WCSA AlumNEWS
WCSA faculty shared WWI artifacts with Stevens County History Museum
An instructor at the West Central School of Agriculture was a part of one of the costliest battles in human history.
Arthur Woodman was born on April 6, 1889, in Russell, Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State University, class of 1911, in civil engineering. He joined the faculty at the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris. In June 1917, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Service, trained at Fort Snelling, and Camp Lewis, Oregon, and served overseas until the end of the war.
Mr. Woodman brought back one of the most important items in the collection of the Stevens County History Museum in Morris five panels of a complete three-dimensional topographic map of the Verdun region of France as a war trophy. The complete map would have contained at least 20 panels.
A typed note from the donor reads: “Relief map of a section of territory between the Meuse River and Argonne Wood, taken from a building in Stenay, France, formerly occupied as headquarters by the German Crown Prince, during W.W. I.” Crown Prince Wilhelm of Prussia was the commander of the German 5th Army during the war, which fought for 10 months in 1916 in an unsuccessful attempt to capture the Meuse Heights, from which the French stronghold
of Verdun could be bombarded with observed artillery-fire.
These panels are likely part of the topographical map used by the German commanders during the legendary siege, known as the Battle of Verdun. Combined casualties during the siege are estimated to have been over one million, making it one of the deadliest battles in world history.
During the early age of airplane and dirigible use and in a war that featured the use of artillery, three-dimensional cartography would have been cutting edge technology that could provide advantages in logistics and tactical preparation. It boggles the mind to think that artifacts so central to a truly significant moment in world history have found their way to Morris, in part, because of the West Central School of Agriculture. Woodman was mustered out as a captain of the Field Artillery Unit in June 1919. He returned to Morris and taught at the West Central School and station for some years. He was interested in land development throughout westcentral Minnesota and was himself a farm owner in Stevens County.
Woodman died on June 30, 1968, at the age of 79 in Des Moines, Iowa after a lingering illness.
Arthur Woodman, undated photo from Stevens County Historical Society.
Below is one of the five panels of a three-dimensional topographic map of the Verdun region of France donated to the Stevens County History Museum by WCSA faculty member Arthur Woodman.
Reprinted, with permission, from an article by Bill Eckersen, Collections Manager, the Stevens County Historical Society.
stevenshistorymuseum.com
CLASS NEWS
Bonnie (Affield) Heuer Class of ’57
I am now back in Minnesota after living in South Carolina for eight years. I have my own apartment near my daughter. I am able to do almost anything with my walker which I have to use all the time. I go outside and walk one block every other day, which I enjoy while talking to my friends. Really enjoy it. I watch alot of TV, westerns mostly, not bad for an 85-yearold.
I welcome letters very much.
Bonnie Heuer
640 E Broadway St, Apt. 3 Redwood Falls, MN 56283-1665
Carrol Holmen Class of ’54
I lived on a farm a mile and a-half south of Barrett. I went two years to Barrett High School and in 1953, I enrolled at WCSA. I didn’t play sports, but I enjoyed my two years.
This past May, I had my 88th birthday. I’m doing good, have my right mind. I go to the doctor twice a year, this year I was told, “Carrol, you’re going to be 100, just keep doing what you’re doing.” He has a picture of Jesus on his table, that holds the key to life.
My wife passed away three years ago. I live in Clarke, AZ, about 110 miles north of Phoenix. It's in a big valley, 60 miles long and 40 miles wide. There are mountains all around. Off my front porch, I can see 40 miles to the mountains to the east. I’m happy I came here in 1997.
Fondly Remembered…
Robert "Bob" Mack Jr '56 of Ivanhoe, passed away on Nov. 27, 2023. He was born on June 2, 1937 in Limestone Township, Lincoln County.
