part of their lives. One of Ken’s proudest
contributions to the cabin was in helping to design and construct the new
“little” cabin that he and Jane enjoyed for many years. Ken also loved fishing
with friends, doing projects with his sons-in-law, and pontoon rides with the
grandkids. Ken’s greatest love was his family and the many memories they created
together.
Ken is survived by his wife, Jane of Mankato; six children, Lindi (Craig)
Bitter of Saline, MI, Teri (Henry) LeMaire of Corpus Christi, TX, Karen (Scott)
Youngblom of Saline, MI, Sandy (Stephane) Billat of Broomfield, CO, Becca
(Lance) Kansas of Cottage Grove, and Megan (Steve) Speers of Hopkins; thirteen
grandchildren, Kelsi and Jori Bitter, Kellen and Lindsey Mahone and Leah LeMaire,
Luke and Abby Youngblom, Antoine and Jacques Billat, Emma and Drew Kansas, Lucy
and Annabelle Speers; sister, Mary Ann Jacobsen of Sioux Falls, SD; two
sisters-in-law, Judy (Forrest) Chaffee of St. Peter and Jeanne (Frank) Agnello
of Olympia, WA; nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as numerous friends and
loved ones that will all miss him dearly,
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Cora and Bob Odell; brother, Bobby
Odell and brother-in-law, Tom Jacobsen.
(Information was provided by Megan Speers.)
Donald R. Brown, 83, of Hackensack, MN, passed away peacefully at his home
Tuesday, November 6, 2012. Funeral services were held November 17 at Union
Congregational Church in Hackensack with Rev. Michael Small officiating. A
private family inurnment at Hillcrest Cemetery in Hackensack will be held at a
future date.
Don was born August 2, 1929, in Minneapolis, to Ralph and Estrid (Johnson)
Brown. He grew up in South Minneapolis until the mid 1940s when his father was
transferred to Jamestown, ND.
Don graduated from Jamestown High School in 1947, receiving All State in
football and golf. He went on to attend the University of Minnesota where he
played football his freshman and sophomore years. He graduated from the
University of Minnesota in 1956 with a five-year degree in mechanical
engineering.
Don was honored to serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954,
during which time he was an intermediate speed radio operator in Thule,
Greenland.
In August of 1954 he was married to Margaret M. Roby; they made their home in
Duluth where Don was employed by Duluth Works, United States Steel until 1965.
In February of 1966 they moved to Hastings and he began work with Northern
States Power. In 1969 he was transferred to the new Prairie Island Nuclear
Generating Plant and spent most of that year attending Westinghouse Nuclear
School in Pennsylvania.
Don retired in 1991 after 22 years of employment with the NSP Prairie Island
Nuclear Generating Plant. In 1993 Don and Margaret moved to their “log cabin up
north” permanently, but also spent many winters in Rockport, Texas, as well.
Through the years Don invested his time and organizational skills in many
ways. While in Duluth he was a trainer and active member of the Twin Ports Dog
Training Club and was a Precinct Chair and Legislative Chair of the Republican
Party. He spent many hours with his son Doug in the scouting program and served
as the Committee Chair of the Hastings Troop. Don was a 25 year banquet
committee member of the Missa-Croix and Deep Portage Chapters of the Ruffed
Grouse Society. He was also president of the NSP Redwing Credit Union, founding
member and first president of the Northwoods Arts Council, and a member of Union
Congregational Church in Hackensack.
Relationships mattered to Don and he worked to cultivate those friendships
throughout his life through his generosity and unselfishness. Some of his
greatest memories were made at Namakan Lake, his lake trout fishing trips to
Canada, hunting trips with Doug in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, the
Northwest Territories, and just working in the woodlot.
Don will be remembered for his lengthy stories, his meticulous capabilities,
his satisfaction of a “job well done,” and his care and concern for the
well-being of others. Don’s life experience enabled him to be a role model, and
teacher of life to all who knew him. His presence will be missed by his family
and his many friends.
Don is survived by his wife Margaret; son Douglas; daughter-in-law Kimberly;
grandson David; granddogs Toby and Bella; and brother Robert.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
(Information from the Walker Pilot-Independent, November
14, 2012.)
Jean J. Brunzell, age 91, died October 19, 2012. She was a graduate and later
a faculty member of MacPhail College of Music. She was a professional pianist,
accompanist, and soloist, and taught piano for 60 years. She was a member of Mu
Phi Epsilon International, the Thursday Musical, the Schubert Club, the
Salvation Army, and the Church of the Good Shepherd. She was a founding member
of the Minnesota Leukemia Society.
