Obituaries 12/11/25
Dorothy Blizil, 93
Dorothy P. Blizil, age 93, of Maple Lake, died Monday, December 8, 2025, at Park View Care Center in Buffalo.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 13, 2025, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Maple Lake, with Fr. Kevin Magner as Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery, east Maple Lake. Visitation be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday and 9-10 a.m. on Saturday, both at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Maple Lake. A prayer service will be held 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the funeral chapel.
Dorothy Phyllis Kotilinek was born on December 21, 1931, in Maple Lake, Minnesota, to Lester and Elsie (Provo) Kotilinek. Dorothy lived a life rich in love and community with her roots firmly planted in Maple Lake.
Dorothy was baptized and confirmed at St. Timothy Catholic Church, a place where she would later exchange vows with her beloved husband, Irving Blizil, on May 6, 1952. Together, they made their home on the family farm, along with their children.
A proud 1949 graduate of Maple Lake High School, Dorothy began her professional career at Maple Lake Farmers Creamery before dedicating over 30 years of her life to Security State Bank in Maple Lake.
A lifetime member of the Church of St. Timothy, Dorothy also participated in the Council of Catholic Women and the National Catholic Society of Foresters.
Dorothy’s hobbies included nurturing her garden and tending to her beloved flowers. She had a culinary knack for cooking and baking, often delighting others with her delicious poppy seed kolache. Dorothy also found enjoyment in a day on the farm, camping trips, traveling with her loved ones, and being in the presence of her family and friends.
She is survived by her children, Tom (Denise) Blizil, Steve (Lori) Blizil, Joe (Marilyn) Blizil, all of Maple Lake, and Susan (Mark) Peters, of Buffalo; daughter-in-law, Robin (Todd) Wahlstrom; 10 grandchildren, Jennifer (Brandon) Heinz, Jill (Aaron) Bodin, Tracy (Alex) Grobbel, Michael Blizil, Alex Blizil (Nicole), Matt Blizil (Lola), Laura (John) Tokkesdal, Nicole (Scott) Elfmann, Ashlee (Brendan) Ashton, and Paige (Brooke) Jarmuzek; 15 great-grandchildren, Brady, Allie, Logan, Turner, Colten, Ryder, Amelia, Charli, Nash, Camdyn, Levi, Wrenley, Tate, Lennon, and Drue; sister, Joyce (Gerald) Paumen, of Buffalo; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Irving; son, Gary; parents, Lester and Elsie Kotilinek; and siblings, Muriel (Clarence) Rassat and Lucille (Robert) Schmitz; father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Mary Blizil; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Clifford and Eloise Blizil.
Dorothy’s grandchildren will serve as casket bearers.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
James Ferris, 88
James Jerry Ferris, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at his home in Buffalo with his family by his side. Mass of Christian Burial takes place on Saturday, December 13, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at the Peterson Chapel, Buffalo. Visitation will also take place on Saturday one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment follows at St. Francis Cemetery, Buffalo.
Jim was born on April 3, 1937, in Wadena, MN, to James and Myrtle (Robinson) Ferris. As a child, Jim loved horses and spent much of his time with them on the family farm. He graduated from Wadena High School in 1955 and then joined the Army National Guard for a year. Following in the tradition of his brothers, Bob and Jack, he joined the United States Navy where he served for four years on board the USS Oriskany.
As part of his service in the Navy, he traveled and served in the South Pacific. After completing his service in the Navy, he took a year off and filled every moment of his time with hunting and fishing; a love and passion of his that would last the rest of his life.
He then started working for Mammoth Incorporated at both the Plymouth and Chaska facilities where he worked for over 35 years as a Welding Supervisor. Retiring at the age of 62, Jim was able to focus his time hunting, fishing, spending time at the resort with beloved friends, and being the incredible father and grandfather to his kids and grandchildren.
Jim married Evelyn Beckers on May 8, 1965, in Watkins. Evie was the love of his life, and they spent almost 50 years together in Buffalo raising their family and spent the rest of their lives. Jim was a humble, honorable, and hardworking man with a quiet strength and incredible sense of humor. He was known to make comments that would surprise you and make you laugh and appreciate him all the more.
Over the years, Jim made friendships and connections with others that lasted a lifetime. He spent summers up north and couldn’t wait to leave in May and return in October. Many of his years he spent at Golden Eagle Resort in Perham and then moved to Round Bay Resort in Nevis where he spent the past few years. There he made many friends that truly became his family. He would fish, play cards, go riding on four-wheeler trails, and as those up north would say partake in many different “shenanigans.” He loved to make you laugh and smile and was very good at it.
Preceded in death by, his parents, James and Myrtle Ferris; wife, Evelyn Ferris; and sister, Betty Hass.
