Obituaries 06/11/26
Byron Gustafson, 80
Byron Walter Gustafson, age 80, passed away peacefully at home on April 24, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, friendships, and accomplishments.
He was a devoted friend, animal lover, and a man who held firmly to his beliefs and values throughout his life. Byron had a deep passion for animals of all kinds. Over the years, he cared for many pets and livestock, including dogs, horses, sheep, and numerous other animals. His love and respect for animals were evident in the dedication he showed to their care and well-being.
Among his greatest interests were horses, and he achieved considerable success in the show ring, winning multiple horse-show events throughout his life. He took great pride in his accomplishments and the relationships he built within the horse community.
A devoted dog enthusiast, Byron was especially fond of Giant Schnauzers and became well known for breeding and selling purebred Giant Schnauzers. He treasured the companionship, intelligence, and loyalty of the breed and enjoyed sharing that passion with others.
Byron was also known for his strong political convictions and unwavering commitment to his conservative Republican beliefs. He never hesitated to express his opinions and remained steadfast in his principles throughout his life.
Those who knew Byron will remember his determination, his love for animals, his sense of independence, and his loyalty to friends and family. His presence will be deeply missed, but the memories he created and the lives he touched will endure. May he rest in peace.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation one hour prior at The Peterson Chapel (119 Central Avenue, Buffalo, MN). Interment will be at Lakewood Cemetery (3600 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55408).
Myrna Hoekstra, 92
Myrna Mary (Schut) Hoekstra, of Sherman, Texas, passed into the arms of Jesus on June 2, 2026. She was 92.
Myrna was born in Wright County, Minnesota, on August 15, 1933, to Andrew and Hattie (Rozenberg) Schut. She married Morris J. Hoekstra on November 14, 1952, in Silver Creek, Minnesota. She was a long-time resident of Buffalo.
Myrna had many joys in life, including family, friends, baking, babies, and travel. She made many memories traveling with her husband on motorcycle, by car, by RV, by ship, and by plane. Together, they logged many miles visiting friends, family, and faraway places.
She is survived by daughter-in-law, Zelina, of Jacksonville, Florida; son, Bruce, of Murphy, Texas; daughter, Lu Ann Graf (Sam), of Cadillac, Michigan; son, Randy (Diana), of Denison, Texas; and daughter, Bonnie Davis (Scott), of Sherman Texas. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.
Myrna was preceded in death by her husband, Morris; her son, Jerry; two granddaughters, Amy and April Graf; three great-grandsons, Isaiah and Andrew Hodgson, and Owen Jay Graf.
Both Myrna and Morris donated their bodies to the University of Texas medical center for education and research. Her final resting place will be in Sherman, Texas. No formal service is planned at this time. Her legacy will live on in her children and grandchildren who not only have many wonderful memories, but hearts filled with love of all the things she taught by example.
Arleen Peterson, 96
Arleen Mary Peterson, age 96 years, of Marysville Township, Waverly, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Arleen was born on October 22, 1929, to Edward (“Ed”) and Amanda (Kelstrum a/k/a Kättström) Stumpf in Oungre, Saskatchewan, Canada, a week to the day before the stock market crash of 1929.
Arleen’s early life was challenging, as the country suffered through the throes of poverty caused by the Great Depression. When Arleen was six years old, her mother, Amanda, passed away from sepsis/peritonitis, the result of infection after undergoing surgery to remove her gallstones.
Shortly after Amanda’s passing, Ed and Arleen moved to Manitoba in search of better employment. During this period of time, Arleen, at a young age of seven or eight, served as a nanny for several families watching their younger children in exchange for room and board, and in order that she could attend the local public schools in Manitoba.
In 1939, Ed and Arleen emigrated from Canada, moving back to Waverly where several of Ed’s siblings were residing. Ed worked as a mechanic at a garage located in Rasset. In 1942, Ed, despite being a widower, was drafted into the U.S. Army for service in WWII. With his siblings having their own children’s mouths to feed and therefore unable to take Arleen in, Ed spilled his sorrows to local tavern and Waverly Bowling Alley owner, Jimmy Fitzpatrick. Jimmy, seeing Ed’s dilemma, and being a compassionate Irishman that he was, told Ed “Mabel and I can take her in. We could use help looking over our younger girl, Margy.” And so began Arleen’s life living with Jimmy and Mabel Fitzpatrick. (Of course, Mabel didn’t learn of this arrangement until Jimmy showed up at home with Arleen, stating “Mabel. This is Arleen, she’s going to be living with us for a while.”)
