Photographer Jim Brandenburg's 3-year-old granddaughter, Olivia Brandenburg Ross, finds a comfy seat on a quartzite rock during Friday's dedication of tall grass prairie northwest of Luverne.

Photo by Katrina Vander Kooi

By Sara Quam
Rock County seniors who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism were honored Friday as part of the Rock County Fair.

Of the eight nominees, Victor Hoeck, Hardwick, and Joyce (Kitty) Helgeson, Beaver Creek, were chosen as the most outstanding seniors to represent Rock County at the state fair.

Both Helgeson and Hoeck said they were surprised by their special recognition. Hoeck said, "I was much surprised, didnÕt think I was worthy of it."

This was the first year Hoeck was nominated and the second year for Helgeson.

Helgeson said, "I thought there were more deserving people than me." She was nominated because of her years of work at the father-son pool tournament in Beaver Creek, her work with hospice and for helping at Palisade Lutheran Church whenever possible.

Joan Chesley nominated Helgeson and said, "She has been very active in the Father-Son Pool Tournament, Beaver Creek Memorial Day programs, Beaver Creek Senior Citizens, Advisory Board for hospice and donated trees to the Luverne Country Club.

"She and [her husband] Gordy were awarded the 1999 Friend of Hospice award for their financial contributions. I consider it a real privilege to nominate Kitty for Rock County's Outstanding Senior Citizen. She has done so much for her community and was of great support to her husband while he was serving his country in World War II."

Hoeck was also recognized for a variety of work. He was nominated by Ryan Limesand, Rock County 4-H and Rock County Agricultural Society, and by Ken Hoime.

Limesand said, "I believe that Victor Hoeck should be selected as the Outstanding Senior Citizen because of all the work he has done with the young people in Rock County through his involvement with the 4-H program. Vic was instrumental in getting my brother and me involved in the sheep program. He always offered advice when it was asked for and offered encouragement when our expectations fell short.

"Vic has demonstrated endless effort at promoting agricultural values in Rock County youth. I truly believe he serves because of his love of kids."

Hoime said, "The kids love him because he always cheers them on when things arenÕt going so great. He has helped many years with both FFA projects in Luverne and Hills. Wendell Erickson feels Vic deserves recognition for his involvement at Hills.

He spreads himself thin sometimes but loves working with people. "I think it started way back when I was working up at the school as a custodian," Hoeck said.

Since retiring there, he worked at the Beaver Creek rest area helping tourists get information about the area, helps with various charities and has been a fair board member who also keeps the grounds manicured during the summer.

Even so, Hoeck said, "I didn't expect anything like this."

Other nominees
Also nominated for Outstanding Senior was Darlene Anderson, Luverne. She was nominated by Judy Elbers, her daughter, who said, "If you know Darlene personally, you've probably received a greeting card from her. She sends out dozens of birthday, anniversary, get well and sympathy cards. She loves to brighten someone else's day. There isn't a week that goes by that doesn't find her visiting hospitals, nursing homes, or shut-ins. At 83, she still holds coffee klatches and dinner parties in her home."

Anderson is patriotic, never missing a day at the polls and believes in supporting local merchants.

Cornelius Bosch, Steen, was nominated by Steen Senior Citizens. His nomination letter said, "His present activities are backed by a long history of service to others. Above all, he has a compassion and love for all people and their needs. He's always ready to help and that's why we want to nominate him."

Bosch served in the military, on the school board, as a church elder and deacon, was president of senior citizens and is currently vice president. He was a clerk for the city of Steen for 17 years and has been instrumental in getting grants for several projects for Steen such as sewer and water.

Fabian Deutsch, Magnolia, was nominated by Shelly Deutsch and Glenda Schomacker, who said, "Fabian is retired from the bulk gas delivery business. Fabian is serving his second term as mayor of Magnolia. During this time he has worked hard for the community. He donates much of his time for the city. He has gotten started and organized Santa Day in Magnolia. He also is willing to give of his time to work in the park, help residents with any problem they have and do any business items for the city that has to be taken care of.

"I think the most awesome benefit that he has gotten completed for the residents of the city is meals on wheels are now available. Fabian had to go through the different hoops of the state to get this done."

