Obituaries 12/3/20

LaDess Bleck, 90

LaDess Mary Bleck, age 90, of Greenfield passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at The Estates of Delano.

She was born on June 1, 1930 in Greenwood Township, Hennepin County the daughter of Clarence and Mary (Holzen) Loeffler.

On October 4, 1949, LaDess Loeffler and Alfred E. Bleck were joined in holy marriage at Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rockford. Together they engaged in farming in Greenfield and Rockford Township for many years.

Alfred preceded his wife in death on June 2, 2014. In addition to her husband, LaDess was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra Davis and by her parents.

LaDess belonged to Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rockford.

She is survived by a loving son, Elden Bleck, of Greenfield; other relatives and friends.

A graveside service for LaDess Bleck was held on Monday, November 30, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Elmwood Cemetery in Rockford. Pastor Michael Barlow officiated.

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

Kris Carlson, 43

Kris Carlson (Miller) was born on September 30, 1977 and died on November 26, 2020 after having suffered a sudden, non-Covid-related pulmonary embolism.  

Kris and Jeremy Carlson were married on May 19, 2007 and are blessed with two children, Parker and Hannah. Kris loved being a mom and was her children’s biggest cheerleader. She will be greatly missed!

Kris is survived by her husband, Jeremy; son, Parker, and daughter, Hannah; her parents, Larry and Betty Miller; a brother, Jim Miller (Sarah); a sister, Ann Miller (Adam Brisk); parents-in-law, Loren and Ruth Carlson; brother-in-law, Bryan Carlson (Chelsie); nieces, Macie and Reese Carlson; other relatives and friends.

A private service for Kris Carlson was held on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. A celebration will be held in the summer, once we are able to celebrate Kris together.

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

Katherine Elsenpeter, 88

Katherine A. Elsenpeter, age 88, of Maple Lake, died Saturday, November 28, 2020 at her daughter’s home near Litchfield.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held 2:30 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2020 at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake with Fr. John Meyer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery, northeast of Maple Lake. The services will be livestreamed on the funeral home website. Memorials are preferred to St. Jude’s Hospital.

Katherine Augusta Elsenpeter was born March 28, 1932 at home in Buffalo to Benard and Emily (Sandberg) Granlund. She grew up in rural Buffalo and was united in marriage to Gordon Elsenpeter on October 15, 1947 in Buffalo. They lived east of Buffalo for a short time after they were married, moving to rural Maple Lake when their children were young.

In addition to raising her family, Katherine also worked as a home health aide for Wright County and as a cook at St. Timothy Catholic School. She was a member of St. Timothy Catholic Church and of the Maple Lake Red Hats. Katherine enjoyed sewing, quilting, dancing and crocheting. She liked cooking for her family; better fresh-baked buns could not be found anywhere than in Katherine’s kitchen. She will be greatly missed.

Katherine is survived by her children, Jerry (Elaine), of Annandale, Rick (Becky), of Buffalo, Mike (Amy), of Maple Lake, Ken (Sue), of Maple Lake, Barb (Mike) Miller, of Litchfield, and Betty (Lance) Guentzel, of Cleveland; 16 grandchildren, Jeffery (Karen) Elsenpeter, Jeanne (John) Bandemer, Julie Elsenpeter, Lana (Aric) Matzek, Kristen (Tony) Farnsworth, Brady (Amanda) Elsenpeter, Jennifer Brustuen, Ben (Jessica) Elsenpeter, Scott (Penny) Elsenpeter, Mitchel (Taylor) Elsenpeter, Mark (Anne) Elsenpeter, Karen Elsenpeter, Vicki Potthoff, Dennis (Chivonne) Elsenpeter, Grant Mueller, and Leah Mueller; 31 great-grandchildren, David and Nicole Elsenpeter, Jessica (Michael) Zacharias, Ashley and Holly Bandemer, Haley and Addison Matzek, Easton and Kennedy Farnsworth, Ryland, Adlee, Ellarie, Linley and Briggs Elsenpeter, Gracie and Bryn Elsenpeter, Kelsey and Joshua Brustuen, Reed, Layla, and Dylan Elsenpeter, Matthew and Samantha Elsenpeter, Hunter (Jenna) Thiel, Billie Thiel, Bryan (Mollie McArthur) Elsenpeter, Justin (Tori Whitsel) Potthoff, Brock and Emma Potthoff, Blake and Devin Elsenpeter; three great-great-grandchildren, Emelia and Olivia Zacharias, and Oaklyn Thiel; siblings, Evelyn Sawatzke, of Buffalo, John Granlund, of Ocean Park, WA, Ruth Schmidt, of Buffalo, and Mary (David) Cram, of Brainerd.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Gordon Elsenpeter and Bill Mavencamp; and grandchild, Carter Potthoff.

