Obituaries 06/05/25

William Daleiden, 90

William N. “Billy” Daleiden, age 90, of St. Michael, passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025, at The Engel Haus in Albertville.

He was born on January 5, 1935, in St. Michael, MN, the son of Meinrad “Boy” and Kate (Schmidt) Daleiden.

Billy graduated from The Abbey in Richardton, ND.

He joined the military and served in France.

When he returned, he worked for the Creamery in St. Michael and then later joined his brother, Melvin, at Daleiden Plmb & Htg.

He became a Knights of Columbus member and a St. Michael Fire Fighter.

On January 30, 1957, William N. “Billy” Daleiden and Elizabeth J. “Betty” Pouliot were joined in holy marriage at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Elk River, MN. God blessed them with seven Children, 18 grandchildren, and 39 great-grandchildren, and counting.

In 1982, Billy and Betty started B & D Plmb & Htg, which is a growing company to this day by their son, Dennis, and wife, Tracy. In 1989, Billy and Betty opened Auto Showers car wash and is operating today by their son, Mark, and wife, Delena.

Billy was a faithful member of the St. Michael Catholic Church, and he was a prolife advocate.

He enjoyed traveling in the RV, fishing, playing cards, woodworking, and gardening. He loved his family and getting together and watching them all get along was always something he held close to his heart. Billy had a wonderful sense of humor, always making people laugh and had so many one liners. Billy and his brother, Meiny, always had jokes they played on each other and always debated who was the “better looking” one. On his final days, Meiny finally admitted to Billy that he “Billy” was the better looking one and even though he didn’t communicate much, we got one BIG last smile.

Billy is survived by children, Mark (Delena) Daleiden, Bruce (Vince) Daleiden, Dennis (Tracy) Daleiden, Janene (Tom) Keller, Charlene (Jeremy) Zachman, Gregg Daleiden and Kathy Jo (Frank) Barthel-Cullinan; a daughter-in-law, Wendy Daleiden; seventeen grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; brother, Meinard “Meiny” (Mona) Daleiden; and many other friends and relatives.

Preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Martina (Lester) Beaudry, Armella (Linus) Schumacher, Clifford (Claudelle, Marcie) Daleiden, Evelyn (Wilfred) Beaudry, Eleanor(Leander) Becker, Melvin (Donna Mae) Daleiden, Verna (John) Feeny; wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Daleiden; son-in-law, Kerry Barthel; grandsons, Andrew Daleiden and Peter Koledzienski.

A Mass of Christian Burial for William “Billy” Daleiden will be held Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at the St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael, MN. Father Brian Park will be the Celebrant. Interment will follow at the St. Michael Cemetery.

A visitation will be held Thursday, June 5, from 4-7 AT THE CHURCH. A Knights of Columbus rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m.  Further visitation will be held on Friday, June 6, one hour prior to Mass at the church.

The family would like to thank the Engel haus, Triniti Hospice, and most importantly his personal caregivers, Michelle Steele, Nick Steele, Kari Ludtke, Krista Steele, Sue Zachman, Darcy Hudson, and Merideth Boldishar; the family will be forever grateful for their help.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Cornerstone Women’s & Triniti Hospice would be appreciated.

In lieu of sending Thank Yous, the family will be making a donation to many of Billy’s favorite charities.

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

 


Patricia Davenport, 79

Patricia Ann (Brindamour) Davenport, age 79, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on May 25, 2025, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. 

She was born on September 20, 1945, in Minneapolis, Minnesota; she was the eldest child of Almonte and Muriel Brindamour.

On September 22, 1962, Patty, as her family called her, married the love of her life, Gary John Davenport. The two were blessed with four children, Timothy, Scott, Tamara, and Christopher. They were married 48 years before Gary passed away in 2010. 

