Obituaries 03/27/25
Dennis Blesi, 85
Dennis M. Blesi, 85, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, formerly of Rockford, MN.
Dennis attended Buffalo High School, helped on the family farm, worked at Flemming in Long Lake as a welder in his younger years, and he also did custom combining around Lyndale, MN.
He is survived by ex-wife, Bonnie Blesi; and his son, Elvis Blesi and partner, Micky; and five grandchildren, Blanca, Owen, Cade, Kenzie, and Elena; brothers, Miles, Roger, Harley; sisters, Linda and Charlene.
Preceded in death by parents, Milo and Esther Blesi; and sister, Darlene.
A Celebration of Life will be in the summer.
Daniel DeWitte, 74
Daniel Phillip DeWitte, age 74, of Buffalo passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
He was born on May 26, 1950, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the son of Robert H. and Shirley M. (Feeder) DeWitte.
Daniel honorably served his Country in The United States Army during Vietnam.
On June 3, 1978, Daniel P. DeWitte and Linda Becker Stevens were joined in holy marriage at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo.
He was employed for many years in masonry and belonged to Local #563 Union.
Dan enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, and spending time with his loving wife and family. He had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren.
Survived by loving wife, Linda K. DeWitte; stepsons, Corey Stevens, of Hutchinson, and Jamie (Krista) Stevens, of Buffalo; six grandchildren, Jack, Claire (fiancé, Charlie Bean), Ella, Brody, Ezmae, and Marley Stevens; siblings, Michael (Mary) DeWitte, Annette Bunn, Jeanine “Jenny” (Dennis) DeWitte, and Charles (Mary) DeWitte; many other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by a son, Ryan DeWitte; his parents and sisters, Roberta and Sue DeWitte and Kathy (Joe) Rabine; by his in-laws, Reimer and Katherine Becker and by Jack and Gloria Stevens.
A visitation for Daniel DeWitte will be held on Friday, March 28, from 4-7 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. A Prayer service will be held at 6:30 P.M.
Private family Inurnment will be held at The Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo with military honors by American Legion Post #270.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family.
Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
B. Irene Durham, 86
Beulah Irene Durham, April 20, 1939 – March 19, 2025
Irene was born April 20, 1939, in Dayton, Ohio, to Robert Allen (Clifton) Gier and Mary Leona (nee Wells) Gier. They met at the VA hospital where Mary worked while Bob was being treated after serving in WWI (yes WWI, not WWII). He was a widower with seven children when he met Mary, who was 20 years his junior. Robert fought in France at the Battle of the Argonne Forest and suffered from the lingering effects of the Germans’ mustard gas until he died in1951. Irene and her brothers were placed in the Ohio Soldiers and Sailors Orphans Home (OSSO) in Xenia, Ohio.
Irene graduated from the OSSO High School in 1957 as a licensed beautician and worked in a beauty shop in Dayton, OH, where she was considered “ahead of her time” while cutting, styling, and coloring hair.
She married Robert “Bobby” Oren Durham right out of high school, and they had four children with a six-year gap between the last two boys. Bobby attended college in Dayton until he took a job with NCR, the National Cash Register corporation.
Irene was blessed with the eyes of an artist. She not only styled hair and was known for dressing like Audry Hepburn…always “dressed to the nines” …she could hang a pair of curtains and turn a house into a home. She had a flare for design and decorating.
Irene loved the theater and cinema and had the lead female role in every high school production, while at the orphanage. She helped design and sewed costumes for each production. She not only learned her lines, but everyone else’s as well. She loved all music and especially the old songs her father taught her from WWI, like “My Little Flivver” and “Alice Blue Gown.”
She loved to cook and entertain! She loved to try new recipes and was an excellent cook and baker. All holidays and extended family gatherings were at her family’s home. She loved being surrounded by family and friends. Everyone who entered her home felt welcomed and loved.