Jean lived her life every day compassionately caring for and serving others.
She was adored by her students and the neighborhood children, always ready to
give encouragement and, of course, cookies. She was a champion of the less
fortunate and generous with her time, resources, and love.
Jean is survived by her husband of 64 years, Clifford; her daughters, Juliann
Brunzell, Barbara Brunzell (Michael Looney); grandchildren Sara Brunzell (Jaciel
De La Riva), McKenna Brunzell, Ian and Erin Brunzell-Looney, Meghan Starliper;
brother-in-law David Dean, Sr.; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in
death by son Phillip Charles Brunzell and sister, Marilyn Dean.
Cliff and Jean Brunzell bought the last Pebble Beach Resort cabin in 1968,
along with daughters, Juliann and Barbara. Three generations continue the legacy
and lovingly call visits to the Ten Mile Lake cabin going "up north".
Jean was a good steward and environmentalist of Ten Mile Lake and the
surrounding forest. She loved the birds, the critters, the wildlife, the
flowers...and, of course, the loons. Each cabin visit meant daily walks in the
forest ("bear whistle" in hand), and a morning swim (rubber swimming cap on
top). Jean enjoyed the peace, the quiet, and the calm Ten Mile Lake provided,
even during its unpredictable weather "events." She also loved and looked
forward to cabin visits with surrounding neighbors and friends, always ready to
serve her homemade fudge.
(Information provided by Juliann Brunzell.)
Joseph Patrick Kessler, 50, of Walker, Minn., passed away Thursday, Sept. 28,
2012. A Mass of Christian Burial was held October 4 at Immaculate Conception
Church, Pine City, MN. Joe was born November 4, 1961, in Pine City to William
and Gertrude Kessler. He graduated from Pine City High School in 1980 and from
St. John’s University in 1984. He worked for many years in the insurance
industry.
Joe was a loving father, successful businessman, excellent athlete and proud
graduate of St. John’s University. Joe was most proud of his daughters, Samantha
and Lauren, who were following in his footsteps at St. John’s sister school, the
College of St. Benedict. He was proud that they grew to be strong, smart and
beautiful girls who loved God.
He was an excellent cook and loved to entertain. He was happiest spending
time with his girls at his cabin on Ten Mile Lake in Hackensack.
Joe will be remembered for his charismatic, kind-hearted and loving manner.
We will miss him greatly. The family would like to thank the amazing staff of
doctors at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester for the skilled and compassionate
care they provided to Joe. Also a heartfelt thank you to the excellent team of
nurses who took great care of Joe during his stay.
Joe is survived by his adoring daughters, Samantha and Lauren Kessler; and
their mother, Jean Kessler, all of Long Lake. He is also survived by his
siblings, Dr. Susan (Mark) Halter of LaCrosse, Wis., Christine (Dr. William)
Piotrowski of St. Croix Falls, Wis., Dr. Charles (Laurie) Kessler of Onalaska,
Wis., Dr. Anne (Michael) Brutlag of Plymouth and John (Laura) Kessler of
Rosemount; and by many nieces and nephews and countless friends.
(Information taken from the Walker Pilot-Independent,
October 3, 2012.)
Harry Paul Seward, Jr., 95, of Lincoln, passed away peacefully with family
members by his side on Monday, September 10, 2012. Born August 30, 1917 in
Hardin, Missouri to Harry Paul and Sophia (Park) Seward, Harry attended the
University of Missouri where he met Frances Ann, his wife of 71 years. After
serving during WWII as a Major in the US Army, Pacific Front, Harry and Franny
made Lincoln their home, and these Missouri Tigers proudly wore Husker Red.
Harry led a productive life, and always enjoyed his work. He worked at
Banker’s Life Nebraska (Ameritas) and rose to the level of CEO/Chairman of the
Board before retiring in 1982. He exchanged a boardroom for his workshop where
he would spend countless hours woodworking. First introduced to Ten Mile Lake in
1957 by the Barney family, Harry and Franny made Ten Mile their summer
destination, eventually buying a cabin on Chariton beach in 1964. Harry enjoyed
building boats, sailing, walks, social times with lake friends, golfing at
Tianna, projects, and cooking big breakfasts for his family. Even on a rainy,
windy day on Ten Mile, Harry would say “every day’s a good day in Minnesota” and
always had a positive attitude.