Tillie Clark, Luverne, was nominated by Bernard Morgan. Morgan said of Clark, "Tillie has been a person that works behind the scenes. She feels much better scrubbing a floor than receiving an award. If you need a volunteer, you can be sure she will be there. She gives unselfishly of her time, talent and treasures. Tillie is energetic, cheerful and can motivate others."

Tillie has worked with handicapped people for 18 years, at St. Catherine Church and visits shut-ins.

Alyce McClure, Luverne, is another nominee. She was named by Marian Vance, who said, "Whenever I would ask someone about Alyce, they'd all say sheÕs the greatest - she does a wonderful job and is always willing to help."

McClure's activities include being president of Luverne Senior Citizens, organizing fund-raisers, judging spelling contest, summer camp, craft shows, Bethany Ladies' Aid, church librarian, janitor, member of VFW and American Legion auxiliaries and other activities.

Jake Boomgaarden, Luverne, got a nomination from Joan Chesley. Boomgaarden is known for officiating in five sports for 56 years. Chesley said, "He has devoted his life to the good of his country and community. He served his country in World War II in Europe for three years and has been a member of the VFW since 1944. He has served the VFW in many capacities.

"Sometimes when people retire, they 'retire' from organizations and volunteering, but not Jake."

In addition to the VFW, Boomgaarden is a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Cooties, Masons and volunteers at the Minnesota Veterans Home.

By Jolene Farley
Hills Locker Service has been located on the main street in Hills for more than 50 years.

When Albert and Gerald Haak retired about eight years ago, Tedd and Diane Larson purchased the business from them.

The locker specializes in dried beef, but it also offers jerky and sticks, according to Tedd Larson, who uses special recipes for some products.

Tedd emphasizes processing is not the only service the business provides. "We offer a full line of retail meats and sausages," said Tedd.

Hills Locker Service draws in people from a broad area. The business capitalizes on being able to offer food tax-free to South Dakota customers.

Fall is the Larsons' busiest time of year. Tedd Larson said people "stock up for winter" and some give meat as a holiday gift.

The oddest thing the Locker Service has ever processed was a bear. He said the sticks weren't bad, but the roast was not very tasty, adding that bear meat is very greasy.

Hills Locker Service employs one to three people, depending on the season.

During the summer the Larsons have one full-time person. During the winter that number increases to three full-time people.

Diane helps out on the floor when needed and helps with the bookkeeping.

The Larsons have four children Hana, 20, Trisha, 17, Lance, 15, and Lucy, 11. All the Larson children help out in the locker.

Hazelton, born in 1901, was raised in Luverne. After graduating from Luverne High School in 1919, Hazelton taught school in a one-room country school. Later, she assisted first grade teacher, Mary Jones, in Luverne.

When Hazelton was about 25 years old, she moved to St. Paul to work at Golden Rule Department Store as a sales person trainer. She later took a job as floor supervisor at another St. Paul department store, the Emporium. Her last traveling position was as Detail Representative for a New Jersey company, selling tooth powder and toothbrushes.

Hazelton returned to Luverne from St. Paul after many years and taught first and second grade for eight years in Steen and third grade for two years in Beaver Creek.

"When I was a girl É all a child was supposed to do was to be a child and grow up," said Hazelton about the changes in kids over the years.

For many years Hazelton was the Luverne contact for the Worthington Globe.

She has a fondness for art. She took art courses from the University of Minnesota.

Hazelton took voice and piano lessons and sang with many church choirs, the Civic Chorus of St. Paul and later with St. Paul Civic Opera. She established the First Presbyterian Junior Choir in Luverne.

Hazelton has served as Pink Ladies president and remains an honorary member.

When asked to share memories Hazelton exclaimed, "There are so many memories which one should I pick?"

Hazelton only recently became a resident at the Tuff Memorial Home in Hills. She resided in the Blue Mound Towers in Luverne before her move.

Hazelton never married and has no children.

A party celebrating her 100th birthday will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at Grace Lutheran Church. Friends and family request stories and pictures instead of gifts.

By Jolene Farley
On Aug. 11 Tuff Home resident Avis Hazelton will reach a landmark in her life. She will celebrate her 100th birthday.

