Obituaries 03/02/23

Norma Bailey, 92

Norma Jean (Wells) Bailey, age 92, of Buffalo, MN – formerly of Marshalltown and Primghar, IA, passed away February 17, 2023, surrounded by her family.

She was born on January 6, 1931, in Dayton, Ohio, to Isaac Lloyd and Mabel (Martin) Wells. She spent much of her childhood in Kentucky, where she attended Winchester High School. She graduated with the class of 1949.

Norma enlisted in the United States Air Force to serve her country. She was inducted on February 13, 1951, and proudly served until her honorable discharge in July of 1952. During her time of service, she was joined in marriage to Dale Richard Bailey on May 18, 1952, in Tacoma, WA. Norma and Dale’s military career had the family relocating to many areas of the world, until they were finally able to settle in Haverhill, Iowa. She eventually relocated to Primghar, IA, where she lived for 20 years, before relocating to Buffalo, MN, where she spent the last two years of her life.

Norma had a generous and kind soul with a dash of feistiness. She was fun-loving and always up for a good time. She truly was a kid at heart; she loved teddy bears, Mickey & Minnie Mouse, and had a massive collection of stuffed animals. She was rarely found without a smile on her face. Norma was known for decorating her home to fit the holiday themes and made sure to cover every inch of space with a trinket or embellishment. She went all out and never held back from creating fun and memorable designs. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. She really loved all of the times the family could be together.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Dale; parents, Isaac and Mabel Wells; grandson, Jared Nelson; siblings, Harold, Paul, Donald, Jack, and Geraldine; and sons-in-law, Marvin Wegter and Marvin Nelson.

Norma is survived by her children, Dianne (DeVon) Swenson, of Radcliffe, IA, Donna (Gary) Abbe, of Greenville, SC, Denise Wegter, of Buffalo, MN, Beverly Nelson, of Spencer, IA, Charles (Kendra) Bailey, of Kansas City, MO, and Carole (Chris) Clevenger, of Edwardsville, IL: 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren with one on the way; sisters-in-law, Carole Wells and Sandy Bailey; brother-in-law, Ed (Deb) LaPour; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 10, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation one hour prior at the Buffalo Evangelical Free Church in Buffalo, MN (2051 50th St. NE, Buffalo, MN 55313). Additional funeral service will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. with visitation one hour prior at Mitchell Family Funeral Home (1209 Iowa Avenue W, Marshalltown, Iowa 50158). Interment with military honors to follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Marshalltown, IA.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN and Mitchell Family Funeral Home of Marshalltown, IA. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com or www.mitchellfh.com.

 


Robin Chaffins, 69

Robin Renee (Perisian) Chaffins, age 69 of Buffalo, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2023, with her family by her side.

She was born on August 2, 1953, to Albert and Marilyn (Sprague) Perisian.

She married Gary Chaffins on September 13, 1975, and they were lovingly married for forty-seven years.

Robin was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Scott Perisian.

Robin is survived by her husband, Gary; daughters, Michelle Chaffins and Carla (Chaffins) Ertman (son-in-law, Jim Giese); grandchildren, Brady, Brandy (Tucker), Breck, Annika and Roman; Annika and Roman’s dad, Tony Ertman; great grandchildren, Amelia, Elijah and Zoey; brothers, Smokey and Gary Perisian; many other family and friends.

Robin owned Gary’s Auto Service in Rockford, MN, with her husband, Gary, for over thirty years.

She enjoyed flower gardening and baking, and told her grandkids to “Eat dessert first.”  Robin had many, many dear friends, and was loved by so many. She was spunky and feisty, in the best way! Robin struggled with many health issues for the past twenty-five years but was so incredibly strong and never complained. She often reminded her family, “This too shall pass,” when they needed to hear it most. She was a fighter until the end.

Robin loved her family dearly, and was the best wife, mom, and Nana.

She is missed terribly and loved so much! We know that her mom, Marilyn, and brother, Scott, both who she missed so much, have greeted her into heaven, and that she is celebrating, pain-free and at peace.

A Celebration of Life for Robin (Perisian) Chaffins will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation one hour before at the church.

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

 


Mariellyn Kuske, 74

Mariellyn Kuske, age 74, of Waverly, passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at the St. Cloud Hospital. 

She was born on May 15, 1948, in Dickinson, ND, the daughter of Roy and Hermoine (Fisher) Young Hartquist, (A. Milton), all of whom preceded her in death.

Mariellyn was joined in holy marriage to Michael J. Kuske on June 1, 1968, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Milwaukee, WI. God blessed their marriage with two daughters.

Mariellyn had a great career as President of Vitaldyne, Inc. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly. Mariellyn was also an active member of Alanon and an Associate of School Sisters of Notre Dame, Mankato. 

