WATERTOWN, MN – Jill Leslie Sanko, 61, of Watertown, passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2018, from complications due to COPD. A memorial service will take place Friday, June 22 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Watertown. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 1 to 2 p.m. at the church, prior to the service. Contributions are suggested to the family: Jill Sanko Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/jill-sanko-memorial-fund?member=304486; or mail to Chris Sanko, 407 River St S, Apt 30, Delano, MN 55328. Arrangements are with the Iten’s Watertown Funeral Home.
Archive for Watertown
PHOTO GALLERY: Breakfast on the Farm 2018
WRIGHT, CARVER COUNTIES, MN – Click here to see photos from the 10th annual Breakfast on the Farm, which took place June 16 at Poppler Dairy in Waverly.
In previous years, Breakfast on the Farm always took place in Wright County. Now, organizers plan to switch locations between Carver and Wright counties. The new name for the event is Wright Carver Breakfast on the Farm.
This was the first time the event was hosted by Harlan and Jennifer Poppler, along with their children – Brett, Halli, Dani, and Shayne. The Popplers operate the farm with Jennifer’s parents, Roy and Danita Marschall. They milk 300 Holsteins, employing milkers and other help throughout the year.
Select photos will be published in the Friday, June 22 edition of the Herald Journal.
Hollywood Twp. field dedication
WATERTOWN – A field dedication will take place Saturday, June 16 at 4 p.m. at the Hollywood Sports Complex. 15950 Co. Rd. 122 in rural Watertown. In celebration of 50 years that fast pitch softball has been played on Field 1, the park will be named in honor of former owners Ken, and Delores Theisen for the vision of building a softball park with lights in 1969 for the entertainment of many. Memorabilia will be on display.
Hollywood Sports Complex to dedicate softball field June 16
HOLLYWOOD, MN – The ball fields at Hollywood Sports Complex will be named after Ken and Delores Thiesen, creators of the first field with lights at Hollywood, in a dedication ceremony Saturday, June 16.
More than 50 years ago, Ken and Dolores Theisen purchased The Hollywood Store. One of the first projects the Theisen’s thought of doing to increase business was to build a new softball field with lights. The sport of softball had been growing over the years, and the area players were excited about being able to play under the lights.
The Hollywood store had a field that was originally built for baseball in the 1940s, and in later years, became a place for Sunday softball games. Evening games were rarely played because the setting summer sun would shine directly into the batter’s, catcher’s, and umpires’ eyes.
In 1969, it was decided to flip the field, so home plate moved into left field, and lights, dugouts, and a concession stand were added.
Because the field was not a public park, meant that the cost of maintenance needed to be paid by the Theisens, themselves. The investment did pay off as they hosted more than 400 games the first year. The August tournament hosted 16 teams from all over the state. Later on, another field was added in order to get more games in.
The idea initiated by the Theisens led to the owner of Watertown Lanes, Mac McKittrick, moving his bowling lanes to Hollywood. The bowling alley, along with the baseball field, then became Hollywood Sports Complex.
Fifty years later, everyone is welcome to come celebrate with the Theisen family of the late Ken and Delores. The dedication will take place Saturday, June 16 at Hollywood Sports Complex at 4 p.m. There will also be a fastpitch softball tournament being played Saturday and Sunday.
(Article by Bruce Johnson, Herald Journal)
Funeral notice: Rebecca L. Schoenke, 55, of Watertown
WATERTOWN, MN – Rebecca (Becky) Lynn Schoenke, 55, of Watertown, passed away Sunday June 3, 2018, at the St. Cloud Hospital, after a long battle with cancer. A memorial service will take place Friday, June 15 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church in New Germany, followed by interment at St. Mark Lutheran Cemetery. There will be a gathering for friends and family one hour prior to the memorial service, and a Celebration of Life to follow.
Funeral notice: Bradley J. Borrell, 69, of Prior Lake, formerly of Watertown
WATERTOWN, MN – Bradley J. Borrell, 69, of Prior Lake, lost his brief but mighty battle with “Cancer of Unknown Primary” Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, June 29 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Watertown, with visitation from 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. at the church, prior to the Mass. Casual attire, including Hawaiian shirts in Brad’s memory, is encouraged. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis with full military honors Monday, July 2 at 10:15 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Research Institute (www.cancerresearch.org) or Experimental Aircraft Association (www.eaa.org). Arrangements are with Iten’s Watertown Funeral Home.
