Obituaries 01/18/24

Raymond Banyai, 90

Raymond M. Banyai, of Buffalo, MN, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2024, at the age of 90. He was born on May 29, 1933, in Lefor, North Dakota, and spent his early years on the family farm alongside his 11 brothers and sisters.

Around 1968, Raymond made the move to Minnesota, where he held various jobs in Buffalo and Plymouth. His hard work and dedication to his jobs were evident, and he retired from his position as a custodian at the Wright County Courthouse.

 Raymond was a man of faith and a devoted member of St. Francis Xavier Church. He also enriched his community as a member of the Knights of Columbus, embodying the values of charity, unity, and fraternity.

 Beyond his professional and community commitments, Raymond found joy in simple pleasures. He was an enthusiast of pool, card games, and puzzles. He had a happy and caring demeanor.

 He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Sophie (Krebs) Banyai; brothers, Tony (Cecelia), Leslie, and Eugene; sister, Sophie (Bill) Peitz; and brother-in-law, Les Cave. 

Raymond is survived by his brothers, Frank (Joyce), Nick, Claude, and Myron (Theresa); sisters, Luella, Sue, and Imogene (Greg); sisters-in-law, Maggie and Darlene; and many other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation that began at 9:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Interment followed at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Carolyn Erickson, 81

Carolyn R. Erickson, age 81, of Annandale, died on January 7, 2024, at her home in Annandale.

A Remembrance Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Annandale.

Carolyn Ruth Dahl was born on February 13, 1942, in Minneapolis, to Herbert and Beatrice (Carlson) Dahl. Carolyn grew up Minneapolis and graduated with the Class of 1960 from Minneapolis Roosevelt High School. Carolyn owned and operated Douglas Marine in Annandale with her former husband, Doug Erickson. She then worked at MicroAge in Minneapolis before working in the office at Lampi Auctioneers in Annandale.

Carolyn was a former member of the Annandale Queens Committee, the Annandale Snowmobile Club, the Annandale Improvement Club, and the Annandale United Methodist Church. Over the years, she enjoyed golfing, snowmobiling, gardening, and watching televised sporting events. On her 75th birthday, she was proud to still be able to ride a snowmobile. She loved going to the cabin on Lake Sylvia near Annandale and later to the cabin in the woods near Brule, Wisconsin, with her partner of over 30 years, Bob Johnson. Together, they made regular trips to the Florida Keys to visit friends and enjoy the area. Time with her girlfriends and the wine club was always treasured.

Carolyn will be remembered for her warm smile, kind spirit, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Carolyn is survived by her son, Brad (Dinah) Erickson, of Maple Lake; grandchildren, Kyle Erickson and Molly Erickson; great-granddaugher, Aeverie Erickson; partner, Bob Johnson; brother, Jerry (Gayle) Dahl; and sister-in-law, Diane Dahl. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Beatrice Dahl; and her brother, Kenneth Dahl.

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

Obituary and Guestbook online at www.dingmannfuneral.com

James Keelin, 51

James “Jimmy” Keelin, 51, of Pine River, MN, passed away at his home on January 6, 2024, after a short and courageous battle with brain cancer. Jimmy was born on February 7, 1972, in Edina, MN, the youngest of three boys to Donald Keelin and Catherine Hamlin.

Jimmy was a proud caregiver for many years, ending his caregiving days with Whitefish at the Lakes in Crosslake, MN. He cherished fishing, theater, singing, and playing video games with family and friends. He was a Minnesota Vikings fanatic, inheriting his love of the team from his grandmother, and was a member of the Vikings World Order. He loved making people laugh and spending time with his family, especially his grandkids and faithful furry companion, Gemini. He was loved by many and will be missed greatly.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents. 

He is survived by daughter, Rosemary (Joshua Seaboy) Keelin; son, Jake Keelin; grandsons, Emmett and Gordon; brothers, Robert Keelin, Christopher (Becky) Keelin; life partner, Sara Pohler, and her child, Adam; partner in raising his children, Heather Lipelt; as well as his nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 1 P.M. on Friday, January 19, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes in Pine River. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services.