LCC opens for '02 season
For Rock County golf enthusiasts the long winter wait is over.

As of Tuesday, April 9, the Luverne Country Club is open for business.

Tuesday was a business day, according to LCC manager Sherri Thompson.

Don Cashin, Ray Hoogeveen, Jim Cinkle and Laurin Carroll were the first group of golfers off the tee, followed by Kim Arends, Patrice Hohn and Monica Dingmann.

Approximately 100 golfers took advantage of the opening day.

April 9 is a little earlier than previous years for LuverneÕs opening day. Last year the season began on April 14.

Are you ready for clean-up?
You have two more weekends to get ready for spring clean-up.

Hauling stuff out to the curb is the easy part. Going through your attic, basement or garage and figuring out what needs to be hauled away is considerably more difficult.

If you are on route one, Monday, April 22, is your day. Route two will be picked up on Tuesday, April 23, and route three, the north end, will get picked up on Wednesday, April 24.

In each case, your regular garbage will be picked up on the following day.

Some items you are not to put out for clean-up week include toxic or hazardous chemicals, clothes, books and magazines.

Any item small enough to fit in your garbage container that is not recyclable is considered "household garbage," and you must get rid of it with your weekly garbage pick-up

If your weekend finds you out back, cleaning up the yard, you will be happy to know that the tree dump started its summer hours last Saturday.

Accepted materials include tree branches, grass, leaves, and garden waste.

Hours for the tree dump are Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon and Monday and Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Lesewski says no to Senate after 10 years
After 10 years as a Minnesota senator, Arlene Lesewski has decided to end that portion of her political career.

Lesewski first ran for the Minnesota Senate in 1990 but was defeated by then incumbent Sen. Gary DeCramer, who had served since 1982.

Two years later, after redistricting, incumbent DeCramer chose not to run for re-election, and Lesewski was victorious over DFL challenger Paul Sobocinski, Wabasso.

If Lesewski were to run again, the newly realigned district in which she would be included would also include fellow Republican Dennis Frederickson, (R-New Ulm).

Lesewski, said, "Sen. Frederickson is an experienced legislator who in the past has represented a large portion of the new district. He is equally passionate about the issues that are important to rural Minnesota and will work hard to protect our interests."

Because of the recent redistricting, Lesewski's new area would not have included Rock County.

Under the redistricting plan, we are now in what will become Sen. Jim VickermanÕs district.

Although Vickerman has indicated his intentions to run for re-election, no Republican has yet announced for the Republican side of the ticket.

Some of the accomplishment Lesewski credits herself with are:

her involvement in the development of the wind farm on Buffalo Ridge;
expansion of treated water to farms and small communities in southwest Minnesota;
reducing farm property tax;
funding for Southwest State University;
a state of the art emergency response training center in Marshall; and
obtaining funds for the Lewis and Clark Water Project

Lesewski said her future plans include expanding her marketing business and looking for opportunities closer to home.

* A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well.

Publisher Roger Tollefson can be contacted by e-mail at
tolly@star-herald.com

Albert DeJager Jr., 87, Moorhead, formerly of Rushmore, died Saturday, April 6, 2002, at Bethany Homes in Fargo, N.D.

Services were Tuesday, April 9, at First Baptist Church in Sibley, Iowa. The Rev. Dale Phelps officiated. Burial was in Sunset Rest Cemetery, Rushmore.

Albert DeJager Jr. was born to Albert Sr. and Anna (Toussaint) DeJager on March 24, 1915, in Sibley, Iowa. He attended country school in rural Worthington.

He married Vernis Johnson on Nov. 22, 1937, in Rushmore. After their marriage the couple farmed south of Rushmore. In 1996 they moved to Worthington. They moved to Moorhead in October 1997. He became a resident of The Bethany Homes in February 1999.

Mr. DeJager was a member of First Baptist Church in Sibley. He enjoyed exotic animals and fishing. He also enjoyed working in his shop repairing and rebuilding.

Survivors include his wife, Vernis DeJager, Moorhead; four daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Gregory Frey, Moorhead, Muriel and Edward Tholen, Rushmore, Marceil and Winston Edson, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Carol and Johnnie Webb, Moore, Okla.; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one stepgrandson; one brother, Jack (Gertrude) Toussaint, Story City, Iowa, and one sister, Bertha Frey, Worthington.

Mr. DeJager was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, Mark Tholen, three sisters, Anna Wagner, Marie Ivers and Elizabeth Arp, and one brother, Gerrit Toussaint.

Dingmann Funeral Home, Worthington, was in charge of arrangements.

Lucille Irene Claussen, 89, Dell Rapids, S.D., formerly of the Rock County area, died Monday, April 1, 2002, at Avera McKennan Hospice in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Services were Saturday, April 6, at First Lutheran Church in Valley Springs, S.D. The Rev. Ray Heidenson officiated. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne.

