Obituaries 11/08/18

Kathleen Braun, 87

Kathleen M. Braun, 87, of Annandale, died Thursday, November 1, at the Annandale Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 10, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Annandale with Fr. John Meyer as Celebrant. Private burial will be held at St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Further visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.

Kathleen Mary Braun was born September 3, 1931 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Anthony and Catherine (Stoneouse) Huot. Kathleen grew up in St. Paul and graduated from St. Joseph High School with the Class of 1949. She furthered her education at the Normal School in Le Center, where she obtained her teaching certificate. Kathleen then taught in Afton at a one room school house.

While in Le Center, she met her future husband, David R. Braun. On November 10, 1951, they were united in marriage at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in St. Paul. They lived in different communities before moving to Annandale in 1965, due to David’s job transfer. Over the years Kathleen worked at various jobs in Annandale, including a manager at Ellis Steakhouse, drove bus for special needs children, was the dining site manager for senior dining, and for the Annandale State Bank.

Of all her jobs she had over the years, her favorite was raising her 12 children. Kathleen was a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church where she was involved with different groups. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing cards and scrabble, sewing, needlework, gardening, birdwatching, painting, and traveling. Babies and children always brought Kathleen abundant joy. Her greatest enjoyment came from the time she was able to spend with her family.

Kathleen is survived by: her children, Kathryn (Lester) Rasset of Maple Lake, Cheryl Ross of Lakeville, Janice (Steve) Strey of South Haven, Daniel of Annandale, Patricia (Greg) Ashwill of Little Falls, Richard of Annandale, Kenneth (Jeannie) of Clearwater, Julie (Gerry) Mahler of Annandale, William (Cindie) of Elk River, Paul (Karla) of Annandale, and Mark (Stacie) of Annandale; 41 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; brothers, James (Marilynn) Huot and Mike (Carol) Huot both of St. Paul; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband; son, James; granddaughter, Kathleen Ashwill; sister, Marilyn Feyereison; brothers, Chuck and Donald Huot; son-in-law, Gary Weis; and daughter-in-law, Sandy Braun.

Chris Robinson, Chris Rasset, Shane Robasse, Brian Braun, Jon Ashwill, Patrick Braun, David Braun, Jacob Braun, Jeffery Braun, and Alec Braun will serve as pallbearers. St. Ignatius Music Ministry will provide music for the service.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.

 


Geraldine Flugel, 82

Geraldine Marie Washburn Flugel, 82, of Maple Lake, passed away Sunday, November 4. She was born February 15, 1936 in Minneapolis.

Gerry was a graduate from Robbinsdale High School in 1954. She raised her family and then worked as a caregiver in various nursing facilities in Buffalo.

Gerry’s faith was important to her and she was a current member at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Maple Lake. She enjoyed refunding, embroidery, puzzles, playing cards, gardening, and camping as a family.

On February 11, 1956, Geraldine married David Washburn Sr. in Hill City. David passed away December 28, 1999. Together they raised their six children.

On August 8, 2003, Geraldine married Daniel Flugel in Buffalo.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, David Washburn Sr.; daughter, Jacqueline Maynard (Ron); son, Gary Washburn; and grandchildren, Christopher Hagen, Nicholas Hagen.

Gerry is survived by: her husband, Daniel Flugel; children, Christine Hagen (David), Victoria Kimball (Lloyd), Judith Van Lith (Tim), Elisabeth Houts (Tim), David Washburn Jr. (Caryl); 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; dog, Jasper; and many other family and friends.

Visitation was held Wednesday, November 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Thursday, November 8, at 11 a.m., with visitation one-hour prior, at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Maple Lake. Interment at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Buffalo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association or Alzheimer’s Association.

Serving the family is the Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.

 


Eugene Gardner, 71

Eugene H. Gardner, 71, of Albertville, passed away on Tuesday, October 30 at Lake Ridge Oasis in Buffalo after a long battle with COPD and other health issues.

Gene was born on November 3, 1946 to Clifford and Aslaug Halverson in Moorhead. At the age of four years of age he was adopted by Harold and Irene Gardner.

He graduated from Milaca High School in 1965 and immediately joined the US Army and so bravely served his Country in Vietnam from Oct ‘67 to Jan ‘69 during the Tet Offensive.

