Brewster, Minnesota
Joseph “Joe” Follen 90, was born on March 6, 1919 in Lorain Township in Nobles County, the son John and Louise Schubert Follen. He graduated from Brewster High School and then attended Dunwoody Institute in the Twin Cities. Joe entered the United States Navy in June of 1942 serving in World War II. He served in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Joe was on the first wave of gunboats on “D” day at Omaha Beach. Joe met Florence Fallon during their military time in New York. They were married, October, 28, 1945 in Bronx, New York. After their marriage, they settled in Brewster, Minnesota. Joe started his own business Brewster Electric which he continued until his retirement. Joe was active in the Brewster Fire Department for over twenty years serving as chief for many of those years. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol during the 1950’s. He was active in the Brewster City Council, Brewster School Board, Brewster Legion, and the Knights of Columbus. Joe enjoyed fishing, hunting and time with his family. Joe died on Friday, September 11, 2009 at the Sogge Memorial Good Samaritan Center in Windom, Minnesota.
Joe is survived by seven children, Patricia (Brian) Spencer, of Windom, John Follen, of Brewster, Thomas (Mary) Follen, of Brewster, Eileen (Virgil) Schmit, of Dalton, Edith (Thomas) Jurgens, of Windom, Richard (Arlene) Follen, of San Jose, California, and Keith (Tracy) Follen, of Frontenac, Kansas; nineteen grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren with one more on the way. He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence, parents and one sister Margaret Busch.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 10:30 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brewster, Minnesota, with Father Charles Quinn officiating. The Brewster American Legion will serve as casket bearers. Joe’s grandchildren and great grandchildren will serve as honorary bearers. Burial with military rites, will be held in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Brewster.
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 14, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Benson Funeral Home in Worthington, Minnesota.
