Obituaries 1/15/26
John Dvorak, 93
Dvorak, John L., age 93, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on December 24, 2025, of Salterra at Hanover Nursing Home in Hanover, MN. (Full notice to appear next week.)
Mass of Christian Burial for John will be held Friday, January 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN. Interment at St. Mark’s Catholic Cemetery in Buffalo, MN.
Serving the family... The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Sandra Gunnerson, 78
Sandra L. Gunnerson, age 78, of Camden, South Carolina, formerly of Baxter, MN, died on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Legacy Assisted Living.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Annandale with Fr. Kevin Magner as the Celebrant. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Monday at Dingmann Funeral Chapel in Annandale and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Burial will follow services at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Sandra Lee Gunnerson was born on June 12, 1947, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Rodney and Eleanor (LaFave) Gunnerson. Sandra embodied the spirit of kindness and compassion throughout her life.
After graduating from Annandale High School in 1965, she attended St. Cloud State University. On November 8, 1969, Sandra married Patrick Paumen at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Annandale. Together, they briefly made their home in Maple Lake where they began raising their two sons, Shawn and Todd, before moving to rural Cokato near her parents’ homestead. The family then moved to Baxter, where they made their home until retirement.
In her early career, Sandra worked at 3M before dedicating over 20 years to Potlatch in Brainerd. After retiring, Sandra and Pat wintered in South Carolina before moving to Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, where they embraced a new chapter of life.
Sandra was an avid gardener, known for her beautiful flowers, vibrant plants, and plentiful bird feeders, and well-manicured gardens. Her love for the earth mirrored her nurturing nature; she was a loyal and loving wife, a devoted mother, and an adoring grandmother. She carried a positive, loving, and gentle calmness in all things, until MMA, wrestling, or BMX entered the picture with her grandson, Gunner. She cherished those playful moments. Everything she did was rooted in her love for family.
She is survived by her son, Todd Gunnerson, of Kershaw, SC; cherished grandson, Gunner Gunnerson; daughter-in-law, Christine Paumen; and other family members and dear friends. Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Rodney and Eleanor Gunnerson; husband, Patrick Paumen; and son, Shawn Paumen.
Todd Gunnerson, Keith Nemec, Renee Abraham, John Nemec III, Eric Paumen, and Joe Paumen will serve as casket bearers and Gunner Gunnerson - grandson will serve as honorary casket bearer. Krista Elsenpeter and Shannon Paumen will provide music for the service.
Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.
Obituary, Guestbook, and Video Tribute online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Lorelei Hall, 86
Lorelei Rae Hall, 86, of Maple Grove, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025. Lorelei was born August 13, 1939, in Shell Lake, Wisconsin, to Minister Merrill and Geneieve Philpott (Young). She grew up in Ashland, Wisconsin, where she attended Bible Camp in her summers, and met friends that she kept in touch with the remainder of her life. She attended and graduated from Ashland High School.
This is where she met the love of her life, John M. Hall. They were married on February 22, 1957. Together, they were blessed with four children, William, Debra, David, and Jeffrey.
Lori enjoyed the cabin life in Lac du Flambeau, WI, and Hayward, WI, where she spent memorable times with her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be forever remembered for her love of cards, dice, bingo, thrift stores, antique stores, garage sales, and cookie jars. To her, one-person’s junk was another one’s treasure. She has an incredible knack of finding the best treasures, and most everything she bought was repurposed into something incredibly unimaginable.
Lorelei is survived by children, William Hall, of Hurley WI, Debra Kalk (Russell), of Dayton, MN, David Hall (Rebecca), of Golden Valley, MN, and Jeffrey Hall (Kristin), of Buffalo MN; 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Lorelei was proceeded in death by husband, John Hall; her parents, Merrill and Geneieve Philpott; brothers, Raymond and William Philpott; grandsons, Chad Hall and Ryan Hall.
A Celebration of Life will be held, February 22, 2026, at Liberty American Legion, 25 Central Ave. E., St. Micheal, MN 55376, from noon to 3 P.M. Interment will be a private ceremony in Ashland, WI.