Katherine’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Krista Elsenpeter will provide music for the service.

Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.

Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute & Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.

Basil LaPlant, 72

Basil Alfred LaPlant, age 72, died on November 25, 2020 at the St Cloud VA Medical Center, St Cloud, MN where he has resided for several years, and has been battling cancer, dementia, and recently got the coronavirus.

He was born January 6, 1948, in Buffalo, to George and Caroline “Mae” (Holmberg) LaPlant.

Basil married Carolyn Garness, August 10, 1985 at the Trinity Chapel in rural Buffalo.

Basil was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Vietnam War. Sp/4 LaPlant was awarded Army Commendation Medals for Heroism and Meritorious Service. In May 1969, Specialist Four LaPlant was instrumental in saving lives of fellow soldiers when completely disregarding his personal safety, he drove his unarmed Jeep, repeatedly, into the area of fire to evacuate wounded soldiers after two bunkers at Landing Zone Baldy had been hit by enemy fire. The discipline and patriotism he gained in the service never left him, as friends and family can attest.

He worked several manufacturing jobs over the years, including Sawhill Tubular Division in Minneapolis, Toro in Mound, and Solar Plastics in Maple Plain.

Basil was baptized and confirmed at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, he attended local schools and was active in Boy Scouts. Basil liked making things, unique bicycles, pinewood derby cars, souping up go-karts, lawn mowers, dirt bikes, and demo derby cars. He enjoyed talking on the CB radio when that was popular, his handle was Triangle. Outside of work, he kept busy, tinkering at home, playing pool with friends at local establishments, photograph and painting, searching for treasure with his metal detector, or picking up buckets of golf balls, rocks/agates and aluminum cans on walks along local roadways, to name a few things. Basil had a great sense of humor and was a bit of a practical joker. He had an unforgettable laugh, that will be missed.

Basil is survived by a brother, Mark Laplant, of St Cloud, MN; sisters, Joan Raisanen, of Buffalo, MN, Yvonne Degrar, of Burnsville, MN, and Kay Bastin, of Delano, MN; stepchildren, Terri Jensen, of South Dakota, Donna McCabe, of Spring Lake Park, MN, and Jess McCabe, of Mora, MN. Basil is further survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by wife, Carolyn; parents, George and Mae LaPlant; sisters, Marlys Barbeau, Lois Price; and infant brother, Stanley George; brothers-in-law, Donald Barbeau, Ralph “Poncho” Raisanen, Delano Price, and John “Jack” Raisanen; sister-in-law, Nancy LaPlant; nephews, Patrick Raisanen, Mark Vogelsang, and Michael Wiczek.

Mass of Christian Burial for Basil LaPlant will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 4, 2020.

Arrangements are being entrusted to the Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Nancy Lindholm, 90

Nancy Joanne Lindholm, age 90, of Buffalo and formerly of Duluth, passed away on Monday, November 23, 2020. Born in Duluth on June 24, 1930, the daughter of Henry and Edna (nee Erickson) Larson.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Robert A. Lindholm and by a son, Scott.

She is survived by daughter, Gwen (David) Beissel; son, Doug (Debbie) Lindholm; daughter-in-law, Karla; sister-in-law, June Johnson; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; also many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorials are preferred to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, private family services to be held at a later date.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel Buffalo, MN. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

George McAlpine, 78

George Mark McAlpine went home to be with the Lord on November 24, 2020, at the age of 78.  He passed away peacefully at his home.

He was born May 18, 1942 in Buffalo, MN to Mark and Eleanor (Freitag) McAlpine. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN. He graduated from Buffalo High School in the Class of 1960. He married Betty Vergin on September 19, 1964 at Cross Lutheran Church in Rockford, MN. Their union was blessed with four children– Brian, LuAnn, Darren and Allen. George was a lifelong Buffalo resident and member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.

George farmed with his dad, Mark, and his brother, Martin, until 1972 when he began working for Buffalo Bituminous, where he later became a partner. He worked at Buffalo Bituminous until his retirement in 2002.

