The following article is part of the Diamond Club Member group that began in the January 7, 1943, issue of the Rock County Star Herald. Members of this group consist of persons of age 75 and older.
The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on Aug. 26, 1943.
(Lars Larson of Hardwick continues his story from last week.)
There were no public schools at that time, and the education the children did get was obtained from classes conducted in the homes. School was held one week in each home, and the Norwegian language was used exclusively until the public schools came into being. One of her teachers, she recalls, was Christopher Helgeson.
Her father went to Sibley the first year or two he was here to have their wheat ground into flour. Trips were made to Mud Creek, near where the present town of Hills is now located by ox-team and lumber wagon. A hard plank across the wagon box was the only seat.
“Thinking back,” says Mrs. Larson, “I don’t see how they could pull through in those days. But in spite of the hardships, I can’t remember that we ever went hungry.”
When she was about 16, she worked as a maid in Luverne for one of the bankers. Her salary was $1.50 per week, and that sum was hard-earned. On wash days, she would get up at 3 a.m. and rub all the clothes clean on a wash board. In the winter time, when there was no rain water, she would melt snow and ice to obtain soft water to do the washing. In addition she did the housework, cleaning, baking, and other tasks to earn her meager salary.
Although the country was “quite civilized” when her parents moved here, there were times that Indians were seen in this section of the country. Most of them were trappers and had their trap lines along the Rock river. Although they never did any harm, they often came to the homes to beg something to eat, and as a rule, they were never refused by the frightened housewives.
Mr. and Mrs. Larson have two children, the Misses Inga and Helen Larson, both of whom live at home.
Mr. Larson has one brother, Nels Larson, Luverne, and one sister, Mrs. Harold Sambo, of Willmar, living. There were six boys and four girls in the family at one time. 
Mrs. Larson has only one brother, Ben Roen, of Vienna township, who is living. The family once numbered eight children, and Mrs. Larson and Mr. Roen are the two youngest.
Mr. and Mrs. Larson are members of Our Savior’s Lutheran church here, having joined after they moved here in 1920. However, when they lived on the farm, they were members of the Blue Mound Lutheran church, and Mr. Larson served as church treasurer for many years. 
Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.

Roger Madison of Zumbrota was recently named Minnesota’s 2022 Veterinarian of the Year. 
Madison graduated from Luverne High School in 1960 and attended the University of Minnesota, where he received his veterinary medicine degree in 1966.
He worked his first veterinary job in Grand Meadow.
Madison joined the Zumbrota Veterinary Clinic in 1967 and purchased the practice in 1971 with three other veterinarians. Since 2010, he’s worked at Anderson Veterinary Services.
Madison and his wife, Barb, have two grown sons and four granddaughters.
The Minnesota Veterinarian Medical Association each year honors one of its MVMA members who “has given much to the veterinary profession as well as to their community — a well-rounded member who is outstanding in the profession.

Eleanore Rose Gretillat, 88, Luverne, died Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Society – Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne. 
Visitation will be from noon until 2 p.m. Monday, March 20, at Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne. A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Dingmann Funeral Home, in Luverne. Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery in rural Elmore at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 21. 
Arrangements are provided by Dingmann Funeral Home of Luverne, dingmannandsons.com. 
(0316 DN)