Bob attended country school through the eighth grade and then attended and graduated from West Central Agricultural School in Morris. Bob started farming and doing mechanical work that lasted his entire life. He worked for Ivanhoe Implement for 47 years and then eventually became manager. Bob was united in marriage to Rita Verschelde in 1958. To this union they were blessed with four children that they raised together in Ivanhoe. When Bob wasn’t tied up with work he enjoyed both Indian and Harley Davidson motorcycles, airplanes and farming. Bob learned to fly with his dad and sister. Bob was a member of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church where he served as a CCD teacher, ACT (Active Catholic Teen) advisor, choir member, and on the cemetery board. He also served for 23 years on the parish council and was trustee member.
Survivors include his wife, one son, three daughters, 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, two sisters and a brother;
along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Maurice Hamling, '60 of Altoona, IA, passed away peacefully on Dec. 31, 2024. He was born on Sept. 11, 1942, in Breckenridge.
Maurice grew up on a farm near the town of Hankinson in the far southeastern corner of North Dakota. He attended school in a one room school house until he left to attend the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris. He spent the weekdays at school and the weekends at home helping out on the farm.
He married Phyllis A. Lewno in Milbank, SD on Sept. 13, 1965. They lived in Des Moines, and then Altoona where they raised a family with four daughters. After Maurice and Phyllis divorced, he found love again with Glenna Montgomery and they were married from 1994 until her death in 2012. Two years later, Maurice had his happiness matched with Bonnie Neiderheiser and they married in 2014.
Maurice would have loved to continue farming his whole life, instead he developed other skills. He
was quite a talented welder and began his career at Brady Manufacturing near Bondurant, IA. He ventured out and began working for John Deere and continued for 34 years. During his work life he used his leadership skills as a Chief Union Steward to negotiate two UAW contracts.
Maurice was selected by his peers to attend the John F. Kennedy Leadership Conference in Illinois near Chicago. He was quite a carpenter as he and a group of neighbors built nearly a dozen garages in the 1970s. He served as a lector and eucharistic minister and was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus.
Maurice is survived by his wife, Bonnie; four daughters, a brother, a sister, five grandchildren and a great-grandson.
Byron “Louie” W. Akerson, '54 of Rosholt, SD, passed away Jan. 2, 2020, at Coteau des Prairies Hospital in Sisseton, SD.
Louie was born on Sept. 7, 1936. He was born in the car on the drive to the hospital, and an article in the next week’s Rosholt Review read “Stork Wins Race Beats Chevy.” At the age of three he lost his father, and was raised a “farm kid,” attending Harmon #1 country school through eighth grade. He then enrolled in the West Central School of Agriculture, where he graduated in 1954. He attended Gustavus Adolphus College for one year and joined the United States Army in 1955. He attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, then was transferred to Fort Bliss, TX to complete Advanced Individual Training in preparation for deployment to Italy, where he served with the Sixth Armored Division until 1957. After returning to the United States, he continued to serve in the Army Reserves with the rank of E5 until he was honorably discharged in 1962.
After returning home he began farming with his brother while also honing his carpentry skills working with other young local farmers building houses in Houston, TX.
He married his childhood sweetheart Faye on Sept. 20, 1959. They lived on several farms near Rosholt. Louie began part-time work hauling gravel for Gene Paulson and with the Farmer’s Elevator, and also worked as a salesman at Carlson Implement. He worked at the Farmer’s Elevator from 1965 until 1972 when he and and Faye purchased the Osheim Hard-
ware store, turning it into Akerson Hardware. In 1986, they starting working as estate managers and caretakers in Roseville. Through a referral in 1996, they moved to Edina, to work for Mr. and Mrs. Carl and Eloise Pohlad in the same capacity.
They retired in 2009 and returned to Rosholt, andLouie worked for the state of South Dakota as a travel counselor at the New Effington, SD Information Center located off I-29.
Louie is survived by one son, one daughter, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two sisters, and many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
Dean Toelle '49 passed away Nov. 10, 2024 in Chaska. He was born on April 30, 1932, in rural Nashua.