In lieu of memorials, donations to Ry’s Hope, PO Box 128, Buffalo, MN 55313 or Northwoods Humane Society, PO Box 82, 10812 N O’Brian Hill Road, Hayward, WI 54843.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Melinda Koosman, 63
Melinda Koosman, 63, of Buffalo, went to meet her Lord after dying unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Melinda was born May 11, 1962, in Buffalo to Ted and Patsy Callerstrom. She is survived by her loving husband, Greg Koosman; sister, Lisa (Callerstrom) McNulty; brother, Carl Callerstrom; cousins, Annette Durham, Dana Gibb, Jimmy and David Dunn; uncle, Jim Dunn; and her beloved Newfoundland, Abby. Melinda spent the happiest times of her life with her Tennessee family and her siblings.
Melinda and her husband, Greg were born in the same hospital in Buffalo, Minnesota, two weeks apart in 1962 and attended K-12 together, but their 10-year high school reunion began the romance that led to their 1992 wedding and subsequent 33 wonderful years together.
Melinda’s faith was unwavering every day of her life; even as she navigated life’s tribulations, including cancer, the loss of loved ones, and inevitable challenges of this world. She knew how to connect with God during the hardest and darkest times and find the courage to move forward – which was an inspiration to everyone who knew her.
Melinda had a rare gift of creativity; she could see possibility and seemingly effortlessly make beauty and wonderful things happen, from craft and décor to her amazing cooking. Her creativity extended throughout all aspects of her life – even her business and social lives. She could identify common threads and values among people she encountered, crosspollinate friends, and celebrate the people in her life in ways that made them feel valued and cared for.
Melinda’s interests were as eclectic and marvelously quirky as she was. From Bible study to state politics, Melinda immersed herself in pursuits she found meaningful. She earned the nickname “Sparky” in homage to the famous Como Zoo seal due to her penchant for seafood – particularly sardines, kipper snacks, and smoked oysters. She also loved to fish, once fighting a 15-lb. carp for 45 minutes, only to be completely dismayed when Greg wouldn’t let her mount it. She never opened “Sparky’s Fine Dining & Bait Shop,” but she did get her motorcycle license and gleefully zipped around on her Honda Monkey and matching helmet.
We all remember Melinda for her humor that was lightning-fast, clever, unexpected, and impossible not to laugh at. Melinda had an uncanny ability to uncover and exploit the hilarity of everyday life. Melinda…as you rejoice in Heaven with those who have gone home before you, do what you told Dad to do when he stepped on a pin cushion: “Dance Gypsy! Dance!”
Reception will be held Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 4 P.M. at Huikko’s Event Center at 1207 MN-25, Buffalo, 55313 – 763.682.4180, followed by a celebration of life at 5 P.M.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Robert Peterson, 87
Jean Peterson, 86
Robert L. Peterson, April 8, 1938 – January 1, 2026; Jean Ann Fitzsimmons Peterson, November 10, 1939 – December 21, 2025.
Robert “Bob” L. Peterson and Jean Ann Fitzsimmons Peterson passed away peacefully just eleven days apart, after 67 years of marriage. Jean died December 21, 2025, and Bob followed January 1, 2026. Their love story remained unbroken to the very end. Bob and Jean spent over 45 years on Granite Lake, enjoying boating, fishing, birdwatching, and family gatherings. Bob loved his “just closing my eyes” hammock naps, helping grandchildren, and volunteering as a founding member of the Pheasants Forever Wright County Chapter and with local conservation efforts. Jean loved her hummingbird feeder, eagles, Irish traditions, library volunteering, and cheering on the Vikings with Bob—jerseys on and spirits high.
They are survived by their children, Kim (Mark) Otis, David (Pam) Peterson, Karey (Mark) Lambert, and Deb (Mike) Seaberg; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Bob and Jean will be remembered for their enduring love, devotion to family, and the beautiful life they built together.
A celebration of their lives will be held in the spring.
Ann Uecker, 91
Ann Mae Uecker, age 91, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Benedictine Living Community, St. Peter MN.
Born in Round Prairie on October 31, 1934, Ann was the daughter of William (Bill), Sr., and Eva (Smith) Kaun. She was baptized on December 9, 1934, and was confirmed in 1948 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Long Prairie.
Ann graduated from Long Prairie High School in 1952 and immediately enrolled at the Hamline University School of Nursing (St. Paul, MN).
On July 25, 1954, Ann Kaun and Marvin Uecker were joined in holy matrimony at Trinity Lutheran Church (Lake Crystal, MN). God blessed their marriage with three children, Nancy, Michael, and Timothy.
