Grace Lutheran Church celebrates 50 years of worship

Grace Lutheran Church stands on a former drive-in site. Construction of this building was completed in 1956 and paid off completely in 1971. A new addition was finished in 1998. See story in news.

Photo by Sara Quam

Josh Elbers uses some "elbow grease" to prepare his Grandpa Jim's house for painting. A crew of Josh and his parents began scraping Monday morning and will continue until the house is ready for paint.

Photo by Jolene Farley

Tuff Memorial Home is a nonprofit Home of the American Lutheran Church (now the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and The Home corporation consists of nine Lutheran congregations in this area of Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota.

Tuff Memorial Home provides intermediate level long-term care and professional services for those who are no longer able to live in their own home due to age, physical disability or chronic illness. A unique aspect of Tuff Memorial Home is that of its 52 beds 40 rooms are private and the remaining six are double rooms. This contributes to maintaining the dignity of the individual resident at Tuff Memorial Home.

The primary goals of Tuff Memorial Home are to provide a Christian Home, in a safe environment, that rehabilitates physically and psychosocially, shows a concern for quality of life, and allows the residents to exercise those human rights that contribute to the dignity of the individual.

The story of Tuff Memorial Home began in September 1957 with the reading of the will of Gilbert Tuff, who was born in a sod house just four miles southwest of Hills and for 79 years made his home in the Hills community. The will of Gilbert Tuff left properties and funds to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, total assets of $168,000, to be used toward building a Home for the elderly in Hills.

The will stipulated that the Home must be built in two years or the funds would go elsewhere. Groundbreaking for the construction of the Home began in July 1959, and Tuff Memorial Home, named in honor of its founder, opened its 31-bed facility for occupancy in August 1960. Total cost of construction, architectural fees, furnishing, and equipment was approximately $263,183.

In 1963, Mr. William Finke, a charter resident of the Home, announced a gift of his farm (which sold for $50,000) to be used for the construction of an expansion to the Home. Mr. Finke, who was a former businessman and farmer of the Luverne and Hills area, had the satisfaction of turning the first soil for the addition built in memory of his late wife, Mary C. (Paulsen) Finke. The new addition, which cost approximately $130,000, opened for use on Jan. 1, 1965. The extension increased the total capacity to 52.

In 1967, two major gifts were given to Tuff Memorial Home to help reduce its building indebtedness. The first was made by Henry John Schloetje of Boyden, Iowa, who willed $60,0000 to the Home. Mr. Schloetje was little known in the Hills community but on several occasions visited a good friend in the Home, William Holthusen, who was a resident for a number of years. Mr. Schloetje was a boyhood immigrant from Germany and a lifetime farmer in Iowa. The other major gift of $28,433, was given by Nels O. Thompson of Valley Springs, S.D. Mr. Thompson was a member of First Lutheran Church and farmed northwest of Hills.

In 1972, Ms. Alfrida Tuff, seeing the need for a permanent chapel, provided Tuff Memorial Home with a cash gift to begin construction in the name of her late husband, Bernard Tuff. The Bernard Tuff Memorial Chapel was dedicated on Jan. 3, 1973, and is presently used for weekly Sunday morning service, activities, restorative therapy, films, meetings and many more functions.

On Sept. 1, 1986, when Alfrida Tuff expired she graciously left a large portion of her will to Tuff Memorial Home. In April 1987, Tuff Memorial Home received the funds and a the board of directors voted to use the $30,500 for the expansion project. Alfrida Tuff stated that the will be given in memory of her late husband Bernard Tuff and that it be used for construction or to add needed equipment to Tuff Memorial Home.

Many more gifts were given in the history of Tuff Memorial Home and are on display in the Remembrance Books on the walnut stand at the base of the Recognition Panel in the front entrance to the Home.

For several years the board of directors of Tuff Memorial Home discussed the need for housing for the elderly separate from nursing care, but no funds were available. Then in January 1970, Mr. Martinus Viste, a former resident of the Hills community who had moved to Florence, died leaving about $40,0000. This was the incentive needed to proceed with plans for building an apartment for the elderly. The home had previously acquired land across the street south of the Nursing Home which was an ideal location for the cottage type apartments, four on ground level and two basement walk-out apartments.

