Russell M. Halsey, 87

Russell M. Halsey, age 87, of Austin, died Monday, Nov. 25, 2002, at his home.

He was born April 15, 1915, in Warden Township, Wis., to Charles and Cora (Rank) Halsey.

He married Margaret Roehrborn on June 1, 1940, in Rochester, Minn. They moved to Austin in 1942, where Russell began working for the George A. Hormel Co. He retired in 1975.

Russell was a member of Grace Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 29, 2002, at 1:30 p.m. at the Clasen-Jordan Mortuary Chapel with Dr. Wallace Alcorn officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the mortuary on Friday one hour before the service. There will be no reviewal.

Grateful for having shared his life are his four children, Ray, Richard, Kathleen and Kim.

He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Ray and Maureen Halsey of Bradenton, Fla.; Richard and Jane Halsey of Colorado Springs, Colo.; daughters and sons-in-law, Kathleen and Richard Miller of New Braunfels, Texas; Kim and Gayle Vostad of Hendricks, Minn.; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Pearl Forslund of Minneapolis, Minn.; brothers and sister-in-law, Ellsworth Halsey of Auburn, Wash.; Sylvester and Audrey Halsey of Austin, Minn.; Eugene Halsey of Townsend, Mont.; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Margaret, one brother and one sister.

Memorials are preferred to the Austin Medical Center Hospice.

Wencel D. Engel, 89

Wencel Donald (Don) Engel, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, formerly of Austin, passed away Nov. 22, 2002, in his 89th year.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, a brother and a sister.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy, Bloomington; children, David (Mary), Spooner, Wis.; William (Betty), Austin; Joan Patterson, Minneapolis; Margaret (Richard) Gruzskowski, Oak Creek, Wis.; Virginia (David) Larson, Burnsville; and Thomas (Margaret), Hartland, Wis.; 16 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Bernadine, Kansas City, Mo.; Georgianna, Phoenix, Ariz.

Don was a retired butter maker, his beloved life-long trade. His favorite hobby and pastime was any spectator sport, high school, college or professional. He was a long time member of St. Edward's Church and the Austin Knights of Columbus.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Edward's Catholic Church, Austin, with visitation following the Mass in the church social hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Edward's Church or The Alzheimer's Association, Edina, Minn.

Nellie M. McGrand, 67

Nellie Mae McGrand, 67, of Mound, Minn., died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002, at the Methodist Hospital, St. Louis Park.

She was born Sept. 12, 1935, in Austin, Minn. and was raised in rural Freeborn County. She graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1953 and went on to Winona State University. In June 1956, she married Vern McGrand in Minneapolis.

Nellie Mae was hardworking, independent, as well as a loving mother and wife. Generous and compassionate, there was nothing that she enjoyed more than giving lavishly to family and her wide circle of friends. Her philanthropy was not limited to those nearest her: Nellie Mae was a generous contributor to many charitable organizations including St. Joseph's Indian School and the Animal Humane Society.

While in Albert Lea, Nell worked at First Federal and the Albert Lea Clinic. At the time of her death she was public relations director for Kenko.

Nellie Mae's death occurred peacefully after a long and courageous battle with illness. Her good humor and strength in facing adversity were an inspiration to everyone who knew her. The family wishes to acknowledge the support of Heidi Olson, nurse and special friend to Nellie Mae, who attended upon her during her final illness.

Survivors include her husband, Vern McGrand; children, Jeffrey, Jill and Scott McGrand, Macky Belanger, Kathy Barri, and Robert Kreiser; grandchildren, Robin (Ian) Pinegar, Nathan, Sena, Alex, Sam, Tyler and Travis McGrand, Mikey and Little Nellie Barri; sister, Beverly (Richard) Hart of Albert Lea; mother-in-law, Lil McGrand; sisters-in-law, Mary (Roger), and Jeanie; brother-in-law, Phil McGrand.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Leota Dearmin, and father, Dale Dearmin.

Visitation is 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, at the Huber Funeral Home, Mound, and at the church one hour before the service.

The funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Mound, with the Rev. Mader presiding.

Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Red Lake Falls, Minn.