American Legion Post 57
Chaska
102 W 4th St, Chaska, MN, United States, 55318
Phone: (952) 448-4090
The Last Role Call
Taps
In Remembrance of our Fallen
The Last Roll Call is a memorial service that honors veterans who have passed away. It is a military tradition and a long-standing ceremony at many VA Medical Centers across the country.
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The Last Roll Call is a ceremony that:
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Provides a space for honoring the service and sacrifices of veterans
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Offers comfort and closure to those who attend
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Serves as a gesture of care and support for the family, friends, and comrades-in-arms of the deceased veteran
The ceremony typically includes:
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The posting of colors
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The national anthem
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An invocation
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Tributes
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Recognition of the fallen veteran by name
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Special presentations for family members
The deceased soldier's commander designates a senior leader, usually the First Sergeant, to conduct the Last Roll Call.
During the ceremony, each soldier sounds off, "Here, first sergeant!" when their name is called. When the fallen Veteran's name is called, multiple times with no answer, a Final Salute is presented by his comrades.
The Honor Guard is a Unit that provides a Ceremony for a Veteran with the presentation
of Flags, a Rifle Salute, Taps by a Bugler, and presents the American Flag to the Family.
James W. Kuhl
1926 - 2024
James Walter Kuhl was born July 9, 1926 in Austin, MN, the son of Clarence and Betha (Bainbridge) Kuhl. He graduated from St. Ansgar High School in Iowa and continued his education, achieving an associates degree from Devry University in Chicago, IL. On November 4, 1944, James entered active service in the United States Army and proudly served in the Pacific in WWII. On May 24, 1958, James was united in marriage to Marilynn Glessner at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, IA.
James modeled the importance of hard work. He was a farmer all his life as well as working for Control Data Corp until retirement. In his free time, he enjoyed watching old westerns on TV. James was a faithful member of his church and served on the West Union Cemetery Committee. God and family were his great loves and his focus in life. His devotion and authenticity left a mark on those who knew him. He will be dearly missed.
HENRY (SAM) ROEPKE
1933 - 2023
Henry was born May 8, 1933 in Chaska, MN, to Henry and Charlotte (Orkowski) Roepke, one of three sons. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Chaska, and graduated from Chaska High School in 1951. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1953 – 1957 and received commendations for his service, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. He was employed at Cooper’s Super Valu in Chaska from 1958-2009 serving as store manager for many years. On February 11, 1994 he married Pamela Drazan at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Chaska. He was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where he served as an elder for many years. He was a member of the Chaska American Legion for 57 years, the Chaska Historical Society, the Chaska Community Choir and the Chaska Drum & Bugle Corps and the Chaska Torreadores. He always had an interest in local Chaska city government, which he demonstrated as a member of the Chaska Planning Commission. He also enjoyed watching sports, yardwork, reading and especially spending time with his children and grandchildren.
ARTHUR GEORGE ABRAHAM
1930 - 2023
Art was born November 19, 1930 to George and Lydia Abraham. He was one of two children. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church where he was a lifetime member. Art attended St. John’s Lutheran School and then Chaska public school.
On April 25, 1952 he was united in marriage to Laverne Lenzen at Trinity Lutheran church in Carver. In June 1952 Art was drafted into the US Army for two years. LaVerne joined him while he completed basic training for four months in Aberdeen, Maryland. Art served in Korea for 16 months where he was Sargeant of the repair and maintenance of trucks and tanks.
After returning from service in May 1954, Art and LaVerne took over his parent’s farm, which was in what is now the Jonathan area. In 1960 they purchased a farm in the Cologne/East Union area which he farmed until his retirement in 1993. His farm included dairy, beef, hogs and crops.
Art was a lifetime member of the Chaska VFW. He played on the Dart ball team for St. John’s church for many years. After he retired, he continued to help at the farm with fieldwork. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing and traveling with LaVerne. They met many wonderful people and got to see the United States and other countries.
