The annual tally of patents with at least one Rochester inventor is now dropping as IBM is filing for fewer patents. However, patents by Mayo Clinic and Oshkosh inventors are on the rise.
Susan Rose Klein, 69, of Rochester, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Methodist Hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a devoted mother to her only daughter, Sandy, and her granddaughters, Autumn and Ireland. Sue was born in Elgin, ND to Simon and Lorraine (Messmer) Klein on June 4, 1954. She graduated from Mayo High School in 1972. She worked for many years at First Alliance Credit Union. She spent her last decade of working years as a transporter at St. Mary’s Hospital. This job brought her so much joy as she provided comfort, conversation and a warm smile to every patient. Sue is survived by her daughter, Sandy (Rick) Broadwater; her granddaughters, Autumn and Ireland Broadwater; her siblings, Larry (Deb) Klein, LaVerne (Carmen) Klein, LeRoy (Kathy) Klein, Selma (Don) Robinson, Loren (Tami) Klein, Lyle (Tammy) Klein, Sheila (Rick) Loomis, Lyndon (Mary) Klein and Les Klein; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Lorra
Billie Buettner Needham, age 104, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 20th, 2023 at Charter House in Rochester. Billie was born on April 7, 1919 in Nampa, Idaho, to Raymond and Francis (Rossen) Buettner. In high school, Billie played percussion in the orchestra and band, while Jerry played the trumpet. She would accompany Jerry on the piano when he played solos or duets for programs throughout the area. Billie played the xylophone at amateur hours, Grange programs, and state contests, and Jerry helped transport and set up the bulky instrument. She graduated from Albion State Normal School with additional music education at the University of Idaho. Billie taught elementary school and music for four years in Hansen and Nampa, Idaho.