Because of the success of Viste Manor another apartment building, Morningside, was planned for in 1976. Morningside was financed through individual loans, some to be forgiven upon death, and through the Tuff Memorial Home. Individual loans forgiven upon death were Olivia Moldenhauer, $25,000; Mr. and Mrs. Gullick H. Sundem, $20,000; and Clara Sandager, $5,000. Individual loans were made by Pearl Hellie, $11,200; Juliet T. Rowbotham, $10,000; and Oscar E. Hagen, $10,000. Morningside Manor was completed in 1977 and has four apartments that are currently occupied.

In 1984, again seeing a need for more housing Sunview Manor was built. Sunview was opened in 1985 and has five very lovely apartments. Two major loans were given by Herman Beyenhof, $10,000, and Rachel Bakk, $15,000, to help build Sunview Manor. Other finances were made through Tuff Memorial Home.

In 1988 an expansion project was started. It was decided the best location for the addition would be the west side of the kitchen and it would include a new walk-in cooler and freezer, a larger food storage area; a new lounge, conference, and family meeting area; new office space for the director of nursing and the food service supervisor; a bathroom; and a new housekeeping room.

Gifts and memorials given for the project included: $51,500 from the Alfrida Tuff Estate, $25,000 from Paul and Bertha Thompson in memory of Roger Thompson, $10,000 in memory of Alfred and Rachel Bakk by Margaret Thornton, $7,500 from the Minnie Kolsrud Estate and $5,000 from the Sophes Arlin Hunstad Estate from Jasper.

Another addition in memory of Pearl Hoff, longtime laundry supervisor, was completed in 1998. The addition included a new laundry room, activity and physical therapy area with kitchen facilities and the redesign of existing office space for the director of nursing and social services director.

By Jolene Farley
An Aug. 1 completion date for the original eight one-bedroom and four two-bedroom Tuff Village units has not officially changed, but Bonnie Hengeveld, manager of Tuff Village, is awaiting word whether security and fire protection systems will be working by then.

"We need to be assured absolutely everything, as far as security and fire protection, is actually operable," Hengeveld said.

The air conditioning system may also not be complete by that date, also.

"It's gone really well. People have worked together well," said Hengeveld, "although it's never easy."

Because of the overwhelming interest in the facility, an additional six units were added to construction plans. The additional units are scheduled for completion four to six weeks later than the rest of the facility, according to Hengeveld.

Move-in dates have been assigned for future residents. Only a few are scheduled to move at a time "so we can be of assistance to them and help them get settled," she said.

Hengeveld hopes everyone will be settled into their new apartments by Sept. 1.

Tuff Village carries an Assisted Living Home Care Providers License, which requires 24-hour registered nurse supervision, 24-hour supervision of residents, three meals a day plus snacks, socialization programs and transportation.

Tuff Village can be fully staffed by Aug. 1, according to Hengeveld. Mary Lemke is Registered Nurse Program Supervisor for the facility. Licensed caregivers can set up or administer medication as ordered by a physician.

The facility currently has security deposits for 18 of the units and has several people looking at the one remaining unit.

The response exceeded the board's expectations. "We weren't expecting 100-percent occupancy for maybe a couple of years," said Hengeveld. "So needless to say, we are pleased."

Randy Ehlers, director of Rock County Family Services, and Kenneth Hoime, chairman of the Rock County Board of Commissioners, have signed a contract, effective July 17, to provide residents of Tuff Village with financial resources through state programs.

"We have contracted for financial resources if [the residents] run out of resources or if they need resources going in," said Hengeveld. "People need to be assured we will refer them to Rock County Family Services for help."

Hengeveld hopes to host a community open house by the end of September but is unsure if the facility will be ready by then. She wants all the apartments and both the main level and basement community rooms mostly complete before the open house.

Although he cannot stay in the facility until the security and fire systems pass code, Arnold Swanson, Hills, began moving his belongings into his future home Tuesday. When asked what he thought of the new facility he said, "Oh, it's nice, very nice. There is a lot of cupboard space, plenty of room."

By Jolene Farley
A community auction and pork loin feed is planned Saturday, Aug. 11, at the Valley Springs American Legion Hall to benefit victims of the flood waters that swept through the town Tuesday, June 12.

