Ludwina Westendorf

Ludwina M. Westendorf, 98 of Melrose died, after a brief illness, Friday, December 24, 2004 at Mother of Mercy Campus of Care, Albany.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 27, 2004 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Melrose, with the Rev. Vince Lieser and Rev. Ken Thielman concelebrating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Monday from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home, Melrose. Christian Mothers, St. Elizabeth's Society and Legion of Mary will pray at 7:00 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 8:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home in Melrose.

Ludwina Westendorf was born April 8, 1906 in Worthington, Iowa to Nicholas and Elizabeth (Erz) Lahr. She was united in marriage to Bernard H. "Ben" Westendorf on September 12, 1939 in Grey Eagle. They farmed north of Melrose and moved to town when they retired in 1969. She resided at Park View in Melrose for 11 years and recently moved to Memory Lane at Mother of Mercy Campus of Care, Albany. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Christian Mothers, St. Elizabeth's Society and Legion of Mary. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, gardening and making jewelry Christmas trees.

Survivors include her children, Art Westendorf (Char) of Melrose, Pat Brenny (Bob) of Albany, Ted Westendorf (Joyce) of Melrose, and Elaine Hinman (Dave) of St. Cloud; sister, Kay Golgert of Los Angeles, CA; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ben Westendorf on February 22, 1993; brothers, Al, Alphonse, Leo, Sylvester and Lawrence Lahr; and sister, Gertrude Lahr.

Casket bearers will be Jeff Westendorf. Greg Westendorf, Ryan Hinman, Jenny Westendorf, Scott Brenny, Amy Reuvers, Sandy Tobolt and Krista Thull. Cross bearer will be Leah Ernste and scripture bearer will be Cheryl Rasmussen.

Memorials are preferred.