HENRY WILLIAM STACKEN
1929 - 2023
Henry William Stacken was born on April 4, 1929, on the family farm in Laketown Twp, MN. His parents were Henry and Hedwig (Pierson) Stacken. He was the sixth of fifteen children. Henry was baptized and later confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waconia, MN. Henry learned the value of hard work at a young age. From helping his dad in the fields, to raising and selling tomatoes with his sister Margaret to sell to the canary in Chaska, to assisting neighbors with their harvest, he strove to do his very best. After completing the eighth grade, Henry was sent out to neighboring farms to assist with their daily operations. He said in later years that being away from home was hard at times, but he was proud to bring home his wages to his father and mother to help support their growing family. Henry carried that strong work ethic throughout his lifetime.
In 1951, Henry was drafted into the army. Upon completing basic training in Missouri, he was sent to South Korea. Here he served for eleven months, often on the front lines. He never spoke much of his experience in Korea except to say that he lost some good friends there. He was honorably discharged from the Army on May 10, 1953. While in the service, through a family friend, he began some correspondence with a young nurse from Minneapolis. Her name was MaryAnn. It was the beginning of a love story that would last over 68 years until her death in 2022. Once he returned home, several Sunday drives were made to Minneapolis. Ever the romantic, Henry proposed to MaryAnn while doing a sink full of dirty dishes after one of these Sunday dinners. Henry and MaryAnn were married in December 1953. And to this union, ten children were born. Henry and MaryAnn raised their family with a strong faith in God and love for one and other. They lived in Mayer, Waconia, Chaska and Eden Valley throughout their marriage.
DAVID FRANCIS MEUWISSEN
1954 - 2023
David was born on March 11, 1954 to Eugene and Rose (Poppler) Meuwissen, the fourth of 10 children. Dave graduated from Chaska High School and operated Dave’s Mobil in Chaska from 1975 to 1979. Davey served our country in the US Navy for six years aboard the USS Ouellette and the USS Ingersoll 990. He continued his world travels working for Aero Space Engineering for 31 years, retiring in 2020. He was a life member of the Chaska American Legion and Post 57 Honor Guard. Dave will always be remembered for his big heart and helpful attitude and by his nephews for showing them “how to do stuff”.
Burnell Edward Clausen
1947 - 2023
Burnie was born June 18, 1947 in Amery, Wisconsin and peacefully went to meet the Lord July 30, 2023. After several years of ill health, he has gone to see his parents, Ruth and Edward Clausen and his brother, David who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ginny; daughter Becky (Kurtis); grandchildren Jacob and Alyssa; brothers Dennis (Judy); Bruce (Diane); sister Glenda (Glen) and several cousins, nieces and nephews. After attending Burnsville High School, Burnie joined the Army for 21 years. He served in Viet Nam, Europe, Puerto Rico and several locations in the United States. Funeral services will be held at St. John's Cemetery in Chaska on September 23, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Immediately following, lunch will be served at the VFW in Chaska.
Charlie Skogstead
1996 - 2022
Charlie was in Alpha Company 1-194th Combined Arms Battalion of the 194th Armor Regiment. He trained at Fort Mc Coy and then stationed at Camp Virginia, then deployed to Kuwait from July 2011 to April 2012. He would convoy into Iraq and do convoy security throughout.
Alpha Company was known as the Avengers and the whole Battalion was called the Bastards.
JAMES JOSEPH 'MR. BREEZE' HEILAND
1943 - 2023
Heiland, James Joseph "Mr. Breeze" age 80 of Bloomington formerly of Arlington, MN passed away peacefully on May 20, 2023. Jim was a Navy veteran and a member of the American Legion Post #259 in Shorewood, MN. Former owner of Liberty Station and was a member of "Old Timers Vintage Racing". Preceded in death by son, Michael and parents, Tony and Julia Heiland. Survived by loving wife, Christine and their dogs, Sofie and Billy. Also survived by sons, Mart (Renee), Tim and his special dog, Parker; sister, Lil (Katie Flannery); stepson, Derick (Tammy) Welsh; 4 grandchildren; half-brother, Curt Moe; half-sister, Tasia Pearson; brother from another, Bob Kaiser; and special friends, Jane Heiland and Dave Skramstad.
