Obituaries 06/12/25
Carl Bowman, 90
Carl F. Bowman, age 90, of Buffalo, passed away on June 3, 2025. Family, including 10 of his great-grandchildren, gathered around him to say goodbye.
He was born in Luverne, MN, on March 7, 1935, to Lawrence and Johanna (Ahrendt) Bowman. They moved to a farm in Old Lyndale, MN, where Carl graduated from Mound High School, class of 1953. Carl then went to Dunwoody for Sheet Metal fabrication/installation in the HVAC industry. His career in HVAC began at Wayzata Sheet Metal. He also served in the Army reserve.
Love of dancing at Medina Ballroom is where he met Dorothy Jean Dixon, daughter of Clifford and Lydia Dixon, and were married September 5, 1959. Last fall, they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with their family. Carl and Dorothy made their home in Buffalo and were blessed with two children, Valerie and Grant. In 1964, they started Bowman Sheet Metal, Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., which continued as a family business for over 50 years.
Carl was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Over the years, he served as an Elder, Trustee, on various committees, as well as participating in the Men’s Choir. Some of the organizations he was active in were the Jaycee’s, City Council, and the Airport Board. He was also very involved in Rotary Club and was a Past Rotary President. In his later years, he enjoyed being a mentor at the Buffalo Middle School which was originally started by Rotary.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Johanna Bowman; his brother, Lawrence (Skip) Bowman, Jr.; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clifford and Lydia Dixon; sister-in-law, Darlene Bowman; and brothers-in-law, Gordy Bersie and Gary Nelson.
Carl is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy; daughter, Valerie (Mark) Pederson; son, Grant (Diane) Bowman; grandchildren, Charissa (Nate) Gazelka, Anastasia (Joel) McQueen, Luke (Gretchen) Pederson, Jordan (Holly) Bowman, Michalea (Cole) Gothman; great-grandchildren, Lewis, Winston and Ari Gazelka; Silas, Malachi, and Baby Girl (due any day) McQueen; Rhyan Pederson; Wyatt, Lydia and Lucille Bowman; Emmi, Nora, Maisy, Selah, and Zion Gothman; and sisters, Jennalee Bersie and Rosalyn Nelson.
Memorial Service will be held Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation beginning two hours prior to the service at 9:00 A.M., all at St. John’s Lutheran Church – 302 2nd Street NE, Buffalo, MN. Private inurnment at Lakeview Cemetery, Buffalo, MN. The service may be livestreamed via the church YouTube Channel: https://www.stjohnsbuffalo.org/church-online/
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Ethel Day, 90
Ethel Aline Day, age 90, of Mound, MN, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025.
Ethel was born on December 29, 1934, in McAndrews, Kentucky to William F. and Sallie P. (Crosby) Williamson.
After her marriage, Ethel relocated to Minnesota with her family in pursuit of new job opportunities, and started her career at Honeywell, where she worked for 25 years before retiring. She was known for her strong work ethic, her big heart, and her spunky and feisty personality that left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Ethel deeply loved her family and cherished the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Virgil Johnson and Herman Day; her son, Vernon Johnson; grandson, Ephraim Mersha; five brothers; and one sister.
Ethel is survived by her children, John Johnson, Lola (Tom) Johnson-Mersha, Debra (Doug) Hirsch, and Diane Johnson; grandchildren, Beau Nicholson, Joshua Mersha, Angel Mire, Rodney Foster, Gloria Wilkowski, Yonella Williams, Yoseph Mersha, and seven great-grandchildren; and her beloved sister, Lucille.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 12:00 P.M. (noon), with visitation beginning one hour prior at 11:00 A.M., at The Peterson Chapel, 119 Central Avenue in Buffalo, MN. Interment will take place on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at Lakeview Cemetery in Alvin, Wisconsin.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Carol Ellefson, 95
Carol Jean (Helgeson) Ellefson, age 95 years and one month, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025.
Carol was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished member of her communities, lived a life filled with love, dedication, and numerous enriching experiences. Born in Dawson, MN, on April 14, 1930, to Helmer and Alice (Crosby) Helgeson, Carol grew up on a farm two miles south of Dawson, MN, and attended elementary school in a small, one-room “Country School” near her family’s farm. Her early education laid the foundation for a lifetime of learning and growth.
After completing grade 6, in the “Country School,” Carol attended the Dawson Public School system and graduated in 1948. Her academic journey was marked by perseverance and a commitment to excellence. After Carol’s graduation in 1948, she attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. On July 3, 1950, Carol embarked on a new chapter in her life when she married the love of her life, Donald, (Ducky) Ellefson. Their union was a cornerstone of a family that would grow and thrive in various parts of the country.
