Obituaries 12/18/25
Elouise Carlson, 82
Elouise was born October 26, 1943, in Elk River, MN and passed away from this earthly life on Tuesday December 9, 2025, at the age of 82. She was born to Lawrence and Marie Vasseur, the third of seventeen children. She graduated from Elk River high school in 1961, moved to Buffalo, and worked at Wonderalls making children’s clothing. She was no stranger to hard work, growing up on dairy farm and being the older sibling to so many.
A sneaky sense of humor she did have. In addition to sewing, her job included embroidering animals onto clothing. One day, she wanted to see if the Quality Control department was doing its job, so as she sewed the bunny onto a shirt, she added a little trail of brown dots behind the bunny. Yeah, they caught it; she kept her job. She went on to become an accomplished seamstress.
She met her rock of life Chester Carlson at Archie’s (now Mill Creek Inn) in Buffalo, and they married in January 1965. After several years, they purchased an old farmhouse with land in Buffalo, then lived in the garage while the farmhouse was torn down and a new home was built. This home stands today, over 55 years later, where Elouise lived until she moved to the Annandale Care Center in April this year.
Elouise and Chester both operated Carlson Concrete: Chester ran most of the daily construction operations with the crew, Elouise managed the books, payroll, and coordinated jobs with him. They farmed together under the business name C&E Farms; they even had Case tractors with their individual names on them. Mom ran a pig business with two large barns. To repeat a theme from earlier - she was not afraid of hard work! The days were long, and the nights were short with these businesses being managed by Elouise and Chester; they both worked hard.
They also played hard. Their travels took them to the World’s Fair in New York City, Texas to visit relatives, Canada for multiple hunting and fishing trips with friends and family, Germany, cruise trips, snowmobile trips, and many other excursions.
When the love of her life Chester died in 1981 from cancer, Elouise was left to contend with the businesses and raise the family by herself. She found many ways to supplement the income as needed by selling garden items at summer stands, the Can-Man Recycling business, and an Embroidery business for clothing.
Elouise loved her children by raising them well with solid values and adored her grandchildren. Her hobbies were outdoor-driven: fishing, deer hunting, and turkey hunting; she continued to do these things long after Chester passed. Once she could no longer participate in these activities, you could always get into a great conversation about them, and then she would bring out the pictures from the trail cameras or a picture of someone else’s recent successful hunt. Her joy was a visit with grandbabies or sharing stories about hunting and fishing!
If you were asked to describe Elouise, you would use adjectives like hard-worker, fighter, resourceful, stubborn, smart, protector, tough. She found ways to get the job done to keep the bills paid and food on the table. Those adjectives continued to describe Elouise until her last few days. Parkinson’s and Lewis Body Dementia are cruel, and she fought with everything she had.
She believed in Jesus Christ as her Savior – she said many times Jesus was responsible for getting her kids home safe, because she didn’t know what else to do to protect them. This faith was a comfort to her over all the years.
Elouise is survived by children who will miss her dearly, Deb (Ken) Priebe, Jerry (Michon), Tim (Michelle), Jason (Lois), Jeff (Stefanie), Chris (DeAnn), and Angela (Greg); grandchildren, Mariah (Jordan) Runk, Bryce (Jess), Brady, Brandon, Grace, Dallas, Natalie, Ryleigh, Megan (Coby) Wurm, Luke, Ashley, Logan, Lyndsie, Zach, and Kingsley; great-grandchildren, Steven and Clara; siblings, Mary (John) Peterson, Verna Vasseur Ginter, Larry, Lena (Charlie) Anderson, Mike (Edie), Linda (Terry) Lemke, Ann Deziel, Evelyn (Barry) Wahl, and David; in-laws, Diane (Mike) Evans, Nola (Robert) Nilsson, Maynard (Linda) Carlson, Ward (Tammy) Carlson, Cheryl Vasseur, Suzette Vasseur, and Jim Berg; and many other family members.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Chester; parents, Lawrence and Marie Vasseur; mother and father-in-law, Newell and Dorothy Carlson; brothers, Vernon, Paul, Steve, Doug, Tom; sisters, Janet Lee and Rose Berg; sister-in-law, Patty Vasseur; and brother-in-law Ronnie Carlson.