Over the years, Patricia had a wide array of jobs, including a carhop on roller skates at her uncle’s drive-in, Woolworths in Minneapolis, The Armory where she made bullets, and Cream of Wheat Factory where she was on the line and as a forklift operator. While Patricia was working, she faithfully purchased and logged savings bonds in a journal. Along with her investment, Gary moonlighted to earn extra income in an effort to get a business off the ground for their family. In 1976, after hard work and perseverance, they were able to achieve that dream, and they opened Satellite Engineering- a sheet metal fabricating business; their family is still operating the business today. Pat and Gary also tried their hand at the Bar/Restaurant business in the 1980s, DavensPort Pub in Monticello, MN.  It is now the location of Hawks Bar and Grill.

In 1980, they moved to their Dream Home on Lake Constance in Buffalo. They continued to raise the family there with the children graduating high school. After two of her children married, she became a grandma with four grandchildren, which she doted upon and always did with a smile on her face. 

Patricia and Gary loved Travel. The catalyst being the road trip that they took after their honeymoon. They never stopped and always found a way to travel. What started as tents, cars, and campers became national and international flights. Eventually, they were lucky enough to own a cabin on Lake Superior near Silver Bay. The two traveled to every State in the US, visited Canada and Mexico, and many countries abroad. The two enjoyed being snowbirds in their beautiful Florida Home. 

Pat lived a full life through many trials and hardships, but she was strong and courageous, enduring more than one should have to. The trying times did not stop the two from enjoying their lives. As Gary’s sailboat said, “Carpe Diem,” which for those who do not know means “seize the day.” This mantra was never far away from Patricia and Gary’s heart as they saw the world together. Though widowed, she was never truly alone. There never was a time that you couldn’t find Patricia without one of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or her two lovable pugs by her side. 

Preceded in death by husband, Gary Davenport; son, Timothy Davenport; infant son, Scott; parents, Almonte and Muriel Brindamour; brothers, Jerome and Thomas Brindamour; sister, Cathie Lyons.

Survived by daughter, Tamara Aldrich (Richard Sherry); son, Christopher Davenport; daughter (in-law), Shari Davenport; grandchildren, Jeffery Davenport, Patricia Davenport, Brandon Aldrich, Charles Aldrich (Greyson Dehn); great-grandchildren, Hannah and Jacob Davenport; sister, Sandra Brindamour; sister-in-law, Alice Nevela; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives, loving friends, acquaintances, and her two pugs, Teddy and Dolly- her little sunshines. 

Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday June 17, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. with visitation one hour prior to the service at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN. Service will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend: http://www.youtube.com/live

Interment to follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN.

 


Mary Eisler, 75

Mary Frances (Miska) Eisler, 75, of Buffalo, MN passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025. Born on August 22, 1949, to Stan and Elaine (Jerabek) Miska in Eden Prairie, MN. 

Mary devoted 26 years of her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Hopkins Care Center, later continuing her compassionate service at Buffalo Hospital and Clinic. Her infectious chuckle and radiant smile endeared her to patients, colleagues, and friends alike.

An avid animal lover, Mary’s home was a haven for stray cats, who instinctively knew where to find care. Her labor of love was her garden, where she nurtured vibrant blooms and grew tomatoes for Terry. She had been raised growing tomatoes, alongside her family for Lunds and Byerly’s. Mary’s generous spirit touched countless lives, always giving selflessly to those around her.

Mary took great pride in meticulously reviving a 1970 Ford Mustang, funding every detail of the project herself, a testament to her determination and love for the classic car.

Mary is survived by her loving partner, Terry Schneller; also other family and many friends.

Memorial service for Mary will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.

Luncheon at the funeral chapel following the service.

Private family interment at a later date.

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

 


Susan Grangroth, 75

Susan Edna Grangroth, age 75, of Waverly, passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

She was born on October 20, 1949, in Elk River, Minnesota, the daughter of Elmer and Margaret (Cooley) Peavey.

On November 25, 1966, Susan E. Peavey and Howard A. Grangroth were joined in holy marriage at The Presbyterian Church in Waverly, Minnesota.

