After 15 years as a member of the board of directors and president of the Hillcrest Cemetery Association, Dr.

Saturday, March 09, 2002

After 15 years as a member of the board of directors and president of the Hillcrest Cemetery Association, Dr. Niles R. Shoff announced his resignation at the annual meeting held Thursday, March 7, at Trinity Lutheran Church.

He will be replaced in this position by Dale Mangskau.

When Shoff became president of the newly formed cemetery association in 1987, the burial place located southeast of Albert Lea near the junction of I-35 and U.S. Highway 65 had serious problems.

These came about when the cemetery was purchased a few years earlier by a firm from Wisconsin. They aggressively promoted sales of lots, vaults, and especially space in a proposed mausoleum.

The promoters reportedly defrauded area citizens out of at least $248,000, Shoff said. He added that the proposed mausoleum was intended for 72 spaces, but 76 spaces were actually sold.

As a result of court-mandated actions in 1987, the cemetery was turned over to a local association.

&uot;We started with nothing; now we’re financially strong,&uot; Shoff said.

&uot;People have responded as we needed their help,&uot; he added.

During his 15 years as president, improvements have been made to the cemetery roads, maintenance equipment, the appearance of the grounds, and the drainage system. The burial area has also been expanded. And Shoff commented that association members and area citizens can take pride in the three crosses which were dedicated last year. He emphasized that these crosses were financed mainly with contributions from association members.

&uot;I’m eager to see the cemetery go on; it’s time for me to retire,&uot; Shoff said.

Several reports were given during the annual meeting. Board member Larry Offenbecker commented that members of SCORE (Senior Corps of Retired Executives) volunteered their services starting in 1987 to help organize the association’s bookkeeping system and other office activities.

He added that the association &uot;is just like a cooperative,&uot; and is now one of the best cemeteries in southern Minnesota.

Retiring from board duties with Shoff are three other members of the original 1987 board: Don Cook, Herb Neale and Offenbecker. Also leaving the board was Corrine Johnson.

The only person remaining on the board from the original group is Albert Lea Attorney Bob Goldman, who has served for 15 years as the association’s legal advisor.

Replacing these five people on the board will be Richard Boelke, John Butler, Dawn Kaasa, Marsha Rafdal and Karen Sharpsteen.

Elected to serve with Mangskau, the association’s new president are: Bob Benson, vice president; Tom Aman, secretary; and Richard Boelke. treasurer.

Other members of the cemetery’s board are Connie Thompson, Chuck Lee, Leverne Skov, Peter Phelps, Karen Christensen and Eunice Hateli.