The following obituaries are from the Oct. 22, 2009 print edition of the Shakopee Valley News newspaper:

Alan B. Gearey

Alan “Joe” Gearey, 67, of Elko, died Monday, Oct. 19, 2009 at the Lodge on Natchez in Elko, with family buy his side. Dearly loved husband, father, brother, father-in-law and grandfather, he went to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Cross of Peace Lutheran Church, 1506 Wood Duck Trail, Shakopee.

Funeral arrangements through McNearney Funeral Home in Shakopee, 952-445-2755. www.mcnearneyfuneralhome.com

Lucille E. Hallen

Lucille “Lu” Hallen, 91, of Shakopee and formerly of California, died Thursday, Oct.15, 2009 at Emerald Crest Assisted Living in Shakopee.

She was born in Cannon Falls, Minn. on Nov. 26, 1917 to Theodore and Theresa (Eischen) Lucius. She married Ralph Hallen on June 11, 1948 in St. Mary’s Cathedral, San Francisco, Calif. Lu was a clerical worker for Essex Heating Company, and also worked for an insurance company.

She is survived by sisters-in-law, Rosemary Lucius and Janet Lucius; many loving nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by husband; parents; brothers, Francis, Jerome and wife Dorothy, Winslow; sister, Agnes Hilmes and husband John; nephew, Robert Hilmes.

Visitation is Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10-11 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., all at McNearney Funeral Home, 1220 East Third Ave., Shakopee. The Rev. Peter Wittman will officiate at the service. Interment at Skylawn Memorial Park, San Mateo, Calif. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Catholic Education Center or donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements through McNearney Funeral Home in Shakopee, 952-445-2755. www.mcnearneyfuneralhome.com

Donald E. Longtin

Donald Longtin, 70, of Shakopee, died Wednesday, Oct.14, 2009 at Auburn Manor Nursing Home in Chaska.

He was born in Marshall, Minn. on Nov. 22, 1939, to Peter and Mary (Pohlen) Longtin. Donald served in the United States Army.

He is survived by son, Brad (Sandy Yasenchak); Diane Longtin; grandchildren, Brady and Nicole Longtin, Jeff and Christina Stier; great-granddaughter, Bailey Alquist; sisters and brother, JoAnn Baum, Janet Knofczynski, Loretta Trulson, Colleen Murphy, and Jeff Longtin. Preceded in death by parents, Peter and Mary; brother, David.

Visitation was Saturday, Oct. 17, from 2-6 p.m., with Memorial Service at 5 p.m., all at McNearney Funeral Home, Shakopee. Memorials preferred for Parkinson’s Research. Officiating at funeral service was the Rev. Alan Naumann. Funeral arrangements with McNearney Funeral Home, Shakopee, 952-445-2755. www.mcnearneyfuneralhome.com

Myrtle Graves

Myrtle Graves, a very giving, supportive, loving, caring and dedicated Lutheran who was a proud mother, grandmother and great friend to many. A mother who always put her daughters and families first, assuring them a safe and loving home. For over 12 years Myrtle and family welcomed children into their home as a foster family. Her faith was important; “This is the day the Lord has made” were words which guided her every day. While living at McKenna Crossings, she continued to build her faith by attending bible studies and spending time in the chapel. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She was a life-long, active member of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, a current member of the Gold Stars Wives organization and former member of the Organ Club in Bloomington. Myrtle Graves

Myrtle, 95, of Bloomington, entered God’s arms Friday, Oct. 16, 2009 at McKenna Crossings in Prior Lake.

She was born on May 16, 1914 in Minneapolis, the daughter of Carl and Marie (Lund) Olson. She was united in marriage to Clarence Graves on June 15, 1946 in Sibley, Iowa and they made their home in Bloomington while Clarence served in the military.

She is loved and will be forever missed by daughters, Catherine (John) Bachelor of Prior Lake, Karen (Steven) Anderson of Bethel, Marilyn Callaway of Prior Lake; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; other relatives and friends. Myrtle is preceded in death by death by husbands, Lars Jensen and Clarence Graves; daughter, Marjorie McWhorter and parents, Carl and Marie Olson.

Celebration of Life Service was Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 3 p.m. at McKenna Crossing’s Chapel, Prior Lake, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Marggi Pleiss-Sippola presided. A private family inurnment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Prior Lake. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com