Obituaries 1/13/22
Brian Alnes, 53
Brian Jon Alnes, loving husband and father to four sons, passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. He was 53 and was serving as the Executive Director of Lake Beauty Bible Camp in Long Prairie, MN.
Brian was born on March 25, 1968, in Edina, MN, to Allan and Sandra (Anderson) Alnes. He graduated from Minnehaha Academy and then attended Normandale Community College and North Central Bible College before going on to complete seminary classes through Bethel University and North Park Theological Seminary, becoming a Consecrated Staff Minister in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
On October 6, 1990, Brian married Rhonda Kay Wolf. Together, they raised four sons, Peter, Caleb, Nathan, and Joshua. Brian had a love for hunting, whether it was deer, pheasant, or duck, and he enjoyed fishing and four-wheel riding with his sons, and especially his grandson, Maximus. He liked to fix things by giving of his time, talents, abilities, and efforts, but is favorite way to spend time was being with his wife, sons, and grandsons.
Brian wore many hats in his life, beginning with his first job at the age of twelve working for his Uncle Rog at Pannekoeken Huis Restaurant in Edina, MN. He served as an EMS/Firefighter for the Crystal Fire and Rescue Squad in Crystal, MN, where he and Pastor Greg Bodin started the CISM Program. He was a DNR instructor, a First Responder in Swanville, MN, and a chaplain for Morrison and Todd Counties. For over thirty-five years, he and his best friend from high school, Matt Griepp, co-owned Star Seal of MN, a paving and asphalt company, and Brian also worked alongside his best friend, Stan Holter, as a driver at Richfield Bus Company. He served on many boards and committees, but his true passion was being a pastor.
Brian was known as the “Pastor of Discomfort” because he was always helping others to “get out of their comfort zone” so they could meet Christ personally and grow in relationship with Him as they pursued God’s will for their lives. He loved God, family, and others, and in doing so, he touched countless lives for Christ in his more than thirty-one years of ministry, the last fifteen of which have been at Lake Beauty Bible Camp.
Brian was larger than life. He had an unmistakable loud voice, an infectious laugh, and a mischievous smile. He was the kindest, most compassionate, caring, and loving husband, father, and papa. His work ethic was as big as his personality, but his heart was even bigger. He cared about, helped, and loved all who encountered him. Brian lived life to the fullest by serving God. He knew that each day was a gift, and for many years he concluded his voicemail greeting with the wonderful invitation to, “Have a great day, and remember who gave it to you!”
Brian was preceded in death by his sister, Missy, and his grandparents.
He is survived by his wife, Rhonda; his four sons, Peter (Kayla), Caleb (Olivia), Nathan (fiancée Olivia), and Joshua; two grandsons, Maximus and Malachi; his parents, Allan and Sandra; his sister, Marcy (Jeff) Peterson (children, Hunter, Ashley, Ellie, and Charlie); in-laws, Melvin and Judy Wolf; sister-in-law, Rebecca (John) Carpentier (son Zachary); many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his beloved hunting partner, Tank, his dog.
A memorial service for Brian Alnes will be held on Saturday, January 22, at The Buffalo Covenant Church (1601 Hwy 25 N., Buffalo, MN 55313). Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. and the service will begin at 10:00 a.m. The family would invite you to bring your written memories/stories of Brian to be placed in a box at the church. If you are unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed at buffalocov.org/live, and memories can be contributed online.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, Minnesota, is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
LeRoy Bock, 90
LeRoy G. “Buddy” Bock, June 2, 1931 - January 5, 2022.
On January 5, 2022, Buddy passed away from COVID at the Allina Hosp. in Buffalo, MN. He was 90 years old.
He was born in Delano, MN, to Marie M. (Copeland) Bock and Harry E. Bock.
In 1946, Buddy did landscaping for Kelley & Kelley INC. He graduated from Delano High School in 1949. In Feb 1950, he joined the Air Force during the Korean War. After the war, he worked for Minneapolis Moline. In 1955, he started his surveying career with Kelley & Kelley INC, then Gordon Coffin INC, and lastly, Mark Gronberg Assoc. Buddy retired in 2016 at age 84, after 60 years of surveying!
Awarded Life Membership from the Delano Sportsmen’s club in 2021 and his trap shooting team, ‘The Lucky Fives,’ won many awards. He was an American Legion member.
Preceded in death by his son, Guy H. Bock and his brother, Donald V. “Dutch” Bock.