Susan enjoyed her flower gardens and feeding the birds. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren and kittens. Susan formerly taught Sunday School and was a volunteer at The Teen Center. Susan also liked to volunteer at the nursing home and to go fishing. She belonged to The Howard Lake Lions Club and First Presbyterian Church.

Survived by her loving husband, Howard A. Grangroth; children, Patrick Grangroth, Anita Grangroth, Maria (Richard) Salveson, Margaret (Brent) Schwichtenberg, and Scott (Katie) Grangroth; fourteen grandchildren, Josh, Zach and Jake Grangroth; Cortney Swanson, Dominick Grangroth and Samantha Holte; Brad, Ryan, Corey, Chris and Kevin Salveson; Becca, McKenzie and Peyton Schwichtenberg; and sixteen great-grandchildren; siblings, Carol James, Jim Peavey, Don (Dianne) Peavey, Dale (Patty) Peavey, Wanda (Barney) Olson, Elaine Howell, and Rita (Rick) Jewell; many other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by a son, Joseph Elmer Grangroth; a great-grandson, Crosby Michael Salveson; and by her parents.

Funeral Services for Susan Grangroth will be held on Saturday, June 7, at 11:00 A.M. at The Buffalo Presbyterian Church. Pastor Kathy Jones will officiate.

Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 6, from 4-8 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Further visitation will be held on Saturday morning, June 7, one hour prior to services at the church.

Honorary Casket Bearers, Zach Grangroth, Cortney Swanson, Samantha Holte, Corey Salveson, Chris Salveson, Kevin Salveson, McKenzie Schwichtenberg, and Peyton Schwichtenberg.

Casket Bearers will be Josh Grangroth, Becca Schwichtenberg, Jake Grangroth, Brad Salveson, Ryan Salveson, and Dominick Grangroth.

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

 


Donald Jerde, 73

Donald Ralph Jerde, age 73, of Delano, known by all as Joe, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, after an extended illness.

Joe was born on October 18, 1951, the son of Donald and Elsie Jerde. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1969 and served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1973, was deployed to Germany, and honorably discharged as a Private 1st Class.

He was united in marriage to his one true love, Ellen (Ellie) Jerde, on May 24, 1975, and they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary just days after he passed away.  

After leaving the service, he worked at Advance Machine for 30 years and the Delano Public School District for 20 years.

Joe enjoyed playing cards, fishing, hunting, cars (the faster, the better!), and watching NASCAR. One of the highlights in his life was traveling to Alaska to fish and explore the spectacular landscape with the Graunke family, who considered him to be like another brother.

He took great pleasure in driving his vintage 1966 Buick LeSabre convertible, Ranger side by side, four-wheeler, and golf cart. He loved to grill and relax with family and friends in his yard, sipping a Sam Adams. He could visit with anyone and loved to joke and tease, and if you knew Joe, you were probably on the receiving end of his playful teasing!

Joe was very proud of his son, Clint, and daughter, Christel, and took great joy in his grandchildren, who also enjoyed driving grandpa’s array of motorized contraptions in his big yard. He was a dedicated, supportive son-in-law to his mother-in-law, Dolly, who lost her husband at an early age. Family meant everything to him.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife, Ellie; son, Clinton (Dusty) Jerde; and daughter, Christel (Andrew) Davis; grandchildren, Brady and Delilah Jerde, Jacob and Lily Davis; brothers, Marvin (JoAnn) Jerde, Gilbert (Judy) Jerde, Norman (Kathy) Jerde, Jimmy (Gail) Jerde; sisters-in-law, Yvonne Jerde, Pauline Jerde, Barbara Jerde, and  Debbi Jerde; many nephews and nieces, other relatives, and many, many friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Melvin Krause; brothers, Howard Jerde, Loren Jerde, Clifford Jerde, Curtis Jerde, Russell Jerde and David Jerde; and his mother-in-law, Dolly Cook.

A memorial service will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the Delano United Methodist Church in Delano, Minnesota. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4-8 P.M. on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, and continue from 10-11 A.M. Friday prior to the service, at the church.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.