Gene and Charlotte Weber were joined in holy matrimony on May 15, 1971 in St Michael. God blessed their marriage with three children: Brian, Christopher, and Katie.

Over the years Gene was active in Milaca American Legion Post #178, St. Michael Lions, St. Michael American Legion Post #567 and St. Michael-Albertville VFW Post # 5963, Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans and Central Lakes Vietnam Vets.

Eugene was formerly employed as a machinist in metal fabrication.

He was a faithful member of The St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael.

Eugene is survived by: loving wife, Charlotte H. Gardner (nee Weber); children, Brian (Janell) Gardner, Christopher (Angela) Gardner and Katie (Joshua) Peterson; ten grandchildren, Jackson, Cole, Weston, Victoria, Adelle, Jacob, Alex, Tanner, Kianna and Lukas; siblings, Ken (Kathy) Jarandson, Lonnie (Vonnie) Halverson, Ronnie (Cheryl) Affield, Jackie Clift, Patty Conkel, Billy Halverson, Roger (Denise) Halverson and Bruce (Ruth) Halverson; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Daniel Weber, Wayne (Maureen) Weber, LuAnn (Gary) Greninger, Janet (Danny) Durant, Karen (Paul) Dehmer, Sandy (Terry) Judge, Voni (Jim) Sorensen, Cindy Kluge and Steve (Joyce) Weber; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other relatives, friends, and special companion dog, Tom the Pom.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Clifford and Aslaug Halverson; Harold and Irene Gardner; twin sister, Joyce Halverson; sisters, Cindy Farris and Darlene Erkenbrack; brothers, James, Clifford, George, Robert, and Jerry Halverson; and parents-in-law, Eddie and Dolores Weber.

A visitation was held Friday, November 2 from 4 to 8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Peterson Chapel St Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. Further visitation was held Saturday, November 3, 1 hour prior to the Mass at the church. 

Mass of Christian Burial for Eugene Gardner was held at 11: a.m. Saturday, November 3 at The St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael. Father Peter Richards was the Celebrant.

Interment with military rites was held on Monday, November 5 at The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.

Casket Bearers were Roger Stoick, Mick Boll, Tom Gooden, Terry Mansell, Ted Wetzel, John Muir, Jim Johnson, Dick Brandt, Tom Hooker and Jon Hall.

Special Thanks to Allina Health Hospice PLATINUM TEAM, Lakeside Oasis, St Cloud VA Medical Center, St Michael American Legion 567 Color Guard and members.

The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home is serving the family. 

 


Kathleen Gnitka, 89

 

Kathleen Mary Gnitka , 89, of Maple Plain, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 4, after a long illness. She was born on May 6, 1929 in Buffalo to Wilfred and Helen (Reintjes) Hance.

Kathleen was preceded in death by: an infant daughter, Mary; her parents; and a sister-in-law, Janet Hance. She is survived by: her husband of 67 years, Ralph; children, Gwendolyn (William) Schumacher, Lisa Gnitka, Timothy (Victoria) Gnitka and Andrea (Jeffrey) Merboth; nine grandchildren, Mariah (Daniel) Sand, Nicholas (Megan) Gnitka, Natalie (Kyle) Kramer, Mychael Gnitka, Abraham Merboth, Joseph Merboth, Julia Gnitka, Daniel Merboth, Ahna Gnitka; one great-grandson, Philip Sand; siblings, Joan (George) Schaust, Jerry (Dee) Hance, Estelle (Matt) Schaust, Rita (Arnold) Kunkel, Edward (Erva) Hance, and Larry (Diane) Hance.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 17, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 2385 Commerce Blvd, Mound. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday prior to Mass at the church. Interment will be at 2 p.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Delano.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano.

 


Loren Larson, 77

Loren Reuben Larson, 77, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family, after a long battle with COPD and other health issues on November 3. 

Loren was born on July 15, 1941 to Reuben and Pauline Larson in Howard Lake. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Annandale. He graduated from Annandale High School, Class of 1959. Loren was married to Mary Ellen Johannes of Cold Spring, in May of 1961 until her passing in 1981 and married to his current wife Linda (Lyn) Burmeister for the past 35 years. 

