Updates for Attendees from 1950-1959

DEATHS

1958-1959 Janet (Stelton) Eckman

Janet L. Eckman, age 72, of Kimball died Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at her home with her family at her side after a hard fought battle with breast cancer. 

Memorial Services were held March 4, 2013 at the Kimball Church of Christ with Pastors Jon Albert and Jerry Albert officiating.  Memorials are preferred to the Kimball Church of Christ Benevolent / Mission Outreach Fund.  

Janet Leona Eckman was born March 25, 1940 at home in Maine Prairie Township to Marvin and Carrie (Vannurden) Stelton.  She graduated from Kimball High School with the Class of 1958 and went on to attend Minnesota Bible College in Minneapolis.  On March 25, 1960, she was united in marriage to Richard Louis Eckman at the Kimball Church of Christ.  Janet was a homemaker and helped on the family farm.  She also worked for 20 years as a special education para professional at the Kimball Elementary School.  The most important relationship in her life was with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  She lived out her faith as a member of the Church of Christ in Kimball, where she served as a Sunday school teacher and church pianist; she was also active in the Positive Peace Makers quilting group and making cards for the W.C.O.  She enjoyed sewing and needle work, playing the piano, reading, doing puzzles and playing word games.  Janet was one of the best huggers ever and was known for her love for her family and her ministry of encouragement. 

She is survived by her husband Richard; children & their spouses Shari & Ed Goff of Maple Lake, Jed & Gay Linn Eckman of Bruce, SD, Penny & Robert Blanchard of Kimball, Melissa & Geff Goodfellow of Bruce, SD and Faye & Vern Nelson of Cokato; sisters Jeanie & Joe Froehling of Excelsior, Ruthie & Ben Eder of Kimball and Betty Lou Hoeft of Kimball; 18 grandchildren Adrienne, Justin, Erin, Devin, Dylan, Colton, Kylie, Lane, Weston, Carl, Jace, Cade, Chance, Jake, Carrie, Jubal, Reuben and JennyGrace; 8 great grandchildren Camden, Ashton, Amelia, Ayden, Paisley, AveryAnn, Jet and Max; and a host of extended family and friends.  04/23/2013

BA-1953 Hilliard Comeaux

Hilliard Comeaux, Ph.D., retired Christian minister and college professor, passed from this life on November 26, 2012, in the Northfield Hospital, Northfield, Minnesota.

Hilliard Comeaux was born on November 25, 1930, at the family home south of Welsh, Louisiana. His parents were Damond and Ella Broussard Comeaux. 

Hilliard graduated from Welsh High School in 1948, and entered Minnesota Bible College in Minneapolis in January of 1949. His greatest desire was to be a Christian minister of the Gospel, and to serve his Lord his entire life. While at this college, he met and later married Shirley Evelyn Hall on June 3, 1951. After his graduation he began his first full time ministry in Lake Charles, Louisiana serving the congregation at Hodges Street Church of Christ. Hilliard's ministries took them to Baton Rouge where their son, Garrick Manson Comeaux was born, and to Waterloo, Iowa, where their daughter Elisabeth Lyn Comeaux was born. They moved to Ogallah, Kansas and ministered there while earning his Masters degree in Guidance Counseling and Psychology at Fort Hayes Kansas State University. 

Soon after this, Hilliard was called to work at Minnesota Bible College, and the family moved to Rochester, Minnesota where the college had relocated. He headed the counseling and psychology program which also involved training student counselors in each of the residential town houses. 

During a sabbatical leave he earned his Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychology at the University of South Dakota. He then completed sixteen years of teaching at Minnesota Bible College. 

Hilliard then worked for the Minnesota State Department of Education (SMECSU) as resource to the public schools in southeast Minnesota, aiding their programs in drug awareness and intervention. His job included working with administration and faculty as well as students.

Upon his retirement in 1993, he and his wife moved to Lafayette, Louisiana where they spent the next two decades. During that time, he served twelve years as part-time minister to the First Christian Church of Crowley, Louisiana. 

Hilliard enjoyed several hobbies including gardening, golf and woodworking. He was awarded a trophy for making a hole in one during a game with friends. His woodwork produced beautiful pieces of furniture for their home, including a large hutch and cabinet, and a very special desk for his wife. 

He was devoted to the family but especially to his Lord. His library of Bible study books and theological volumes were among his treasures. He had begun working on his biography but was interrupted by his illness.

After many months of debilitating illness, Dr. Comeaux and his wife decided to return to Minnesota, to be near their children, Garrick and Elisabeth. Hilliard and Shirley moved to a retirement community in Northfield, Minnesota, arriving there November 6th. He was admitted to the Northfield Hospital shortly after. His condition continued to decline, and on November 26, he went to be with his Heavenly Father. 

Hilliard was preceded in death by his parents, Damond and Ella Comeaux, his only sister, Lillian Delome, and two brothers, Curtis and Edias.

Dr. Comeaux is survived by his wife of 61 years, Shirley; their two children, Garrick and Elisabeth. He is also survived by three brothers; Russell, and Eddie, both of Jennings, Louisiana, and Edward, of Lake Charles, Louisiana., He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who cherish their memories of him.

