Obituaries 03/30/23
Agnes Bethke, 66
Agnes “Aggie” Bridget Bethke, age 66, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on March 26, 2023, due to cancer. She was born June 5,1956, in Buffalo, Minnesota, to Leo and Bernadine Larson. Aggie met Alvin “Al” Bethke on a blind date set up by dear friends Cindy and Randy Zimmerman, after which Aggie decided to take cake decorating classes in Al’s community to find excuses to spend more time with him. She married her friend and love, Alvin Emil Bethke, on October 21, 1978. They raised three boys in Greenfield, Minnesota, and were blessed with seven beautiful grandchildren.
Aggie loved to uplift others. She sent cards and gifts for every occasion to every single loved one, often filled with glitter and confetti. This kept her closely connected to family and friends near and far. She often baked amazingly delicious treats for those dear to her and cherished providing books and learning activities for her grandchildren. Her hands were rarely still. Aggie’s grandchildren brought a richness to her life and filled her days with joy, soccer games, school performances, and love.
Aggie was also willing to trek across the country (and sometimes across the world) to make new memories and show her love and support to others. Whether it was attending endless ballgames as the Biggest Fan in the stands for each of her sons, whitewater rafting in Montana to celebrate her husband’s 60th birthday, going on a daring hot air balloon ride over the mountains of North Carolina, or touring the breathtaking sights of Italy, she loved every new adventure.
For 46 years Aggie worked for Buffalo Hospital in Buffalo, Minnesota. It suited her servant heart. She supported so many of the Buffalo Hospital programs and showed up for her community through volunteering at the Wise Penny, helping to organize the Pink Street Party, and serving on Ladies’ Aid at Salem Church in Greenfield, Minnesota, where she and her husband were members. Her kind, strong, yet gentle spirit could be felt by all those who surrounded her. Her life was a living example of how Jesus teaches us we should treat others.
Preceded in death by parents, Leo and Bernie Larson; parents-in-law, Emil and Dolores Bethke; nephew, Joshua Kramer; brother-in-law, David Kramer; and sister-in-law, Judy Bethke.
Aggie is lovingly survived by her husband, Al Bethke; her three sons and two daughters-in-law, Aaron (Jennifer) Bethke, Aric (Taniya) Bethke, and Andrew Bethke; grandchildren, Aaden, Teagan, Emmett, Fio, Luca, Melody, and Zachary; siblings and their spouses, Bertha (Dan) Woehler, Cathy (Gary) Hedlof, Denise (Brad) Pietig, Evelyn (Paul) Wurm, Florence (Keith) Paumen, and Gerry (Kim) Larson; siblings-in-law and spouses, Ruth (Tom) Zellmer, Byron Bethke, and Gloria Kramer; and her many nephews and nieces. Aggie loved and touched each of these deeply and is alive through each of them.
A celebration of Aggie’s life on was held Wednesday, March 29, from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Peterson Chapel, 300 Main Street North, St. Michael, MN 55376. Additional reviewal will take place Thursday, March 30 at 10:00 A.M., with funeral services to follow at 11:00 A.M. at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9655 Pioneer Trail, Loretto, MN 55357.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Allina Health Cancer Institute, checks written out to: Allina Health Foundation, memo: Allina Buffalo Cancer Care Fund, mail to: Buffalo Hospital, 303 Caitlin Street, Buffalo, MN 55313. Salem Member Assistance Grant Fund, checks written out to: Salem Member Assistance Fund, memo: Salem Member Assistance Fund, mail to: Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9655 Pioneer Trail, Loretto, MN 55357.
The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Roger Bremseth, 88
Roger David Bremseth, age 88, of Buffalo, MN, passed away March 27, 2023.
He was born on December 19, 1934, in Lanesboro, Minnesota, to Alvin and Stella (Larson) Bremseth. Roger graduated from high school in 1952, and not long after, he enlisted to serve in the United States Army. He was inducted on October 6, 1954, and proudly served until he was honorably discharged in 1957. He then attended Dunwoody College and became a machinist.
He was joined in marriage to Margaret Juliana Matti on February 27, 1965, in Minneapolis. Together, they raised two children, Greg and Julie. He was employed at Washington Scientific Industries and proudly retired after serving 40 years with the company.
Roger was a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church. His strong faith encouraged him to be active with his church community, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand with church events. Roger was known for his kind and generous heart. He was blessed with a great sense of humor and had a quick wit. He easily made friends with his natural ability to have conversations, and he genuinely cared about how others were doing. He was an avid sports enthusiast and enjoyed cheering on all the Minnesota teams-- especially the University of Minnesota Gophers. Roger spent as much free time as he could outside working on projects around his farm to stay active and busy, and he also enjoyed golfing.
Along with his faith, his family was an important part of his life. The best was yet to come when he became a grandpa and great-grandpa. He made sure to attend and support all of their activities, especially their sporting events.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; parents, Alvin and Stella; brothers, Arden, Syrald, Alvin Jr., Carroll, Wally, and Charles; and sisters, Judy Faey, Marlice Olstad, Lois Peterson, Eleanor Peterson, and Neoma Youngquist.
