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Luella M. Custer Obituary – 3/3/2016


Luella Marie Custer, age 96, of Annandale, formerly of Buffalo, died Thursday, March 3, 2016, at the Annandale Care Center.

She was born Sept. 16, 1919, in Waverly, to George and Lillian (Boehlke) Claessens. Luella grew up in Waverly, and graduated from St. Mary’s High School with the class of 1938.

Luella was united in holy matrimony to James William Custer Oct. 18, 1941, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly. They lived in the Maple Lake area, prior to moving out to Downey, CA in 1954.

While living in California, Luella worked as a waitress at Al’s Barbeque, and as an assembly line worker making suitcases for Halliburton, while also raising her two sons.

In the 1970s, the family moved to Buffalo, where Luella and James retired. As Luella’s health started to decline, she entered the Annandale Care Center.

Luella was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly, and a former member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. She was also a 70-year member of the Waverly American Legion Auxiliary Post 305.

Luella enjoyed playing cards and going on outings. Above all, she cherished the time she was able to spend with her family, and watching her beloved Minnesota Twins baseball team.

Luella is survived by her two sons and their spouses, Lee and Sue Custer of Annandale, and Tom and Chris Custer of Brownsville; grandchildren Dan (Stacey) Custer of Browerville, and Shanan Custer (Eric Webster) of Minneapolis; great-grandchildren Andrew, Tristan, and Kate; and honorary grandchildren, Ezra, Gabby, Abby, and Ellie.

Luella was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister Mabel Pelegrino; and brother, LeRoy “Bud” Claessens.

Mass of Christian Burial took place Friday, March 11, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly, with Fr. Kenneth O’Hotto as celebrant. Burial followed at the parish cemetery.

There was visitation Thursday, March 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m.; continuing Friday at the church from 9 to 10:15 am., prior to the service.St. Mary’s Choir provided music for the service.

Pallbearers were Elroy Boehlke, Edward Boehlke, Tom Bakeberg, Wayne Custer, Dan L. Custer, and Dan Custer.

Arrangements were entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale.

Obituary, guestbook and video tribute online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.

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