Hilliard chose to donate his body to the Anatomy Bequest Program of the University of Minnesota Medical School. Even in his death, he is serving others.

The first memorial service was held in Hilliard's honor on December 15, 2012, a second celebration of his life will be held in April at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, in Edina..
 

BA-1955 John B. Frakes

John B. Frakes, age 79, of Joplin, MO., passed away on November 24, 2012 at home following months of ill health. John was born December 31, 1932 in Woolstock, Iowa. He graduated from Minnesota Bible College and went on to graduate with his Master’s Degree in Theology at Lincoln Seminary. 
He served as minister and shepherd to churches in Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Illinois for over 45 years. He was a dedicated family man and faithful believer of Jesus Christ. 
He married Cathleen Curtis on August 24, 1954 in Webster City, Iowa. She survives. 
Additional survivors include one son, David Frakes, and wife Loretta of Denver, CO; and one daughter, Julie Woolever and husband Mark of Joplin, MO; six grandchildren, Bethany, Rachel, Karissa, Melissa, Jessica, and Cody; five great-grandchildren, Christopher, Caden, Chloe, Kyleigh, and Nathan; one brother, Ilo and wife Norma of Webster City, IA; and one sister Eudora of Minneapolis, MN; and one brother-in-law, Jack Curtis of Phoenix, AZ. 
Services were held on November 28, 2012 at Park Plaza Christian Church

A Man After God’s Own Heart 

The faith of this father was earnest and deep. 
The Lord’s dear commands our Johnny would keep. 
He looked on all souls with a shepherd’s kind eye, 
We’ll miss his compassion, but to mirror him we’ll try. 
The seeds of his integrity he’s already sown, 
He’s with his Father, he’s whole and not alone. 
He’s singing sweet praises by his Savior’s throne, 
He’s happy and pain-free in God’s Heavenly home. 

BSL-1953 Gene Taplin

Eugene C. Taplin was born in rural Fairmont, MN., the son of George and Martha (Hamilton) Taplin.  In November 1944, Gene enlisted in the U.S. Army and served until his honorable discharge in November 1946. During this time he served in the South Pacific and was with the first group of the U.S. Army to enter Tokyo. While he was in the military, he boxed in the Golden Gloves.

Upon returning home to Fairmont, Gene farmed for about three years and then attended the Minnesota Bible College in the Twin Cities. He was united in marriage to H. June Lincoln on June 18, 1950. The couple moved to Seattle where Gene attended graduate school and also worked for Boeing where he converted B-52s to commercial aircraft.Following his graduation he began preaching and served Minnesota congregations in Madelia, St. Peter, Cohasset, and Tamarack, and he also served at Island Lake, Wis. The couple also taught at various youth camps: Christian Harbor Camp in Holcomb, Wis., and Pine Haven Christian Assembly near Park Rapids, Minn. Together as a couple, Gene and June served with the Camp Courage Wagon Train for nearly 20 years with Gene playing the role as the country parson. Gene also drove school bus until he was 81 years old.

 

Last year, he was an active participant in the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil. Gene consumed books with a passion, but the Word of God was always his favorite. His willingness to fill in the pulpit for anyone who needed him continued far into his retirement – as long as he was able to, in fact.Gene loved the out-of-doors which included hunting, fishing and gardening. November was deer hunting and little came in its way. He loved to travel and was fortunate enough to travel to the Holy Land in 2011, with his daughter and two granddaughters.

Gene died on Monday, Oct. 1, 2012, at his son John’s home at the age of 88 years.He is survived by his children, Patty (Allen) Jacobson of Hibbing, Dave (Suzanne) Taplin of Bovey and John (Marsha) Taplin of Nelson; grandchildren, Kharissa, Esther, Sarah, Ariel, Christina, Hannah, Joshua, Elizabeth, Katelyn and Jacob; numerous nieces and nephews, and their children and grandchildren.

Funeral: Memorial servicewas held on Friday, Oct. 5, at New Life Christian Church in Alexandria, Minn., with the Revs. Jeremy Schneider and Tim Smith officiating. Posted 10/8/2012

 

Attended 1952-1954 Kenneth Howells

Kenneth Richard Howells 

(August 10, 1934 - September 21, 2012) 


Kenneth Richard Howells, 78, of Staples, died Friday, September 21, 2012 at Lakewood Health System Hospital from complications of a stroke. Family and friends are welcome to gather Monday evening, September 24, 2012 from 5-8 PM at the Staples Church of Christ. Services will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at the church with Pastor Barry Klein officiating. Following a lunch, graveside services will take place at 1:30 PM, at Pleasant Hill Community Cemetery in Pequot Lakes. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to the family.