Carol’s primary career was that of a devoted mother, a role she embraced with enthusiasm and care. She and her family lived in Dawson, MN; Atlantic, Iowa; Laurel, Montana; and Buffalo, MN. Wherever they went, Carol’s presence brought warmth and stability. She was known for her profound interest in her children’s activities and her unwavering support for their endeavors. Whether it was managing the household, attending sporting events, or engaging in heartfelt conversations, Carol’s ability to listen and provide guidance made her an extraordinary mother.
Her children, Kathy, Dale, Davy, and Dean Ellefson were the center of her world. She navigated the challenges of motherhood with grace. Carol’s days were bustling with activities ranging from piano lessons and sports to pheasant and duck hunting and overnight planning. She was always ready to settle any disputes and bring harmony to the household.
Carol’s life was enriched by her loving family.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Ellefson; her daughter, Kathy (Ellefson) Runkle; her parents, Helmer and Alice Helgeson; and her siblings, Wanda, Richard, and John Helgeson; as well as her sister-in-law, Shirley Ellefson (Bownik). Despite these losses, Carol’s legacy lives on through her surviving members.
In addition to her children, she is survived by her brothers, Ronald and James Helgeson; her grandchildren, Peter and Amy Runkel, JaRae, Taylor, and Austin Ellefson. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Dawson, Charli, Violet, Connor, Crew, Cam, Zoey, and Piper.
Carol’s life was a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the joy of nurturing a family. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her, and her spirit will continue to inspire us.
A time and place are yet to be scheduled for a “remembrance and celebration” of her incredible life but probably sometime in mid-to-late summer in Buffalo, MN.
With Love, Dale, Davy and Dean Ellefson
Robert Krause, 94
Robert Emil Krause, age 94, of Montrose, passed away on May 31, 2025. He was born on February 1, 1931, to Carl and Mabel (Wetter) Krause.
Bob was a lifelong farmer in the Montrose area. Upon retiring from farming, he found a new passion in making playground equipment for Landscape Structures in Delano.
Bob met the love of his life, Donna Lou Bullert, at a country music dance, and they were wed on June 16, 1956, in Howard Lake, Minnesota. To this union, two sons were blessed.
Besides enjoying going to work every day, Bob loved to attend dances, sporting events, and family functions. You would often find him seated at the card table, enjoying fellowship with family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his siblings, Marvin (Virginia) Krause, Ione (Elmer) Kespohl, Eldoris (Wallace) Jaunich, Eldon (Leora) Krause; brothers-in-law, Vernon Yager and Roy Dalchow.
Bob is survived by his wife, Donna, of 68 years; sons, Gary (fiancée, Kathy), Jeffrey (Barb); six grandchildren, Daniel, David, Allison, Lindsay, Nicole, and Miranda; eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Mildred Yager and Luella Dalchow.
A funeral service was held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Delano, Minnesota. A visitation was held prior to the service from 10-12 noon. Interment was in West Mt. Olive Cemetery, Delano, Minnesota.
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.
Michelle Lohse, 61
Michelle Shannon Kilian Lohse, age 61, of Maple Grove, died on June 4, 2025, from complications of Alzheimer’s Dementia.
Micki was born July 4, 1963, to Jack and Terry Kilian in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She grew up spending her days playing outside in her neighborhood in Hanover with her sisters and neighbors. In 7th grade, she met the love of her life, Bill Lohse, and they became instant friends. They started dating in their senior year at Buffalo High School, and were married on August 11, 1984, in Corcoran, Minnesota.
Micki graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from The University of Minnesota and went on to have a successful career in consulting and project management in government contracts and medical devices. She was so proud of her career, and her family is even more proud that she was a trailblazer in her field.
Micki was an excellent wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, and daughter. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family and planning parties. She was fierce in her beliefs and in her love of the Minnesota Vikings. She has been missed dearly as Alzheimer’s slowly stole her away since before her diagnosis in September of 2015. She participated in the Alzheimer’s research program at the Mayo Clinic from 2016-2021. She is now at peace and will be remembered for her ability to solve most any problem, her love of friends and family, and her joy for life.
Micki is survived by her husband, Bill; children, Samantha (Calvin) Ziegler, Ryan Lohse; mother, Therese Kilian; sisters, Andrea (John) Riley, Jaqueline (Scot) McNamara; siblings-in-law, Cindy (Darsey) Hohl, Sandy (Bruce) Anderson, Tom (Katie) Lohse, Lori (Jay) Lebrun, and Jeff (Laura) Greenwald; nieces, JJ (Alex) Peutz, Alexis (Garrett) Ernhart, Brooke LeBrun, Gabby LeBrun, Meghan Riley, Cassidy Dinkins; nephews, Chad (Michaela) Anderson, Eric (Kashia) Anderson, Jason (Amber) Hohl, Austin (Amber) LeBrun, Will Riley, Alex Greenwald, Cooper Greenwald; and many other family members and friends.