She began to continue her education when her kids were in high school. Irene attended Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She loved to learn and took every opportunity to further her education. After becoming single, she attended a Spanish class with her dear friend, and sometimes partner in crime, Sally Hackman. The professor fell in love with Irene and proposed! She declined, but he was not the first, nor would he be the last to propose.
She had opportunities to work in many different fields. She would quickly learn her position and then learn the positions around her. While working for the State of California, in the Comptroller’s Office, she found inconsistencies that led her to the discovery of fraud at the highest level in the State Government. She also worked in Illinois as a Social Worker and Guardian ad Litem.
Irene had a testimony of Jesus Christ from a very young age, and she taught Sunday School to the younger children while in the orphanage. Irene expressed the depth of her soul through her poetry and the written word. Her giving heart reflected the Lord’s grace. No one was a stranger to Irene, and everyone who knew her loved her. She was kind, giving, and generous to a fault. She would give the shirt off her back to a stranger. Irene found opportunities to serve the Lord in many ways. She was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in February of 1981. She served as a Stake Missionary in the Sacramento California Rancho Cordova Stake from 1994-1996. Then at the age of 68 served a Full-Time Proselyting Mission in the Australia Perth Mission from 2006 to 2008.
Irene came from a long line of patriots. Every generation included men and women who served God and Country in the military. Her legacy lives on through her four children; Karen (Dolf) Weir, Tami (Greg) Surprenant, Brett (Vickie) Durham, and Matthew Durham; 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren. She will truly be missed and always remembered for her love and kindness.
Irene is survived by her sister, Shirley (Gier) Seeman, age 93, of Louisville, Ohio. Irene was preceded in death by her siblings, James (McCoy) Gier, Lawrence A. Gier, Terrance J. Gier, Mary Frances (Gier) Wallace, Robert Gier Jr., B. Elieen (Gier) Walsh, Betty (Gier) Teschner, Kenneth Gier; and great-grandson, Brett N. Ferrall. The eldest son of Robert Allen’s seven children, Burnard Gier, passed at age three months.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, beginning at 10:00 A.M. until 12 noon at the Relief Society Room at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3933 State Highway 25 N, in Buffalo, MN.
Funeral Services for B. Irene Durham will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 12 noon at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Buffalo, MN.
Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo, MN.
A Luncheon to follow at Huikko’s Bison Creek Event Center, 1207 Highway 25 N in Buffalo.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Janet Freitag, 89
Janet Madson Freitag (Carpentier), 89, of Buffalo, passed away on March 21, 2025. She was born on May 27, 1935. She was the best Mom and Grandmom in the world. She greatly loved her family and friends and four-legged babies.
Preceded in death by her husband, Michael Freitag; daughter, Rhonda Ruedy (Jim); great-grandson, Devin Larson; parents, Hubert and Agnes Carpentier; siblings, Don Carpentier, Doug Carpentier, Joyce Wanke, Joan Coates, and Jeri Carlson.
Survived by brother, Darell Carpentier; children, Wade Madson, Darla (Mark) Fennig, Rena (Don) Larson, Brad Madson, Jean (Matt) Dahl, Jan (Charlie) Kinney; grandchildren, Autumn (Danny) Arenas, Perry Helgesen, Bobbi Jean Helgesen, Sonny Helgesen, Mark (Alyssa) Fennig, Trenton Hinrichs, Trena Larson, Amber (Jason) Schwanz, Jake Madson, Jaden Madson, Jesse Larson, Jenna Larson, Jaret (Melanie) Larson, Chris Kinney, Charles Huth, Jennings Huth; 19 great-grandchildren; and many more relatives and friends.
May your beautiful spirit soar with Jesus as you shine brightly with an eternal smile, surrounded by the animals you love. Your profound impact on our lives and everyone you met will forever be cherished, and we are grateful for the countless years of love and memories we shared with you. Spread those beautiful wings, our angel.