Born on August 10, 1934, in Austin, MN, Kenneth was the son of Ralph Miller and Juanita (Morgan) Howells. After graduating from Austin High School in 1952, he went on to attend Minnesota Bible College. On June 6th, 1954, Kenneth was united in marriage to Joan Madison. His career in the food industry saw jobs in management, ownership and being a chef. He was a fan of Minnesota sports teams: Gophers, Vikings, and Twins. For the past 10 years, Kenneth was an Elder at Staples Church of Christ. Ken enjoyed his grandchildren, music, reading, and making people laugh. He was known to all as always looking on the bright side and having a heart full of gratitude.

He will by missed by his wife, Joan; sons, Mark (Mary), Mike (Sharon), and Mitch (Amy); daughter, Kendi (Will) Douglas; 14 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Ralph, Jr., Vivian, Charles, and Cynthia. Posted 9/24/2012

1950-1951 Dale Lindquist

BY Brian Lindquist

It’s with sorrow that I share that my father, Dale Lindquist, left this world and his family and friends yesterday(September 20). After struggling with a myriad of physical issues for many years, he quietly and peacefully took his last breath at 2:08pm.

Thank you so much for all of you who have kept my family in your prayers over the last few weeks. 

 

However, it’s with greater joy that I share that yesterday at 2:09pm my father awoke and was welcomed into His new home by His Heavenly Father. My dad has been preparing and anxiously awaiting this moment for many years. When I asked him recently if he was scared about dying he quickly said NO. He was ready and excited to be done with his hurting body and be free of pain and suffering, but most of all excited to be with His Heavenly Father, who He’d loved and served faithfully all of His life. However, while he was excited to go home, at the same time he was sad to leave behind so many people that he loved. 

My father provided a great model of what it meant to be a man of God, a hard working father and a man of integrity. He was a very strong willed man – which displayed itself in his persistence in finishing every job or project he started. He was a loving husband to my mother, Deloris (who passed away in 1973) and for the past 39 years to his wife, Kathy. He was a great father to all 5 children, grandfather to numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, and a faithful friend to many. He will be missed for awhile, but we all look forward to joining him in Heaven one day and pick up where we left off. Posted 10/16/2012

BA 1955-Norma Jean Clark

 

Norma Jean Clark 82, of Maryville, MO passed away Thursday, June 14, 2012.

Jean was born on February 2, 1930, in Scottsbluff County, Nebraska to Chester C.B and Ruth Marie (Johnson) Piersol.  She was a 1949 graduate of the Scottsbluff High School and in 1955, received her BA from Minnesota Bible College in Minneapolis, MN. She had been a self employed piano teacher all her adult life, she had taught up to 30 students at a time.

On September 9, 1952, Jean was united in marriage to Duane H. Clark at the Truman Church of Christ, Truman, MN. He survives of the home in Maryville and she is survived by her children, Janelle Clark, Independence, MO, Michael, and wife Carol Clark, Escondido, CA, Russ, and wife Cheryl Clark, New Market, IA, and Sue, and husband Edward Bowman, Kansas City, KS. Other survivors include grandchildren, Daniel, and wife Carol Clark, Rancho Penasquitos, CA, Timothy Clark, San Francisco, CA, Andrew Clark, Escondido, CA, Bryan, and wife Mary Clark, Essex, IA, Anna, and husband Dan Johnson, Pella, IA, Nathan Clark and fiancé Emily Heithoff, Maryville, MO, April, and husband Zankar Parekh, India, Kathryn Bowman, and Eddie Bowman, both of Kansas City, KS; 4 great grandchildren, Alex Clark, Kezia and Trajan Johnson, and Adri Parekh. She is also survived by 2 sisters, Gail, and husband Richard Eskstrom, and Eloise Johnson, both of Ventura, CA; and by several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at the Countryside Christian Church, Maryville, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Schools of Haiti, c/o Len Demert, 301 Wioto, Cassville, WI, 53806. Or go to support to Countryside Christian Church Missions Funds, Maryville, M

1947-1951 Lola Annette (Ely) Norris 

Lola A. Norris, 83, died April 21, 2012, after a seven-year battle with cancer. Memorial services were held at the Brookings Christian Church. Lola Annette Ely, was born to Sherman and Lela (Smith) Ely on Aug. 12, 1928 in St. Peter, Minn. She graduated from Cleveland, Minn. High School and attended three years of Minnesota Bible College. 

She married Vernon R. Norris on June 17, 1950. They had three children. 

Lola was a minister's wife and served alongside her husband in churches in Wisconsin. Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota. 

On July 21, 1981, her husband died. After working at the South Dakota State University library for 25 years, she moved to Eagle River, Alaska, to be near her family. In her retirement, she enjoyed working several hours a day at the Gruening Middle School lunch program, and volunteered at the Chugiak Senior Center. 

She is survived by her three children, Brad (Berneita) Norris of Eagle River Alaska, Beverly (Phil) Fisk of Eagle River and Beth Noris of Rota Naval Base, Spain; three siblings, Mildred (Ken) Grice, Harry (Alice) Ely, and Mavis (Roger) O'Malley ; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren . 

Memorials are being directed to the Vernon Norris Scholarship Fund that helps Bible college students enter the ministry. Memorials may be sent to the Brookings Christian Church, 424 Eighth St., Brookings, 57006.

Posted 5/4/2012