Survived by his wife, Janice (Rosette) Bock; his sister, Faith Hermann; his daughters, Rebecca (James) Reynolds, Michele (Hiroshi Matsuoka) Bock, and Melanie Bock; his stepdaughters, Renee (John) Mardaus, Michelle (Donald) Drigans, Dawn Davis.
Interred at Mount Olive West Cemetery.
Please send condolences to the Bock Family, 68 Gillard Ave. SE, Buffalo, MN 55313.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Steven Crosby, 71
Steven Henry Crosby, age 71, of Delano, passed away on Dec. 30, 2021. The middle child of Cyril and Marie (Thelemann) Crosby; he was born June 23, 1950, in St. Peter, MN, and grew up on a farm outside of Belle Plaine in Blakely Township. Steve graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1968 and Mankato State College in 1972, then taught for six years at Rockford High School. Steve married Judy Mielke Doering, November 23, 1979. His career then led him into private industry work at Research Inc. for 21 years, as well as time at Varidigm Corp and Rosemount.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Carolyn; nieces, Kathleen and Laura; six grandchildren.
Steve is survived by his wife, Judy; brothers, Clinton (Linda), Gary (Lynn); sons, Daryl (Liz) and William (Anita); granddaughters, Anne (Matt), Ellen (Dan); grandson, Max; and great-grandson, James; nieces, Karen, Amy; nephews, Brandon, Travis (Molly), Douglas.
Steve had a strong belief in God and served others through his selfless acts of time, treasure, and talents to his family, faith community, and community at large. “Thank you, Mom and Dad for farm life, getting to use Oliver tractors, and the support of the Northland Oliver Collector Association members. God bless.” A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.
Lorraine Harstad, 81
Lorraine W. Harstad, age 81, of Buffalo, passed away Monday, January 10, 2022.
A memorial service will be held Friday, January 14, 2022, at 11:00 A.M., with visitation one hour prior, at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Brian Hilden, 56
Brian Scott Hilden, age 56, of Buffalo, formerly of Monticello, passed away Friday, December 31, 2021. He was born April 8, 1965, the son of Raymond and Carol.
Brian grew up in St. Paul and enjoyed summers on his grandmother’s farm in Lanesboro, Minnesota.
Brian loved all things computers and currently worked for Wright County’s IT Department. His love of computers expanded to helping out immensely at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Monticello, volunteering to put together and run the slideshows. He was a faithful member of Resurrection Lutheran Church, being very involved with Vacation Bible School, playing Andrew in the last supper, and Alpha. He was also a member of the Via de Cristo community.
Brian’s greatest enjoyment in life was his family. He loved spending time with his children and was extremely excited to soon become a grandfather!
He also enjoyed the holidays with Christmas being his favorite, building things out of matchsticks, puzzle books, NASCAR, and had a love of sports- especially cheering on Minnesota sports teams.
Brian had a goofy personality and loved making people laugh. He truly cared about everyone he met and gave the best hugs that you couldn’t forget. His humor and bad dad jokes will be missed.
He is preceded in death by his father, Raymond Hilden; stepfather, Emory Johnson; stepsister, Janelle Johnson; and grandmother, Pearl Jensen.
Brian is survived by his children, Anthony Hill (31), of Big Lake, Aimee Sullivan (26), of Minnetonka, Amanda Sullivan (23), of Buffalo, Abi Hilden (18), of Buffalo, Brandie Hilden (17), of Buffalo, Bella Hilden (12), of Minnetonka; grandson on the way, Echo; the mother of his children, Ann Hilden, of Minnetonka; mother, Carol Johnson, of St. Paul; sister, Michelle (Michael) Malone, of St. Paul; stepbrothers, Jim Johnson, Jay (Michelle) Johnson; stepsister, Jeaninne Osho; and many other family and numerous friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 15, 2022, at 12:00 P.M., with visitation beginning at 11:00 A.M., at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 9300 Jason Ave. NE, Monticello, MN, with Pastor Jedidiah Scharmer officiating.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Warren Krause, 84
Warren Milton Krause, age 84, of Buffalo, MN, passed away January 4, 2022.
Born July 6, 1937, to Reinhald and Evelyn (Peterson) Krause and raised on their farm in Rockford Township, Warren was confirmed Oct. 12, 1951, at the historic Marysville Swedesburg Lutheran Church. He was a member of the 1952 Buffalo High School Football team that remained unbeaten and unscored upon, where he went on to serve as Homecoming King, and both Class and FFA Chapter President, before graduating in 1955.
