LANGROCK, Myrtella 1902-2002

LANGROCK, SAMPSON, TORGESON

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 2/5/2009 at 11:39:43

Evelyn “Myrtella” Langrock, 100, of Toeterville, died on Friday, May 17, 2002, at the age of 100 years, three months and one day, at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 22, at the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Toeterville, with the Dr. Elaine Siemsen officiating. Interment will be in the St. Peter Cemetery in Toeterville.

Evelyn Myrtella (Sampson) Langrock, was born on February 16, 1902, on a farm in Nevada Township next to the Six Mile Grove Lutheran Church, east of Lyle, Minnesota. The youngest of five children born to Christopher and Anna (Torgeson) Sampson, she was baptized on March 20, 1902 by Pastor Eggen. She was confirmed on April 20, 1916, by Rev. Elmer Moe at the Six Mile Grove Church.

Her public school education was at the Pinehurst School and at Lyle. At an early age Myrtella began playing piano and this talent became an enjoyment for herself and others her entire life. When she was 12 years old she played “The Wedding March” at her sister, Bellena’s marriage to Newell Nelson, at the Six Mile Grove Lutheran Church. As a young adult she joined the Robertson Family Orchestra, as a piano player. The band played in all the town dance halls in the area, including Toeterville, Lyle and Rose Creek.

On October 20, 1926, she was united in marriage to Fred Daniel Langrock of Toeterville. They made their home in the Toeterville Community the rest of their lives. When her children were in high school, playing in the St. Ansgar Band, Myrtella, with the help of her children, organized the Toeterville Church Band. They played marches by Sousa and others, and performed at mission festivals and other church functions. Myrtella always filled in the missing band parts on the piano. Besides the piano, other interests were being a homemaker and working with wood. Her woodworking consisted of designing and creating various wood objects, ranging from wall hangings and table decorations to small furniture. When the new St. Peter Lutheran Church was built in Toeterville in 1967, she served with her husband as a member of the building committee. When her new home was built in Toeterville, in 1971, she was the chief designer.

After her husband, Fred Daniel passed away in 1972, she continued to live in Toeterville, until July 1, 2000, when she entered the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar. On February 16 of this year Myrtella celebrated her 100th birthday. According to many of those who attended the event, the highlight was Myrtella playing some of her old songs on the piano.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters; one brother; and one son-in-law, Donavan Carroll.

Her survivors include her four children, Avis Hanson and husband, Leo of St. Ansgar, Audrey Carroll of Austin, Minnesota, Fred C. Langrock of Toeterville and David Langrock and wife, Linda of Davenport; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren who include, Dennis Hanson and wife, Mary and son, Nicholas; Lisa Hansen and husband, Jeff and children, Clark Jorgensen and Leslie Jorgensen, Gavrila and husband, Dan; Lynn Carroll and wife, Sue and children, Tessa and Samuel; Lori Johnson and husband, Todd and children, Heather and Erica; Todd Carroll and wife, Heather and son, Jacob; and Amy, Dawn and Lacey Langrock.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the St. Peter Lutheran Church or the Six Mile Grove Lutheran Church.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

© 2002 Mitchell County Press - May 22, 2002