Obituaries 06/26/25
Phyllis Bakken, 96
Phyllis Betty Lou Bakken, age 96, of Monticello, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025. She was born in Minneapolis on June 25, 1928, to Wesley and Irene (Moe) Shaw.
Phyllis was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Minneapolis and was a member of the choir.
Phyllis graduated from North High School in Minneapolis on June 14, 1946. She was a member of the Girls Athletic Association after school hours. She and her sister liked going to the roller derby and spending time at Fairview Park. She spent a few years living in California with her friend Beatrice. When returning to Minnesota, Phyllis worked at Honeywell and Warner Hardware.
In 1962, Phyllis met Owen Bakken, and they were married on November 2, 1963. They were blessed with a son, Bruce Bakken.
Phyllis spent many years working at the school as a teacher assistant in Headstart, student monitor at lunch and on the playground, and a TMH Aide that she worked as for 23 years before retiring in June of 1994. She enjoyed working with children.
Phyllis was a faithful member of Community United Methodist Church in Monticello where she taught Preschool and Sunday School classes.
She enjoyed ice skating, roller skating, bowling, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. She never missed her granddaughter’s softball, basketball, soccer, swimming, gymnastics, and band events; often chaperoning for many of the band events.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Owen Bakken; parents, Wesley and Irene Shaw; and sisters, Janice Campbell, Lucille Steere.
Phyllis is survived by her son, Bruce Bakken; granddaughters, Stephanie (Quinn) Gudex, Kayla (Ricky) Devine; great-grandchildren, Lily and Mika Gudex, Rowan Talerico; and other loving family and friends.
“What a blessing! God has been good to me!” ~Phyllis Bakken
A memorial service was held Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 6:00 P.M., with visitation one hour prior, at Community United Methodist Church, 9225 Jason Ave. NE, Monticello, MN. A private family burial was held at Riverside Cemetery in Monticello, MN.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel of Monticello, MN, 763-295-2918, www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com.
Dennis Beise, 90
Dennis Albert Beise, age 90, of rural Delano, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park.
Dennis was born on May 9, 1935, in Rockford Township, Wright County, to Herbert and Hattie (Schlief) Beise.
He was baptized as an infant on July 21, 1935, and later confirmed in his Christian faith on June 5, 1949, by Rev. Kock at Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rockford—a congregation he remained devoted to throughout his life serving as a past elder.
Dennis graduated from Buffalo High School in 1953.
On January 17, 1959, Dennis was united in marriage to Janet Lange at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Greenfield, with Rev. Haar officiating. God blessed their marriage with five sons.
A lifelong farmer, Dennis received the Outstanding Young Farmer award in 1970 and, in 2016, received the Minnesota State Fair 50 Year award for his decades of showing hogs. This passion started in the early 1940’s when Dennis became one of the founding members of the Rockets 4-H Club. He continued to serve as a 4-H Adult Leader for many years. In 2009 ,after receiving the Minnesota Fair Person of the Year award, Dennis was quoted in a local paper as saying, “I’ve always loved 4-H and Fairs. It’s a good way for people to come and see agriculture.” He was also one of the founding members of the Wright County Pork Producers. He became a familiar face at the grill, proudly flipping thousands of pork chops at fairs and local events—with a smile and a joke for anyone who stopped by.
He was deeply committed to his community, serving as a Rockford Township Supervisor for over 50 years and as a dedicated member of the Wright County Fair Board for 51 years. He received the Minneapolis Aquatennial Associations, Commodore’s Award for dedicated volunteer service and community involvement. Known for his sharp wit and warm sense of humor, Dennis brought smiles and laughter to everyone he met.
Above all, Dennis will be remembered for his love of family, his steadfast dedication to his community, and his remarkable ability to brighten the room with a good story or a well-timed joke.
Survived by his loving wife of sixty-six years, Janet Beise; sons, Steven (Gayle) Beise, John (Julie) Beise, Michael Beise, Grant Beise, and Matthew Beise; six grandchildren, Amanda Beise, Eric (Rachel) Beise, Nicholas (Claire) Beise, Alex Beise, Zachary Beise, and Tyler Mager; great-grandchildren, Nora, Hudson, Gloria, and Bennett; brothers, Duane Beise and Ken (Sharon) Beise; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Judy Beise, Carol Jean (Winky) Rassatt and Daniel (Betty) Lange; many other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother, Donald Beise; sisters, Mayella Yonak and Arvilla Veches; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ralph and Evelyn Lange.
A visitation was held on Wednesday, June 25, from 4-8 P.M. at Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rockford. Further visitation will be held on Thursday, June 26, one hour prior to services at the church.
Funeral Services for Dennis Beise will be held on Thursday, June 26, at 11:00 A.M. at Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rockford. The Reverend David Russow will officiate. Cindy Steinke will be the organist for the service.
Interment Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo.