Warren attended the University of MN and was a member of the IMC Fraternity. He met his wife, Carol, (Nelson) at the U of MN, and they were married May 7, 1958. As a lifelong dairy farmer, he worked in the U of MN dairy program while completing his BS Degree in Animal Science to graduate in June of 1959.
Sharing 60 years of marriage with his late wife, they started Krause Holsteins in Chatham Township in 1959 and raised five children on the family farm.
Warren was an accomplished dairy farmer that was involved as a volunteer in numerous agricultural and educational organizations, serving in leadership roles at the local, state, and national level. His influence benefited organizations, including the Wright Co. American Dairy Association, MN Farm Bureau, Wright Co. Dairy Herd Improvement Assn., FFA Alumni, MN Holstein Assn., Centra Sota Co-op, MN Forage Council, Mid America Dairymen/ DFA, MN 4-H, and he served on the first Community Education Advisory Council for District 877. Warren was awarded the first Outstanding JC Young Farmer of Wright Co. award in 1969, and he was the 1983 Wright Co. Soil Conservation Farmer of the Year. In 1991, he was recognized as the Univ. of MN Wright Co. Farm Family of the Year. Together with son, Charles, he was inducted into the National Dairy Shrine at the World Dairy Expo in 2011. Dairy Farmers of America awarded Krause Holsteins the 2013 Member of Distinction for the Central Area of the USA, and that same year, they were honored as the MN Milk Producer’s Assn. Producers of the Year. Throughout his career as a dairy farmer, Warren was honored with many other awards for outstanding dairy herd management and stewardship towards the land, which was something he tried to extend to visitors from across the globe, who toured the family dairy farm to learn about farming practices that were considered cutting edge for the time. Warren remained active with the daily farming activities at Krause Holsteins until his stroke in December of 2020. Many hours spent in the tractor or riding on his John Deere Gator to check the dairy heifers were shared with friends and family over the years. He leaves the success of the herd in the able hands of son, Charles, and grandson, Andrew Krause.
Warren had been active with Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo for many years, and later found great fellowship as a member of the congregation at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Maple Lake. He was a Christian who encouraged everyone who traveled to seek out a church to worship in during their journeys, something he personally did on many adventures shared with his wife and children, exploring historic and cultural sites across the USA and abroad.
Warren was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; parents, Reinhold and Evelyn Krause; brothers, Richard, Myron, and David Krause; sisters-in-law, Mary, Jeannie, and Connie Krause; brother-in-law, Paul Nelson; nephew, Scott Krause; and niece, Barb Rancour; and grandchildren, Allan and Jason Heilig, infant twin sons of Donna Attalian.
Warren is survived by children, Mary (Harry) Holmberg, of Stillwater, MN, Mark (Bambi) Krause, of Spring, TX, Donna (Joseph) Attallian, of Rogers, MN, Evelyn Gebhardt, of Buffalo, MN, and Charles (Robyn) Krause, of Buffalo, MN; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Phyllis (Len) Bengsten; sisters-in-law, Marjorie Carlson, Barbara Sikkink, Vicki Kolbeck Nelson; and brother-in-law, David (Vicki Lynn) Nelson; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Visitation 4-8 p.m. on Jan. 14 at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Memorial service, Jan. 15, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Maple Lake, at noon, with visitation one hour prior. Inurnment at Zion Lutheran Cemetery will be held when the corn is high in the month of July, in the spot where Warren once rounded third base as a child while attending the country school that used to stand nearby.
Memorials to Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Maple Lake, MN, or to the Dr. Earl and Beverly Thompson Nepal Social Service Fund of Clarks Grove, MN.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Paul Leinbach, 89
Paul Curry Leinbach, age 89, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on December 28,
2021, at The Glenn care center in Buffalo, Minnesota.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Alice Virginia Curry Leinbach and Frederick Harold Leinbach; and former spouse, Suzanne Carol Held.
Born November 19, 1932, in Fort Collins, Colorado, Paul graduated from Brookings High School in South Dakota and served in the U.S. Air Force as the crew chief of a trainer jet. After finishing his service, he briefly attended St. Cloud State University before being employed at The Toro Company. He left Toro to help his father with the family’s International Harvester farm implement business in Buffalo. In 1968, Paul opened his own business, Leinbach’s Power Center, which he owned for 17 years. Paul enjoyed selling, servicing, and riding Yamaha motorcycles and snowmobiles. He also sold Sekine bicycles, Stihl chainsaws and Mariner outboard motors. During this time, Paul also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Buffalo Fire Department for 20 years. Paul was a talented photographer and had a passion for trains and model railroading. In his retirement, he began woodworking and was recognized for the meticulously perfect furniture he created. Additionally, Paul loved his many Boston Terriers that he had over the years.