She had “itchy feet” and therefore enjoyed traveling, canoeing, and kayaking. Mariellyn was a voracious reader and was a librarian early in her career. She was fond of gardening and many arts. Her hobbies were just like her, bringing color and joy into people’s lives. She was a giving soul who always made you feel special, loved talking to anyone, generous, and had a huge heart.

Survived by a loving husband of fifty-four years, Michael J. Kuske; daughters, Margaret Munson (Bruce), of Maple Lake, and Michelle Kuske (Dick), of Howard Lake; grandchildren, Zachery (Paige) Zuelzke, Abby Munson, Sarah Zuelzke (Jason), and Alexandra “Gus” Munson; great-grandchildren, Nora, Noah, and Belle; siblings, Barbara Wetzel, Robert (Penny) Young, and Nancy (Wayne) Lindstrom; many other relatives and a host of friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mariellyn Kuske will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly. Father Kenneth O’Hotto will be the Celebrant.

A visitation will be held AT THE CHURCH on Thursday, March 2, 2023, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to Mass on Friday, March 3. 

Casket bearers will be Zachery Zuelzke, Abby Munson, Sarah Zuelzke, Alexandra Munson, Paul Lindstrom, and Buck Wetzel.

In lieu of flowers, a donation is suggested to one of Mariellyn’s favorite charities: Theresa Living Center (www.theresalivingcenter.org), St. Paul; School Sisters of Notre Dame (www.ssndcentralpacific.org), Wild Rivers Conservancy (www.wildriversconservancy.org), women’s health initiative of Multicolores (www.multicolores.org).

The Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted, MN, is serving the family.

On-line condolences can be expressed at www.thechilsonfuneralhome.com.

 


Pearl Lieb, 85

Pearl Jeanette Lieb, age 85, was born March 8, 1937, in Minneapolis, MN. Pearl died from cardiopulmonary complications on Thursday, February 16, 2023, in Buffalo, MN.

She is survived by her children, Gretchen, Dan (Mary), Bill (Kim); grandchildren, Cassie, Mark, Nate; and great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Levi. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Gustie; siblings, Carol and Jerry; and husband, Bill.

For the full Obituary go to, cremationsocietymn.com

Join us in Celebrating Pearl’s 85 years of Life Lived to the Fullest!

Sunday, March 12, 2023, 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. Visitation; 12:30 - 1:00 p.m. Celebrating Pearl through music; 1:00 p.m. Memorial Service with Reception to follow.

Please come for as much of the Celebration as you desire.

Buffalo Presbyterian Church, 507 County Road 134 NE, Buffalo, MN 55313   

 


Mae Marschel, 70

Mae Veanna Marschel was born to Walter and Ellen Erkkila on May 27, 1952, in Butte, Montana.  Mae passed away peacefully on February 24, 2023, surrounded by her loving family, in Rochester, Minnesota. 

When she was just an infant, her parents decided to move the family to the Wolf Lake area in Minnesota. They moved throughout the state of MN before settling in Cokato.  She started Kindergarten there in 1957. 

Some of her fondest memories of growing up in Cokato included playing with her dog, Brownie, playing Barbies, and dress-up on the porch with her sister, Marie, fishing with her dad, sauna night, going to Brooks Lake swimming, spending time in the summer visiting her sisters, and going with her friends to the “soc hop.” She graduated from Cokato High School in 1970. 

She met Dennis in 1969, and it was love at first sight. The two of them were married Sept 12, 1970. They settled in Cokato, MN, before they welcomed their first child, Gary John, born February 23, 1971. On January 11, 1974, their second child, Melissa Anne, was born. Mae worked at Airtex in Cokato for 19 years working as a lead manager on the factory floor. In 1994, Mae and Dennis sold their home in Cokato and moved to Buffalo, MN. Mae designed a dream home for them to build on a lot near Lake Pulaski in Buffalo. Dennis, along with friends and family, helped to complete this home in 1994. Upon completion of the home, she began working at Carlson Company. She worked at Carlson until she retired in 2008. 

Mae’s hobbies included attending her grandchildren’s activities, camping with friends and family, cooking, sewing, going to the casinos, traveling, and enjoying life. 

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Dennis, of Buffalo; son, Gary (Joy), of Buffalo; daughter, Melissa Roskopf, of Phoenix; grandchildren, Hannah Roskopf (Wyatt Schuh), Ethan Roskopf (Aricka Ullius), Brianna Marschel (Austin Brown), and Christian Marschel. She is also survived by her sisters, Elvi Peterson, Marie Maki (Steve); and brother, David Erkklia. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Carol Erkkila; and in-laws, Ben and Dolores Marschel. She will be missed by. 

The support you have shown by your presence and kind acts are greatly acknowledged by Mae’s family. No thank you cards will be sent.

Funeral services for Mae Marschel will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 10:30 A.M. at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Interment Riverside Cemetery in French Lake.