Lucille Strassburg was born to James and Edna (Lorenzen) Strassburg on Sept. 17, 1912, on a farm near Hardwick. She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick. When she was 5 she moved with her family to a farm near Eckelson, N.D., where she attended rural school and began high school in Eckelson. The family moved to the Oriska N.D., area where she graduated from Oriska High School on May 29, 1929. She continued her education at Valley City Teachers College, Valley City, N.D., for two years and graduated with a teacherÕs certificate. In July 1931 she moved to Luverne and began teaching in a rural school near Rushmore where she taught for seven years.

She married Lorenz F. Claussen on June 14, 1939, in Luverne. Following their marriage they lived and farmed near the Hardwick and Magnolia areas and in 1954 moved to a farm west of Valley Springs, S.D., in 1954 she began teaching in Valley Springs Elementary School and taught the second and third grades. She also completed her education, graduating from Sioux Falls College on Aug. 14, 1965, with a bachelor's degree. In 1966 they moved to Brandon, S.D., where she continued to teach until her retirement in May 1978. After her retirement she continued to substitute teach in the Brandon Valley elementary schools.

Mr. Claussen died on July 9, 1970. In 1982 she began teaching full time again, teaching Chapter I math in Valley Springs. She retired after the 1995-96 school year. Mrs. Claussen was awarded an "Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America" certificate in 1975 and was included in the 1989-90 edition of "Who's Who in America Education." She moved to Orchard Hills Retirement Home in Dell Rapids, in August 2001 where she lived until Sunday, March 24, when she entered Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Mrs. Claussen was a member of First Lutheran Church in Valley Springs, a member of the National and State Education Associations, the Valley Springs Legion Auxiliary, a lifetime member of the PTA, and for many years, secretary of the Lutheran Brotherhood Branch #8607.

Survivors include three sons, Lowell (Judy) Claussen, Renner S.D., Larry (Eileen) Claussen, Wayne, Neb., and Lyle (Mary) Claussen, Brookings, S.D.; six grandchildren, Cathy Reiman, Todd Claussen, Wendy Claussen, Jim Claussen, Lori Ann Claussen and Nikki Kunde; three great-grandchildren, Garret Claussen, Wyatt Reiman and Peyton Reiman; three sisters, Gladys Scott, Viola (Rudy) Lafrenz, both of Sioux Falls, Janice (Robert) Hanson, Brandon; three sisters-in-law, Viola Ladd, Luverne, Eunice Claussen, Hardwick and Delores Strassburg, Kenneth.

Mrs. Claussen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two brothers, Aldewin and Willard Strassburg.

The family requests memorials be directed to the Lucile I. Claussen Scholarship Fund.
Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

Robert S. Severson, 81, Beaver Creek, died Thursday, April 4, 2002, at Luverne Community Hospital in Luverne.

Services were Monday, April 8, at First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. Daniel U. Smith Jr. officiated. Burial was in Pleasant View Cemetery, Valley Springs, S.D.

Robert Severson was born to Stenno and Bertha (Bjorlie) Severson on Aug. 9, 1920, near Valley Springs where he was raised and attended school. Following his graduation he joined the U.S. Navy where he served in the South Pacific during World War II.

He married AnnaMae Gunderson on Dec. 9, 1942. He was a member of the USS group 45 LCT Flotilla 15 where he was the pharmacist mate first class. He was honorably discharged and returned to Valley Springs. They then lived and farmed south of Valley Springs before moving to Valley Springs in 1963. He worked as a carpenter until he retired.

He married Norma Jauert on July 21, 1972, in Valley Springs. Following their marriage they built a home in Beaver Creek. Mrs. Severson preceded him in death on Feb. 28, 2002.

Mr. Severson was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. While in Valley Springs he was a member of First Lutheran Church where he served in many capacities within the church. He was also a 50-year member of the Charles R. Doman American Legion Post 131 in Valley Springs and the Optimist Club. He enjoyed his morning coffee at Rauk's. He played, coached and umpired baseball for many years. He also liked playing pool, pinochle and other card and board games.