Residents Roger and Kathy Larsen spearheaded the fund-raiser, but many others are donating their time or goods.

Auctioneers Spencer Jacobson, Valley Springs, and Bob Julson, Sherman, have donated their services for the auction.

The Valley Springs Fire Department will cook and serve pork loin sandwiches and help with the auction.

The Beaver Valley Lutheran Church Quartet "Straight From the Heart" will perform.

The 12 families most severely effected by the water carried no flood insurance. Damage estimates were not large enough for the federal government to step in with disaster funds, according to Kathy Larsen.

"These people are without a lot of things and no help," said Kathy.

A clothing and furniture drive immediately after the fire was enormously successful. The drive was finally shut down because of lack of space, according to Kathy.

Leftover clothing from the drive was donated to the Children's Inn and the YMCA in Sioux Falls.

Some auction items have already been dropped off, but the Larsens hope many more donations are on the way. For more information on how to donate contact Roger or Kathy at (605) 757-6583.

Lutheran Brotherhood, Eastern Sioux Falls Branch #8605 will match the funds raised from the benefit.

Floyd Arthur Hawes, 92, died Sunday, July 22, 2001, at Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Center in Luverne.

Services were Wednesday, July 25, at Jasper Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jasper. The Rev. William Clyma officiated. Burial was in Jasper City Cemetery.

Floyd Hawes was born to Earl "Roy" and Angelina "Lena" (Walvatne) Hawes on April 16, 1909, on the family farm in Rock County where he was raised and attended country school. Upon completion of his education he helped on the family farm.

He married Nina Mae Loeffler on March 14, 1929, in Luverne. Following their marriage they lived on two different farms for a short time. In 1939 they settled on a farm in Springwater Township in Rock County where they lived and farmed until he retired. After his retirement he continued to live on his farm. Mrs. Hawes preceded him in death on June 25, 1995. In October 1996 he became a resident of Sunrise Village in Jasper. He moved to Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Center on Dec. 17, 2000.

Mr. Hawes was an active member of Jasper United Methodist Church. He served on the School Board, Elevator Board and Rock County Fair Board. They enjoyed traveling and were active in the Holiday Rambler Rambling Pheasants RV Club and spent many winters in Weslaco, Texas. He was a good ballroom dancer and enjoyed dancing throughout his lifetime.

Survivors include nine children and their spouses, Glenn and Joyce Hawes, Jasper, Marvin and Sharon Hawes, Luverne, Lloyd and Carol Hawes, Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, Arlen and Marla Hawes, Crooks, S.D., Rosella Murphy, Sioux Falls, S.D., Betty and Jim Lane, Kennewick, Wash., Shirley and David Haraldson, Bella Vista, Ark., Marvel and Curtis Swenson, Lakeville, and Sharon and Steve Gilb, Windom; 26 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; one sister, Fern Laackmann, Viborg, S.D.; and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Hawes was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nina, one daughter, Marilyn Eustice, an infant son, Norman Eugene Hawes, an infant granddaughter, one son-in-law, Dan Eustice, one brother, Lawrence Hawes, and one sister, Luella Hawes.

Foster-Hartquist Funeral Chapel, Jasper, was in charge of arrangements.

V. "Joycelynn" Herr, 61, Windom, formerly of Luverne, died Sunday, July 29, 2001, at Sogge Good Samaritan Home in Windom after a battle with ovarian cancer.

Services were Wednesday, Aug. 1, at Evangelical Free Church in Windom. The Rev. David Lightner officiated.

"Joycelynn" Steinfeldt was born to William C. and Vivian K. (Miller) Steinfeldt on June 19, 1940, in Luverne. She graduated from Luverne High School in 1958.

She married Marvin Kroontje in 1960, Frederick Herr in 1974, and Charles Hendricks in 1980. She was a homemaker and also worked for a short time out of the home as a nurse's aid. She lived in several communities throughout Minnesota and the United States, including Luverne, Waukegan, Ill., Kenneth, Magnolia, Salt Lake City, Utah, Las Vegas, Nev., Windom and then Mt. Lake. She continued to live in Mt. Lake until recently when her health began to decline and she became a resident of Sogge Good Samaritan Home.