A Visitation was held on Tuesday, December 16, from 4-8 p.m. at the Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Further visitation was held on Wednesday morning, December 17, at the church one hour prior to Mass.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Elouise Carlson was held on Wednesday, December 17, at 11 a.m. at The Church of St. Timothy in Maple Lake. Interment followed at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Buffalo. A Luncheon followed at The Maple Lake V.
The family thanks Joe Ackerman (Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion to the homebound) and his wife, Mary, from Church of St. Timothy, who visited her frequently, prayed with her, and distributed communion.
The family especially thanks St. Croix Hospice and Annandale Care Facility for their care of Elouise since April. Their love, compassion, and care were amazing for her entire stay, and we appreciate all the individuals involved.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Ethan Coons, 23
Ethan Paul Coons, 23, peacefully began his journey to the Spirit World on Sunday, December 7, 2025
Ethan was born on May 14, 2002, in Fridley, MN, the son of Jeremy Coons and Karla Beheng Dallum. He is a descendant of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Ojibwe and became immensely interested in his Ojibwe culture the past few years, which was a source of strength and peace for him. Ethan enjoyed learning about his heritage and ancestors from his grandfather, Daryl Coons, Jr. Spending time in Hayward was a favorite pastime especially the times he attended Honor the Earth.
Anyone close to Ethan knew that he shared a passion for sports with his father who coached him on several teams. When he was 12, his Duluth East baseball team was one game away from advancing towards the Little League World Series. At age 15, his AAA Selects hockey team went to the CanAm (Canadian-American) tournament in Lake Placid, NY, being the only Minnesota hockey team present, and they took first place! In 10th grade at Buffalo High School, he made the hockey and lacrosse teams, which he was immensely proud of.
Ethan went on to work as an umpire for youth baseball games and served as an assistant coach with his father to his younger brother Darian’s hockey teams. He took pride in teaching Darian the skills he had acquired and loved watching him grow. He also enjoyed working with his dad’s company, as well as helping remodel their home.
Ethan had a love for fishing, skateboarding, boxing, lacrosse, and attending sporting events. He also loved spending time with family – especially Grandma Mary, and hanging with Skyler and his buddies, the trips to Alexandria with Karla and family, just to name a few. He also had a passion for animals, especially Mad Eye, the family’s Olde English Bulldogge who was his best fur-friend.
In the past few weeks while living with his father and family, Ethan found the peace he had been searching for. He gained another sister, a love for brownies and ice cream, and made more memories to carry with him before peacefully passing at home this past Sunday with his dad and Nicole nearby.
He is survived by his parents, Jeremy (Nicole and Alyvia Sahlberg) Coons and Karla (Duane) Dallum; stepmother, Shanda Johnson; stepfather, Kevin O’Rourke; brothers, Darian Coons and Arren O’Rourke; stepbrother, Skyler Koop; stepsister, Athena O’Rourke; grandparents, Daryl Coons, Jr., Mary (Bob Miller) Coons, Dan and Patty Beheng, Michael and Kathy O’Rourke; aunts, Tama Coons and Shauna (Dennis Olson, Jr.) Coons, and uncle Nick Beheng; cousins, Helen Olson, Dennis “Will” Olson, and Ellanore Marshall; as well as many great-aunts and uncles, second cousins, and friends.
Ethan was preceded in death by great-grandparents, Daryl Sr. and Helen Coons, Gloria and Robert Budik, Arlu Beheng; and his great-uncle, Guyon Coons.
Tribal Funeral Rites began at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Pineview Funeral Service, Hayward, WI. Gary Quaderer Sr. officiated. Visitation began at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 16, at Pineview Funeral Service. A private internment will take place in the spring
Casket bearers are Darian Coons, Skyler Koop, Arren O’Rourke, Sean Duncan, Joel “Joey” Larkin, and Athena O’Rourke.