A visitation was held on Wednesday, March 1, from 4-8 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.  A Prayer service was held Wednesday evening at 7:30 P.M. Further visitation will be held on Thursday, March 2, one hour prior to services at the church.

Casket Bearers will be Ethan and Hannah Roskopf, Brianna and Austin Brown, Wyatt Schuh, Christian Marschel, and Aricka Ullius.

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

 


Todd Perkins, 54

Todd Perkins, age 54, died unexpectedly on February 19, 2023, while vacationing in Roatan, Honduras. A suspected cardiac event while scuba diving was his apparent cause of death. Todd was an accomplished diver. A memorial service on February 23, 2023, was held in Roatan. At sunset, two dive boats went out to his favorite site along with a minister, songs were sung, prayers were said, and many loving stories were exchanged. There were over 40 people in attendance.  He touched many lives while vacationing there, and his goal was to retire on the Island. A permanent Dive Site memorial will be erected in his honor in Roatan. An AED has now been purchased by the Resort, and our goal is to provide the Roatan Ambulance Service with one.

Todd graduated from Buffalo High School in 1986 and Saint Cloud State in 1992 with a degree in Biology and Psychology. His love of horses won out, and he became a Horse trainer, Riding Instructor, Showman and Co-Owner of Centre Pointe Equestrian Center in Delano, MN, with Judy Jensen. Todd was looking forward to the upcoming Show Season, including the shows he managed, Spring Tune-up, Summer Fest, and Cannon Valley Classic.

Todd loved gardening, he was an accomplished gourmet cook, and loved lake life. He was a fun-loving person, who was loved by all who met him. He touched many lives and leaves a BIG hole in all our hearts. 

Todd is survived by his mother, Dana Perkins; brother, Aaron; nephew, Mason; partner, Jonathan Rahn and family, Julie Rahn, Jason (Pahlee) Rahn, Larry and Jo Rahn; Judy Jensen; Aunt Sharon (Herb) Doll, Aunt Nola Stahl; Uncle David (Suzanne) Perkins, Uncle Richard (Renae) Perkins; God children, Andi, Alic and Taryn Osthoff; good friends, Amy Hutchinson, Michelle Osthoff, Kelly Freeman; and many cousins.

Todd was preceded in death by his father, Dale; grandparents, Russell Anderson, Elizabeth Anderson, Taylor, Louis Taylor, Eugene Perkins, Katherine Perkins; and Aunt Jeanette Matheson.

We will be planning a Celebration of Life for him in early May. Please, when traveling out of the country, get travel insurance!

 


Rodger Sipe, 81

Rodger Earl Sipe, age 81, passed on Monday, February 20, 2023.

He was born on October 21, 1941, in Minneapolis, the son of Lester R. and Olga E. (Peikert) Sipe.

Rodger was baptized on November 23, 1941. He was also instructed in the Lutheran Catechism and confirmed in the Christian faith on May 15, 1955, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Robbinsdale.

He graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1959.  

Rodger honorably served his Country in The United States Marine Corps from 1962 to 1964.  He later attended Dunwoody Institute and became a tool and die maker.

On June 2, 1962, Rodger Earl Sipe and Sandra Kay Elliott were joined in holy marriage at Elim Lutheran Church in Robbinsdale. God blessed their marriage with three children.

He was one of the founders of The Hanover Youth Hockey Program.

Rog had so many family and friends that he loved and loved him in return. His family and friends meant everything to him. He was happiest being surrounded by those he loved. Anyone who speaks of him has a good story to tell.

He was a husband, father, Marine, grandpa, friend, coach, fisherman, cook, storyteller, bird lover, and gardener. He had a quick wit, and if you needed a hand, he was always there to lend one with his big smile. Knowing him was a gift.

He will be deeply missed by his children, Laurie David), Michael (Janell) and Susan (Willie); grandchildren, Emily (Dan), Abigail (Chris), Jarrett, Hallie (Drew) and Taylor; great-grandchildren, Stella, Ian, Owen and Heather; a brother, Daryl (Rosemary); and a sister, Connie (Bruce); many other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by his wife, Sandra, and by his parents, Lester and Olga.

Funeral Services for Rodger Sipe were held on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover.  

Interment with military rites were at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery.

A visitation was held on Monday, February 27, from 4-7 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. Further visitation was held on Tuesday, February 28, one hour prior to services at the church.

Casket Bearers were Jarrett Vollbrecht, Chris Hintze, Kevin McDermott, David Hill, John Denman, and Jake Denman.

Memorials are preferred to The V.A. or to The American Heart Association.

The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


Douglas Triplett, 87

Douglas W. Triplett, age 87, of Annandale, died Monday, February 27, 2023, at his home. Services are pending. Please check the funeral home website for service details. The full obituary will run in next week’s paper. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale. www.dingmannfuneral.com.

Publication: 

The Drummer and The Wright County Journal Press

PO Box 159
108 Central Ave.
Buffalo MN 55313

www.thedrummer.com

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