Obituaries 08/21/25

Darla Groshens, 86

Darla Mae Groshens, age 86, of Buffalo, MN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Havenwood of Buffalo.

Born on August 6, 1938, in South Branch, MN, Darla was the daughter of Henry and Regina Sodeman. On November 28, 1959, she married the love of her life, Jack Edwin Groshens, of Elm Creek Township, near Jackson, MN. Together, they were blessed with one son, Jeffrey Lee Groshens.

Darla began her career at the Wright County Auditor-Treasurer’s office in 1970 as a Clerk. Through dedication and hard work, she rose through the ranks to become Deputy Auditor-Treasurer. In 1991, Darla was sworn in as the county’s Auditor-Treasurer. She served in that role until her retirement, always taking her responsibilities seriously and finding joy in making a positive impact every day.

In retirement, Darla and Jack spent their winters in Apache Junction, Arizona, where they embraced hobbies old and new—bowling, gardening, golfing, cheerleading, and playing card games like Texas Hold’em. Above all, Darla cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother—the glue that held her loved ones together. Her beautiful soul and loving heart will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Darla is survived by her son, Jeffrey Groshens; grandchildren, Lauryn (Ryan) Cottrell and Zackery (Lindsay) Groshens; great-grandchildren, Wessen Cottrell, Kynzlee Cottrell, and Brooks Groshens; sisters-in-law, Eileen Curry and Shari (Bob) Larson; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack; her parents, Henry and Regina; brothers, Darrell Sodeman and Darwin (Joanne) Sodeman; brother-in-law, Neil Curry; and nephew, Brian Curry.

Funeral services for Darla Mae Groshens will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN, with visitation beginning one hour prior. A fellowship luncheon will follow in the church basement. Darla will be laid to rest alongside Jack at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Monday, September 22, 2025.

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

Patricia Honebrink, 72 

Patricia Leone Honebrink (Schaust) passed away at her home in Montrose, MN, at age 72, on August 11, 2025. Pat was born October 9, 1952, to Joe and Lorraine Schaust in Watertown, MN.  She graduated from Delano High School.

Pat worked in the insurance industry for almost 50 years at Prudential and United Health Care.  She also sold pull tabs at the Legion in Delano for many years. She always said she worked day and night! The love she had for her jobs kept her loving what she does best, which is to get the scoop from everyone. She recently retired in May of 2025.

Pat was a people person and had the most contagious laugh. She had many passions in life; she loved to shop, work, and spend time with family and friends. Her biggest passion was having a good time. She didn’t like attention on herself. She received many awards and compliments on her skills and work ethic. Any time spent with Pat would always leave you with a laugh. That’s what made her who she was. Pat was loved by many and will never be forgotten!

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Joe Schaust Jr.; and nephew, Craig Peterson.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Nikki Honebrink (Jim Deitering), Jenny Honebrink (Jarred Dalbec); grandchildren, Jadyn Dalbec, Michael Deitering, and Virgil Dalbec; siblings, Mary Peterson, Tom (Marlene) Schaust, Rick (Tammy) Schaust, Larry (Joyce) Schaust, Vicki Schaust; many nieces and nephews; and other family and friends.

Pat’s words of wisdom, “Thank God every day for being you.”

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 A.M. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Parish, St. Peter’s Campus. Visitation will be held from 9-10:45 A.M. with an 8:45 A.M. Rosary service at the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota. Procession to the church will occur at 10:45 A.M.  Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Delano, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.

Sandra Sauerbrey, 76

Sandra “Sandy” M. Sauerbrey, age 76, of Montrose, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Mass of Christian Burial took place Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (109 Angel Ave. NW) in Watertown, with Father Peter Hughes as Celebrant of the Mass. Visitation was Monday, August 18, 2025, from 4-7 P.M. at the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia and one hour prior to the Mass at church on Tuesday. Interment in the church Cemetery.