Survivors include his five children, Bob Severson Jr., Mesa, Ariz., Barb (Bob) Vanderlinde, Elk Point, S.D., Judi (Dean) Christensen, Montrose, S.D., David (Jackie) Severson, Madison, S.D., and Gayle (Bill) Stegemann, Luverne; six stepchildren, Arlyn Jauert, Burnsville, Cheryl Jauert, Brooklyn Center, Rick Jauert, Washington, D.C., Vickie Jauert (Ronald) Allen, St. Paul, Lori Klein, Florence, Ky., and Gregg (Terri) Jauert, Minneapolis; 15 grandchildren, Stacey Eide, Jenny, Mike, Shaun, Stephanie and A.J. Severson, Todd, Kari and Darci Vanderlinde, Duane, Amy and Denise Christensen, Sara, Andy and Erik Stegemann; nine great-grandchildren; four stepgrandsons, Travis and Josh Klein, and John and Jason Allen; special friend, Stella Board; one brother, Wayne Severson, Tracy, Calif.; one sister-in-law, Helen Severson, Sioux Falls, S.D.; and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Severson was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Norma, one son, Michael, one stepson, Ron, one brother, Elvin, and one sister, Lorna Karli Voss.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church building fund or the American Legion Post in Valley Springs.

Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

Mildred L. "Millie" Meyer, 87, Luverne, died Saturday, April 6, 2002, at Parkview Manor Nursing Home in Ellsworth.

Services were Tuesday, April 9, at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne. The Rev. Andrew Beerman officiated. A private burial followed.

Mildred Colwell was born to John and Mary Ann Colwell on Oct. 3, 1914, in Luverne. She graduated from Luverne High School.

She married Harvey Meyer on Jan. 16, 1941, in Luverne. After their marriage they lived in Luverne. She worked at various jobs including Worthmore Locker, Lamberton's Café and Luverne Lanes, all in Luverne.

Mrs. Meyer was a member of St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne. She enjoyed bowling, golfing and visiting with friends.
Survivors include many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Meyer was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Harvey, in 1985, and five sisters, Gen, Fritzie, Peggy, Cal and Jerry.
Dingmann Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

Edith Leslie, 91, Hills, formerly of Luverne, died Tuesday, April 2, 2002, at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills.

Services were Saturday, April 6, at United Methodist Church in Luverne. The Rev. Bill Clyma officiated. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne.

Edith Elsie Leslie was born to Earl Sylvester and Iva Fern (Story) Leslie on Aug. 14, 1910, on the family farm near Luverne. She attended District 16 country school. After her education she did domestic work for several area families before moving to Luverne. While living in Luverne she worked at the bakery, Forrest Dairy, Luverne Laundry Service and Palace Theatre.

Ms. Leslie and her brother, Hugh Leslie, co-owned Tastee Freeze Drive-In in Luverne for several years. They sold the drive-in in 1968, but she continued to manage it until she retired in 1975. She provided care for her parents, her brother and for the last few yeas her sister when they needed it and enjoyed being their caregiver. She moved to The Oaks in Luverne in December 1999. She became a resident of Tuff Village Assisted Living in Hills on Aug. 3, 2001. She moved to Tuff Memorial Home in Hills on April 1, 2002, for hospice care due to recurring cancer.

Ms. Leslie enjoyed playing bingo, crocheting, embroidering and doing crossword puzzles during her retirement years.

Survivors include one brother, Hugh (Mildred) Leslie, Bryon; one sister, Jeannetta Leslie, Hills; and several nieces and nephews.

Ms. Leslie was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Kenneth Leslie, and one sister, Laura Hengeveld.

Memorials may be directed to Tuff Village Assisted Living at Hills.

Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.

Lois Leenderts, 63, Hills, died unexpectedly Monday, April 8, 2002, at Luverne Community Hospital in Luverne after a sudden illness at home.

Services were Thursday, April 11, at First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. The Rev. John Pehrson officiated. Burial was in Luverne Memorial Gardens, rural Luverne.

Lois Reemts was born to Eppo and Dora (Dirks) Reemts on Sept. 27, 1938, in rural Rock Rapids, Iowa. She grew up and attended country school near Ash Creek. She graduated from Luverne High School in 1956.

She married Leonard "Shorty" Leenderts on Dec. 30, 1956. Following their marriage they moved to El Paso, Texas, where her husband was stationed with the U.S. Army at Fort Bliss. After her husband was discharged from the Army they moved back to Minnesota and settled near Hills where they have farmed together for the past 31 years. She took an active part in the farming operation and was well known for hauling crops into the elevator along with operating all the various farm implements. She was also an accomplished cook and baker. She has been a certified nurses' aide at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills for the past 18 years.

Mrs. Leenderts was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Luverne and held many church offices. She was a member of the Anchor Group at church for 32 years. She was also a member of an April Fools Club made up of couples all married about the same time. Mrs. Leenderts was a leader of the Blue Ribbon 4-H Club and an active contributor to the 4-H program in Rock County. In 1982 she was honored as Rock County Mother of the Year, and the Leenderts family was honored in 1980 as Rock County Farm Family of the Year. In her leisure time she was active in two bowling leagues.