Paul is survived by his older brother, Harold Leinbach, of Boulder, Colorado, and his younger sister, Mary Edith King, of Greeley, Colorado; daughters, Lynn Stoltzmann, of Maple Lake, MN, and Renee Leinbach-Whitehead (Scott Whitehead), of Mahtomedi, MN; as well as four grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and special friends, Don and Larry.
Gratitude goes to The Glenn and Mandy Hydock for their support and care of Paul.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to be sent to the Minnesota Boston Terrier Club Rescue, 4032 10th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407, or the Buffalo Fire Department.
A visitation was planned for Thursday, January 6, at 4:00 p.m.at the Buffalo Presbyterian Church with a memorial service following the visitation at 4:30 p.m. Interment was at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN, on Friday, January 7, 2022, at 11:30 a.m.; gathering was in assembly area 2 at 11:15 a.m.
Serving the family was The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
James Smith, 75
James “Jim” Richard Smith, age 75, of Maple Lake, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, December 26, 2021, at United Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota.
James was born on January 13, 1946, to Leo and Antoinette (McCalpin) Smith, in Buffalo, Minnesota. He attended Buffalo High School and graduated the class of 1964. After school, James joined the Navy and served on the USS Kitty Hawk.
James is survived by his son, Jesse Smith (Osceola, WI); grandchildren, Skylar (Danni Vanneste) Smith (Osceola, WI) and Kalley Smith (Osceola, WI); brother-in-law, David Anderson (Buffalo, MN); nephews, Marty (Michelle) Anderson (Hopkins, MN) and Grant (Amy) Anderson (Oregon); other relatives and friends.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Antoinette; brother, (infant) Gerald Smith; and sister, Joanne Anderson.
A spring memorial service is pending.
Kevin Stotts, 63
Kevin Stotts, age 63, of Buffalo, passed away on Friday, December 31, 2021.
Mass of Christian Burial Thursday was January 6, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church (155 CR 24) in Wayzata. Visitation was Wednesday, 4-7 P.M., at the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, and also one hour prior to the Mass at church on Thursday. Interment Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Cemetery.
Kevin Donald Stotts was born May 27, 1958, in Minneapolis, the son of Donald and Arlene (Thiemann) Stotts. He graduated from Orono High School and went on to Mankato State University. On July 4, 2012, Kevin was united in marriage to Ardis Kelzer in Wabasha, MN.
Kevin grew up in Colombia Heights, MN, and later moved to Buffalo where he spent the rest of his life in the open country air. Kevin worked as a traffic manager for the family business, Dura Supreme Cabinetry. He retired in 2011. Kevin and Ardis enjoyed their road trips to and from Florida, always veering off the beaten path for new adventures. He was a fantastic cook, woodworker, and outdoorsman. He loved the water, trapshooting, anything that brought him into nature, and was always up for a good adrenaline rush. Kevin had a sharp wit and an incredible sense of humor. He will be dearly missed.
Kevin is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Arlene Stotts; wife, Ellen Stotts; son, Kevin Stotts Jr.; father-in-law, Leon “Butch” Kelzer.
Kevin is survived by his loving family: wife, Ardis Stotts; daughters, Tiffany (Harlan) Johnson, Meghann Eiden; granddaughter, Abby Roeder; brother, Keith (Lynn) Stotts; sister, Kathy Haefele-Stotts; mother-in-law, Marilyn D. Kelzer; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Laurie and Ken Forner, Alan and Joanne Kelzer, Kenneth Kelzer, Marie Elaine, Lois and Matt Loeser, Betty and Troy Baumann; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Casket Bearers were Alan Kelzer, Ray Mattson, Randy Bonk, Jason Stotts, Jared Stotts and Carson Haefele.
Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, 952-442-2121, www.johnsonfh.com.
Cheryl Wandersee, 68
Cheryl Ann Wandersee, age 68, of Howard Lake, formerly of Delano, passed away on Saturday, January 8, 2022. She was born June 14, 1953, to Arthur and Lydia (Topel) Wandersee in Buffalo, Minnesota.