10 years ago (2013)
•Luverne High School art students, Josey Kockelman-Radtke, Nikki Severson and Cora Mumme put the finishing touches a large 8-by-10-foot mural in a stairwell landing near thehigh school lobby Thursday afternoon, March7.The students are all taking a senior highindependent art class with Chris Nowatzki and collaborated on this project, which combines the impressionistic style of Claude Monet with the modern brush strokes of Chuck Close. … 
The mural had to be approved by school administration, and Superintendent Gary Fisher said he is pleased with the end result.
25 years ago (1998)
•Warmer days may bring changes alongHighway 75 in Luverne.
Tuesday, Luverne Economic Development Authority members discussed the possibility that a new Jubilee Foods grocery store may be going up on the former Lampert Lumber property south of the railroad tracks. Jubilee owner Tony Bosch owns the property.
Long-standing questions about removing a rail spur and purchasing property owned by Southwest Minnesota Farmers Co-op Elevator are still being worked out privately, according to City Administrator Matt Hylen. He said, although the city has been approached for general development assistance Bosch hasn’t made any specific requests.
Mayor Bill Weber said, “I’d like to see a complete package when Jubilee comes in.” A timetable and specific plans are not known. Weber said it takes minimum of 60 days to process Tax Increment Financing, if it is needed.
50 years ago (1973)
•Damage in last Tuesday’s fire at the Luverneelementary school has been appraised at about $15,000, Supt. Harvey Eitreim said this week.
This includes damage to the room where the fire was confined, and to the inventory in the room. The room was used for storage, and housed a substantial stock of paper which was destroyed. Also destroyed was the Luverne Little League baseball equipment, Eitreim said.
The loss was covered by insurance.
75 years ago (1948)
•The American Legion’s boxing event, heldlast Wednesday night, attracted a “full house” to the Luverne armory. A crowd estimated at about 800 persons—exceeding the hopes of even the most optimistic local promotors—saw 22 regular bouts, and three exhibition bouts, and liked them.
Starting the evening’s card was an exhibition match between two young Luverne grade school boys, Arlen Anderson and David Schuetts. The two scrappy little youngsters captivated the crowd to the extent that when the match was over, dimes, quarters and half dollars were being tossed into the ring by spectators from all angels. When the boys had finished picking up the coins, each had about $13.50 to pocket, which is more than a lot of professional boxers pick up in three-round exhibition matches. 
Also appearing in exhibition matches, and giving a good account to themselves were Dallas Meyer and Boyd Beyer, and Gene Olson and Donald Spease. …
Two of Luverne’s entries lost by technical knockouts. Rodney Hoepner lost to Lloyd St. Pierre of Flandreau in the bantam weight division, while Jerry Veech, Slayton, gave Bryce Mork as much as he thought he could take in two rounds, in the welterweight division. 
Both the Luverne boxers showed they were capable of dishing out the punches, but they appeared to be lacking in stamina, which no doubt was due to the short time they had had to train for the meet.
Jim Welch, Luverne, stayed with Ray Torkelson, Slayton, for three rounds, but lost the decision. …
The promotors of the fights expressed their gratitude to all who helped with arrangements, particularly those who helped with the advance ticket sale.
100 years ago (1923)
•James Brandenburg was the winner of thelarge sack of Pillsbury’s Best flour which had been offered by the Pillsbury Flour Mills Co. as a prize to the person who most accurately guessed its weight. 
The contest was open from February 27th until Tuesday evening, when the large sack which during this time had been on display in the Carl P. Houg hardware store window, was weighed.
Its weight was 533 1/2 pounds. Mr. Brandenburg’s guess was 538 pounds and 9 ounces.

Patsy “Pat” Austin, 71, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, died Thursday, March 2, 2023, surrounded by family. 
A funeral service was Friday, March 10, at George Boom Funeral Home in Sioux Falls. 
Pat Ranschau was born at the Luverne Hospital on June 4, 1951, to Frank and Virginia (Bor­man) Ranschau. She attended K-12 and graduated from Luverne High School. 
She cherished her deep connection with her father, with whom she enjoyed activi­ties such as fishing, golfing, and playing Connect Four. 
After attending beauty school in Pipestone, she met Ricky Austin. They were married on Feb. 14, 1970, (-1976) moved to Luverne, and had two children, John and Pamela. They also resided in Jasper, Gar­retson, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. 
Pat worked for many years as a custom­er service representative and retired as an accounting assistant at Sioux Falls Hous­ing Authority. She enjoyed adventuring in her motor home, fishing the “Big River,” motorcycle riding, and spending time with her siblings, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Pat was an avid jew­elry maker, creating beautiful pieces that were cherished by her family and friends. She also created stained glass creations for her family and churches, and she won first place in a stained-glass show. She was also a masterful seamstress, creating many items for her family. 
Pat was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, and in 2021 she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. 
Pat is survived by her son, John Austin of Sioux Falls; her daughter, Pam (Mark) Olson of Sioux Falls; her grandchildren, Kristine (Brady), Daniel (Maggie), Jordan (Steph), Gierra, Jas­mine, Kelsey, Jesse, Jordyn, and Jason; 14 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Jim Ranschau of Luverne, Janet (Jose) Quesada of Tacoma, Washington, Peggy (Jim) Rokala of Minneapolis, Jeff (Con­nie) Ranschau of Cle Elum, Washington, and Julie (Bryon) Foote of Worthington; and many nieces, nephews, other rela­tives, and friends. 
Pat was preceded in death by her parents. 
Arrangements were provided by George Boom Funeral Home of Sioux Falls, www.georgeboom.com .

