Rest in Peace: Recently deceased family members

Albert Joseph Waters (1998-2019) was adopted into the Waters family roughly a year after he was born, and from the moment he came through those doors  he was loved. 

Born with multiple handicaps, his mother Anne nursed him devotedly. Whether it was changing his g-tube, administering feeds, helping him with his first awkward steps and teaching him sign language, Albert was loved where he was, regardless of what some might see as limiting.

Albert defied every prognosis. He quickly learned over 200 words in sign language, began walking, eating and drinking on his own, and thriving. 

Much to his family's chagrin, his favorite foods quickly became Dinty Moore Beef Stew and McDonald's chicken nuggets, In fact Albert had the quite singular skill of navigating his surroundings strictly based upon the nearest fast food franchise. This second sense alone could allow him to breeze through Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, while other folks stared confusedly for the nearest concierge desk.

Albert was a lifelong lover of all things Veggietales, boldly wearing his Larryboy costume several years in a row. He enjoyed Toy Story, music from Sesame Street, trains, boats, and was especially fond of sailing. He dreamed of seeing the whales one day on the ocean. His father, Bill, and his good friend Tony Wulk, were able to help fulfill part of that dream and Albert would sit peacefully and contentedly while he sailed Chippewa Lake.

Albert was incredibly thoughtful; from always remembering to bring his mother flowers every week, faithfully calling his siblings to see how their day was when he got home from school, picking out presents for his nieces, as well as writing letters to his friends.

Albert rejoiced in simple things. He was meticulous about mowing the lawn; watching for the slightest suggestion that it might be growing rather "long." He liked to vacuum and clean up the house, which was always a wonder, as he surpassed in neatness every other member of the household. 

Albert loved being read to by his sisters, Monica and Grace, and had a special set of books depending on who was the designated reader that day. He especially loved cuddling (or "puddling" as he would say) with Monica while watching some of their favorite movies. His older brother David was especially well equipped to swap movie quotes back and forth; their affection for each other communicated through acting out their favorite scenes. 

Albert was loved. Everywhere he went. Whether it was K&K Portage to pick up his slice of bologna and a cookie, dinners at Pizza Fire where he was given his own free merchandise simply for being a loyal and cheerful customer; Albert was loved. He made people smile. He made people relax. He made people want to love, and to show it too. 

He was so incredibly loved that it is easy to sit back, and wonder...If we loved him so much, how much does our Father love us, to give him to us? Albert was loved. And in loving him, we couldn't help but feel loved in return. And that is a good feeling. He would want us to remember that. 

So raise a glass, eat a nugget, sing a song no matter how off-key, and toast the love of God shared in a beautiful, simple, incredibly sweet Albert Bean.

Lawrence Michael Raffesberger, 80, grandson of Leisz Brother Michael, passed away from a heart attack on May 16th. 

Larry was one of five children born to Margaret Leisz Raffesberger (1915-2007) and her husband William (1896-1969). Those preceding Larry in death include his parents and one of his four sisters, Maribel Louise Raffesberger Fredrickson (1949-2013). His remaining three sisters joined our family at the 2018 Leisz Family Reunion in Turtle Lake. They are: Janice Warner, Nancy Kelly and Deb Avery. 

Early in his life, Larry worked on the family farm in Almena, Wis. with his parents and siblings. In time he bought the farm from his dad, following in his father's footsteps with farming and construction, as he was the owner/operator of "Sometimes R" Construction Company. Today Larry's sons carry on the family's farming tradition on the same property in Almena, a farm that dates back more than a century in the Raffesberger family.

Larry was a lot like his mom, with his love of gardening. His mom Margaret would spend hours in her gardens.

A FUN STORY: 

Denise Leisz, granddaughter of Leisz Brother Joseph, was in Turtle Lake in May 2018 to finalize plans for the family reunion that September. Al Leisz, grandson of Leisz Brother Frank, gave Denise an auto tour of the area and happened upon the Raffesberger farm in Almena. 

Al hadn't seen Larry in years, and Denise had never met him. So, not wanting to miss an opportunity to meet her 2nd cousin, Denise knocked on the farmhouse door unannounced. Larry's wife Mary Ann answered, and retrieved her husband, who was watching a baseball game on television that Sunday afternoon. 

Larry was gracious, and the three cousins—Al, Denise and Larry—had a nice visit on Larry's front porch. Al and Larry reminisced, much about playing sports during their high school years, and Denise asked questions about family history.  

HERE is a short video from that visit of Larry telling a story. 

And HERE is one more Leisz family story from Larry.

