Obituaries 1/22/26

John Dvorak, 93

Dvorak, John L., age 93, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on December 24, 2025, at Salterra of Hanover Nursing Home in Hanover, MN. 

John was born the son of Rudolph and Blanche Dvorak on August 29, 1932, in Minneapolis, MN.

Throughout his career, John dedicated himself to the commercial sprinkler industry, where he was known for his strong work ethic, steady leadership, and genuine respect for those he worked alongside. He held a variety of positions at Industrial Sprinkler and later at Viking Sprinkler, forming lasting friendships and earning the admiration of coworkers along the way.  John eventually completed his professional journey at API, where he retired with pride in the work he had accomplished and the people he had served. His commitment, humility, and kindness left an impression on everyone who had the privilege of working with him.

 He is preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Blanche (Hirman) Dvorak; daughter, Anne Marie Dvorak-Moore; grandson, Terrance Peterson; son-in-law, Robert Kosloski; and sister, Mary Ann Johnson.

John is survived by his children, Joni Kosloski, Julie Dvorak, Jackie Peterson, and Mark (Karin) Dvorak; son-in-law, Richard Moore; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; sisters, Elizabeth Raich, Rita Medvec, Margaret (Brian) Carlson, and Dolores Ricci; also, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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. 

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Rhonda Mero, 59

Rhonda Mero passed away comfortably on Sunday, January 4, 2026, with loved ones at her side.

She was born on February 3, 1966, in Grand Forks, ND, to Gerald and Vivian Mero. She was raised in East Grand Forks, MN, and was the youngest of eight children. Rhonda was 59 years old when she passed away.

She was always trying to keep up with her older siblings. Many remember Rhonda as fun and free spirited. She had a talent with numbers and worked for Imagineering Machinery for several years in their accounting department. 

Rhonda raised her two boys, Lucas and Jacob Peterson, in Buffalo, MN. She had been living with her boyfriend of over 20 years, Pat Hanes, and their adored cat, Bella, in Buffalo.

For work, Rhonda most recently cleaned for the Legion in Buffalo and helped host meat raffles and other games. She liked to see others having fun. 

She is survived by her son, Jacob Peterson (Olivia); and daughter-in-law, Kialey Peterson (Lucas); her boyfriend, Pat Hanes, and his children, Rachel Hanes (Eric), Megan Decker (Cody), and Tim Hanes (Brittany); her two brothers, Steve Mero and John Mero (Diane). She was blessed with 11 grandchildren, Xander, Lakyn, Ryker, Morgan, Isaiah, Julianna, Olivia, Gavin, Gabriel, Bentley, and Easton. 

She is preceded in death by her son, Lucas Peterson; and her parents, Gerald and Vivian Mero; also her sister, Linda Schwan; sister and brother-in-law, Sandy and Randy Comeau; her sister and brother-in-Law, Roxine and Martin Egeland; her brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Linda Mero; brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Diane Mero; her niece, Tina Boissoneau; and her nephew, Gerald Schwan. 

Rhonda had a big heart. She loved deeply and never casted judgement towards others. She very much enjoyed time spent with her family and many friends. Her children and grandchildren brought her so much happiness and meant the world to her. Her kindness, spunky energy, laughter, and loving heart will be greatly missed. 

Family, friends, and others whose lives were touched by Rhonda are invited to the American Legion Post 270, in Buffalo, MN, on January 31, 2026, from 1-4 P.M. for her Celebration of Life. Food will be provided. Let us reminisce, grieve, and support each other, all in honor of Rhonda.

Dale Sieg, 91

Dale “Robert” Sieg, age 91, of Monticello, Minnesota (formerly of Rockford), passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025. He was born on February 28, 1934, in Monticello, to Archie and Margaret (Hastings) Sieg. While growing up on the family farm, Dale was taught the value of hard work and the importance of loving family- values he carried with him throughout his entire life. He graduated from Monticello High School in 1952 and served in the US Army Reserves for the following six years.

Dale was joined in marriage to Carol Sawatzke on November 9, 1957, and together, they built their home and raised their family in Rockford where they would reside for 58 years, before moving back to the Monticello area. Dale was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His devotion to his family, his friends, and his faith were at the heart of who he truly was.

Dale spent most of his working years with Ferguson Plumbing, delivering supplies throughout the state of Minnesota. He enjoyed his work of traveling the state, making his deliveries, and visiting with the people he met along the way. He also enjoyed his 20 years of serving as a volunteer fireman for the Rockford Fire Department and as a security guard at the Met Stadium for the home games of the Minnesota Vikings. Dale was a true people-person who enjoyed being in the company of others and lending a helping hand in any situation.

He enjoyed following the Minnesota Twins, Vikings and North Stars, family camping trips, fishing, playing cards, and splitting wood on a beautiful fall day. His greatest joy of all was when his time was spent doing these activities with family and friends. In retirement, Dale and Carol enjoyed traveling across the country in their RV and taking various vacations by land and sea.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Margaret Sieg; siblings and in-laws, Arthur (Margaret) Sieg, Donald (Jane) Sieg, Mary (Gordan) Daniels; and infant granddaughter, Angela Marie Anschutz.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, of 68 years; his children, Jody (Jeff) Anschutz, Jackie (Tom) Cox, Julie (Scott) Henrickson, and Jeff (Kathy) Sieg; eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren with number 17 on the way; his sister, Avis; and brother-in-law, Richard Hanson; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Monticello, MN, on Saturday, January 31. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. with the service at 11:00 a.m. followed by lunch at the Monticello VFW.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.