Lyle Reuben Lund
1933 - 2023
Lyle was born April 23, 1933 in San Francisco Township, Carver County, the only child of George Reuben and Rose (Bahr) Lund. He was baptized and confirmed at East Union Lutheran Church, Carver, where he was a lifelong member. He graduated from Chaska High School in 1951. After high school Lyle worked miscellaneous jobs, including the Milwaukee Rail Road, Crystal Sugar in Chaska, and a few months in San Diego, CA at an aircraft factory and the Ford Plant in St. Paul. Lyle then served in the United States Army from May 1, 1953 to May 2, 1955. He than went on to work at the Ford Plant in St. Paul, MN, where he worked for 30 years, retiring in 1982 with the nickname Dew Drop. He was a member of the Chaska American Legion, and he enjoyed hunting, fishing and umpiring for many years with the NW Umpire Association. He loved to play cribbage with family and friends, and also had two 29 hands in back to back games at a tournament in Green Bay, WI, on February 29, 2004, in games 6 & 7.
Lowell D. Peterson
1934 - 2023
Lowell was born January 17, 1934 in Madison, WI. He graduated from Madison East High in 1952, where his Crosley convertible made him one popular student!! If you couldn't drive it into a parking place at school, all riders had to get out and lift it into the spot. Those were "The Happy Days" of the 50's!! Lowell attended the University of Wisconsin before enlisting in the Navy and served for four years. He was stationed in Key West, FL on the USS Howard W Gilmore, a submarine tender. Lowell worked on ship electronics,including the first nuclear submarine, the USS Nautilus. After the service he began acquiring other life experiences with a number of different jobs. You could say he was ahead of his time with his many professions throughout his life!! He worked for the railroad - sometimes on the train that went right behind his home in Madison. He was also a lineman for AT&T, worked for a number of insurance companies,owned a bar and later started a limo service. His good humor and positive attitude landed him his prize job of Jesse Ventura's driver on Ventura's run for governor of Minnesota. An honor that he thoroughly enjoyed. There were many wonderful/funny/touching stories that he shared about this adventure with his friend Jesse!!
Lowell made volunteering a large part of his life. Helping his community wherever he was needed. He was a Chaska Assistant Scoutmaster and Carver volunteer FireFighter. He was one of the founders of the Carver, MN Lions Club and later became the District Governor for the 5M2 Lions District. He joined the Chaska VFW and worked his way up to Commander. He was a life member in the VFW and the American Legion. In the small community of Stockholm, WI, he helped in many ways to preserve the history of his Swedish ancestors on both sides of his family. This was a place that he loved to visit and interact with the many relatives in the area.
Roy W. Larson Jr.
1930 - 2022
Roy was born on January 7, 1930 at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis and graduated from Edison High School in 1947. He enlisted in the US Army in January 1951, served 13 months in Korea and attained the rank of Sergeant First Class during his three years of service. He graduated from the University of Minnesota (BBA) in 1959 and during his working career was employed at Honeywell, Control Data and Toro Manufacturing. He served as a court-appointed conservator in McLeod County from 2004 to his death.
Roy a computer programmer and accountant, enjoyed home projects, cribbage, fishing, and his computer. His dog Lily was his lifelong companion.
Bernard Henry Serbus
1932 - 2022
Bernard was born on August 24, 1932 in Roseville Township in Kandiyohi, MN, the son of Joseph and Lillian (Dolezal) Serbus. As a child, he was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church and always made his faith a big and central part of his life. A great honor for him was participating and serving as Eucharistic Minister especially one special Mass with the Pope. As a child, he learned to work hard on the family farm. Starting each day by getting up early to bring pails of water into the kitchen before breakfast and then taking his team of horses out to plant and/or harvest crops during the day. Then, only four months after turning 18, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He served his country proudly earning stars, ribbons and medals. He was relieved from active duty and honorably discharged on December 25, 1954.