A private burial was held on March 24. As you may know, she did not want a funeral. She requested a Celebration of Life and party in her honor, telling stories and sharing memories, which will be held on May 26, 2025, at Sturges Park 505 2nd Ave. S, Buffalo, MN 55313, upper pavilion, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Jean Matter, 72
Jean Marie Matter, 72, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully at home on March 17, 2025. She was born October 14, 1952, to Leslie and Violet (Helenius) Moder in Duluth, Minnesota.
Jeans’ family moved from Duluth to Minneapolis when she was 10 years old; her family moved often so she attended several different schools, making friends along the way. She graduated from Edison High School in 1971. Jean worked several jobs over the next years, eventually working at Litton Microwave in 1975, where she met Matt. They became good friends and married him in August of 1977. They bought a home in Buffalo in the summer of 1978, and they were then blessed with the birth of their son, Josh, in December of 1978.
Together, they spent many vacations at Bent Trout Lake Campgrounds near Duluth with family and friends.
As the seasons of life changed, they were blessed again with two grandsons, Reilly and Tylor. They were lucky enough to have them close by, spending priceless hours with them.
Jean took her contagious smile with her into retirement and continued to love camping, girls’ weekends, reading, traveling, playing dice games with crazy friends, and creating stained glass gifts.
Most of all, she loved laughing with family and friends! Jean never sat still to wait for life to happen, she got out and lived it. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched.
Jean is survived by her husband, Matt, of 47 years; their son, Josh; grandsons, Reilly Matter (fiancée, Haley Mullen) and Tylor Matter; siblings, Sharon Anstett, Bonni (Dave) Anstett, Dave (Pam) Segal, Pam (David) Sorenson, brother and sisters-in-law, Lori Matter (fiancé, Mark Ehlers), Tim and Amy Matter, and Curtis Houghton; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and countless friends and special companion, Willow.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Violet Moder; siblings, Joe Moder, Robert (Bud) Moder; in-law’s, Clement and Jean Matter, brother-in-law, Joe Matter, sisters-in-law, Theresa (Matter) Ludwig and Margaret “Peggy” (Matter) Houghton.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Church of St. Mary in Waverly, Minnesota. A gathering of family and friends will be held prior from 9-10:45 A.M., with an 8:30 A.M. rosary service, all at the church. Inurnment at a later date in Oneota Cemetery, Duluth, Minnesota. A luncheon will immediately follow the Mass.
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.
Daniel Nyquist, 88
Daniel Winston Nyquist, 88, of Howard Lake, and Buffalo, MN, died on March 17, 2025, holding the hands of his loving wife, Jane Nyquist.
Dan was born on October 9, 1936, to Rudolf H. Nyquist and Ruth V. (Lindstrom) Nyquist, in Howard Lake (Cokato Township), on the same farmstead in which he worked his entire fruitful career as a farmer.
Dan began his education in a one-room country schoolhouse and graduated from Cokato High School in 1954. Drafted into the army, he rose to the position of Military Police, moving from a smoke-filled army barracks to his own room as the assistant to the chaplain and chauffeur to a general and foreign dignitary. After his army discharge, he married Helen L. Kirkpatrick, whom he met at a church skating party on September 4, 1959. Together, they had four children, Mark Allen, Caroline Ruth (who died in infancy), David Eric, and Naomi Ruth.
Besides farming, Dan found many joys and passions, from helping those in need and giving encouragement, to growing pumpkins, grapes, and large gardens. He especially loved planting trees. Some of the white pine he planted are now 90 feet tall.
An astute intellectual, Dan loved books, especially on the topics of history, economics, philosophy, and theology. He would engage anyone in lengthy conversations who might stop by the farm. He loved to salvage old things to remake them into something beautiful. He was a woodworker, runner, singer, and a connoisseur of classical music. Above all, Dan was a Godly man. He would self-deprecatingly say, “The Lord preserveth the simple.” We know that he has gone home and heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
After Helen died in 2018, Dan met Jane Johnson at a church grief group. They married in a “surprise” ceremony after a Sunday morning service at Albion Evangelical Free Church in Cokato on December 12, 2021. They enjoyed the most wonderful three years of marriage getting dirty, gardening, foraging, maple syruping, and simply having fun together.