Dean graduated from a one-room schoolhouse after completing eight grades. In 1949, he graduated from the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris. Afterward, he served two years in the Army, receiving an honorable discharge in 1954. In 1955, Dean married Lavonne Willard, the love of his life. Together, they were blessed with six children.
Dean spent many years farming near Tintah, where he was actively involved in his community. He served on several boards, including those for the church, elevator, township, telephone, and ASC.
After the passing of his beloved wife Lavonne in 2015, Dean sold his farm and moved to Waconia in 2017 to be closer to his family. Although leaving the farm meant no longer having a billiard table in the basement, family gatherings continued with many opportunities for playing cards, playing pool, and to celebrate the wins (or commiserate on the losses) of the Vikings and Twins.
Dean is survived by his six children, 19 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.
Byron Kosen, '59, was born on Dec. 19, 1941, in Wood Lake. He attended Wood Lake Public school through ninth grade and attended the West Central School of Agriculture School for tenth through twelfth grade. On Dec. 25, 1960, Byron was united in marriage to June Fischer. The couple lived and farmed in Posen Township until 1973 when they purchased a farm in Stanley Township.
Byron was an active member of English Lutheran Church and served in many different positions. He
loved singing in the church choir. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, drawing, riding cycle and working with his grandsons. Byron enjoyed restoring tractors, machinery and old cars, especially his Packard.
Byron is survived by his wife, three children, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, three siblings, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
David Ellis, '54, passed away on Aug. 15, 2024. Dave was born in Wilkin County, on May 21, 1935. Dave attended grade school in Campbell, and graduated from West Central School of Agriculture in Morris. After high school, he honorably served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps where he served in Korea from 1954-1956. After his service, Dave worked at the V.A. Hospital in Fargo, ND for about a year, the State Hospital in Fergus Falls for approximately two years, and spent the remainder of his career at the V.A. Hospital in St. Cloud, retiring after 30 years of service.
Dave married Ruthann Marie Schmidt on May 12, 1962. After a short stay in St. Cloud, Dave and Ruth moved to Clearwater, and in 1967, they bought “the farm” where they raised their six boys and lived there ever since. Dave enjoyed cow/calf raising, beef stock, and small grains. He had many interests including motorcycle riding, flying his Ercoupe plane, and camping with family and friends. One unique personal interest for Dave was wood carving. He would whittle and reveal character faces that he envisioned within the pieces of cottonwood bark.
Dave is survived by his wife, five boys, nine grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
Kenneth Sundby, '63, of Isanti, passed away after a 20 year battle with MS on July 26, 2024. He was born Dec. 20, 1944, in Fergus Falls. He married Janet K. Hamann on Sept 3, 1965. Ken worked as a printer for 36 yrs at Waldorf Paper Co.
Ken enjoyed fishing, hunting, and woodworking. Survivors include his wife, one son and one daughter, his sister, Shaw; six grandchildren and several nieces and a nephew.
Gerald “Jerry” Laager '52 was born on Dec. 12, 1934, in Morris. He was the oldest of his eight siblings and grew up on the family farm west of Donnelly. Gerald attended District 44 School, Alberta, and furthered his education at the West Central School of Agricultural. Gerald met the love of his life Kay (Balluff) in 1958 and the happy couple were married on July 9, 1960. After living in Hopkins for two years, the newlyweds moved to the family farm where they raised their three daughters
Jerry was a fulltime farmer for 35 years while also working at the ASCS office in Morris where he was awarded "The Administrator's Award for Service to Agriculture" in 1990. He also served our country in the National Guard from 1960-1966 and was on the Morris Co-Op board for two terms.
In 1997, Gerald retired and moved to Morris. Fishing, gardening, card playing and morning coffee with his friends were some of his favorite pastimes. He cheered on the Minnesota Vikings, Twins and the Golden Gophers and would attend as many of his grandchildren and great grandchildren's sporting events that he could.
Jerry passed away peacefully, at his home on Aug. 27, 2024.