Mom graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Waverly in 1947, After graduation, she attended business college in Minneapolis, and upon completion, took a job with Dependable Motors in Minneapolis as a secretary. In 1950, Arleen became a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Meanwhile, “awhile” with Jimmy and Mabel, turned into a little over 12 years and culminated with Jimmy “Fitz” giving away Arleen at her marriage to Wally Peterson, a Swedish lad who farmed north of Waverly and WWII Navy carrier pilot, later, an Eastern Airline pilot.
The 16-year period following their marriage produced the birth of five girls and two boys, commencing in Minnesota with Sheila and Stephie, then in Miami, Florida, where the family moved for Wally’s Eastern Airlines job, and the births of Cindy, Cathy, Patty, and John, and then back to Minnesota in 1966 with the birth of Pete in 1967. While Wally continued flying for Eastern full-time, Arleen was employed as a full-time “mom” raising seven children.
Arleen was the best mother any of her kids could ask for. Loving, kind, fair, and always quick to praise. Her love knew no bounds, and she always had a greeting and a kiss for all who knew her. Her pride and love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were immeasurable. She was often referred to as “Grandma” by even her grandchildren’s friends. A common phrase heard by the grandchildren’s friends was “I love your grandma!” Mom’s human heart may have stopped beating, but the love she gave will be with us until our own hearts stop beating.
Arleen was preceded in death by her loving husband, Wallace (“Wally”) Peterson; infant granddaughters, Eve Theisen and Harper Peterson; son-in-law, Gary Theisen; parents; and stepbrother, Eddy Stumpf; honorary parents, Jimmy and Mabel Fitzpatrick; honorary sister, Margy (Fitzpatrick) Balboul.
Arleen is survived by her children, Sheila (Mike) Gilmer, Stephie (Don) Durand, Cindy Theisen, Cathy (Augie) Riebel, Patty (Tim) Lammers, John (Tammy) Peterson, and Wallace, Jr. “Pete” (Annette) Peterson; honorary sister, Jane Fitzpatrick Nilan (Mike); 27 grandchildren, two bonus grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly, MN, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, reviewal was from 9:00 a.m. to time of funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m.
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.
Meda Rogich, 64
The world became a little brighter on July 7, 1961, the day Meda Marie (Bramel) Rogich was born in Fort Leonard Wood, Military Base in Missouri.
On May 21, 2026, that light shifted into memory as Meda passed away peacefully at John Hopkins Hospital, in Baltimore, Maryland.
Anyone who knew Meda knew her laugh, generosity, artistry, recipes, humor, and her passion for family.
She spent her days thrifting, crafting, cooking, conversating, and caring for others. Her greatest joy was family, grandchildren, and community.
Meda leaves behind her husband of 32 years, Charles “Charlie” Rogich; two daughters, Jessica Schellenberg and Michelle Schellenberg; three granddaughters, Kira “Kier” Schellenberg, Lyric Rogich, and Lyla Rogich; and sister, Benita Rae Bramel - who will forever carry her stories, lessons, and love.
She is preceded in death by daughter, Nicole Marie (Schellenberg) Roe; sister, Vesta Gay Todd; mother, Vesta Mae (Henson) Bramel; and father, George Landford-Earl Bramel.
Meda’s ashes are to be planted with a cherry tree at her home in Westminster, Maryland.
Cassandra Spike, 43
Cassandra “Cassie” Lee Spike, age 43, of Dassel, MN, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Waverly, MN, with Father Larry Blake officiating. Gathering with the family will start at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service. The interment of the urn will take place at the Dassel Community Cemetery at a later date.
A Rosary will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Waverly.
Cassie is the daughter of Paul and Barbara (Howe) Spike, born on December 29, 1982, in Waconia, MN. Cassie grew up in Montrose. She was baptized, received first communion, and confirmation at St. Mary’s in Waverly in the Catholic faith. Cassie graduated from Buffalo High School in 2001 and later continued her education by receiving her paralegal degree. After graduating from high school, Cassie remained in Montrose for many years before she moved to Winsted and then eventually moved to Dassel in 2016 where she has since resided.
Cassie was employed by Wright Hennepin Security in Rockford as a Dispatcher and as an Administrator for over 10 years. She was proud of her work and the many lives that she helped to protect and save every day. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, especially her nieces and nephews. She loved her dogs Pepper, Bella, and Liberty. She was fond of traveling and enjoyed going to as many state parks as she was able. She will be missed dearly by her family and friends.