Robert Jerome Pierson
1979 - 2022
Robert was born October 7, 1979 in Shakopee, MN, to Charles and Caroline (McGovern) Pierson, one of 4 children. He graduated from Chaska High School in 1998 and then enlisted in the United States Army where he honorably served his country from 1998 – 2005. On November 13, 2000, he married Tara Stewart at Fort Hood, Texas. They have two sons. Robert attended Dakota County Technical College where he earned an Associate’s Degree in Automotive Service in 2008. During his school he did his internship at Lenzen Chevrolet, Chaska. He was employed at Shakopee Chevrolet for 10 years and in 2019 he returned to Lenzen Chevrolet. He was a proud and active member of the Chaska American Legion and Chaska VFW. He enjoyed wrestling, mountain biking, motorcycles and going to the gun range with his boys.
John Charles Lenzen
1943 - 2022
John was born May 23, 1943 in Shakopee, MN, the youngest of 10 children to Ernst and Anna (Buckentine) Lenzen. He was baptized and confirmed at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Carver, and graduated from Chaska High School in 1961. John began his career in the automotive industry at the Lenzen Mobil Station, working his way on to Dauwalter Motors, Fleck Chevrolet Buick, Nelson Lenzen and in 1978 was proprietor of Lenzen Chevrolet Buick in Chaska. John was very active in his community and was a very integral member of many organizations. He was a 57 year member of the Chaska American Legion, Charter President of the Carver Lions, a 21 year member of the Carver Fire Department and its Second Alarm, former Mayer of Carver, MN, was on the finance board of Trinity Lutheran Church, President of Heartland Chevrolet Dealers, a member of the Klein Bank Board, the 100 club, the All for One Committee, and a very active member of St. John’s – volunteering his time graciously and freely. He loved his family, hunting, fishing, spending time at his cabin on Big Sandy Lake in McGregor, MN, wintering tin Texas and Arizona, and was a member of Dahlgren Golf Course.
Dale Harry Heitkamp
1934 - 2022
Dale Harry Heitkamp, age 87, of Minnetonka, MN, formerly of Bel Air, MD and Carver, MN, died unexpectedly on Sunday, September 11, 2022 at his residence.
Funeral Service will be held on Monday, September 19, 2022, 11:00 AM with visitation starting at 10:00 AM all at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 23290 MN Hwy. 7, Excelsior, MN. The burial will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery, Carver, MN.
Dale was born October 22, 1934 in Minneapolis, MN, to Harry and Margaret (Hubel) Heitkamp, one of four children. He was baptized on November 18, 1934 and confirmed on April 10, 1949 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Carver, MN. He graduated from Chaska High School and then attended Mankato State University before graduating from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1960-1962. Dale was a resident of Bel Air, MD from 1962-2022, where he was employed at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Research and Development as a scientist, retiring in 1997. He recently moved back to Minnesota in July of 2022 and resided in Minnetonka, MN. He was a master wood carver, meticulous in his carving and painting of ducks and other waterfowl. He enjoyed the opportunity to enter his creations in many competitive carving shows. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
PHILIP FRITZ
1925 - 2022
Philip L. Fritz, age 96, formerly of Chaska, MN, died peacefully on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at Inova Alexandria Hospital, Alexandria, VA.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on July 7, 10:30 AM at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 218 West Second Street, Chaska, MN. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the Mass at the church. The inurnment will be at 12:45 PM Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, next to his beloved wife, Betty. Lunch will be provided at Guardian Angels following the burial.