Survivors include his wife, his three daughters, six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, three siblings, and several nieces and nephews.
Ruth E. Meyer, '45 of Sisseton, SD, passed away on Aug. 29, 2024.
Ruth was born May 20, 1928, in Harmon Township, Roberts County, SD. She attended Windom Country Grade School and graduated from the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris.
On Sept. 3, 1950, Ruth married Wilfred “Butch” Meyer. They lived and farmed in Hart and Harmon Townships, where they raised their four children. In 1988 they retired and moved to Sisseton. Butch passed away January 23, 2017.
Ruth was a fulltime homemaker. She loved her garden and her flowers. She shared her musical talents on the piano and organ with her church and community. Ruth played for many weddings, funerals, church services and community events throughout her life, only retiring from her musical career a few years ago. Survivors include her four children, 11 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren; a brother, and several nieces and nephews.
Rudolph "Rudy" Hasbargen, '60, of Fergus Falls, died Jan. 22, 2025, in Fargo, ND.
Rudy was born on July 26, 1942, in Graceville. He was raised on his family farm in Traverse County and attended the Country School District 17 through eighth grade and graduated from the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris in 1960. He attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1964 with degrees in Agricultural Economics and Business Management. Rudy also served in the National Guard.
On August 12, 1967, Rudy married Kathi Duffing. The couple lived in Albert Lea for four years before moving to Fergus Falls in 1971, where they rooted themselves. Rudy dedicated his professional career to supporting farmers in and around Ottertail County while working for the Production Credit Association (later AgCountry Farm Credit Services), where he retired as president. Following his retirement, he continued assisting farmers with money management and resource allocation through the extension services program of Northland Community & Technical College.
Survivors include his daughter and son, five grandchildren, two great-grandsons, two brothers, and numerous sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Gayle Lecy, '51, passed away Nov. 27, 2024.
Gayle was born on Dec. 17, 1933, at home on the family farm in rural Echo. He attended country school and graduated from West Central School of Agriculture in Morris, in 1951.
After his schooling, Gayle returned to help his father on the family farm. On Oct. 27, 1956, he was united in marriage to Norma Pederson. The couple farmed
and raised their family on Gayle’s family farm. In his early years, they raised cattle and hogs. Gayle was passionate about farming and enjoyed riding his John Deere Gator while checking his crops. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and time spent at Lake Amelia. Gayle looked forward to time spent with his family, especially his grandkids and great-grandkids.
Survivors include three sons and a daughter, 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Charles"Chuck" Spohr, '57, of Morris, died March 2, 2025 in Morris.
Chuck was born at home on May 20, 1939. He attended District 20 country school in Horton Township. In 1957, he graduated from the West Central School of Agriculture. He was enrolled in the first class at the University of Minnesota Morris. But, when his dad got sick, he stayed home to farm. As Chuck was known to say, “I farmed all my life.”
Chuck married Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Ann Boyum on Aug. 22, 1970 in Battle Lake.
Chuck proudly served his community as a member of the Morris School Board and co-chair of the building committee at Faith Lutheran Church. After retiring from farming, he tended the grounds of Luther Crest West Bible Camp while Liz cooked meals for the campers. On Aug. 2, 2008, Chuck was the 654th recipient of a heart transplant at the University of Minnesota.
Survivors include his wife, five children, ten grandchildren, a brother, three sisters-in-law, two brothersin-law and many neices and nephews.
DIRECTORS
President
Patricia Lesmeister Nelson ’61
Vice-President
Darrell Zimmerman ’61
Secretary
Diane Jerpseth Madsen ’62
Treasurer
Wilbur Grunewald ’63
David Kill ’60
Donald Lende ’62
LaVonne Schmock Dupree ’59
Jerome Schuelke ’61
Carol Dewey Erlandson ’55
IN YOUR WORDS
Remembering Temper
If you graduated between 1960 and 1963, you might remember when the badger came to school for a week.