His family will remember him as being incredibly patient, kindhearted, a
loving husband and father, involved Grandfather, and loyal friend. Harry
personified what it meant to represent the Greatest Generation.
Memorials may be made to the Ten Mile Lake Association
(Information provided by Laurie Seward Lofquist.)
Harriet Robnett (age 90), a member of the Seward family, passed peacefully in
her home in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, July 25th, 2012.
Born to Curtis and Cordell Robnett of Columbia, Missouri, Harriet attended
the University of Missouri, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Journalism.
After volunteering for the Red Cross during World War II, Harriet returned to
Missouri to continue her career in journalism as a Producer and Director for the
St. Louis Post-Dispatch while simultaneously earning a Degree in Law from the
University of Washington (St. Louis).
In 1965 Harriett moved to Washington DC to start her long and successful
career in law and government. She set a precedent, becoming one of the first
women to serve as Legislative Counsel and Assistant to Senator Stuart Symington
(D-Mo) from 1965-1975. She was then appointed to serve on the Federal Election
Commission when it came into existence in 1975.
Even during retirement, Harriet continued to be involved in the democratic
process, traveling to Dakar to cover Senegal’s election law. She did the same in
Uganda. Harriet loved discussing politics, and was well informed. Even in the
last week of her life, she was still discussing the variables regarding the
upcoming presidential election.
She was able to relax as well as to be active, enjoying naps in the hammock,
and extended dock sitting, working on her tan. She was always up for an
adventure, whether it was writing and performing plays with her great niece and
nephew, raspberry picking, gardening, sailing, or cooking gourmet meals that
left a sizeable mess.
Harriet loved her summers with the family and friends at Ten Mile Lake. A
firm believer in the physical and mental benefits of exercise, Harriet did it
all, even at 90 years old. Morning swims, regardless of the weather, were a part
of Harriet’s tradition. Neighbors would see her pass by Chariton Beach on her
afternoon bike rides, and she was an annual player in the Brandt tennis group.
In the final analysis, Harriet set the gold standard on how to live a full
and meaningful life. She was an unusual bridge between generations and a friend
to many. She had a smile and laughter that were contagious, a curious mind, and
enthusiasm that was admired by all. She had the wisdom of a 90 year old, and the
energy of a teenager. Harriet grew old gracefully, and had a young spirit until
the end.
Harriet was the sister of Franny Seward. Franny and Harry Seward, Jr. are the
elders of the Seward cabin. Harriet would visit every summer from DC. She had a
lot of friends at Ten Mile and was especially loved by the younger generation
because she was so adventurous.
Harriet is survived by sister, Frances A. Seward (Harry P. Seward Jr.),
Lincoln, NE; niece, Anne Crosby, New Hope PA; nephew, Harry Seward III (Judy)
Lincoln, NE; great niece, Laurie Lofquist (Kraig), Hastings, NE; great nephew-
Andrew Seward (Emily), Elk River, MN; 4 great-great nieces and one great-great
nephew and an abundant number of admiring friends of all ages.
(Information provided by Laurie Lofquist.)
Dayle Dene (Bromley) Freeman, 60, of Hackensack MN, and former resident of
Bullhead City, AZ, passed away unexpectedly at her home. A memorial service will
be held at 2 p.m. June 5, 2012, at Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker.
Dayle was born December 6, 1951, to Charles “Chuck” and Deana (Sparks)
Bromley in Waterloo Iowa. She grew up in Hackensack living above her parents’
family business, Bromley’s Ten Mile Lake Inn. She attended Walker Elementary and
High Schools, graduating in 1970.
In 1975, Dayle married Gerald “Jerry” Freeman in Aberdeen, SD. They had two
sons, Anthony “Tony” and Chad Freeman. Dayle was employed at Scott’s 200 Club,
Chase on the Lake, and Bieloh’s Family Foods.
Dayle is survived by her sons Anthony (Susan) Freeman and Chad (Missy)
Freeman of Walker; two granddaughters, half-sister Terry Bengman of Detroit
Lakes, and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother,
Scott Bromley.
(Information was taken from the Walker
Pilot-Independent, Wednesday, April 4, 2012.)
Barrett Lorne Colombo died peacefully, surrounded by his family and close
friends, on March 23, 2012 at his home in St. Cloud. He was 65. A service
celebrating Barrett's life was held on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at St. Francis
Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell, with interment at the Rutherford Cemetery in
Stillwater.