 


Robert Krause, 94 

Robert Emil Krause, age 94 of Montrose, passed away on May 31, 2025. 

A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Delano, Minnesota. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10-12 noon. Interment in West Mt. Olive Cemetery, Delano, Minnesota. A full obituary will be published next week.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.

 


Bruce Leffler, 66

Bruce Edward Leffler “Noodles,” age 66, of Buffalo, MN, and formerly of Montrose, MN, passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

He was born on December 12, 1958, in Buffalo, MN the son of Harvey W. and Barbara Jean (Schalo) Leffler.

Bruce was a man that could fix anything! He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and camping. Bruce was also fond of going with his brother-in-law, Joe, over the road. He enjoyed mowing lawn and loved dancing, especially to country-western music.  

Survived by his daughter, Malinda “Mickey” (Dimont “D. J.”) Johanson; granddaughters, Anna Brummer and Piper “Monkey” Johanson; special stepfather, Dean LaVine; siblings “J.R.” (Marsha) Leffler, Rick (Denise) Leffler, Lori (Joe) Adickes, Bob Leffler, and Darrien Leffler; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by his father, Harvey Leffler; his mother, Barbara Jean LaVine; a sister, Sheila Klaers; and nephew, Ryan Simmang.

Funeral for Bruce “Noodles” Leffler will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 3 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo MN. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

Interment at Kreidler Cemetery, Montrose, MN.

Casket bearers will be J.R. Leffler, Rick Leffler, Bob Leffler, Darrien Leffler, Joe Adickes, and Tyler Potvin. Honorary casket bearers will be Lori Adickes, Dimont “D.J.” Johanson, Patty Paschke, Wally Paschke, Rylee Simmang, and Wendy Kirschenman.

The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN, assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


Joyce Rolstad 

Joyce Harding Rolstad was born on May 7, 1946, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Harold and Eunice Harding. She grew up in Litchfield, MN, and graduated from Litchfield High School. Joyce pursued a career in cosmetology, attending school in St. Cloud, MN, before opening and running her own successful salon.

In 1981, Joyce and her family moved to Delano, MN. While raising her daughters, she began working at StarWest Chevrolet, where she remained a valued employee for many years. In 1994, Joyce met the love of her life, Duane Rolstad. They married on March 21, 1999, and she embraced farm life as the resident farmhand and animal wrangler.

In 2006, after returning from a vacation, Joyce became seriously ill and was diagnosed with Goodpasture Syndrome. Her kidneys failed, and she spent 14 months on dialysis. In May 2007, she received the life-changing gift of a kidney transplant—an event she often referred to as “hitting the lottery.”

Joyce loved traveling with family and friends. Her journeys took her cruising through the Caribbean, Dominican Republic, and Mexico; on road trips across the U.S. to Texas, Missouri, Arizona, Florida, and the Dakotas; and on a memorable river cruise from Budapest, Hungary, to Nuremberg, Germany.

She was active in her community, participating in the wRight Ringer Community Handbell Ensemble and monthly Bunco games. A passionate advocate for the National Kidney Foundation, Joyce took part in numerous fundraising events and was instrumental in organizing her neighborhood’s annual gathering.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Duane Rolstad; brother, Donald (Carol) Harding, of Tampa, FL; daughters, Gretchen (Wyatt) Ping, of Brooklyn Park, MN, and Meredith (Chad) Huikko, of Delano, MN; and grandchildren, Brody and Riley Ping, and Marissa and Jenna Huikko. She is also survived by extended family and many cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Eunice Harding.

Joyce’s strength, warmth, and generosity touched all who knew her. She will be deeply missed!

A Memorial Service for Joyce Harding Rolstad will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Pastor Kari Bahe will officiate. Words of Remembrance by Steve Huston. Inurnment will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Buffalo.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 5, AT THE CHURCH one hour prior to services.

Honorary Urn Bearers will be Steve Huston, Dan Langner, Brad Arneson, and Brian McAlpine.

Urn Bearer will be Paul McAlpine.

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