His name was Temper, and he came from Mansfield, at the invite of Mr. Wes Gray. Mr. Gray gave him “a room” and it was the whole greenhouse right outside the back (North Door) of the dining hall and the gals there provided his meal.
I asked Evelyn Peterson, who had her 100th birthday party in Alexandria in January, if she remembered what they fed him, but she didn’t! Maybe Mr. Gray put in an “order”.
Temper took several walks around “the square” and was very good company and well behaved. But I’m sure he totally excavated the entire dirt floor in the greenhouse as digging was his favorite fun. Mr. Gray never complained though.
Temper was my favorite wild animal pet!
Lu Foslien Hintermeister '60
The Dining Hall Incident
Mrs. Carney was a fine lady and great dining hall matron. She treated us all like grandchildren, making sure we were fed. She could be stern, but had a warm and winning smile. But as they say, all good things must come to an end. Mrs. Carney retired and big changes were about to take place in our dining hall.
Gone were the large caramel rolls that we loved. Also, the grilled cheese sandwiches were no longer offered. Hungry farm kids were not going to tolerate this.
The disturbance began at a table close to the middle of the dining hall. It was not loud at first, but as other
tables joined in, you could barely hear yourself think. Nearly all the tables' occupants were striking their trays and tables with knives, forks, and spoons. Some students were shouting loud and unpleasant things.
News traveled fast on our little campus and word came down that Superintendent, Dr. Rodney Briggs, had called a special assembly and the entire student body was required to attend. I remember walking into Edson Hall and wondering how many of us would be expelled. Dr. Briggs ran a tight ship and we all knew he was angry.
After a five-minute rant, he was quiet, as was the entire auditorium. He was letting his harsh words sink into us. Finally, Dr. Briggs asked if anyone had something to say. I believe he thought that all these farm kids would file quietly out the doors and things would be calm and peaceful from that moment on. That is what happened, but not as he expected. Burdette (Butch) Bode, stood up and said that he had something to say. Dr. Briggs asked for his name, jotted it down and told Butch to speak.
"Sir," Butch started, "we are mostly farm guys and gals and are used to eating good, hearty meals. Sir, after basketball, football, swimming, and cross-country practice, we have worked up man-sized appetities. Many of us have trouble getting to sleep on an empty stomach. As you know, classes begin at 8 a.m. and end at 4:15 p.m. and then starts sports practice. That's a long day if you're hungry. Sir, if you could help us with this, it would be very much appreciated and thank you for hearing me out."
Butch's courage, politeness, respect, and sincerity won the day for all of us!
For the first time ever, we all got to see Dr. Briggs smile. "Mr. Bode, I will deal with that today."
To his eternal credit, he did just that. The meals got a lot better and the servings got larger.
I always liked Butch and that day he became one of my heros.
David Krenz '60
Scrapbook
PHOTOS TO JOG YOUR MEMORY
Seven Sets of Twins in School
ALUMNEWS ONLINE
WCSA AlumNEWS is available online at alumni.morris.umn.edu/wcsa-alumnews.
If you would prefer to access the newsletter exclusively online, please contact us to have your name removed from the conventional mailing list.
AlumNEWS is published by the University of Minnesota Morris. It is available in alternative formats upon request. Class news, donations, comments, corrections, and questions may be directed to:
Alumni Relations
University of Minnesota Morris Welcome Center, 600 East Fourth Street Morris, Minnesota 56267-2132
320-589-6066
alumni@morris.umn.edu
LODGING INFORMATION
Morris Hotels
GrandStay Hotel and Suites
320-585-4000
Hudson Inn
320-589-3030
Morris Motel
320-589-1212
Wrangler Hotel (formerly Super 8)
320-589-8888
CLASS NEWS AND “IN YOUR WORDS”
WCSA alumni love reading Class News, so please send us your updates! Mail us a letter, give us a call, or send us an email about your careers, families, travels, hobbies, activities, and WCSA memories. We will include your news in the next AlumNEWS. The deadline for submission is February 27, 2026.