Loren loved old-time music, dancing, and beating everybody in Euchre. Of course, one of his greatest loves were his children, grandchildren, and his beautiful yard. He also enjoyed fishing, bowling, and the Minnesota Twins. He spent 43 years as a Lead Man at Mammoth Industries in Chaska where he retired.

Loren is survived by: his wife, Lyn; children, Lori (Steve) Blizil of Maple Lake, Todd (Tammy) Larson of Buffalo, Scott (Janet) Winter of Buffalo, Hiedi (Jake) Jonnes of Stillwater, and Rick Winter of Charlottesville, VA., and 12 grandchildren,  Alex and Matt Blizil; Dakota, Riley, Abbey, and Joey Larson; Faith, Vance, and Jimmy Winter; Parker and Colton Jonnes; Ava Winter; and sister-in-law, Shelly Larson.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Reuben and Pauline Larson;  first wife, Mary Ellen; sister, Sharon and husband Ken Remer; brother, David and wife Sherry Larson; and brother, DuWayne Larson.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. with a memorial service at 7 p.m. at the Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. A celebration of life following at Huikko’s Event Center of Buffalo from 8 to 10 p.m.

Private interment for immediate family on Sunday, November 11. 

Serving the family is the Peterson Chapel of Buffalo.

 


Rev. Mary Mayes, 96

Mayes, Rev. Mary Willis, 96, died peacefully at Park View Care Center, Buffalo, on Tuesday, October 30.

She previously resided at Cornerstone Assisted Living Center, Plymouth, for nearly five years.

Mary is survived by: daughter, Jewell Ricaud “Ricki” Malerich (Allan), Buffalo; and son, Clifford Alton “Rusty” Mayes, Jr. (Brenda), Orono. Grandchildren are: David Malerich, Chad Mayes (Sara), Brian Malerich (Rebecca), Melissa Talmo (Clint), and eight great-grandchildren. She also has extended family in Virginia and Texas. 

She was preceded in death by: her husband of 65 years, Clifford Alton Mayes, Sr.; parents, Jewell Ricaud and Julia Sanders Willis; and four siblings.

Mary was born in Georgia, raised in Virginia, and moved to Minnesota in 1956 with Cliff and their children. She was very involved in church and community activities, and worked for several years as an assistant buyer for Dayton’s. 

Later in life, she enrolled at the University of Northern Illinois, where she graduated with a BA at age 58, then completed her Masters of Divinity at Garrett Seminary in Evanston, IL.

During the next 20 years, Rev. Mayes served four churches in northwestern Illinois and seven churches in southern Minnesota.

Mary was passionate and committed to her religion and to social issues. Those who knew her clearly understood her deep commitment to openness and equality. Her love for her congregations was only surpassed by her love for her family, who are indebted to the staffs at Park View and Cornerstone and to her church friends for their care and support.      

A celebration of her life will be held at Messiah United Methodist Church on Tuesday, November 13 at 10 a.m. with visitation beginning one-hour prior.  A private interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Instead of flowers, memorials may be directed to Messiah UMC, Habitat for Humanity, or donor’s choice.

 


Marilyn Nagovsky, 86

Marilyn Jean Nagovsky, 86, of Buffalo and formerly Cambridge, passed away on November 3. Full obituary forthcoming.

Memorial service for Marilyn will be held Saturday, November 10 at 11 a.m. with visitation one-hour prior to the service all at the Peterson Chapel of St. Michael.  Private family interment at a later date.

Serving the family is the Peterson Chapel of St. Michael.

 


Raymond Stenglein, 89

Raymond Bernard Stenglein, 89, of Rockford, passed away on Tuesday, October 30 at his residence.

He was born on October 13, 1929 in Buffalo the son of Lawrence and Mamie (Ahlm) Stenglein.

Ray honorably served his Country in the United States Air Force serving from 1950-1954.

On August 31, 1953, Raymond Stenglein and Faye Dean were joined in marriage in Pascagoula, Mississippi.  God blessed their marriage with a son Terry.

He was formerly employed at Paul Bunyan Bait Company for fourteen years and later at American Linen for 22 years.

He was a life member of The V.F.W.

Raymond liked playing golf, hunting; when up at the lake, he enjoyed fishing.