Online condolences can be made at www.pineviewfuneralservice.com.
John Holmquist, 73
John Edwin Holmquist, 73, of Buffalo, MN, passed away from a heart attack while hunting pheasants in South Dakota on December 10, 2025. He was born in Buffalo, Minnesota, to his parents, Bruce and Harriet (Oien) Holmquist. John grew up in Buffalo and graduated from Buffalo High School in 1970.
John met Barbara (Carriere), at Lake Beauty Bible Camp in 1969 where it was love at first sight. The two were married on June 29, 1974, at Buffalo Covenant Church, and they began their life together in Buffalo. Through 43 years of marriage, John and Barb were inseparable while God blessed them with five children, Robert in 1977, Emily in 1980, Gina in 1981, Maria in 1984, and Karina in 1989. John’s unwavering belief in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was a constant in his life, and he was a lifelong member of Buffalo Covenant Church. John and Barb raised their family in Buffalo, where John proudly contributed to the success of his family’s grocery store, Holmquist’s, and later retired from the City of Buffalo in 2018.
While his children grew, John could often be found in the bleachers at a rink, stadium, or gym cheering on his children through their youth, high school and college sports. John’s passionate support of his family continued with his grandchildren’s activities, where hugs and treats were exchanged after countless games. John also loved hunting and traveling to visit family and friends in Maine, Wyoming, and Arizona. John’s devotion to Barb was steadfast, and he was by her side as she took her final breath on June 23, 2017.
After Barb passed away in 2017, John married Andrea (Behrenbrinker) Ahlm on August 20, 2021. Together, they enjoyed international travel, outdoor adventures, and spending time with friends.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Barb; daughter, Gina; parents, Bruce and Harriet; father and mother-in-law, Robert and Eva; sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Barry; and brother-in-law, Lowell.
Survivors include: Andrea; John’s children and grandchildren, Robbie (Jaime) Kate and Drew Holmquist, Emily (Chris) Lexi, JJ, Eva (Hanzlik), Kaitlyn and Annabelle Deneau, Maria (Derek) Charlie, Hannah and Ben Rosso, Karina (Matt) Matsui; John’s siblings, Rand (Colleen) Holmquist, Kris (Bob) Kruck, Sandy (Dennis Druar) Holmquist; Barb’s siblings, and many nieces and nephews. Survivors also include: Andrea’s children and grandchildren, Jennifer (Andrew) Harper, Hudson and Henry Mueller, Patrick Ahlm and Ty Belmore-Ahlm, Nicholas (Kayla Gauthier) Ahlm; and Andrea’s siblings.
A Memorial Service for John Holmquist will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation to begin at 9:30 a.m. at Buffalo Covenant Church. Lunch to follow. Inurnment at Swedish Mission Cemetery.
Funeral will be live-streamed at: Buffalocov.org/live
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Roger Krueger, 77
Roger J. Krueger, age 77, of Buffalo, passed away on December 13, 2025. Roger was born in Arlington, MN, on October 22, 1948, to Delford and Catherine (Schouviller) Krueger.
Roger was involved with the Jaycees and Lions doing various community projects. He loved hunting, going to NASCAR races, white water rafting, and parachuting. He also loved being at home, watching the birds and animals, and working in his garden.
Roger was so proud he was able to check off most of his bucket list before his passing. He made some donations, had a Starbuck’s coffee, connected with old friends, made a trip back home to Henderson, and won big on his trip to the casino!
He is survived by his wife, Catherine; children, Kyle (Melinda Jacobsen) Krueger, Kevin Krueger, J.D. (Kaylee) Dircks, Eric (Melissa) Dircks; grandchildren, Mikayla, Syrena (Cole), Mylie, Gemma, Taya, Haley, Riley, Piper, Kaylei (Sam), Hanna, Zander, and Hazel; brother, Arden (Cathy) Krueger; and many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his daughter, Kristina Wall; and parents, Delford and Catherine.