She is survived by her mother, Barbara Spike, of Dassel; her siblings, Lucinda Spike, of Dassel, Justin (special friend, Courtney Schroeder) Spike, of Winsted, Elicia (Luke) Jenson, of Waverly; her nieces and nephews, Mason, Emily, Melody, Kaylin, Logan, Devon, and Reagan; along with aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family members.
She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Spike; her nephew, Timothy; and her paternal and maternal grandparents.
The Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel is serving the family, www.jfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Patrick Wurm, 72
Patrick ‘Pat’ Timothy Wurm, 72, of Otsego, went to be with God on Monday, June 1, 2026. He passed peacefully with family at his side after a short illness.
Pat was born in Buffalo, Minnesota, on June 20, 1953, as the second of nine children to Timothy and Marie Wurm. He spent the early years of his life attending St. Timothy’s Catholic School and helping out on his family’s farm in Maple Lake, Minnesota. In 1971, Pat graduated from Maple Lake High School. He then began working at Lyman Lumber in Annandale, MN, on the Pole Barn crew constructing various outbuildings across Wright County. After his time at Lyman Lumber, Pat went on to work at Johnson Brothers, where he built bridges. Most notably, he helped complete the Plymouth Avenue bridge in Minneapolis and the final stretch of I-494 through Fort Snelling State Park. He later was employed by other various construction companies before finally working as a carpenter building houses.
In July of 1991, Patrick was diagnosed with cancer and given only six weeks to live. Through the power of prayer and many rounds of chemotherapy, he was able to miraculously overcome his illness. In June of 1992, Pat met the love of his life, Denise ‘Dedi’ Mayer, at the Medina Ballroom. He would say that the time around your birthday was always the luckiest time of year. They would go on to get married on May 29, 1993, and spend the next 33 years together. After his bout with cancer, he was told that it would be extremely unlikely that he would be able to have children. Despite this, he went on to conceive three boys, Matthew, Samuel, and Gregory. After the birth of Matthew, Pat started his own business, ‘Patrick Wurm Construction.’ It was here that he taught his boys the value of a hard day’s work. He built decks, roofed houses, installed doors and windows, installed siding, and did handyman work for 25 years before finally retiring from carpentry in 2021. He then went on to deliver auto parts for Napa and O’Reilly’s until his retirement in 2025.
Patrick had a very strong Catholic faith, which would guide his values throughout his life. Pat also loved to visit with others. He was always eager to share the many stories from various points in his life. He regularly could be found at popular social spaces in town and would always be able to be identified by his signature bib-overalls. If you were not able to see him, you could sometimes hear him yodel from across the room. Pat enjoyed traveling and some of his favorite road trips were through the Deep South, to the Great Smoky Mountains, Washington D.C., Route 66, the New England States, and Arizona. He especially cherished his trips to the Amish Country in Indiana. Some of his favorite pastimes were playing smear, cribbage, or shaking dice. He also treasured his time sitting around a bonfire. Although he had moved away from the farm, Pat would often go back to do chores and visit his family.
Pat is survived by his wife of 33 years, Denise ‘Dedi’ Wurm; children, Matthew (Katelyn) Wurm and Gregory Wurm and his partner, Leah; siblings, Jane Wurm, Suzie (Mike) Michaelis, Ruth (Dave) Neske, Theresa (Rick) Doerr, Betty (Bruce) Stuhr, Joan (Jeff) Michaelis, Jerry Wurm, and Mae Wurm; sisters-In-law, Anita (Paul) Stewart, Annette (Russ) Keppel, Amy (Jon) Peterson, and Paula (Dave) Beaner; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends, and other loving family members.
He was preceded in death by his son, Samuel Wurm; his parents, Timothy and Marie (Holthaus) Wurm; and his father and mother-in-law, Jack and Betty (Johnson) Mayer.
The family would like to give a special thanks to North Memorial Hospice and Trinity Hospice for taking care of Pat during his final days.
Visitation for Pat was on Tuesday, June 9, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary and parish prayers at 7:00 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel in St. Michael, MN.
Mass of Christian burial was at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, at St. Andrew’s in Elk River, MN, with a visitation continuing one hour prior to Mass.
Interment was at 2:30 p.m., also on Wednesday, at St. Timothy’s Cemetery in Maple Lake.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in St. Michael, MN