Upon graduation from the Hamline School of Nursing in 1955, Ann spent the majority of the next fourteen years as a Primary and General Practice Nurse at the St. Michaels Hospital (Sauk Centre), Melrose Hospital, and the Sauk Centre Clinic. In 1973, Ann became the Resident Nurse at the MN Department of Corrections “Home School” in Sauk Centre, MN.
Upon moving to Buffalo, MN, in 1977, Ann became the School Nurse for the Rockford Public School District for two years before becoming the night shift supervisor at the Buffalo Memorial Hospital and subsequently became an ER Nurse in 1980.
Ann and Marvin moved to Riverton, WY, in 1985 where Ann started as a Wyoming Home Health Care Nurse before becoming an ER Nurse at the Riverton Hospital and subsequently became the Riverton School District School Nurse. Ann retired from her nursing career in 1996 after more than 40 years in the health care profession.
Throughout her life, Ann was an active church member. She had a strong faith and loved the Lord Jesus with her whole heart.
For hobbies, Ann enjoyed traveling the nation with her husband where they visited every state but Hawaii. She also loved genealogy, being a “rock hound,” sewing, snowmobiling, and trout fishing in the mountains of Wyoming. Her friends and family knew her to be family-oriented and to always be up for a new adventure.
Survived by her loving husband of seventy-one years, Marvin Uecker; daughter Nancy Petermeier (Dan), son Tim Uecker (Michelle), daughter-in-law Karmen, brother-in-law, Otto Uecker (Chris); sister-in-law, Ruth Rosenberg; brother-in-law, Delmer Uecker; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and other treasured relatives and many friends.
Ann was preceded in death by son, Michael Uecker; grandson, Mitchell Uecker; her parents, William (Bill), Sr. and Eva Kaun; brothers, William (Bill), Jr. and James Kaun; sister, Karen Adams; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Otto and Hildegard Uecker.
Funeral services were held at St John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grey Eagle on Saturday, January 10, followed by interment at Lakeview Cemetery. Pastor Fred Kutter officiated and Carolyn Ilgen was the organist. Ann requested that any memorials were to be provided to the ALS Network (at alsnetwork.org).
Ruby Wolff, 85
Ruby C. Wolff, age 85, of Annandale, died Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Annandale Care Center surrounded by her family.
Funeral Services were held 11:30 a.m., Monday, January 12, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Annandale with Rev. Paul Bravinder and Rev. Alex Becker officiating. Burial followed at Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation began at 10:00 a.m. on Monday at the church. In honor of Ruby, memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society.
Ruby Carolyn Johnson was born on November 28, 1940, in French Lake, Minnesota, to John and Amy (Lilga) Johnson. She graduated from Annandale High School in 1958, and shortly after, she married the love of her life, Darrell Wolff, on August 23 of that same year. Together, they made their home in Albion Township, raising their four children. Ruby was a devoted homemaker, transforming their house into a warm and loving home, while Darrell served as the Wright County Sheriff. After Darrell’s death in 1989, Ruby continued to live in Albion Township until 2023, when she moved to Maple Lake. Ruby recently entered the Annandale Care Center.
Ruby enjoyed her passion for gardening, tending to her flowers and vegetables. Snowmobiling was a longtime family tradition, and Ruby’s greatest joy was the time spent with her family.
A faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church, Ruby embodied kindness, compassion, and unwavering strength throughout her life. She lived a life filled with love and devotion to her family, friends, and faith.
She is survived by her children, Terry (Greg) Mueller, of Cold Spring, Lauren (Brenda), Todd (Joleen), and Tim (Karen), all of Annandale; 10 grandchildren, Karissa (Jacob) Rothstein, Rochelle (Owen) Braegelmann, Dacoda (Natalie), Brady, Hunter, Gavin, Chloe, Charlotte, Braxton, and Elliott Wolff; four great-grandchildren, Autumn George, Lucas and Hailey Rothstein, and Weston Wolff; brother-in-law, Alan (Colleen) Wolff; and nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, John and Amy Johnson; husband, Darrell; and siblings, Alfred Johnson, Gladys Hanson, and LeVina Opsahl.
Ruby’s grandchildren served as casket bearers. Arrangements were entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