Barrett was born to Robert (Barrett) and Norma (Johnson) Colombo on October
9, 1946. Barrett graduated from the College of St. Thomas with a degree in
business management and received his law degree from the University of
Minnesota. He was admitted to the Minnesota bar in 1975. Barrett served as a
captain in the U.S Army during the Viet Nam war from 1968-1972. In 1968 Barrett
married Cynthia Ann Brosious, his high school sweetheart. They would have four
children and six grandchildren, all of whom survive him.
For over 30 years, Barrett practiced law specializing in business and estate
planning at Rinke Noonan law firm in St. Cloud. Prior to joining Rinke Noonan,
Barrett was a supervisor in the tax department of an international accounting
firm. Barrett worked for many charities and committees during his lifetime. He
is a member of the board of directors for the CentraCare Foundation and was past
president of the St. Cloud Rotary Club. Barrett served on the board of directors
of the Central Minnesota Initiative Foundation, the Cathedral High School
Foundation, the St. Cloud Neighborhood and Historical Association, and the St.
Cloud Rotary Foundation.
In addition to his wife of 43 years, Cindy, Barrett is survived by his four
children, Laura (Paul) Tomczik of Sartell, Amy (David) Clements of St. Paul,
Barrett (Aimee Witteman) Colombo of St. Paul, and John (Meizani Irmadhiany)
Colombo of Jakarta, Indonesia. He is also survived by his sister, Sally (Dale)
Roffers; brother, Mark (Phyllis) Colombo; and six grandchildren, Alexander,
Franklin, and Maxwell Tomczik; and Sophia, Marcus, and Julia Clements.
Barrett loved the great outdoors and enjoyed all the things it provided: a
walk in the woods, fishing, biking, and hunting. He adored his family and gave
thanks for the many friends who meant so much to him.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Barrett L. Colombo Family Legacy
Fund established by the Initiative Fund, 405 First St SE, Little Falls, MN
56345, dedicated to building thriving communities and a strong economy in
central Minnesota.
Bill Stevens, 75, of New Hope, MN, died on March 9, 2012. He was born on October 9, 1936 in Des Moines, Iowa and graduated from
Clover Park High School in Lakewood, WA in 1954. He has degrees in music
education from Drake University and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University
of Oklahoma. He taught public school vocal music in Madrid, St. Charles, and
Woodward, IA, Howard Lake, MN, and Kansas City, KS. He taught vocal music and
related subjects at St. Mary's University, Winona, MN 1978 – 1991.
His many interests included singing, gardening, woodcarving, fishing, karate,
and recording textbooks for the Minnesota State Services for the Blind, where he
volunteered for 19 years.
Since their honeymoon on the north shore of Ten Mile Lake in 1959, Bill and
Marna enjoyed many summer gatherings with family and friends. Bill passed along
his love of fishing to his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by wife, Marna (Adams), daughter Becky (Steve) Nett and son
David (Beth) Stevens; five grandchildren, Katie Nett, Ryan Nett, and Kelle Nett
and Madeline Stevens and Sophia Stevens; and brother-in-law Jack (Barb) Adams.
A memorial service was held March 23, 2012 at Brunswick United Methodist
Church in Crystal, MN.
(Information provided by David Stevens.)
David A. Holland, 58, of Plymouth, MN passed away from COPD on February 14th,
2012. Services were held at the Cremation Society of Minnesota in Edina.
David was born January 12, 1954. He attended Benilde High School and Hopkins
Eisenhower High School. He continued his education at St. Mary’s College in
Winona. David loved spending his summers at Ten Mile Lake on the north shore. He
was an avid fisherman and hunter. David loved to fish different lakes in the
area. He had a love for fireworks – the louder the better. David worked numerous
summers at Camp Holiday out of Hackensack while he was growing up. You could
often find David at a bonfire or the 208 spot on the lake.
He was preceded in death by his Father, John F Vilipski and two of his
brothers, John and Stephen. He is survived by his Mother Jean, his brothers Dr.
Michael Holland (Mary-Liz), William Vilipski (Lisa), his sisters, Mary Stang
(Jim), Cathy Vilipski-Smith (D.L.), sister-in-law Storey Holland, many nieces,
nephews and cousins.
David will be remembered and missed for his wonderful sense of humor, his
gentleness, and his love for all things nature. .
(Information provided by his sister, Mary Stang.)
Jean
Brunzell