Celebration of Life will be held at Huikko’s – Bison Creek Event Center, 1207 MN-25, Buffalo, MN, on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. Interment will be at a later date in Henderson, MN.
Arrangements by The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Judith Pachan, 85
Judith A. Pachan, age 85, of Buffalo, died Monday, December 15, 2025, at her home surrounded by the love of her family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Maple Lake with Fr. Kevin Magner as Celebrant. Burial will be held at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls at a later date. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Monday and 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, both at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Maple Lake.
Judith Ann Pachan was born in Alexandria, Minnesota, on August 8, 1940, to Richard and Pauline (Lindquist) Carlson. She was one of nine children. She attended country school in Douglas County near Rose City. She continued her education at Jefferson High in Alexandria. She met Alex Pachan at a dance in the Clarissa Ballroom. They were married October 8, 1958, at St. Peters Catholic Church in Browerville. They had three children, Cindy, Rick, and Rob. Judy and Alex were also foster parents for nearly 20 years for McLeod County, helping many children and families in the area.
Judy worked at Burns Manor Nursing Home in Hutchinson, Minnesota, for nearly 20 years and St. Michael’s Nursing home in Sauk Centre for six years. She enjoyed the elderly people and loved to read and reminisce with them. She also enjoyed traveling with Alex in their motor home. Judy is a member of St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Maple Lake and the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, and Lynx, along with puzzles, word search books, and going to the casino. She loved visiting her family, especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Alex, of 67 years; daughter, Cindy (Tim) McVenes, of Maple Lake; sons, Rick (Karen), of Hutchinson and Rob (Kathy), of Buffalo; grandchildren, Sean (Camille), Joel (Laiz) and Megan McVenes, Alex, Lexie (Dan), Ally, Brynn and Emily Pachan (Billy Fontana); great-grandchildren, Isabella, Claire, Evan, and Lucas; siblings, Wanda Akey, of Colorado, MaVonne Nelson, of Chaska, and Morley Carlson, of Alexandria; sister-in-law, Sharon Carlson, of Parkers Prairie; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Evelie Kraft, Elaine Larson, Ruth Thompson, Larry Carlson; and an infant brother; niece, Barbara Kraft; and nephew, Justin Carlson.
Judy’s grandchildren will serve as urn bearers.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake. Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute and Service Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Sharon Quast, 83
Sharon Mary (Munsterteiger) Quast, age 83, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully Monday, December 8, 2025, at the St. Cloud Hospital, surrounded by family.
A memorial service will take place Monday, December 22, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake, with visitation at the Church beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Sharon was born April 4, 1942, the daughter of Ambrose and Stella (Schmitz) Munsterteiger, and grew up in rural Buffalo.
She graduated with the Class of 1960 from Buffalo High School.
Sharon was united in holy matrimony with James A. Quast June 26, 1965, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Buffalo. Jim and Sharon had four daughters, Tina, Tanya, Tasha, and Trista. Their marriage spanned 53 years, and if you saw one, you saw the other before Jim passed away in April, 2019.
After graduation, Sharon worked at Dr. George Roberston’s eye clinic. She later remained home until her four daughters started school. She then worked at an assisted living facility for 13 years as a caregiver. Sharon and Jim also served as volunteers through the hospice program at North Memorial Hospital. She retired at age 70 and organized funeral luncheons for St. Timothy Church for numerous years.
Faith and family held the utmost importance to Sharon and Jim. Her deep Catholic faith and great faith in Jesus were always helping and guiding her throughout life.
Sharon enjoyed many hobbies including bus trips, shopping, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren, especially watching them play sports. She had a passion for decorating for the holiday seasons, helping others, and indulging in sweet treats.
A special thank you to those who were helpful during her illness, including Mike and Mary Shaughnessy, Joe and Mary Ackerman, Val Kaz, Randy and Marie Mavencamp, Richard DeMars, Anna Marie Jude, McBrady’s, Barb Walker, and best friend that was like a sister, Marian Lucas. She was also very appreciative of all of those in her Church community who delivered communion to her and helped her maintain her home.
