Obituaries 12/26/24
William Augustin, 73
William “Bill” Sylvester Augustin, age 73, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on December 16, 2024.
Bill was born on April 10, 1951, in St. James, MN, to Urban and Rita (Hauser) Augustin. He grew up on the family farm, attended a one room country school, and graduated with the Class of 1969 in St. James. He went on to study engineering at Mankato Technical College.
In 1975, Bill moved to Buffalo, MN, where he built his life and career. In June of 1977, he met Mary Coulson, and the two were married on January 28, 1978, in Comfrey, MN. Together, they shared a strong and loving marriage of over 46 years, raising their family and creating cherished memories.
Bill worked for over 30 years as an engineer technician for Wright County Highway, retiring in April of 2008. Retirement didn’t slow him down; he spent another five years driving the bus for Functional Industries, a role he truly enjoyed. Bill always stayed active in the community, generously volunteering his time for organizations like Meals on Wheels and the Buffalo Toy Shop. If there was a cause or event where he could lend a hand, Bill was there - giving, caring, and always kind.
A longtime member of Buffalo United Methodist Church, Bill was a man of faith, integrity, and dedication. Above all else, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved attending his grandchildren’s events, never missing an opportunity to support and celebrate their achievements. Bill was sentimental, treasuring family moments and the memories they created together.
He enjoyed listening to German Polka music, tuning in to the radio, and taking road trips. He was known for always having snacks on hand and sharing them generously. Wrestling was a big part of Bill’s life growing up, and he carried that passion throughout the rest of his life. Bill also looked forward to deer hunting every year, spending time with family and best friends, sharing stories and laughter together.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Urban and Rita.
Bill is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Gina (Rick) Meixner, Shawn Augustin, Tracy (Brandon Bowers) Augustin, and Megan (Sean) O’Gara; grandchildren, Jacob, Clara, Alessandra “Allie,” Amerie, Andreas “Dre,” Emma, and Lillian; siblings, Tom (JoAnne) Augustin, Annette (Jerry) Krumrie, Jim Augustin, Randy (Jill) Augustin, Richard (Beth Keifer) Augustin, Marvin (Jill) Augustin, and Sue (Curt) Leach; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Memorial service was held Monday, December 23, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation beginning at 9:00 A.M. all at the Buffalo United Methodist Church – 609 8th Street NW, Buffalo, MN.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Larry Sonsteby, 81
Larry Lee Sonsteby, age 81, of Clearwater passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on December 14, 2024, at Quiet Oaks Hospice in St. Augusta, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and June (Johnson) Sonsteby; and siblings, Marcia, Karen, Kevin, Daryle, and Hughitt Sonsteby.
Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Mary Joan (Feldges) Sonsteby; children, Daniel (Teresa) Watson, and Lori (Todd) Hoffman; grandchildren, Justin Moen, Joseph (Sydney) Watson, Mellissa Hoffman, Chelsey (Azaria) Watson, Nicole Hoffman, and Faith Hoffman; great-grandchildren, William, Jameson, and Jeremiah; siblings, Jerilyn (Gerald) Lamp, Linda Nordstrom, Brion Sonsteby, and Rick Sonsteby; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Larry graduated from Monticello High School in 1961. He worked at the Salvage Yard for 60+ years. He was known as a fair businessman. As the owner of Larry’s Auto Salvage, LLC, he dealt with local customers and from the surrounding communities over the years and enjoyed the relationships they built. He was a real people person and enjoyed engaging conversations with just about anyone.
Spending time with his family, bowling, deer hunting, fishing, playing horseshoes, cards, taking trips to the casino, enjoying the cabin life for 25 years, and counting his money, were things he treasured when not at the salvage yard.
The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Quiet Oaks Hospice for their kind and loving care of Larry.
A Celebration of Life service with a luncheon will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Clearwater American Legion Post 323, 505 Pine Street, Clearwater, MN. A private interment will take place in the spring at Mount Hope Cemetery in Clearwater. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel ~ Monticello. 763-295-2918. www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com.