Phil was born on December 3, 1925 in Chaska, MN to Bernard and Margaret Fritz, one of 8 children. He was baptized, confirmed and attended the parochial school at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, Chaska. On October 22, 1949 he married Betty Sutherland at Guardian Angels Catholic Church. They had four children. Phil proudly served his country during WW ll in the United States Army Air Corps (1944 – 1945) earning the rank of Sergeant. He flew 27 missions as a nose gunner with his bomber crew and was the youngest of the group.
Phil worked as a machinist and retired from the Ford Motor Company in St. Paul, MN. He and his wife Betty were married for 55 years, lived in Minneapolis and returned to Chaska following his retirement and enjoyed many years there with family and friends. Philip moved to Alexandria, VA to live with his daughter Joy following the death of his wife Betty in 2004. He loved baseball and his Minnesota Twins until the very end. He enjoyed traveling, his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and most of all flying!
Henry "Gordy" G. Anderson
1921 - 2022
Henry Gordon Anderson, Age 101, of Alexandria, MN passed away peacefully on July 3rd, 2022, surrounded by family at Alomere health in Alexandria.
A visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m., on Friday, July 8, 2022, at the Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria with a prayer service led by Rev. Jesse Carson starting at 4 p.m. and concluding with military honors accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at the East Union Lutheran Church in Carver with Rev. Adam Teske Officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at the church cemetery.
Gordon was born in Mankato, Minnesota on Jan. 27, 1921. He was the son of Oscar H and Anna Serina (Rye) Anderson. He grew up in North Mankato and graduated from College High School in Mankato. He served in the U.S. Air Force, enlisting as cadet in 1942 and served from 1943 to 1946 in WWII. He was station in Agra, India from 1944-1946 at Central India Air Base. He was part of the China Burma India Theater operations.
After his discharge from the Air Force he completed his BA degree at Mankato State University, and his MA degree at the University of Minnesota. He married Gloria Olander on June 4, 1950. He served as a school Administrator (Principal or Superintendent) at all the following Minnesota Schools: Sanborn (1948-51); Hollandale (1951-1953); Ellendale (1953-57); Wheaton (1957-62); Le Sueur (1962-66); and Hastings (1966-1981). Following retirement in 1981 from School Administration he worked as a consultant with NSP in their training division for several years.
Gordon was active in education and community affairs. He was active in service clubs, serving as President of Kiwanis and Lt Governor of the St. Paul District of Kiwanis. He also was active in Toastmasters, Lion’s Club, American Legion, and rotary organizations in different communities.
He had a great love for the out-of-doors. He enjoyed golf and played competitively for many years. His hobbies were many and varied.
Dennis L. Hron
1934 - 2021
Dennis L. Hron, age 87, of Shakopee, MN, entered eternal life on Thursday, December 2, 2021, at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN.
Dennis was born in Cologne, MN, on March 22, 1934, the son of Roland and Violet (Zehnder) Hron. He married Mary Ann (Steinhagen) in 1953. They had 7 beautiful children, 3 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.
Dennis was very active in the Shakopee Jaycees, Lions, and he was a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He served in the United States Army in 1952 and then worked at Seagate as a control data analyst until retirement.
Peter Sterbonic
1918 - 2021
Peter was born June 25, 1918 in Clayton, WI, to John and Susanna (Stevonek) Sterbonic, the youngest of 3 children. Peter began his military career in a horse calvary in Arizona, and then proudly served in the Army Air Corps and Air Force during World War II. He was discharged after 20 years of honorable service. On June 1, 1946 he married Maxine Edberg. They had 5 children. He then moved to Minnesota and was a mechanic and co-owner at Shakopee Services. He moved back to Arizona in 1986 with his wife Maxine. He enjoyed gardening, building model ships, painting and his latest hobby was quilting.
Robert Lee Beers
1945 - 2021
Born in Seattle, Washington on May 6, 1945 to Ernest and Genevieve (nee Winkley) Beers, where Ernest worked on Sand Point Naval Air Station in the shipyards. Along with sister Nancy, the family returned to Minneapolis, MN to be near their family, so Bob graduated from South West High School. Following High School Bob attended Mankato State University studying Mathematics, and Physics. Bob served in the Air Force for 5 years during the Viet Nam era working in Communications, which led to a career in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Telecommunications, Cellular, PCS, Grounding, and Fiber.
