The following obituaries are from the Nov. 13, 2008 print edition of the Chaska Herald newspaper:

William Vinkemeier

William Vinkemeier, of Chaska, born Jan 12, 1927, died Nov. 9, 2008.

He was a husband, father, grandfather and Korean War veteran. He passed away after a long, debilitating illness.

Preceded in death by granddaughter, Meghan Vinkemeier. Survived by wife of 55 years, Eunice (Kelzer); son, James (Betty) Vinkemeier; daughter, Julie (Ronald) Setterman; granddaughters, Stacey and Kellee Vinkemeier. Private family services were held.

Funeral arrangements were with the Bertas Funeral Home of Chaska, 952-448-2137.

Sherry Lyn Teich

Sherry Teich, 50, a resident of Underwood and formerly of Chaska, died Monday, Nov. 10, 2008 at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls, Minn.Sherry Teich

She was born April 5, 1958 in Hutchinson, Minn., the daughter of Emmert and Dorathy (Karels) Schroeder. She grew up in New Germany on the family dairy farm.

On Feb. 21, 1987 she married Daniel Lee Teich at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie.

Preceding her in death were her grandparents. Survivors include her husband, Daniel Teich; son, Collin Teich of Underwood; parents, Emmert and Dorathy Schroeder of New Germany; sisters, Joan (Jack) Holmes of Elk River and LaVonne (Gary) Johnson of New Germany; sister-in-law, Tracy Massie-Brown of Shakopee; nieces and nephews, Adam (Anna) Holmes, Allison (Russ) Risdal, Andy (Jackie) Holmes, Holly (Justin) Davis, Josh Johnson, Drew Massie, Behn Massie, and Jed Brown; great-nephews and niece, Walter and Hugo Holmes and Reese Risdal; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and the original “six pack” of friends.

Visitation is noon-2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at the church. Service is 2 p.m. Friday at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie with the Rev. Eric Nelson presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Paul McBride Funeral Chapel, Lester Prairie. Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com.

Oliver Wendell Johnson

Oliver Johnson, 80, was called home to heaven on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008.

He was born May 23, 1928 in rural Colfax Township near New London, Minn. to Marcus Eugene and Anna (Erickson) Johnson. After attending a one-room school house and graduating from Belgrade High School, Oliver moved to Minneapolis to attend “Trade School” for heating and air conditioning. It was there he met Helen Swiderski and they married on Nov. 25, 1950. They had three children, Sharon, Ronald and Laurie.

Shortly after their marriage, Oliver was drafted into the Army, spending time in action in Korea. After returning to the states, he and Helen moved to Los Angeles, Calif. where he attended and graduated from Northrop Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in hydraulics. Due to Oliver’s career, they moved several times, living in Minneapolis, Los Angeles and Rancho Cordova, Calif. (near Sacramento) before settling in Chaska in 1967, where he lived at the time of his death. His work was always important to him. His career included the aerospace, hydraulic motors and power steering industries. Being innovative, he holds several patents and participated in some related business ventures. His career led to involvement in professional extracurricular activities including SAE and Mankato State College Engineering Advisory Board. He enjoyed traveling for his job and spent time in Denmark on projects. Oliver was also actively involved in civic organizations such as Lions Club and Community Action Team.

Oliver’s faith was very important to him and he truly led by example, taking leadership roles and serving in various capacities at his home church, most recently at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chaska where he was a member.

Oliver and Helen caught the “travel bug” early with their various moves. In later years, they continued to enjoy traveling, with many car trips across the country and two trips to Poland where they visited Helen’s relatives. They also took two trips to the Holy Land which they found very inspirational.

Oliver was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; parents, Marcus Eugene and Anna Johnson; sister, Doris Satterlun; brothers, Harlow Johnson, George Johnson.

He is survived by daughters, Sharon (Gary) Heiling of Brainerd, Minn., Laurie (Brian) Meincke and son, Ronald (Brenda) Johnson, all of Chaska; sisters, Geneva Olson, Ruby (Milt) Hamann; brothers, Eric (Dorothy) Johnson, Richard (Delores) Johnson; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services were Saturday, Nov. 8, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Chaska, with the Rev. Greg Snow and Rev. Martin Cloeter officiating. Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, at Bertas Funeral Home, Chaska, as well as one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will be at Colfax Cemetery in Colfax Township near New London.

Arrangements through Bertas Funeral Home, Chaska, 952-448-2137.