He is survived by his siblings, Bob Ferris, Jack Ferris, Edna and Bill Dawson, and Joan Berg; his children, James and Stacy Ferris Jr., Scott and Sandi Ferris, Shelly Ferris and Chad Ferris; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Krista, David, Naveah and Tyson Ferris; Kellie, Ricky and Kinsley Ferris; Anna, Clinton, Landon, Kenley, and Giana Ferris; Josie, Alex, Lucas and Oaklynn Ferris; Cody and Sierra Ferris; Travis and Hailey Ferris; Ryan and Tayo Sassen; Christopher and Stacie Sassen; and Logan Sassen.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo. www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Ernest LeNoir Jr., 65
Ernest Norbert LeNoir Jr., age 65, of Montrose, passed away November 23, 2025, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, surrounded by his children.
Ernest was born July 23, 1960, in Minneapolis, MN, to Ernest Sr. and Veronica (Boyer) LeNoir. After graduating high school, he served his country by enlisting in the Navy, earning the rank Yeoman Petty Officer Third Class.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest “Wabby” LeNoir Sr.; mother, Veronica (Boyer) LeNoir; and daughter, Cheyanne.
Ernest is survived by his sisters, Diane LeNoir-Crockett, of Bemidji, MN, and Debbie Lenoir-Baker, of Greenfield, MN; his children, Bradley (Aleesha) Crockett, of Trimont, MN, Peter and Mitchell LeNoir, of Montrose, MN, Dakotah LeNoir, of Farmington, MN, and Karina Farris, of Willows, CA; as well as his grandchildren, Kaden, Beau, Tamara, and unborn grandson, Onyx; also, many nieces and nephews.
We would like to thank Abbott Northwestern and their incredible staff for providing a peaceful passing and endless support to the family during such a difficult time.
Visitation for Ernest was held on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at The Peterson Funeral Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Funeral services were Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at Connection Pointe Church in Buffalo, MN.
Ernest was laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN, on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., Assembly Area #2.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Betty Rogers, 90
Betty Ann Rogers, age 90, of Forest Lake, MN, and formerly of Buffalo and Minnetonka, MN, passed away on December 3, 2025.
She was born on May 4, 1935, in Montrose, MN, the daughter of Joseph and Blanche (Fautsch) Gallus.
On October 14, 1952, Betty was married to Marvin A. Rogers at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Delano.
Betty enjoyed fishing with her husband, Marvin. They spent over twenty winters in Lake Havasu, AZ. Marvin preceded her in death on March 3, 2023.
She enjoyed shopping, cooking, and baking. Betty’s top priority in life was making sure her family was always ok.
Survived by children, Thomas M. Rogers, of Glencoe, MN, and Diane L. (Hal) Satter, of Stacy, MN; granddaughters, Katie Barnes and Amanda Barnes; great-granddaughter, Adalei Jurek; a sister-in-law, Jane Filek, of Buffalo, MN; other family and friends.
In addition to her husband, Betty was preceded in death by sons, Timothy and Terrance Rogers; her parents; and siblings, Eleanore Adickes, LaVerne Johnson, Marge Jerde, Don and Ralph Gallus.
Mass of Christian Burial for Betty Rogers will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 11 A.M. at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Maple Lake. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass AT THE CHURCH. Father Kevin Magner will be the Celebrant.
Interment at a later date at St. Timothy’s Cemetery in Maple Lake.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo MN assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Gloria Siemers, 80
Gloria Jean Siemers, age 80, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Park View Care Center.
Born on March 30, 1945, in Sioux City, Iowa, Gloria was the beloved daughter of Clifford and Betty (Wilson) Groon. On September 1, 1963, she married the love of her life, Ronald W. Siemers, at Union Creek Lutheran Church in rural Union County, South Dakota. Together, they shared 62 years of devotion, laughter, and family.
Gloria dedicated her life to her family and community. A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, her warmth and kindness made her a cherished presence to many throughout her life. Her career in early childhood care and development spanned more than 35 years, during which she touched countless lives, nurturing children, and supporting parents with compassion and wisdom.
She is survived by her husband, Ronald W. Siemers; her children and grandchildren, Ron Jr. (Candy) Siemers and their children, Samantha and Tim, and Becki (Mark) Griffin, and their children, Aleesha (Scott) and Kyle (Brittany). Gloria is also survived by her siblings, Jan, Sandy, Jerry (Brenda), Kevin (Paulette), and Connie (Tom).
She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Roger, Ed, Rodney, and Steve.
Services: A Memorial Service was held at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Minnesota, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, visitation began at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m.
A second Memorial Service will take place at Union Creek Lutheran Church in Union County, South Dakota, on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Union Creek Cemetery.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations toward tree planting, a living tribute to Gloria’s nurturing spirit and love for growth and renewal.
Gloria’s legacy of love, care, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, Minnesota assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