Bob enjoyed sailing, SCUBA, boating, fishing, flying, motorcycling, and more recently flying model airplanes, and spending time with friends, and family. A member of the Traveler’s Motorcycle Club, the Christian Motorcycle Association, a former Director at Poinsettia Park, and being Chairman of the Cable Committee gave Bob great enjoyment.
Gerald Casper Hilgers
1944 - 2022
Gerald “Jerry” was born September 6, 1944 in Glencoe, MN, to Wilbert and Ann (Schlechter) Hilgers. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Waconia, and graduated from Waconia High School in 1962. He then earned an associates degree in mechanics at Dunwoody Institute, Minneapolis. He faithfully served his country in the United States Army from 1965 – 1967. On July 6, 1968 Jerry married Ruth Meyers at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Arlington, MN. They had 4 daughters. He was employed for over 40 years in the automotive industry and retired from Thurk BrosChevrolet in St. Bonifacius, MN, as service manager. He was a member of the Chaska American Legion and loyal and active member of the Victoria Fire Department. He loved fishing and spending time at his lake cabin in Dent, MN, with friends and family. Especially loved spending time at his grandchildren’s many events.
Kenneth George Poppitz
1934 - 2022
Ken was born August 1, 1934 in Augusta, MN, to Edna (Ohnsorg) Poppitz. Ken graduated from Chaska High School and then faithfully served his country in the United States Army from 1957 – 1963. On October 4, 1958 he married Dorothy Schuring at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Shakopee, MN. They had 3 sons. Ken had been employed as a semi-driver for various companies but retired from Kusske Construction in 1996 after many years of employment. He was a member of the Chaska American Legion and also the Scott-Carver Thresher’s Association. He was very knowledgeable with mechanics and engines and especially loved being with his family.
Jeritt D. Piotter
1970 - 2021
Jeritt was born on April 20, 1970 in Arlington to Donald and Mary (Dahlke) Piotter. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington. He attended grade school at St. Paul’s Lutheran School and then attended Arlington–Green Isle High School, graduating in 1989. He enlisted and served in the Minnesota National Guard. He currently worked for the City of Minneapolis Department of Public Works. Jeritt loved fishing and the hospitality that went along with it. He was a member of Flags and Honor in Chaska.
John Kenneth Laufers
1942 - 2021
He was the son of Kenneth Laufers and Vera Nord and was born at Northwestern Hospital. After he served as a dental assistant in the Army he returned to the University of Minnesota and graduated with a B.A. in history in 1968. He married Lizabeth (Liz) Odell in Minneapolis on June 27, 1969. He retired from Oracle in 2011 following a 43 year career in telecommunication and software. Throughout his life he was active in his children's activities and his church. John was a loyal Gopher football fan and loved being outdoors.
Thomas Lebo
1931 - 2020
Tom was born March 21, 1931 in Austin, MN, to Earl and Mae Lebo, one of two children. He graduated from Wayzata High School and then proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1951 – 1952. Tom was an electrician for many years in the Wayzata area and was a member of the local union #292. He loved being in the army and was a member of the Chaska American Legion and the Chaska VFW. He was a former resident of Chaska and Jordan and had been a resident of the Lutheran Home for the past 2 years.
Sylvester Charles Morschen
1933 - 2020
Sylvester Charles Morschen was born Saturday February 25, 1933 on the family farm in rural Chaska the son of Alfred and Helen (Poppler). He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chaska.
On March 19, 1953 Sylvester was inducted in the United States Army where he served in the 21st Field Artillery Battalion during the Korean War until receiving his Honorable Discharge on March 11, 1955. He was stationed for the majority of his service in Germany. Sylvester was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.