Casket Bearers will be Dennis’ six grandchildren.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Lucille Decker, 102
Lucille Laura Decker was born in a log cabin in Buffalo Township, MN, on April 15, 1923, to Frank and Carolyn (Meyer) Decker, becoming sister to Gahart and Donald. Later her brother, Kenneth and sister, Frances Dolores joined the family.
In Lucille’s early years, her family moved a few times, but most of her childhood was spent on a farm on the north side of Buffalo Lake. The house had once been the first Wright County Jail (at one time the windows still had bars across them!). Lucille walked into town for school and was active in both choir and band, where she played trombone. She was also active in 4-H Clubs and once gave a baking presentation at the Minnesota State Fair.
Lucille graduated from Buffalo High School in 1941. Her father told her that he would pay for college, if she helped on the farm for a year after graduation. She agreed and for the next year, took three classes in the mornings at Buffalo High School and then spent the afternoons helping on the farm. With both her mother and aunt having been teachers, it is no surprise that Lucille felt called to the same path.
Lucille attended St. Cloud Teacher’s College for two years, enabling her to teach in a city school – at the time just one year of college was necessary to teach in a country school. She always found it interesting how differently students in country schools were valued. She graduated from St. Cloud Teacher’s College in 1944 and continued to pursue additional degrees and certifications in education throughout her long career.
Lucille’s first teaching position was in Elgin, MN. After a year, she began looking for a position closer to home in Buffalo and found her place in Princeton, where she would live the rest of her life. She taught kindergarten, first grade, and second grade - primarily first grade, sometimes with more than 40 children in her classroom at a time. Teaching children to read was especially meaningful to Lucille. She loved watching the moment their eyes lit up when they realized they were really reading. After 60 years of teaching, she retired in 2004, serving as a substitute teacher – sometimes four days a week, until the schools closed in March of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lucille was also a world traveler. Accompanied by her sister, brother, or friends, she explored the United States and ventured into many diverse and fascinating countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica!
Lucille was a long-time member of the Princeton Evangelical Free Church and served faithfully. If something needed to be done, she quietly stepped in to make sure it happened. She was very involved in teaching young children and served for many years as Sunday School Superintendent. She continued teaching Sunday School until 2020.
Lucille Laura Decker passed away on May 31, 2025. She is survived by cousins and several nieces and nephews. Lucille never married and had no children, but she is beloved by many, and her influences, gracious and gentle spirit, and loving presence will be missed.
The family gratefully appreciates the attention she received from her caregivers, especially those at Caley House.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Carolyn Decker; brothers, Gahart (Ruth), Donald (Elizabeth), and Kenneth (Maxine); sister, Frances; and two nephews, Kenneth Wayne and Richard.
Funeral Services for Lucille were Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at the Princeton Evangelical Free Church in Princeton. Pastor John Patnode officiated. Visitation was Monday, June 9, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 P.M., at Williams Dingmann Funeral Home in Princeton and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Burial will be at a later date at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Minneapolis.
Russlie Froemming, 90
Russlie D. Froemming, age 90, of Silver Lake, formerly of Annandale, died Monday, June 16, 2025, at Cedar Crest Assisted Living.
Funeral Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Buffalo United Methodist Church, with Pastor Amy Strom officiating. Burial will take place at Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
Russlie Doring Froemming was born on June 3, 1935, to Walter and Thelma (Doring) Froemming. Russlie was the youngest with three brothers and two sisters. He grew up on a farm outside of Hutchinson, MN. He graduated from high school in 1953. Soon after, he moved to California and worked as an apprentice carpenter. Russlie joined the Air Force Reserves in 1958 serving for six years. Russlie was united in marriage to Sally Snider on July 18, 1959. After living one year in California, they moved to Hutchinson, MN, and then to Annandale, MN. As Russlie and Sally raised their family, Russ worked as a contractor owning and operating his own business called “Froemming Home Garage and Cabinet Company.” Over the years, he built and remodeled numerous homes and businesses in Hutchinson and Annandale. As his children got older, his three sons frequently worked with him on construction projects.
Russlie was a member of the United Methodist Church at various locations, including Hutchinson, Annandale, and Buffalo. At church, he served on several building and property committees over the years. Russ was an avid reader. He also enjoyed gardening and would say that he had the green thumb in the family. He was always working on some type of machine, equipment, or engine. His sons included him in all their projects as well.
Russlie’s family brought him great joy, and he loved taking his grandchildren on adventures when they were young. His caring heart was apparent to all as we watched him support his wife as Sally’s health declined later in life. He was a friend to all and could talk to anyone. Russlie had a heart for serving God and for serving others.
He leaves behind three children, Timothy (Barb) Froemming, Jody (Jon) Strand, Todd Froemming; and daughter-in-law, MaryJo Froemming; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Phil Lehman and Jim Snider; sisters-in-law, Kathryn Froemming, Patricia Lehman; and nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
Russlie was preceded in death by his wife, Sally; son, Rustie; parents; siblings and in-laws, Gail (Willard) Popp, John (Joan) Froemming, Walter Froemming, Gay (James) Gloege, James Froemming, and Jane Snider.
Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Irmina Holthaus, 95
Irmina Rose Holthaus, age 95, of Buffalo, MN, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Irmina was born to Vincent and Katherine (Barthel) Hackenmueller on February 8, 1930. She was the fifth of six children, raised on a farm in St. Michael, MN, in a devout, faith-filled home where prayers were said daily, especially prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary (the Rosary) and Stations of the Cross.
She walked two miles to grade school and then went off to St. Francis boarding school in Little Falls, MN, for her high school years. At the age of 20, she met the man of her dreams, Fred J. Holthaus, a farmer in Buffalo, MN. They were blessed by marriage in St. Michael Church November 22, 1951 (Thanksgiving Day), and were married for 54 years until Fred passed away. They raised nine children, four girls and five boys. She enjoyed the farm life baking 16 loaves of bread each week, cinnamon rolls, and wind puffs for her growing children, besides canning lots of fruits, vegetables, and preparing food during the harvest season. Most of all, she taught her children how to pray, to be kind, treat others with respect, love one another, and always put God first in our lives.
Irmina and Fred loved to dance, enjoy traveling, and visiting family. She had quite a great wit and sense of humor. She was often called the “talking machine” when she lived at home enjoying gardening, canning, and also playing games – especially a good game of euchre. Every Saturday night, she would turn on Lawrence Welk and would watch the show hoping her daughters would one day be the Lennon Sisters. Glenn Miller was also a great show for her to watch, as she loved music and playing piano. Irmina was involved in church and the community – volunteering at the Catholic school cafeteria, Sharing and Caring hands, Meals on Wheels, Serra Club, Legion Auxiliary, Council of Catholic Women, and was a Pro-Life Advocate. She made many retreats at Christ the King Retreat Center, sang at the funeral choir at church, plus the Adoration Chapel was a weekly commitment for prayer.
She is survived by her nine children, Mary (Steven Buschel, Michael (Laurie) Holthaus, Julie (Stephen) Foster, John (Cindy) Holthaus, Rita (David) Leonard, Stephen (Rhonda) Holthaus, Bill (Cyndi) Holthaus, Victoria (Jon) Horlocker, Peter (Melissa) Holthaus; 24 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren (one on the way); sisters-in-law, Bernice (Holthaus) Bursch, Leona (Holthaus) Henson, Annella (Richard) Holthaus, and Joanne (Joe) Hackenmueller; plus many nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Katherine Hackenmueller; parents-in-law, James and Rose Holthaus; brothers, Bernard Hackenmueller, Joe Hackenmueller; sisters, Dorothy (Hackenmueller) Beaudry, Sr. M. Lucille (Missionary Nun of the Holy Spirit), Sr. M. Agnes (Cloistered Nun at the Poor Clares Monastery in Sauk Rapids); granddaughter, Katherine A. Holthaus; sons-in-law, Steven J. Buschel and Stephen Foster; and, of course, her loving husband, Fred J. Holthaus, of 54 years. She was an amazing mother over the years, especially having lost her own mother when she was 14 months old. She was always a loving – caring servant of God.
A visitation was held on Sunday, June 22, from 4-8 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Further visitation was held on Monday morning, June 23, beginning at 9:30 A.M. until time of Mass at the church.
A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for Irmina Holthaus was held on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Concelebrants were Father Austin Barnes and Father Jerome Hackenmueller.
Interment followed at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Buffalo.
Honorary Casket Bearers were Irmina’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Casket Bearers were Ben Holthaus, Matt Holthaus, Brian Holthaus, Brandon Holthaus, Cason Holthaus, Jonathan Vega, Brandon Buschel, and James Leonard.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Donald Otten, 87
Donald Fredrick Otten, age 87, of Hillman and Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away on June 19, 2025, at Lakeridge Care Center.
He was born on September 11, 1937, in Buffalo, Minnesota, to Herman and Rose (Rancour) Otten. Donald spent most of his life in the Buffalo area, where he was known as a hardworking and reliable well driller. On June 9, 1969, he married the love of his life, Mary Hall, in Sisseton, South Dakota. Together, they built a life on a hobby farm in rural Buffalo, working side by side for many years before his retirement.
After retiring, Don and Mary moved up north to Hillman, where he fully embraced the peace and quiet of cabin life. He enjoyed fishing, being outdoors, and spending time tapping trees to make his own maple syrup. Don also liked testing his luck at the casino and had a special love for his dogs—especially his loyal companion, Duke.
Donald will be remembered for his strong work ethic and quiet, steady presence. He was a man of simple pleasures.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary; parents; and siblings.
Survived by his children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral Service will be held Friday, June 27, 2025, at 12:00 P.M. (noon) with visitation beginning two hours prior at The Peterson Chapel, 119 Central Avenue, Buffalo, MN. Interment to follow at St. Mark’s Cemetery – Pelican Lake.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