Sharon is survived by daughters, Tanya (Todd) Harrington, Tasha (Steve) Burslie, and Trista (Mike) Hubbell; grandchildren, Carter, Sadie, Emerson, Everett, Cooper, and Breckyn; and sibling, Sandra Butterfass.
She was preceded in death by parents, Ambrose and Stella Munsterteiger; husband, James Quast (2019); and daughter, Tina (1984).
Duane Rogness, 72
Duane Leonard Rogness, age 72, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, in Plymouth, Minnesota. He was born on November 22, 1953, in Buffalo, Minnesota.
Duane was born and raised in Buffalo, where he grew up on the Darrow family farm. He continued the tradition of dairy farming for many years before owning and operating the Sundown Saloon, a local gathering place where his humor, quick wit, and natural way with people made everyone feel welcome. In the later years of his career, Duane found fulfillment working as a carpenter, thoughtfully renovating homes and taking pride in the work he created.
A lifelong learner with a sharp mind, Duane loved reading and especially enjoyed history. He was known for his incredible sense of humor, intelligence, and the memorable one-liners he shared with family and friends. After surviving a major heart attack in 2006, Duane faced ongoing health challenges with remarkable resilience and his signature dry humor, traits that remained with him throughout the rest of his life.
Duane is survived by his children, Erik (Beth) Rogness, Lucas Rogness, Kiersten Rogness (Andrew Domine), and Kelsey (Joey) Allmaras; his beloved grandson, Lincoln Rogness; and his children’s mother, Mary Rogness.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Dorothy Rogness; his sister, Barbara (Rogness) Green; and his grandparents, Adelia and Louis Darrow, and Erick and Alma Rogness.
A memorial service and burial will be held in spring 2026, with details to be announced at a later date.
The family extends sincere gratitude to the caregivers at Solbakken of Plymouth, MN, and loved ones who supported Duane throughout his many years of health challenges. His humor, intelligence, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Arrangements are being handled by The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, Minnesota. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Wayne Weege, 76
Wayne Howard Weege, 76, of Baldwin City, KS, passed away peacefully December 8, 2025, with family by his side. Born April 10, 1949, in Watertown, MN, to Howard and Myrtle (Eells) Weege. After he completed high school with the class of 1967, he proudly served in the U.S. Marines in 1969 and was deployed on the USS Austin; then transferred to the USS Fort Snelling. Wayne’s work life was defined by his deep passion for mechanics and craftsmanship.
On May 28, 1971, Wayne and Diane were united in marriage in Buffalo, Minnesota. Moving to Baldwin City, KS, in 1989, continuing their 54 years of marriage.
Wayne was a member of the American Legion, Vinland Valley Community Church, and the Power of the Past Antique Engine and Tractor Association in Ottawa, Kansas.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Diane; and six children, Leslie (Rod) Schmit, of Queen Creek, AZ, Coy (Lauren) Weege, of Vestavia, AL, Jamie (Brad) Gilges, of Baldwin City, KS, Suzanne (Kyle) Weege, of Baldwin City, KS, Kelly Weege, of Mesa, AZ, and Tracie (Kirby) Flory, of Baldwin City, KS; and 14 grandchildren, Trevor, Tyler, Weston, Macie, Kylee, Garrett, Tatum, Grant, Maggie, Theo, Olivia, Dean, Rhett, and John; five sisters, Nila (Morry) Ellis, of Buffalo, MN, Marlee (Randy) Smith, of Buffalo, MN, Joanne (Ron) Zitzloff, of Buffalo, MN, Janell (Ron) Falde, of Summerfield, FL, and Diana (Scott) Brecht, of Sturgeon Lake, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Myrtle Weege; and two sisters, Dorene Chapman and Susan Weege.
Funeral services will be held on January 3, 2026, at Vinland Valley Community Church, Baldwin City, KS. Condolences may be sent to the family.