Mrs. Herr attended Evangelical Free Church in Windom. She was active as a volunteer for the Cottonwood County DAC and Sogge Home activities.

Survivors include seven children, Mark Kroontje and his wife, Susan, Herreid, S.D., Vivian Griffin and her husband, Keith, Sodus, Mich., William Kroontje and his wife, Brenda, Ashton, Iowa, Trudy Schniderman and her friend, Howard Brower, Round Lake, Darcene Lensing and her husband, Gregory, Comfrey, David Miller and April, Las Vegas, Nev., and Chris Herr and his wife, Cindy, Sioux Falls, S.D; 22 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two brothers, William A. (Ruth) Steinfeldt, Windom, and James Steinfeldt, Luverne; Betty Jean (Jim) Fullington, Whitehall, Wis., and Helen L. Kellen, Luverne; and special friend, Robert Stoesz, Mt. Lake.

Mrs. Herr was preceded in death by her parents, and spouse, Charles Hendricks.

Anderson Schmidt Funeral Home, Windom, was in charge of arrangements.

George Arthur Johnson, 83, died Sunday, July 29, 2001, at Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne.

Services were Wednesday, Aug. 1, at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. The Rev. Dell B. Sanderson officiated. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne. Masonic services were Tuesday, July 31, in Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne.

George Johnson was born to Ole and Oline (Gunderson) Johnson on June 9, 1918, in Rock County where he was raised. He attended Kenneth Public School. In 1942 he entered the U.S. Army Air Force where he served as a mechanic. He returned to the Luverne area in January 1946.

He married Betty Sanny on May 12, 1946, in Remsen, Iowa. He worked for the Minnesota State Highway Department until his retirement in 1983. Following his retirement they continued to live in their home in Luverne. On Jan. 29, 2001, he entered Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Johnson, Luverne; one son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Pam Johnson, Rochester; twin daughters and two sons-in-law, Shirley and Richard Olney, San Jose, Calif., and Sharon and Fred Wendt, Plymouth; five grandchildren; two stepgrandsons; one stepgreat-grandson; three stepgreat-granddaughters; three brothers, John (Rosa) Johnson, Luverne, Olaf Johnson, San Diego, Calif., and Lloyd (Jean) Johnson, Albert Lea; and one sister Anna (Erling) Tofteland, Luverne.

Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Kenneth, and one sister, Ida Steiner.

Engebretson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Services for Bernadine "Dena" Aanenson will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 3, in Grace Lutheran Church, Luverne. The Rev. Dell B. Sanderson will officiate. Burial is in Luverne Memorial Gardens Cemetery, rural Luverne. Visitation is from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, with the family present from 5 to 8 p.m. at Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne. There will also be a one-hour visitation prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Bernadine Aanenson, 84, Luverne, died Monday, July 30, 2001, at Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Center in Luverne.

Bernadine Hisken was born to Lambert and Tena (Bottinga) Hisken on Oct. 29, 1916, in Kanaranzi Township, Nobles County. She attended Kanaranzi School and then attended Luverne Goembel School in rural Magnolia.

She married Obert J. Aanenson on Oct. 1, 1940, in Ellsworth. After their marriage the couple farmed in Rock County and later moved to rural Leota. She painted houses at Kreun Lumberyard in rural Edgerton. In 1956 the couple moved to Luverne where she worked at Ben's Bakery for more than 10 years. She moved to Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Center in Luverne in 1999.

Mrs. Aanenson was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne, the Ladies Aid, and the League of Women Voters. She was very active in Luverne Senior Citizens. In 1995 she was Rock County Outstanding Senior Citizen. She enjoyed growing flowers and playing bingo.

Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Nola Aanenson, Slayton, Donald and Loretta Aanenson, Minneapolis, and David and Sandra Aanenson, Sioux City, Neb.; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one sister, Helen (Bill) DeBoer, Luverne; one sister-in-law, Florence Aanenson, Luverne; and one brother-in-law, Lawrence Thode, Luverne.

Mrs. Aanenson was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Obert, on Sept. 19, 1987, two brothers, Jerry and Hildebrand Hisken, and one sister, Leona Thode.

A tree will be planted in memory of Bernadine Aanenson by Hospice of Luverne Community Hospital.