Roger is survived by his children, Gregory Bremseth and Juliana (Jason) DeMarre; grandchildren, Angela (Colten) LaChance, Owen Bremseth, Anna DeMarre, and Austin DeMarre; great-grandchildren, Amilia and Alivia LaChance; siblings, James (Janet) Bremseth, Phyllis Kvitrud, and Rebecca Sandness; and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 12:00 P.M. (noon) with visitation beginning one hour prior at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Minnesota. For those who cannot attend, the service may be livestreamed via the following link: https://youtube.com/live/f3X9CWxc9tM?feature=share.
Interment with Military Honors will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Buffalo, MN.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
John Danielson, 58
John J. Danielson, age 58, of Buffalo, died Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at the Hennepin County Medical Center.
Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale with visitation one hour prior to the service. Rev. Alex Becker will officiate. Burial will take place at Pelican Lake Methodist Cemetery near Buffalo.
John James Danielson was born November 3, 1964, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the eldest son of John Joseph and Esther Estella (Iverson) Danielson. John grew up in Delano, where he graduated high school in 1982. John worked for Snyder Drug while in high school, then in the warehouse at Triarco in Plymouth and at JMark in Wayzata. For the past 15 years, John has worked as an independent contractor, installing flooring for Buffalo Design Center. John was a former member of the Buffalo Jaycees. He had a love of camping and liked to bring joy to others through his Christmas and Halloween lighting displays.
He is survived by his father, John Danielson, of Denver, PA; siblings, Brian Danielson (Kelly Carter), of Temple, PA, and Eric Danielson, of Denver, PA; former wife, Stacy; sister-in-law, Paulette (Terry) Weese; his beloved nieces and nephews, Nathan, Vicky, and Eric; and eight great-nieces and great-nephews.
John was preceded in death by his mother, Esther.
Obituary, Tribute Wall, Video Tribute and Service Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Yvonne Hagberg, 94
Yvonne Corinne (Canton) Hagberg was born May 17, 1928 in Watson, MN, and passed away March 14, 2023, in Buffalo, MN.
The only child and cherished daughter of Philip and Corinne Canton, Yvonne was raised to love her Norwegian heritage and proudly shared a May 17 birthdate (Syttende Mai, Norwegian Constitution Day) with her mom, Corinne. Yvonne spent her childhood in Watson, with her huge array of Norwegian cousins. She was both baptized and confirmed at the country church, Zion Lutheran.
After the Great Depression, the family moved to Minneapolis so her parents could find work. She attended high school in Minneapolis and graduated with the Class of 1946 at Washburn High School.
Yvonne fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a nurse by going to Northwestern Hospital School of Nursing. She became a Registered Nurse and built lifelong relationships with her nursing classmates whom she counted as close friends throughout adulthood. Yvonne worked as a nurse in hospitals, nursing homes, and as one of the first hospice nurses.
During nurse’s training, Yvonne went home for the weekend with her roommate, who lived in Buffalo Lake, MN. It was there at a church supper that she met Stan Hagberg, a local boy, who was to become her husband. They married August 19, 1950, and Yvonne moved from the city to the farm!
Their two daughters, Julie and Janet, were born in the 50s and grew up with their mother as a role model of career woman and leader, active in her church, her community, and her neighborhood.
Yvonne married into the sports-minded Hagberg family and became an avid Minnesota Twins and Gopher fan. She loved reading, Book Clubs, movies, and theater.
Stan and Yvonne moved from the farm to Waite Park, MN, in 1999. After Stan passed, Yvonne moved to an apartment at Havenwood in Buffalo, MN. They also spent many winters in Maui and later in Arizona. Wherever they lived or visited, Stan and Yvonne added to their long list of good friends.
Throughout her life, Yvonne was known for her unique ability to make friends and maintain relationships. She showed her genuine interest in others by asking questions – to longtime friends, as well as those she had just met. “Grandma Yvonne’s questions” were her trademark!
Yvonne lived through a changing world: World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the beginning of television, the invention of space travel, the microwave, the internet, the iPhone. Through it all, she embraced new things and loved to learn.
Her legacy is the people she loved and who loved her.
She is survived by daughters, Julie Swaggert (Dennis Hennessy) and Janet (Tom) Knoll; her treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Nathan (Cathy) Sing and children, Peyton, Anthony, Preston, Aleigha, Jenessa. Marc (Beth) Sing and children, Sienna, Audrie, Mila. Malinda O’Brien and children, Elliana, Jayden, Blake. Kia (Brandon) Prell and children, Kallen, Mira, Stanton. Brent (Angie) Swaggert and children, Reese, Tora. Tyson (KatieJo) Swaggert and children, Archer, Aikin; and precious great-great granddaughter, Hayzel.