Cheryl grew up in Delano, was baptized and confirmed into her faith at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Delano. She graduated from Delano High School in 1971 and went onto nurses training in Brainerd, Minnesota where she graduated in October of 1972. Her career in nursing took her to Westwood Nursing Home in St. Louis Park where she worked for over 40 years.
Cheryl enjoyed coloring pictures with her sister, Muriel. They liked to create beautiful scenes and enjoyed each other’s company. Trips with the family to the cabin, hours of quiet contemplation while watching the loons, and especially time spent fishing. Family and time spent with them was her priority.
Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Lydia Wandersee; sisters, Janice Beckstrand, Muriel Schwerin; and infant, Mary Wandersee; brothers-in-law, Gerald Schwerin and Andy Beckstrand; infant nieces, Lynn Marie, Lisa, and Courtney.
She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Carolyn Ebbe, Roxanne (Mike) Hoppe, Randy (Gretchen) Schwerin, Dale (Linda) Schwerin, Dean Schwerin, Stephen Johnson and partner Vincent, Cory Johnson, Darren Beckstrand, Grant (Marco) Beckstrand; 16 great-nieces and nephews, Laura (Keith) Browning, Chad (Jaclyn) Hoppe, Christopher (Tasha) Hoppe, Craig Hoppe, Chantelle (Eric) Gieseke, Courtney (Michael) Hoppe, Crystal Hoppe, Matthew (Dorinda) Schwerin, Ashley (Brad) Roepke, Tina (Tracy) Vetruba, Jason Hinkemeyer, and Ryan Schwerin (Kristin), Madalyn, Charlie, Drew and Ayden; as well as other relatives, and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2021, at 7 p.m., at the Iten Funeral Chapel in Delano, Minnesota. Gathering of family and friends will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the services on Thursday.
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.
Peter Weis, 83
Peter “Pete” Thomas Weis, 83, of St. Michael, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 24, 2021, at The Glen Buffalo Memory Care, with his wife by his side.
Pete was born on August 21, 1938, in Algona, Iowa, the son of William and Elisabeth (Smith) Weis. In 1941, his family moved to a farm in Stacyville, Iowa. His school years were spent at Visitation Catholic School, where he graduated from High School in 1956. He furthered his education at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul earning a B.A. degree. While at St. Thomas, he was part of their Air Force ROTC program. He proudly served in the US Air Force as a Special Investigator and earned the rank of Captain.
On August 13, 1975, Pete met Judy Barrett. They were united in Holy Matrimony on August 7, 1976, at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church in Crystal.
Pete’s work over the years led him to sales, marketing, and promotions, as well as customer service and management. He worked in real estate and owned a truck washing company for many years. His most recent job before retirement, was at Nuaire Inc. in Plymouth.
Pete spent the first half of his 45 years of marriage living in Crystal and Brooklyn Park. In 1998, they moved to a home with four-and-a-half acres outside of Buffalo. Pete loved being in the country with more space to do the things that he enjoyed, such as gardening, mowing the lawn with his riding lawn mower, and clearing their long driveway with his riding snowblower. Every year, he would plant a vegetable garden, which he was very certain to keep weed-free. The birds were well fed in the many feeders in the yard.
After moving to Buffalo, he built an additional two-car garage, just to use as his workshop. Over the years, he made many wooden crafts for shows that he and Judy took part in. Spending time making or tinkering on something in his workshop was always important to him.
Pete always looked forward to and cherished the time he could spend with his children and grandchildren. His Dad jokes and quick wit will always be remembered. He enjoyed playing cards and games and getting together with friends. He loved taking road trips with Judy throughout Minnesota and the US.
In 1999, Pete became a member of Zion Lutheran Church where he served on many committees. Because of his strong faith and devotion for helping others, he agreed to become a Stephen Ministry Leader, which he served at for nine years.
In 2016, Pete agreed with Judy that looking into how to start an Act on Alzheimer’s initiative program in the Wright County area was important. “Whatever we can do to help others,” he said. With his love and support, Buffalo Area Dementia Friends was formed and continues. He attended meetings until 2018, when he could no longer do so because of Alzheimer’s.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Elisabeth Weis; sister, Irma (Byron) Potter; and brother, Paul Weis.
Pete will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Judy Weis, of St. Michael; children, Anthony Weis (Claudia) Weis, of Brook Park, Amanda Weis (Adam Merritt), of Wright; grandsons, Nathan, Hunter, Benedict, Darian; sister-in-law, Marge Weis; and many nephews, nieces, and other family and friends.
A celebration of Pete’s life will be held in the spring/summer.
Serving the family is the Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