Sandra Mary Meuleners was born December 28, 1948, in Delano, MN, the daughter of Leander and Jeanette (Farniok) Meuleners. She grew up in Hollywood Township, working on the farm starting at age seven. She graduated from Watertown High School in 1967. On October 30, 2006, Sandy was united in marriage to Richard Sauerbrey.

Sandy started her family shortly after high school and was a stay-at-home mom during the day, while working at Green Giant in Winsted, MN, at night. She worked for many years at Tonka Toys in Mound, MN, and then for numerous years at Advanced Circuits and] Honeywell building circuit boards for phone companies and the military.

Sandy was a member of the Montrose Lioness Club, serving as the secretary for many years. She volunteered and fundraised for the Lioness and the community. Sandy enjoyed many activities, such as reading, word find puzzles, and collecting recipes. Her favorite shows were game shows and everything on the Food Network.

Sandy cherished and valued her time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Sandy was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; parents, Leander and Jeanette Meuleners; infant sister, Mary; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fred and Mary Sauerbrey.

Sandy is survived by her loving family. Children, Lori Smith, of Buffalo, Michael O’Connell, of Chula Vista, CA, Patrick O’Connell, of Montrose, Christopher (Lisa) O’Connell, of Buffalo; grandchildren, Briana (Thomas) Skraba, Hayley Johnston, Carter Tarver, Georgette (Josh) Bellinger, Michael O’Connell Jr., Lauren O’Connell, Makenna O’Connell; great-grandchildren, Weston, Wyatt, Wrenley, Russell, Olivia; siblings, Jeff (Mary) Meuleners, of Montrose, Jim (Joan) Meuleners, of Montrose, Cindy (Mark) Matthews, of Brainerd, Kathy (Todd) Drees, of Cologne; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Roger (Linda) Sauerbrey, of Mayer, Carol (Jan) Hobert, of Cokato; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Casket Bearers are John Meuleners, David Meuleners, Ted Drees, Travis Drees, Melanie Menth, Thomas Skraba, and Carter Tarver.

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, 952-442-2121, www.johnsonfh.com.

Richard Winkelman, 85

Richard “Rich” Winkelman, age 85, of Plymouth, MN, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025.

Rich was born on November 12, 1939, to Wilbur and Belva (Rand) Winkelman in Minneapolis, MN.   

While young, he grew up on a farm in rural Maple Lake, attending a one-room schoolhouse through sixth grade before graduating from Maple Lake High School in 1957. 

In 1960, he married his beloved Joyce (Wolfstellar) in Maple Lake, beginning a remarkable 65-year marriage filled with shared adventures and unwavering commitment. Together, they raised three children, Brenda, Susan, and Kevin in Rockford, MN, where they lived for many years before moving to New Hope, MN.

A steadfast provider, Rich dedicated 54 years to the paper and packaging industry, where his work ethic and integrity shone brightly. Beyond his career, Rich served his community with passion, spending nine years on the Rockford Fire Department, including five as fire chief, and serving one term on the city council. His leadership and willingness to help others left a lasting impact. 

Rich’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. Whether fishing, snowmobiling, or relaxing at the cabin, he cherished every moment with his loved ones. Holidays and birthday celebrations were especially dear to him, filled with laughter and connection.

In his final days, Rich was deeply grateful for the care and support he received, which allowed him to remain surrounded by those he held close. 

Rich is survived by his wife, Joyce; children, Brenda (Shawn) Knudson, Susan (Rob) Van Winkle, and Kevin Winkelman; seven grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren; siblings, Barb Papke, Doug (Leann) Winkelman, Jim Winkelman, and Wayne Winkelman.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Belva; and sister, Beverly VanLith.

Casket bearers will be Kory Winkelman, Nicholas Winkelman, Anthony Lukach, and Kyle Knudson

Funeral service for Rich will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at The Peterson Chapel in St. Michael, MN.

There will be a luncheon at the chapel following the service.

Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Rockford, MN.

Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in St. Michael, MN.