She is also survived by her brothers-in-law and their wives, Ralph and Ruby Hagberg, Arild and Betty Hagberg; step-grandchildren, Christopher Knoll, Samantha (Nicholas) Hemmesch, Gavin (Whelma) Hennessy and their children, along with numerous other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Stan; her parents, Phil and Corinne; an infant daughter; and sister-in-law and husband, Avis and Dick Walter.
In memory of Yvonne, please stay connected to those you know and love. Call a friend, reach out to someone you miss, hug your family.
Memorials suggested to Global Missions, Zion Lutheran Church, Buffalo, MN; Moments Hospice, or a charity of your choice.
Visitation will be held Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at Zion Lutheran Church (1200 Hwy. 25 S., Buffalo, MN) and Monday, May 8, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at the church with the Memorial Service following at 11:00 A.M. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Buffalo Lake, MN.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Ronald Hoglund, 81
Ronald E. Hoglund, age 81, lifelong resident of the Monticello area, transitioned peacefully from this world on March 18, 2023, at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System, after gracefully enduring Alzheimer’s disease for several years.
Ron was born at the family home near Hasty on March 25, 1941, to Bernice (Dahlgren) and Vernon Hoglund. He attended Lilypond and Carter country schools through 8th grade, when he transferred to Monticello High School, where gradated in 1959. Ron participated in football and wrestling and many other school activities. He then worked in the Twin Cities area until he volunteered for military service in the U.S. Army. He served 2 years, with the majority of that time spent in Bramberg, Germany. Upon discharge, he returned to the Monticello area and eventually married. Two children, Heather and Grant, were born to that marriage, which ended in divorce. In 1981, he met the love of his life, Kate, and they had been married for over 40 years.
Over the years, Ron farmed, owned Hogie’s Grocery Store in Silver Creek, and was a sales representative for Hoglund Bus Company among other endeavors, and then owned and operated the American Family Insurance Agency in Monticello for more than 25 years. After his retirement in 2000, he became involved in land development, which had been an interest of his for many years. He developed the Hoglund Hills property first and then was one of four partners in the Bridgeview development, both of which are across the Mississippi River from Monticello. In addition, he and his brother, Dean Hoglund partnered in building the Annandale Storage Condos.
Ron always loved his hometown Monticello area. He became a leader in the community and was actively involved in doing whatever he could to promote Monticello. He was one of the founders of the Monticello Lions Club, was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, was a long-time member of the Industrial Development Committee, and an active member of the American Legion, participating as a member of the Legion Honor Guard for several years. When help was needed with anything in the community, Ron was always one of the first to volunteer his help. He received many accolades for his volunteerism, and love and pride in his community, including being name Monticello’s Citizen of the Year in 2001.
Ron is survived by his loving and proud wife, Kate (Brausen) of Big Lake, daughter Heather (Janis) and their 2 children Trevor and Connor of Simi Valley, California, son Grant (Jennie) and their 2 children Evan and Norah of St. Paul, his brother Dean (Bonnie) of Annandale, his sister Connie (Jerry James) of Deer River, and sister-in-law Vickie (Gary) of Monticello. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved brother Gary.
Even though Ron was a kind, honest, generous, and respected man, he was also a very modest man. He truly believed that everyone is created equal and should be treated with respect. He never felt that he was better than anyone else and that is how he lived his life. Ron’s reputation for joke telling and storytelling is well known. It is certainly a part of his legacy. He loved getting people to laugh and he accomplished that time after time.
We bid a loving farewell to Ron, who had an ever-present smile on his face and set an example of how to be a truly “good guy.” He had a long and fulfilling life and, through his example, touched the lives of many others. He will be missed, but the memories will sustain us.
No services will be held. There will be a memorial gathering in early summer in Monticello. Condolences may be sent to Ron’s family at P.O. Box 67, Monticello, MN
Ron’s family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staffs of St. Cloud VA’s BRU Unit and 51-1 West Unit for their loving care of Ron. They were extraordinary and will never be forgotten.
Garrett Veal, 50
Garrett Louis Veal, age 50, of Monticello, passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at The University of Minnesota Hospital. He was born on January 9, 1973, in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, the son of Roy L. and Marie C. (Leonard) Veal. Garrett graduated from Buffalo High School in 1991. While in high school, Garrett was a star athlete. He owned and operated a machining sales business known as Castle Reps. Garrett enjoyed ice fishing, hunting, four wheeling, and spending time with family and friends.
Survived by his mother, Marie C. Veal; a sister, Becky Lehn; fiancé, Barb Heidemann; three nephews, Scott, Jeremy, and Jacob; six great-nieces and great-nephews; his godmother, Betty Compton; other relatives and many friends.
Preceded in death by his father, Roy Veal on February 28, 2011.
Celebration of Life Sunday, April 23, 2023, 1-4 P.M. Bison Creek Event Center, 1207 Highway 25 N., Buffalo, MN.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
