Charlene L. Hill, 58

Charlene L. Hill (Szafran-ski), 58, formerly of Aurora, Minn., died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2002, at Willows on Main Nursing Home, Rockford, Ill., after a long illness.

Ms. Hill was born to John G. and Hilda (Mortenson) Szafranski on Jan. 8, 1944, in Virginia, Minn. She attended school in both Palo-Markham and Aurora-Hoyt Lakes. She earned an associates degree from Mesabi Community College in 1974. In 1986, she received a bachelor of science degree in community service from Bemidji State University and in 1994 a masters degree in social work/agency management from the University of Arkansas, Little Rock.

She was an avid reader, writer, gardener, seamstress and interior decorator. Over the years she spent many joyful hours caring for her many pets, especially Krisna and Peaches. She was a social advocate, a great portion of her life spent helping those with alcoholism, domestic abuse, women's issues, and abused and neglected children.

In 1984, she wed Arthur Hill, making their home in Biwabik, Minn. They moved to Rose Creek, Minn. in 1989, continuing to enjoy small town living and her many hobbies. She and Art retired to Rodgers, Ark., where they made their home until Art's passing in 1992.

She is survived by daughters, Carla Skytta, Minneapolis, Minn.; Cathy Cerra, Wayzata, Minn.; Gina (James) Petrick, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.; brother, John (Constance) Szafranski Jr., Tucson, Ariz.; sisters, Patricia Gordon, Minneapolis, Minn.; Luanne (John) Kernin, Westby, Wis.; grandchildren, Eric and Rachel Skytta; Brandon Cerra; Haley Nelson; Hunter and Nicolas Petrick; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Art Hill; and a brother, Darryl.

A remembrance service will be held at Ziemer-Moeglein Funeral Home, Aurora, Minn., on Friday, Jan. 10, 2003, from 3 to 5 p.m. Eulogy to begin at 3:30 p.m.

Flossie M. Beckel, 94

Flossie May Beckel, age 94, of Austin, died Monday, Jan. 6, 2003, at St. Mark's Lutheran Home.

Flossie was born Dec. 23, 1908, in Millers Creek, N.C., to Edward and Mary (Johnson) Cole. The Cole family moved to Montana where Flossie attended school.

She married Earl H. Beckel on Feb. 5, 1927, at her parents' home in Deer Lodge, Mont. They moved to Austin, Minn., and raised their family of four children. After Earl passed away on Feb. 17, 1985, Flossie moved to the Cedars of Austin where she lived for 12 years before entering St. Mark's Lutheran Home in November 1997.

Flossie was a homemaker and loved to visit and entertain her friends. She devoted her life to the care of her home and family. For many years Flossie enjoyed crafts and creating special dishes to serve her guests. She was a lifetime member of the Church of Christ of Austin.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law: Bernard and Lois Beckel, Austin; daughter and son-in-law: Velma and Clifton Vick, Austin; 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 11 step-great-grandchildren; two sisters: Velma Swant, Deer Lodge, Mont., Grace Ellis, Washington; brother: Hoy Cole, San Jose, Calif.; sister-in-law: Elna Cole, Two Harbors, Minn.

She is preceded in death by her husband: Earl H. Beckel; son: Leland Beckel; daughter: Lucille Weinmann; twin brother: Hughlun Cole; sister: Edith Kent; great-granddaughter: Kelly Ruthledge; son-in-law: Gerald Weinmann; sister-in-law: Marguerite Waller; four brothers-in-law: Marvin Swant, Leland Kent, Orb Ellis and Rex Waller.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, 2003, at Grace American Lutheran Church with Pastor Greg Mannel officiating. There will be a 4 p.m. prayer service officiated by Pastor David DeFor of the Church of Christ, at St. Mark's Lutheran Home where friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday and one hour before the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery,

The casket bearers will be Stephen Vick, Roger Beckel, Thomas Beckel, David Beckel, Robert Weinmann, Leland Weinmann, Earl Weinmann, Michael Weinmann and Timothy Weinmann.

Arrangements by Mayer Funeral Home.