When asked what she wanted for a birthday celebrating 100 years of living, Hazelton replied, "Oh, nothing special. Just a good day with friends and family."

Jordan Davis (standing), Jared Davis, Heath Van Wyhe, Joshua Davis, Halden Van Wyhe and Tabitha Davis peddle sweet corn in front of Orv's Station as a fund-raiser for the Hills United Reformed Church Boys and Girls Club. Volunteers are optimistic they will match last year's sales of $900. A pickup load of sweet corn was purchased yesterday by a local man and donated to the Banquet in Sioux Falls. Volunteers plan to sell on and off through Friday and all day Saturday.

Photo by Jolene Farley

Ashlynn Heather Haraldson, 5 months, 26 days, died Friday, Aug. 3, 2001, in Luverne Community Hospital.

Services were Tuesday, Aug. 7, in Bethany Lutheran Church, Luverne. The Rev. Paul Fries officiated. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne.

Ashlynn Haraldson was born to Tim Haraldson and Dawn Gustafson on Feb. 8, 2001, at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D. She lived with her parents in Luverne. She was a special joy to her entire family and was blessed with a precious smile.

Survivors include her parents, Tim Haraldson and Dawn Gustafson, Luverne; one brother, Jeffrey Robert Lacey; one sister, Samantha Jo Quigley; maternal grandparents, William and Diane Gustafson, Sioux Falls; paternal grandparents, Jim and Geraldine Haraldson, Luverne; maternal great-grandmother, Hazel Bednarek, Sioux Falls; paternal great-grandparents, Clara Haraldson, Ihlen, and Virgil and Marjorie Staeffler, Hardwick; aunts and uncles, Candy Gustafson, Sioux Falls, Mike and Maryln VanGrootheest, Luverne, Todd and Tricia Haraldson, Mitchell, S.D., and Mark and Michele Nelson, Hills; and seven cousins.

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

Elizabeth Hanson, 88, Rock Rapids, Iowa, died Friday, Aug. 3, 2001, at Lyon Manor Nursing and Rehab Center in Rock Rapids.

Services were Monday, Aug. 6, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids. The Rev. Henry Thorberg officiated. Burial was in Flower Field Cemetery, Hills.

Elizabeth Arends was born to Reemt and Gesina (Ennenga) Arends on March 9, 1913, in Steen. She attended school in Steen and graduated from high school in 1932.

She married Albert E. Hanson on Dec. 3, 1938, in Paullina, Iowa. Her husband's work with the Illinois Central Railroad took them to a number of Iowa communities. His last position with the railroad was in Rock Rapids where they moved in 1954. While in Rock Rapids she had a number of different cleaning jobs. Her favorite was taking care of the classrooms at Central Lyon High School.

Mrs. Hanson was an excellent cook, and her apple pies were everyone's favorite. After retirement they continued to enjoy gardening and travel. They particularly enjoyed the trips they made to Norway and Germany. In their later years they were active in the Dinner Date program in Rock Rapids, attending until they became residents of Lyon Manor Nursing Home and Rehab Center.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, James and Susan Hanson, Le Claire, Iowa; one daughter and son-in-law, Evelyn and James Vance Kelso III, Peachtree City, Ga.; one grandson, Matthew Kelso, Peachtree City; and a twin sister, Alice Borchers, Beaver Creek.

Mrs. Hanson was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Albert Hanson, three brothers, John, Ralph and Arend Arends, and three sisters, Fannie Arends, Anna Taubert and Mabel Herrlein.

Roste Funeral Home, Rock Rapids, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.

Stephen J. Gits, 40, Luverne, died Saturday, July 21, 2001, at his home in Luverne.

Services were Thursday, July 26, at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne. Burial was in St. Catherine Catholic Cemetery, Luverne.

Stephen Gits was born to Gordon and Barbara Gits on March 19, 1961, in Luverne. He attended school in Luverne.

Survivors include his parents; one brother, Paul Gits, Minneapolis; three sisters, Theresa Gits-Borgstrom, Brooklyn Park, Mary Reiggins, Hopkins, and Elizabeth Hackett, Kirkland, Wash.; one niece, Ashley Borgstrom; and one nephew, Lucas Reiggins.

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