Roberta Ann Meyer Lombardino, granddaughter of Leisz Brother Leopold, (daughter of Leopold's child AnnaMarie Leisz Meyer 1902-1976)), and the dedicated family genealogist for our ENTIRE Leisz family, passed away suddenly on April 18, 2018 at her home in New York City. She died just two days after her husband of 57 years, Joe Lombardino, died. Both Roberta and Joe have been laid to rest in St. Ann's Cemetery in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin.

Roberta and 2018 Leisz Family Reunion planners were working closely on reunion events for this coming September. She generously donated $300 in seed funding to get reunion plans started, and another $500 toward the cost of a new headstone for our "Great" Grandmother Anna Maria Schmidt Leisz. Reunion planners were just made aware on June 13th of Joe and Roberta's passing, and we are in utter shock.  

Roberta was a literal treasure trove of information about the six Leisz Brothers and their sister Mary Leisz Minnichsoffer. She and Joe traveled to Europe in 2001 to trace the location of the death of Leopold Leisz (1835-1893), and confirm the family legend that he died in a tavern fire before the family immigrated to the United States. Her recounting of their landmark trip to Peregu Mare, Arad, Romania is documented on this website HERE. 

Roberta and Joe also had a large stone marker erected at the site of the burial of Leopold Leisz and other victims of the fire that claimed their lives on Feb. 13, 1893. 

It was our hope that Roberta could be at the September 2018 reunion to share more about her trip to Peregu Mare—and inspire those younger Leisz's among us to make a visit to the land of our family's birth in Europe. Let's take inspiration from the words and photos she shared with us HERE.

Roberta and Joe's legacy will live on for years to come, and the mark they've left on our lives through their kindness, generosity and family history recording is one that will most certainly last for many generations yet to be born.

Thank you Roberta and Joe, for all you've done for the Leisz's. It was a joy to know you and be related to you Roberta!

- Denise Leisz, granddaughter of Leisz Brother Joseph

NOTE: Donations in Roberta and Joe's memory can be made to the Lyme Land Trust, Inc., PO Box 1002, Lyme, CT 06371, or at www.lymelandtrust.org.

On January 9, 2020, Emily Louise Minnichsoffer Behm died of failing health due to dementia. She was born August 1, 1945 at Ladd Memorial Hospital in Osceola, WI, to Bernard and Stella Minnichsoffer of Shafer, MN. A stubborn and short-tempered child, Emily was also very loving, giving and caring. She made friends quickly, a trait that continued throughout her life.  

Books were her passion. If she didn’t have a new book to read she would reread an old one. She loved school and spent 12 years with her small class in Taylors Falls Public School where she graduated as an honor student in 1963. After high school she went on to Stout State University where she achieved her degree in Home Economics education. After teaching in Turtle Lake Wisconsin, she went back to Stout for her Masters Degree. 

While working as Director of the Home and Family Living at the University of Minnesota Crookston Campus Emily met the love of her life, Joe Behm. They married and moved East eventually settling in Charlotte, NC where she spent the remainder of her career as an educator in numerous roles. Her friends and colleagues there admired her greatly and continue to inquire about her. 

Sadly her husband, Joe, passed away after a long struggle with cancer. It was at that time she greeted a new love, Bogey, her cute puppy. After retiring Emily and Bogey moved back to Minnesota and settled in Forest Lake. She quickly reconnected with old friends and relatives as well as making many new friends in her neighborhood. She spent much of her time using her handwork skills, crocheting, knitting, sewing, quilting, coloring, etc.

As her dementia made living on her own difficult she moved to the Meadows on Fairview. Again Emily was quick to make friends and continued her creative skills. Emily leaves behind many loving relatives, God-children and friends will miss her and cherish our memories of her.

Louise Ellen Kasid (née Lynn) passed away peacefully at home on Sunday morning, May 13th, 2018. 

"We are very thankful that she was never in pain and was able to remain at home. We are also very thankful that many friends and family were able to come visit, spend time, share memories and many laughs. Thankful that for those of you who couldn't visit, you called and/or sent wonderful cards & messages. She read and appreciated them all," said daughter Leslie Kasid.

There was a Celebration of Louise's life on Tuesday, May 29th from 5:30pm-7:30pm at the Lake Elmo Inn Event Center located at 3712 Layton Ave N. in Lake Elmo, MN. It included dinner, music, shared memories and more laughs—just how Louise would want it. 

Stay tuned for photos from Louise's Celebration of Life—coming soon!

SHOWN AT LEFT: Louise Ellen Lynn married Gary J. Kasid on March 20, 1971 in Washington, MN. They are shown here around that period of time.