Raymond is survived by: his loving wife of 65 years, Faye Stenglein; a son, Terry (Kelli) Stenglein; four grandchildren, Tabatha Borski, Candi Stumne, Angela Ottenstroer and Tony Anderson; seven great-grandchildren, Sabrrina, MacKenzie, Kohl, Mason, Ethan, Hannah and Preston; half-brothers, Richard Paul, and Jim Paul; sisters-in-law, Vivian Stenglein Schmidt and Betty Osteen; a niece, Linda Garvin; and by a nephew, Larry Tillery; other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by three siblings.

Funeral services for Raymond Stenglein were held on Saturday, November 3 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Pastor Ryan Clark officiated.

Interment with military rites followed at Lakeview Cemetery.

A visitation was held on Saturday, November 3 one hour prior to funeral services at the church.

Casket Bearers were Brian Borski, Erik Stumne, Jim Stenglein, Dan Stenglein, Jim Ottenstroer and Jesse Payne.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. 

 


Susan Swanson, 81

Susan R. Swanson, 81, of Clearwater, died unexpectedly on Thursday, November 1, at her home.

Memorial Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, November 8, at Rejoice Lutheran Church, Clearwater with Rev. Marlene Elmstrom officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church. Luncheon will be held after the service. Private burial will be held at Orono Cemetery in Elk River.

Susan Ruth Swanson was born March 6, 1937 in Elk River, Minnesota to Elmerc and Ruth (Dunn) Hedden. She grew up in Elk River where she graduated high school with the class of 1955. On March 2, 1957, Susan was united in marriage to Richard Swanson in Minneapolis.

Together they made their home in various communities including Bloomington, Grand Forks, and International Falls.

In addition to raising her family, Sue worked at Dayton’s, retiring in 1995. Sue and Dick enjoyed their snowbird times in San Antonio, Texas for over 15 years. Since 2006, Sue and Dick have made their home in Clearwater, where they have been members of Rejoice Lutheran Church. Sue was also a member of the Red Hats.

Sue enjoyed camping at Cass Lake, talking daily on the phone to Steve, “Joe and Greta” and cooking for an army even if it was only two people. She always made sure her family and friends were well-fed. She loved being in the presence of her neighbors, friends and especially her family.

Susan is survived by: husband of 61 years, Dick Swanson of Clearwater; children, Michael (Sandy) Swanson of Grand Forks, ND, Steven (Dawn) Swanson of Monticello, and Kelly Sue Swanson of Cavalier, ND; three grandchildren, Angela, Sarah, and David; nine great-grandchildren; and her extended family and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; infant daughter; brother, Jim; and two grandsons, John and Brent Swanson.

 


Drid Williams, Ph.D., 90

Drid Williams, Ph.D., 90, passed away on October 26. 

She was born in Baker, Oregon on October 12, 1928, and has lived in Rockford for the past 20 years.  Drid’s childhood dream had been to be a ballet dancer. 

She studied ballet in Portland, Oregon. During that time Drid worked for Arthur Murray Dance Studio,was a professional ballroom dancer for a short while, and opened her own dance studio, Rehearsal House. 

Drid was invited to England by Sadler Wells Ballet. When she returned to the US she went to New York City and opened her own dance studio.  She was there for 10 or 12 years.

Drid traveled to Ghana in late 1960’s where she met Edwin Ardenar who was instrumental in her going to Oxford, England to obtain her degree in Social Anthropology and actually attained three master’s degrees in anthropology.

She taught at New York University and earned a library Science degree in Indiana. She then went to Sydney, Australia as lecturer in dance (Aboriginal) in the Dept. of Music, the first appointment of its kind in Australia.

Drid then went to Eldoret in Kenya as Sr. Lecturer at MOI University. It was not a good time politically and she returned to the US to Minnesota. She went to Zhuhai, China with the United International College. After one and half years she returned to Minnesota. 

Drid was an anthropologist, author, dancer and dance teacher, and choreographer who loved to teach and she tutored young people in English and reading until just a year or two ago. 

She left a legacy besides her publications and new ongoing journal -JASHM- and writer for American Anthropological Assoc. and Visual Anthropology.

Drid is survived by her only sister, Doris Korthof; and good friend, Robin Little, of Buffalo.

Celebration of life and OES Service will be at the Peterson Chapel on Saturday, Nov 10. Visitation at 1 p.m., Memorial and OES at 2 p.m. 

Memorials to Pat Rasmusson Scholarship Fund, Order of the Eastern Star.

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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