Ronald Rauk, age 75, of Beaver Creek, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family on March 10, 2023. 
Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 21, at the First Presbyte­rian Church in Beaver Creek from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be on Wednesday, March 22, at 10:30 a.m. at the church with burial to follow at Beaver Creek Cemetery. To sign an online registry and view a life tribute video, please visit www. hartquist­funeral.com. 
Ronald Edward Rauk was born on March 20, 1947, to Edward and Elizabeth (Keehr) Rauk in Seaside, Oregon. They moved to Beaver Creek shortly after his parents were discharged from the United States Army. He was baptized at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls at the age of nine prior to having surgery. He attended grades 1-12 in the Beaver Creek School where he graduated in 1965. He played baseball, basketball and football. 
He furthered his education at Worthington Junior College in Worthington, Minnesota, and at Sioux Falls College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He left school to help his father and grandfather at Rauk’s General Store. Ron started driving school bus for H-BC School District in 1970 until retiring in 2021. 
On October 17, 1970, he was united in marriage to Marlys Peterson at Dalesburg Lutheran Church in rural Vermillion, South Dakota. The couple made their home in Beaver Creek. Ron continued to operate the family store after the death of his father. He and Marlys built Rauk’s Hilltop Stop in 1995. When his health was failing, his nephews took over the operation of the store which they eventually purchased. Ron had a liver transplant at Mayo Clinic in 2000 and a kidney transplant at Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls in 2008. On March 10, 2023, while in his home surrounded by his loving family, Ron went to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 75 years, 11 months, and 21 days. 
Ron was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Beaver Creek where he attended Sunday School and confirmation. He later served as an elder and was a Sunday School teacher. 
In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling and golfing. Ron was passionate about serving the Beaver Creek community. He coached his son’s Hills- Beaver Creek baseball team, was a volunteer fireman for 36 years, served on the Southwest Opportunity council, city council, and was mayor for three terms. He was also a member of the Beaver Creek Jaycees where he served as president and state chaplain. Ron loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandson. He loved slipping them money without Marlys’ knowledge. Ron touched the lives of many children in his 51 years of driving school bus. Any relative or friend that had a nickname, it probably came from Ron. 
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Marlys, of Beaver Creek; two children, Ryan of Beaver Creek and Linnea Cooper and her husband Brandon of Mitchell, South Dakota; four grandchildren, Austin (Kendra) Rauk, Dewell Rauk, and Colton and Colbie Cooper; great-grandson Boden Rauk; Gina Rauk; sisters Mareda (Keith) Bertelson of Sioux Falls and Roxanne Rauk of Sioux Falls; sister-in-law Mary Rauk of Beaver Creek; and four nephews. 
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Rick.

The Blue Mound Figure Skaters will host their 32nd Annual Ice Show, “The ’90s Rewind,” at 7 p.m. Friday, March 17, and at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 18.
“Skaters will put on over 100 matinees in the show highlighting all the great things from the entire decade,” said Katie Kopp of the Blue Mound Figure Skaters.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Blue Mound Ice Arena Monday, March 13, or Thursday, March 16. 
Advance prices are $7 for adults and $3.50 for children. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the nights of the show for $10.
For details visit www.bluemoundfigureskating.com or see the BMFS Facebook page.

The Luverne girls’ basketball team traveled to Marshall to take on New London-Spicer Friday, March 10, for the Section 3AA Championship.
Region 3A No. 1-seeded Luverne fell 44-32 to Region 5A No. 1–seeded New London-Spicer Wildcats in a heartbreaking game for LHS.
“This loss was hard to swallow, and I am not sure when I will get over it,” head coach TJ Newgard said.
“I felt like this team had what it takes to play in the state tournament and thought they deserved that opportunity.”
Luverne started the game with great energy but was unable to get the ball to drop.
“I think a few missed shots by us and a couple made by them really cast some doubt in our minds,” Newgard said.
“We were never able to get anything going offensively in the first half. Part of that was our lack of execution, but it was also a result of their ball pressure.”
The Wildcats kept Luverne to only eight points in the first half while scoring 24 of their own.
“The second half we just talked about leaving it all on the floor,” Newgard said.
“We played our game in the second half, and if we had played like that in the first half, I think this game would have been closer.”
Newgard reflected on Luverne’s game plan saying, “It seemed like every time we had some momentum, they would answer with a three.”
New London-Spicer made six of 15 from beyond the line, while Luverne made two of 17 shots, missing valuable points off the rim.
“Sometimes the ball doesn’t bounce your way, and unfortunately for us, that was Friday night,” Newgard said.
Juniors Kira John and Tori Serie led Luverne in scoring with eight points each.
John played big inside, grabbing eight rebounds with one assist. Serie had one rebound and two steals in the game.
Senior Christina Wagner added six points, six rebounds and two blocked shots.
Seniors Elizabeth Wagner and Emma Beyer contributed four points each. Wagner posted six rebounds and four assists and Beyer had three rebounds and two assists.
Senior Jocelyn Hart made two points, one rebound and one steal in the game.
Senior Averill Sehr was held scoreless but grabbed two rebounds, had one assist and one steal for the Cardinals.
“I cannot say enough good things about this group as a whole, but these seniors specifically. They brought it every day of practice and there is a reason they won 25 games,” Newgard said.
“Their leadership will be missed by everyone in the program and by the entire school.”
The Luverne girls’ basketball team finished the season with a record of 25-4 and led the Big South Conference with a record of 11-1.