On June 25, 1960 Sylvester was united in marriage with Ruth M. Gennrich at Zion Lutheran Church of Benton Township with Rev. John Melchert officiating. This union of 60 years was blessed with children Joyce, Rita, Loren and Marcia.
Sylvester farmed and also operated his own milk trucking business for over 40 years. After his retirement he enjoyed driving school bus for many years. Sylvester was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chaska and later Trinity Lutheran Church in Waconia. He had served as church usher, PTL member and willingly volunteered whenever asked. Sylvester had also volunteered and was active at Mayer Lutheran High School.
Sylvester was an active member of the Chaska VFW and had served on its detail for funeral honors. He was proud of his continued support of the American Red Cross by being a blood donor. Sylvester had delivered for Meals On Wheels along with his wife Ruth up to this past year.
Sylvester will be remembered for his content and positive nature and that he was always willing to help others. He loved trips to the cabin, helping his family with projects at their own homes and spending time with his grandchildren.
Donald Hubert West
1923 - 2020
Don was born March 18, 1923 in Maple Plain Minnesota, the 4th child of John and Caroline (Hubbert) West. On April 1, 1949 he married Eunice Hoegenauer in San Antonio, TX. They had 2 children.
He graduated from Mound High School in Mound, MN and went on to join the US Army during WWII, where he obtained his pilot license. He went on to obtain his MBA from Trinity University in Texas. He became a teacher and taught many years at Chaska High School until his retirement. His career also included Co-owning a TV repair business, crop dusting, flight instructor and running the Wassena Resort in Pequot Lakes, MN
He was a member of the Chaska Moravian Church, lifetime member of the American Legion, Mason & Shriner. He was Sheriff for one day in Bexar County in Texas on July 12 1948. He loved golf, fishing, and spending time in Texas in the winters and his cabin on Little Pelican in the summer. Spending time with family and friends was important to him. There was nowhere Don would go that he did not meet someone that he knew.
Gilbert "Gib" Mathew Kerber
1927 - 2020
Gib was born on May 31, 1927 in Chanhassen Township, Carver County, MN, to Dennis and Pauline (Diethelm) Kerber, one of 11 children. He was baptized, confirmed and attended the parochial school at St. Hubert’s Catholic Church in Chanhassen, MN. On April 19, 1949 he married Elsie Luce at St. Mary’s – Marystown Catholic Church in Shakopee, MN. Gib served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a member of Guardian Angels Catholic Church, lifetime member of the Chaska American Legion and Chaska VFW. He was past commander of the VFW from 1985 – 1987. He and Elsie lived in Iowa from 1968 – 1978 before moving to Chaska. He was employed at FarmHand Inc. in Hopkins for 17 years and he also worked at Anderson Machine and Tool in Chaska. He drove bus for the Carver County Veterans Service and also for Auburn Manor Care Center for many years. His wife Elsie died in August of 2018.
Kyle Monroe Helgestad
1993 - 2019
Kyle was born April 4, 1993 in Waconia, MN, to Mikeal and Colleen (Norberg) Helgestad. He graduated from Chaska High School in 2011 and entered the United States Navy. He served on the Theodore Roosevelt flat-top aircraft carrier, in San Diego, CA. He enjoyed ice-fishing, hockey, baseball and football.
Daniel D. Schmieg
1957 - 2015
Daniel Dalles Schmieg was born on December 5, 1957 in Shakopee, MN the son of Sylvester and Dorleen (Notermann) Schmieg. Daniel grew up in Victoria and was a 1976 graduate of the Chaska High School. Daniel attended Mankato State University where he earned a degree in computer science. He enlisted in the United States Air Force. Working in technology, Daniel had been stationed in Germany, Washington DC, Missouri and Nebraska. He served on the Presidential Advance Team during the term of President Clinton.
Daniel was a very generous person who would offer help whenever needed. He enjoyed traveling and taking photographs. He was a wonderful host when someone would travel to visit him.