Francine H. Berg, 81

Francine Hazel Berg, 81, of Austin, died June 1, 2003, at her daughter's home.

She was born Jan. 4, 1922, in Armstrong, Iowa, to Harry and Evana Steinberger.

Francine was a housewife and a member of First Methodist. She also belonged to the Women's League at the Salvation Army.

She enjoyed her flower garden, knitting, sewing and collecting dolls.

Survivors include her children, Harry (Carol) Hansen, Austin; Vanna Ray (Peter) Nielsen, Austin; Terry (Sharon) Berg, South Beloit, Ill.; Penny Nolta, Austin; son-in-law, Niel Groth, Lonsdale; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Bernadine (Herb) Petersen.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Otto Berg; parents; and children, Starlene Groth and Gregory Berg.

Visitation: One hour before the service at the chapel.

Service: 1 p.m. Thursday, June 5, 2003, at the Salvation Army Chapel with Pastor James Mikkelson officiating.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials: To the family.

Marlyn Dodge, 65

Marlyn Dodge, age 65, of Blooming Prairie, Minn., died Sunday afternoon, June 1, 2003, at Owatonna Hospital.

Marlyn Clayton Dodge was born April 22, 1938, in Blue Earth County, Minn., to John Melborn Scott and Evelyn (Dahms) Dodge.

After graduating from Winnebago High School, he went into the Navy. Following discharge, he returned to Winnebago where he worked at Lovell Construction from 1960 to 1969.

Marlyn married Pat Severns in 1961. They were later divorced. In 1989, he married Ella Drees.

Marlyn decided to go into farming, moved to Sargeant and in 1970 moved to Blooming Prairie where he lived on his farm and in 1992 began work at Prairie Manor Nursing Home.

A lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, he had recently joined the American Legion. He liked to talk, discuss things and debate politics. He loved to be on the farm, loved his family, enjoyed nature and liked interacting with the residents of Prairie Manor.

Surviving are his wife, Ella; six sons, Anthony (Caroyl) Dodge of St. Jacob, Ill.; Keith Dodge, Allen Drees, Jr. and Todd (Cristi) Drees, all of Blooming Prairie; Philip Drees of Claremont and Richard Drees of Blooming Prairie; two daughters, Donna (Mark) Perkins of Deer Park, Wis.; and Katie Drees of Blooming Prairie; 13 grandchildren; one sister, Marlene (Mildon) Arndt of Guckeen; nieces, nephews, cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Marie Hendrickson.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 5 at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie with the Rev. Richard Hegal and the Rev. Heidi Heimgartner officiating. Friends may call at Worlein-Blooming Prairie Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday and at the church one hour before the service on Thursday.

Vern Day, 70

Vern Day, 70, of Springfield, Mo., died Tuesday, May 13, 2003, at home of a sudden cardiac arrest.

He was born in Grand Rivers, Iowa and graduated from high school in Osceola, Iowa. He was a corporal in the U.S. Army, attending Army Aviation School and serving from 1953 to 1955. On July 31, 1959, he married Phyllis.

Vern retired from a long career as a sales representative.

In Springfield, Mo., he was a member of Schweitzer United Methodist Church and the Rangers Square Dancing Club. He enjoyed golfing, waterskiing and traveling with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; children, Norman, David, Cindy and Scott; two grandchildren; brother, Earl Day; sister, Aletha Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Charles Day.

Memorial Service: 1 p.m. Friday, June 6, 2003, at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.