Micki was preceded in death by her father, Jacob Kilian; father-in-law, Ronald Lohse; mother-in-law, Joyce Lohse; stepmother-in-law, Darlene Lohse; and many aunts and uncles.
We would like to thank the staff at Wealshire of Medina who expertly cared for Micki since August 2024.
Micki’s Celebration Of Life will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 7401 County Rd. 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311, with visitation one hour prior at noon. A short inurnment service will happen on Lord of Life grounds after the service. There will be fellowship and dessert available after the service in Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations be made in Michelle’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. #endalz
Lillian Myrdal, 98
Lillian Hosianna (Hall) Helgason Myrdal, age 98, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, surrounded by the love she so freely gave. Born April 14, 1927, in Gardar, ND, to Hosianna and Johann Hall, Lillian was the youngest of 11 children. A graduate of Edinburg High School and Fargo’s Hairdressing Academy, she met her first husband, Stefan Helgason, at a local dance. They married in 1947 and raised six children. Known for her warmth, hospitality, and deep love of family, Lillian was nominated “Suburban Homemaker of the Year” in 1963. She later became a parent advocate for Deaf-Blind Services in honor of her daughter, Sherry. An avid gardener and talented seamstress, her home and creations were filled with love. After Steve’s passing in 1992, Lillian found companionship again with Donald Myrdal, whom she married in 1995. They shared many joyful years until his passing in 2014.
Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; husbands, Steve and Don; daughter, Sherry; son, Wayne; and grandson, Shamus.
She is survived by children, Stuart (Laurie), Harvey (Jane), Deborah (Ric), Lowell (Anne); daughter-in-law, Kathy; many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and extended family. Lillian is further survived by Don’s children, Jane (Paul) Boese, Patti (Jerry) Allen, Kay Myrdal, and Donald R. (Patricia) Myrdal, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 21, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel at Park Terrace, 613 Montrose Blvd., Buffalo, MN.
In lieu of flowers, plant something beautiful in her memory or share a meal with someone — Lillian would have loved that. Donations may also be made to Camp Courage in honor of her daughter, Sherry, at Truefriends.org. Online condolences may be left at https://www.ohalloranmurphy.com/roseville.
Margaret Plaggerman, 72
Margaret “Peg” Plaggerman, age 72, of Maple Lake, died Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 12, 2025, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Maple Lake with Fr. Kevin Magner as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday and from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Thursday, both at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Maple Lake. Prayer Service was held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Margaret Mary McBrady was born on February 13, 1953, in Graceville, Minnesota, the eldest of eight children to Joseph and Mary (Siefert) McBrady. She moved with her family as a teenager to Maple Lake, where she would later solidify her roots and create a legacy filled with love, kindness, and care.
A proud graduate of Maple Lake High School in 1971, Peg continued her education in Rochester for nursing and earned her bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University, a degree that would define her career. She began her journey as a nurse with dedication and grace, serving in multiple hospitals over a rewarding 30-year span. Her passion for helping others led her to work as a home healthcare nurse and, most recently, as a guardian and caseworker for vulnerable adults.
Peg’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her professional life. A devoted mother, she raised her four children with resilience as a proud, strong mom. She married the love of her life, Willis Plaggerman, on October 24, 1986, at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake.
Faith was central in Peg’s Life. She was an active member of the Church of St. Timothy, where she taught faith formation, participated in Alpha and the Catholic Council of Women.
Peg’s heart for service was evident in her countless volunteer efforts. She made a lasting impact on many lives through her work with Medica, Action for Children-Zambia, board member of Love INC, and as a dedicated Girl Scout leader for three decades. Even in her busy schedule, she found joy in hiking and camping in her younger years; and in later life, traveling, knitting, baking, and reading-every moment a reflection of her vibrant spirit. Above all, Peg cherished the time spent with all her family, especially her grandchildren.
Peg is survived by her husband of 38 years, Willis of Maple Lake; her children, Joe (Karen) Spiegel, of McCammon, ID, Laura Carlson, of Pocatello, ID, Beth (Dusty) Nicka, of South Haven, and Lynn (Sam) Muller, of Waverly; six grandchildren, Zoe and Maya Spiegel, Milo Nicka, and Theo, Finnegan, and Silas Muller; siblings, Barbara (Gene) McBrady-Janikula, of Watertown, Betty (Greg) Thomes, of Maple Lake, Jerry (Karla) McBrady, of Maple Lake, Carol McBrady, of Lusaka, Zambia, Pat (Theresa) McBrady, of Park Rapids, and Mary Pat Craite, of Maple Lake; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Darren “DJ” Carlson; brother, Daniel McBrady; and brother-in-law, Clyde Craite.