The Luverne boys’ hockey team traveled to St. Paul for the Minnesota State Hockey Tournament last week where the Cardinals faced some of the state’s toughest competition.
In the opening quarterfinal round March 8 Luverne faced No. 2-seeded Hermantown at the Xcel Energy Center, losing 6-0 to the defending state champions.
Luverne then faced No. 3-seeded Alexandria Area in a consolation semifinal game March 9 at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis. 
The Cardinals fell to Alexandria 7-3, marking the end of their 2022-23 season.
 
Quarterfinal Hermantown 6, LHS 0
The No. 7-seeded Luverne boys’ hockey team took on No. 2-seeded Hermantown Wednesday, March 8, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
“Opening round of the state tournament at the Xcel Energy Center is an experience like none other,” said head coach Phil Paquette.
Hermantown, the Class A defending champion, beat Luverne 6-0, outshooting the Cardinals 49 to 13 in the game.
Junior LHS goalie Tyler Arends stopped 43 shots in the game while giving up six goals to a strong Hawks team.
Luverne had 13 shots on goal in the game against junior goaltender Dane Callaway for the Hawks.
“Our boys battled with one of the best teams in the state,” Paquette said.
“An unfortunate flurry of three goals in one minute by Hermantown in the middle of the first period put us in a tough spot.” 
Hermantown scored three goals in the first and third periods of the game. The second period had no scoring by either side.
“I was proud of our guys for sticking with it and continuing to battle,” Paquette said. “At that point it would have been easy to give up. … We had opportunities to score and put some pressure on Hermantown but couldn’t make it happen.”
Shooting for Luverne, sophomore Alexander Schlosser had one shot on goal, senior Brady Bork had two shots, sophomore Layke Miller had one shot, senior Brock Behrend attempted two shots, junior Elliot Domagala had two shots, sophomore Blaik Bork had one shot, junior Patrick Kroski had one shot, freshmen Maddux Domagala had two shots and junior Henry Hartquist had one shot on goal.
 
Consolation Semifinal Alexandria 7, Luverne 3
In the consolation semifinal game Luverne took on the No. 3-seeded Alexandria Area Cardinals Thursday, March 9, at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis.
Last season Alexandria finished in fourth place at the state tournament, losing to Mahtomedi 4-2.
“Alexandria is a team that is led by seniors; they turned their season around completely midway through the year,” Paquette said.
“They play fast and physical hockey and came into the consolation round ready to roll.”
The game with Alexandria started with trading possessions and feeling out how each team matched up.
Alexandria did score early in the first period at 2:14 in the game. Luverne was able to hold off any other scoring opportunities to finish the first period down by one goal.
In the second period Alexandria scored two quick goals, the first at 2:05 and the second coming at 4:31. 
The Cardinals didn’t back down after finding themselves in a three-goal deficit, scoring at 7:23 in the second period.
Junior Elliot Domagala scored the team’s first goal of this year’s state tournament appearance, assisted by junior Patrick Kroski and sophomore Blaik Bork.
Alexandria scored another goal in the second period to increase the lead to 4-1 after two periods of play.
In the third period Alexandria added three more goals, one on a power play, another on a short-handed empty net and the last at even strength.
Luverne was able to score twice in the third period, lessening the pain of the 7-3 loss.
“I would have liked to see a little more battle and attack out of our guys in the consolation game,” Paquette said.
“We were able to score a few goals but never really put a complete game together.”
Brady Bork closed out his senior year scoring a goal at 10:07 assisted by Kroski and Elliot Domagala.
Bork also became a viral sensation before the game when he scored a date to the prom on live television during the opening introductions.
Bork wrote on his hockey stick, “Hey Sarah, Prom?” Sarah Stegenga quickly replied on a hockey stick, “Yes” and posted it to Twitter.
On another high note junior Will Serie scored his first and only goal of the season at 15:40 in the third period. He was assisted by junior Owen Sudenga and Kroski.
Junior goalie Tyler Arends faced 40 shots on goal in the game from a quick and dangerous Alexandria team.
Luverne placed 20 shots on the Alexandria goalie in the game with three shots finding the net.
“The 2022-2023 season was awesome, thanks to a great group of players, coaches, parents and fans,” Paquette said about the season.
“We were able to learn throughout the season what makes us successful and do it well down the stretch.”
As for the playoffs, Paquette said it was about the experience more than the score.
“We played three complete games in the Section 3A playoffs, earning a trip to the state high school hockey tournament,” he said.
“This experience is unmatched and will not be soon forgotten by any of us.” 
Looking forward to next year, Paquette said he is very optimistic.
“We return the majority of this team next season,” he said. “We hope that this experience pushes them to stay hungry and come back stronger next year.”