Survivors include her husband, Leonard "Shorty" Leenderts, Hills; four children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandson. The children and their families are Alan "Al" (Bonnie) Leenderts, Hills, and their children, Aric (RaeLyn) Leenderts and Tracee (Jerrad) Brouwer and their son, Grant; Lori (Tor) Boen and their children. Michael, Daniel and Timothy, Luverne; Kristie (Peter) Jessen and their children, Jessica, Ashley and Matthew, Luverne; David (Dawn) Leenderts and their son, Dawson, Hills. Also surviving are two brothers, Lloyd (Arlene) Reemts, Valley Springs, S.D., and Larry (Nancy) Reemts, Jefferson, S.D.

Mrs. Leenderts was preceded in death by her parents.

Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.

Russell T. Grout, 91, Escondido, Calif., formerly of the Beaver Creek area, died Wednesday, March 27, 2002, at the Meadowview nursing home in Escondido.

He was born to Thaddeus and Julia (Brooks) Grout on Aug. 7, 1910, on the family farm east of Beaver Creek. He graduated from Beaver Creek High School in 1928 and Macalester College, St. Paul, in 1932. He coached at Elmore High School before moving to Sacramento, Calif., where he worked for Southwest Telephone Company until retirement.

His wife, Grace, worked for Seaboard Finance. They were married on March 27, 1937. She died on Dec. 31, 2000. They had no children.

Survivors include cousins, Norma (English) Herman, Luverne, Ruth (Brooks) Hagen, Sioux Falls, S.D., Marilyn (Brooks) Granald, New York, New York, Dale (Bill) Brooks, Albuquerque, N.M., and Phyllis (Brooks) Bim, Memphis Tenn.

Luverne's Tom Sandager brings the baton across the finish line for the winning 800-meter relay team during the Cardinal Quadrangular Thursday. The LHS boys won eight events during the first outdoor meet of the season.

By John Rittenhouse
The Luverne boys' track team kicked off the 2002 outdoor season by hosting the annual Cardinal Quadrangular Thursday.

The field actually consisted of five teams with Southwest Christian, Edgerton, Tracy-Milroy-Balaton and Southwest Star Concept-Sioux Valley-Round Lake-Brewster joining the Cards for a meet that was postponed on April 2.

With Luverne winning eight events and racking up six second-place performances, Cardinal coach Craig Nelson deemed the day a success.

"We had some excellent times and performances for it being the first outdoor meet of the season. Some of the kids began where they left off last year, and that's impressive. We had a lot of tremendous efforts, and it gives us some confidence heading into the rest of the season," he said.

Senior Craig Bosch, an all-state performer last season, got off to a solid start in 2002 by winning the shot put and discus competitions with respective 48-11 and 143-1 tosses.

Andrew Norton and Tom Sandager helped the Cardinals win five more events.

Norton cleared 6-2 to win the high jump and covered 19-1 to take top honors in the long jump. Sandager, who won the 400-meter dash in 54.48, ran legs with LuverneÕs winning 400- and 800-meter relays that turned in respective 46.49 and 1:35.97 times. Travis Johnson, Tyler Elbers and Chris Morgan ran with Sandager in both champion relays.

Morgan also claimed a meet title for the Cards by winning the 300-meter hurdles in 45.4.

Luverne had two teams entered in the 400-meter relay, and the second one placed second in 48.79. Kyle Bitterman, Tim Rust, Jerome Willers and Cody Gehrke are the team members.

Other seconds came from Elbers (5-10 in the high jump), Justin Van Wyhe (18-8 1/4 in the long jump), Nick Otten in the 800 (2:18.16), Johnson (24.1 in the 200) and Mark Brockberg (9-6 in the pole vault).

Here is a look at the rest of Luverne's top-eight finishers during the meet.

Third place: Bitterman, pole vault, 8-0; 1,600 relay (Van Wyhe, Otten, Willers and Tim Rust), 3:59.13; Ruston Aaker, 400, 56.79; 3,200 relay (Otten, Aaker, Tim Schneekloth and Jamison Tooley), 9:46.53.

Fourth place: Gehrke, 100, 12.45; Brandon Johnson, discus, 101-10.

Fifth place: Van Wyhe, 100, 12.52; Gehrke, shot, 39-10 1/2; Tooley, 1,600, 5:41.01; Casey Swenson, discus, 96-8.

Sixth place: Tony Willers, shot, 37-4; Norton, 200, 24.66.

Seventh place: Cody Jagow, shot, 36-6; Travis Halfmann, 1,600, 6:21; Thomas Gluf, discus, 92-4; Mike Nelson and Ryan Wynia tied for seventh place by clearing 7-0 in the pole vault.

Eighth place: Gehrke, 200, 25.61; Jon May, 1,600, 6:27.