Coffee & Donuts
Chancellor Janet Schrunk Ericksen invites you to join her in the beautiful WCSA alumni garden on the University of Minnesota Morris campus Friday, July 11, from 8:30-10 a.m.
Coffee and donuts will be provided and golf carts will be available for those who would like a guided campus tour.
RV Parking
Free parking for self-contained recreational vehicles is available in all University of Minnesota Morris campus parking lots—the East parking lot has the most shade and is the largest, quietest area. No water or electrical hookups.
RVs are welcome at Pomme de Terre Park on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register at the registration stand in the park. Water and bathrooms are available. Questions? Call 320-589-3141.
2025 WCSA ALL-SCHOOL REUNION
Friday, July 11, 2025, Ag Country Auditorium—West Central Research and Outreach Center
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO THE WEST CENTRAL RESEARCH AND OUTREACH CENTER
From Minneapolis: Follow I-94 west to exit 127 (for Sauk Centre/ Glenwood). Proceed to MN 28 west toward Glenwood; follow MN 28. Turn south onto US 59. Go east on MN 329; the WCROC administration building, which houses the Ag Country Auditorium, is located approximately one-half mile on your left.
From Fargo: Follow I-94 east to US 59 south. Follow US 59 south to MN 329, and go east; the WCROC administration building, which houses the Ag Country Auditorium, is located approximately one-half mile on your left.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, July 11 8:30-10 a.m.
Coffee & Donuts
Start the day in the beautiful WCSA alumni garden on the University of Minnesota Morris campus. Coffee and donuts will be provided and golf carts will be available for those who would like a guided campus tour.
PARKING
The 2025 WCSA reunion is at the West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC). The WCROC has ample on-site parking at the WCROC Administration building, complete with handicap parking and an accessible entrance.
Say goodbyes and make plans to see each other at the 2026 WCSA All-School Reunion!
2025 WCSA ALL-SCHOOL REUNION REGISTRATION
FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2025
If you plan to attend the reunion, please return your $28 registration fee for each person attending, along with the form below by June 27, 2025.
Your 2025 WCSA Reunion registration includes: registration fee, noon luncheon, shuttle tours of WCROC (optional), and afternoon coffee and cookies.
Please sign up early so we can plan well and have everything ready for you to have a good time.
Early Registration (by June 27): $28/person Late or Walk-In Registration: $36
If you are not attending the reunion this year you can use this form to update your address, or send a gift.
Return form to:
Office of Alumni Relations, Welcome Center, 600 East Fourth Street, Morris, Minnesota 56267
REUNION REGISTRATION
Name
Class
Name
Class
I/We ¨ will ¨ will not attend reunion.
If you have special dietary concerns, please contact Pat Nelson at pattysings43@fedtel.net or 612-599-1509.
ADDRESS UPDATE
Address
Address (if applicable)
Months to use this address
GIFT
¨ WCSA Alumni Garden and the West $ Central School of Agriculture Alumni Association Scholarship (4633)
¨ WCSA Class of ’56 Scholarship $ (#5166)
¨ Rural Students Scholarship $ (#5616)
¨ Herb Croom Endowed Scholarship $ (given to WCSA and UMN Morris legacy students) (#3910)
¨ Charlie and Carol Berg Scholarship $ (#20565)
¨ Other $
My gift is (please check)
¨ in honor of ¨ in memory of UM26UMMWCSAN - 4633
Office of Alumni Relations
University of Minnesota Morris
Welcome Center
600 E 4th St
Morris, MN 56267-2134
ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED
A new donor-funded WCSA Memorial Legacy was installed in October in the Horticulture Garden at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris.
Pictured from left to right: Kenwood Rund '60, Board Member; David Kill '60, Vice President; Don Lende
Board
and
'62,
Member; Darrell Zimmerman '61
Neil Schmidgall '63, Committee Members; Pat Lesmeister Nelson '61, President; Mike Reese, Director WCROC.