Obituaries 02/19/26

Joyce Drews, 76

Joyce Drews was born on November 20, 1949, in Hutchinson, Minnesota, to Grant and Olga Degn. She passed away peacefully at Valora of Orono on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the age of 76.

As a child, Joyce enjoyed spending time with her siblings, whether it was late-night chats and back scratches or swimming in a nearby lake—they always had lots to laugh and talk about. Joyce graduated from Howard Lake High School and dedicated much of her career to the healthcare industry as a Certified Nursing Assistant, where her loving and compassionate nature touched the lives of countless residents. She had a special gift for making others feel cared for and valued.

Joyce faced her greatest challenge with remarkable courage when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer in the late 1980s, at a time when most people did not survive the disease. The cancer returned several years later, but Joyce fought on. After twenty years of being cancer-free, she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer a decade ago. Through it all, Joyce’s strength and determination to be present for her children and grandchildren never wavered. 

Joyce was the proud mother of seven children and a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She found peace and happiness in nature, especially during her walks at Rebecca Park in Delano and while tending to her beautiful flower garden. She adored her beloved cat, Charlie, who brought her much comfort and companionship. Joyce was known for her kindness and generosity, and she had a remarkable way of remembering birthdays and anniversaries, always making others feel special and loved.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Olga and Grant Degn; her brothers, Dennis, Jim, Curtis, Leon, Wayne, and Terry Degn; and her sister, Caroline Hartman. S

he is survived by her children, Robert Drews, Heather (Windsperger) Drews, Jon Drews and Laura McClendon, Christine and Michael Tanaka, Tom Drews, Jim Drews, Darrin and Amanda (Miller) Drews, and Jeff and Michelle (Hausladen) Drews; her grandchildren, Zachary Drews, Dayton Drews, Samantha and Zachary Wick, Caleb, Mackenzie, Caitlin, Jackson, Gavin, and Charlie Drews, and Sienna and Avery Tanaka; her great-grandchild, Bo Wick; her sister, Sharon Peterson; and brother, Randy Degn; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at The Church of St. Maximilian Kolbe – St. Peter Campus, followed by a religious service. A luncheon will follow at St. Maximilian Kolbe – St. Joseph’s.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.

Gene Persian, 84

Gene A. Persian, age 84, of Buffalo, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026. A complete obituary will appear in next week’s paper. The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Aviana Rios, 23 and

Annette Smith, 42

Aviana Marie Rios and Annette Frances Smith 

Aviana, age 23, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on January 18, 2026. She was born the daughter of Antonio Rios and Annette Smith on July 17, 2002, in Minneapolis, MN.

Annette, age 42, passed away on January 8, 2026, in Mexico. She was born the daughter of Joseph Smith and Janette Motis on June 26, 1983, in Minneapolis, MN. 

They are preceded in death by aunt/sister, Jewel Motis; grandpa/father, Joseph Smith.

They are survived by Aviana’s father, Antonio Rios; grandma/mother, Janette Motis; siblings/children, Juaquina Rios and Ricardo Hernandez; uncle/brother, Robert Smith; also many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. 

Visitation will be held Friday, February 20, 2026, from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. with prayers at 6:00 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.

Funeral service will be Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation continuing one hour prior to the service at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.

Private family interment will be held at a later date.

Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.

Robert Stevens, 79

Robert Dale Stevens, age 79, of Buffalo, and formerly of Rockford, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.

He was born on December 28, 1946, in St. James, Minnesota, the son of Paul V. and Esther J. (Oeltjenbruns) Stevens.

He honorably served his Country in the United States Navy.

On November 22, 1969, Robert Stevens was joined in holy marriage to Bonita P. “Bonnie” Schmidt. God blessed their marriage with three sons.

Bob and Bonnie enjoyed traveling especially to California beaches and took several cruises. She preceded Robert in death on November 24, 2021.

Mr. Stevens was employed for many years as a Programmer/Analysis for Sun Seeds.

He enjoyed Minnesota sports, especially watching the Twins and Vikings.

Survived by his loving sons, Edward (Annette) Stevens, of Big Lake, Christopher Stevens, of Brooklyn Center, and Chad Stevens, of Buffalo; five grandchildren, Tasha (Ben) Dunn-Myers, Danielle Dunn, Sid Wright, Dawson Enebak, and Alexandra Enebak; four great-grandchildren, Henry, Corbin, Esben, and Zenon; a sister, Joan Paulson; three sisters-in-law, Dianna Stevens, Jolene Christenson, and Delores Stevens; and by a brother-in-law, Ryan Tysdal; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his beloved wife, Robert was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Dede Stevens; by his parents; four brothers, Douglas, Bruce, Duane, and Leslie; by brothers-in-law, Dean Paulson and Robert Schmidt; and by a sister-in-law, Julie Tysdal.

A Memorial service for Robert Stevens will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 27, one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Interment with military rites will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in Buffalo.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Darrell Wolfsteller, 77 

Darrell John Wolfsteller, age 77 of Becker, MN, passed away at his home on February 5, 2026. He was born August 10, 1948, in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He lived in the Maple Lake-Annandale area before moving to Orrock as a child. In 1973, he married his beloved wife, April (Hendrickson), in Elk River, MN, beginning a remarkable 53-year marriage filled with shared adventures and unwavering commitment. Together, they raised two children, Faye and Carrie. 

He loved being outdoors, hunting, ice fishing, and mowing his lawn. Darrell worked at IHI in Elk River for many years before his retirement. Darrell was a family man and always enjoyed going to family events to visit with everyone! His two grandsons were his world, and he did everything he could for them!

He will be deeply missed by his wife of 53 years, April; his children, Faye (Aaron), Carrie (Chris); and his two grandchildren, Michael and Nicholas; five siblings, Joyce, Roger, Marlene, Neal, and Rita; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents and five other of his siblings.

Darrell’s family will be hosting a celebration of his life on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lions Park in Big Lake, 21960 County Road 5 NW, Big Lake.