Survivors include his wife, Jane; his children, Mark, David (and Mariana), and Naomi (and Patrick); his adoring grandchildren, Corrie, Christina, Clarissa, Estera, Oliver, Aunne, Ezra, and Eleanor; siblings, Dwight Nyquist (Marie) and Peggy Lundeen; and many relatives, friends, neighbors, and pastors. The family is especially grateful for the Allina Hospice team.
Services were Friday, March 21, 2025, at Albion Evangelical Free Church (11480 5th Street NW, Cokato, MN); Visitation was at noon; Service was at 1:00 p.m., followed by a light lunch.
Arrangements by Swanson Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota, 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com.
Linda Schwichtenberg, 80
Linda Frances Schwichtenberg, 80, passed away at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota, on March 14, 2025. Linda was born on February 14, 1945, in Abington, Pennsylvania, to her parents, Arthur and Marian (Marx).
After two years as a toddler living in Oregon, Linda grew up in Lester Prairie, Minnesota, and graduated from Lester Prairie High School.
After a year at the University of Minnesota, she entered Swedish Hospital School of Nursing and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1967. Linda worked in various hospitals in Minnesota and California, specializing in cardiac education and care.
Following in her parents’ footsteps, Linda joined the US Navy as a nurse in 1969. She served a total of 22 years, both active and reserve and retired as a Commander. Serving in both Naval Medical Centers and Marine Corps field exercises was a favorite challenge for her.
Linda had a passion for animal welfare. In addition to her own dogs, cats, and horse, she was instrumental in the origin and management of Crossroads Animal Shelter in Buffalo, Minnesota. Training and showing her dogs in competitive obedience was a major accomplishment.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Schwichtenberg and Marian Schwichtenberg; sister, Ann Marie Brickzen; and brother, Joel Schwichtenberg.
She is survived by a brother, Tom; and sister-in-law, Jean; nieces, Kristin Schwichtenberg, Faith (Austin) Brott; (great-niece, Hope Brott), and Carmen Brickzen; as well as numerous cousins and friends.
No service will be held. Memorials preferred to Heart of MN Animal Shelter, PO Box 175, 880 Century Ave. SW, Hutchinson, MN 55350. Cremated remains will be scattered by her family near Linda’s home on Clearwater Lake, Annandale, Minnesota at a later date.
LeAnn Waldvogel, 67
7-29-1957 to 3-19-2025
LeAnn R. Waldvogel passed away peacefully with family by her side.
LeAnn loved spending her time with family and friends, hosting get-togethers and holidays. She enjoyed baking, playing bingo, winning at Euchre, poker, and Gin 13 with loved ones. Her favorite place was her patio overlooking her beautiful garden where you could often find her enjoying coffee or a cocktail with her closest friends. Family and friends meant everything to LeAnn, and even though she was taken from us way too soon, she would want to be remembered as the independent, sassy, funny, beautiful little firecracker she was. LeAnn is going to be deeply missed, but her traditions will continue, and her loving memories will be cherished by so, so many.
She is survived by her eldest son, Michael Dahl and his wife, Clarissa; her granddaughters, Ashley Long, Alexis, Nicole, and Kora Dahl; and only grandson, Micah Beaupre; also her great-granddaughters, Aaliyah and Ana; her niece, Heather; and her husband, Dan, and their children, Liam, Gage, and Olivia; also her niece, Toni; and her family, Scott, Brooke, and Maddie. She also has two brothers, Mike and Tim; and numerous close friends.
LeAnn is preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Marlis; her best friend and sister, Linda; brothers, Dennis and David; and her beloved son, Kenny; along with her loving companion, Miss Mandy May.
Services for LeAnn R. Waldvogel will be Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN, with Pastor Cathy Jones officiating and will be followed by a Celebration of Life potluck luncheon at Lions Park in Rockford, MN.
Her burial will be at a later date and time.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