Aaron Thomes, Betty Thomes, Barb McBrady-Janikula, Mary Pat Craite, and Jerry McBrady will serve as urn bearers. Krista Elsenpeter and Shannon Paumen will provide music for the service.
In memory of Peg, donations may be made to Love INC or Action for Children, Zambia. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com
Lloyd Rassat, 77
Lloyd Leo Rassat, age 77, of Annandale, and formerly of Buffalo, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025, at his residence.
He was born March 16, 1948, in Waverly, Minnesota, the son of Leo and Grace H. (Wurm) Rassat.
Lloyd graduated from St. Mary High School in Waverly in 1966.
Lloyd met Barbara A. Bodin at a dance in Winsted, but he liked to tell the story this way: “In our family there was only one car to share, so I took the tractor into town one day, and there she was on the side of the road sitting on a case of beer, and I thought to myself, the search is over!”
Lloyd honorably served his country in the 25th infantry serving in Viet Nam for 13 months.
On March 13, 1971, Lloyd and Barbara were joined in holy marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly. God blessed their marriage with two sons, Jared and Brian.
Lloyd was employed for many years in sewer and water. After leaving sewer and water, he ran Lloyd’s Excavating from 1988 to 2001.
He was a faithful member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church after moving to Annandale and formerly of St. Francis-Xavier Church of Buffalo.
Lloyd is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Barbara Rassat, of Annandale; Jared Rassat, of New Ulm, and Brian (Tracey) Rassat, of South Haven; grandchildren, Hannah Rassat, Katelyn Rassat, and Evan Rassat; siblings, Tom Rassat, of Buffalo, Kay Manteuffel, of Elk River, Mary Rassat, of Monticello, John (Karen) Rassat, of Waverly, Lisa Rassat, of Annandale, Tim (Vonnie) Rassat, of Winsted, and David Rassat, of Minneapolis; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Grace Rassat; four siblings, Joan, Mark, Michael, and Greg Rassat; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clarence and Fern Bodin.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Lloyd Leo Rassat was held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Annandale. Father Kevin Magner was the Celebrant.
A visitation was held on Tuesday morning, June 10, beginning at 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Annandale.
Readers for the Mass were Hannah Rassat, Katelyn Rassat, Becky Rassat, and Evan Rassat.
Vocalist was Wayne Jorgenson.
A luncheon followed the funeral Mass.
Interment with military rites Swedesburg Lutheran Cemetery in rural Waverly.
Casket Bearers were Charlie Rassat, Sam Rassat, Travis Rassat, Ludovic Marquette, Doug Bodin, and Dahkota Chilson.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
James Sturges
James “Jim” Sturges went to be with his Savior, surrounded by family on June 6, 2025.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Darcy Elliott.
He is survived by his wife, three daughters, three sons-in-law, and ten grandchildren.
Jim’s passion was the outdoors. He will sadly be missed, as we cannot share our nature stories with him on Earth but will reach out to him in heaven.
A private Celebration of Life will be held in the near future.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Eugene Valerius, 80
Eugene Sylvester Valerius, age 80, of Albertville, MN, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025. He was born on September 14, 1944, in Albertville to Ferdinand and Laura (Richter) Valerius, the youngest of ten children.
Eugene proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, enlisting on June 11, 1965, and receiving an honorable discharge on May 18, 1967. After his military service, he worked in the transportation department for Wright County.
Deeply devoted to his community, Eugene was a longtime member of the Albertville Lions Club and dedicated 28 years as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for the area. He was known for his generosity, service, and mechanical know-how.
A man of many interests, Eugene was an avid motorcyclist and enjoyed golfing and spending time in his garage tinkering with small engines and motors—always finding something to fix.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ferdinand and Laura, and eight siblings.
Eugene is survived by his sister, Dorothy (Robert) Andrews; and his special niece and nephews who lovingly cared for him throughout the years, Linda (Alan) Brixius, Steven (Mary) Andrews, and David (Roxann Mosey) Andrews; and life-long friend and neighbor, Ken Weber. He also leaves behind many other extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of St. Croix Hospice for their compassion and care during Eugene’s final days.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation one hour prior at The Church of St. Albert, 11400 57th Street NE, Albertville, MN. Inurnment will be held at St. Albert’s Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael-Albertville. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