George enjoyed spending time at his cabin in northern Minnesota and wintering in Naples, FL. He loved hunting, fishing, traveling and spending time with family and friends. 

George was preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor; his father, Mark, and his sister, Alice Hamm.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty; children, Brian (Jill) McAlpine, LuAnn (Kelly) Sanford, Darren (Debbie) McAlpine, Allen (Tiffany) McAlpine; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and brother, Martin (Ardelle) McAlpine.

Visitation was held on Friday, November 27, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN. A private funeral was held on Saturday, November 28, 2020 (in accordance with current COVID restrictions).

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

LaVerne Nieman, 85

LaVerne Clara Nieman, age 85, of Buffalo passed away on Monday, November 23, 2020 at Lake Ridge Care Center in Buffalo.

She was born on August 12, 1935 in St. Michael, the daughter of Leo and Lillian (Schmitz) Barthel.

LaVerne C. Barthel and Gordon B. Nieman were joined in holy marriage on May 11, 1955 in St. Michael’s Catholic Church in St. Michael, MN. She was employed for sixty years in the produce department at Holmquist’s, Gordy’s and Coborn’s in Buffalo. LaVerne had a strong Catholic faith. She enjoyed playing cards, baking cookies and polka music. LaVerne was kind and generous to everyone.

LaVerne is survived by a son, Jon M. Nieman (Melissa Brabec), of Hanover; a granddaughter, Mahlika Nieman, of Buffalo; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon B. Nieman; a daughter, JoAnne M. Nieman, daughter-in-law, Linda A. Nieman; a brother, Wallace Barthel; and by two sisters, Janet Berning and Mildred Aydt.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 5 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. A Mass of Christian Burial for LaVerne Nieman will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church in Buffalo. Father Nathaniel Meyers will be the Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery. Casket Bearers will be Gordy Berning, George Nieman, Peter Barthel, Tyler Bourgoin, Dennis Nieman, and Paul Barthel.

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

Carolyn Oltman, 90

Carolyn M. Oltman, age 90, of St. Michael, MN, was called by the Lord to her eternal home on November 15, 2020 while in hospice care at her residence.

Carolyn was born the daughter of Harley E. and Dorothy L. (Schaefer) Roney on April 8, 1930 in Blue Island, IL.

Carolyn attended and received a degree from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL. She was a member of the SAI music sorority and made many friends in that group whom she kept throughout her life. She participated in many choirs and singing groups as well. At one point, Carolyn was TV show Romper Room’s ‘Miss Carolyn” in Sioux Falls, SD.

She mostly lived her life in Dolton, IL where she loved teaching primary grades transitioning into teaching music for 35 years. Not only did she share her love of music with those students but also with friends and family. She taught piano and the recorder, too.

One Thanksgiving, she brought many recorders and taught a two-part harmony song to the entire extended family. While watching her young grandchildren for a week while their parents were vacationing, Carolyn taught them The Three Piggy Opera to perform for their parents. She took every opportunity to sing, play or teach the music she loved. Carolyn started taking violin lessons at age 79 and continued to do so until she was 88 years old.

Carolyn loved her Illinois sports teams as well, being mostly a White Sox fan. She could talk sports stats with the best of them. She loved sewing and quilting and for a time sold quillows at craft fairs with her sister.

In 2011, Carolyn moved to the Legacy Assisted Living in St. Michael, MN. She loved participating in every activity there (except Bingo) and made many friends among the residents and staff. She loved them, and they loved her.

Carolyn was known for her perpetual smile, laughter, and kind heart. She didn’t care much about things, she cared more about people. She loved God and was even baptized at 82 years old in Lake Beebe in MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Priscilla Burks and Georgia Bennett; and husband, Jim Oltman.

Carolyn is survived by her son, Ed (Mary) Fleming and children,  Lindsey (Matt) Spitzberg and their boys, Everett and Luke; Jessi (Brandon) Chrisp and their girls, Bria and Selah; and Connor (Genny) Fleming; her daughter, Sandy (Jay) Albrecht and children,  Julie (John) Busch and their boys, Jackson and Ethan; Jeff (Kristy) Albrecht and their children, Oliver and Harper; Greg (Mackenzie) Albrecht; and Rusty (Alisha) Albrecht. And step-daughter, Linda (Jim) Lavold and children, Allison (Tom) Stettner and their children, Elizabeth and Nicholas; Mark (Anna) Lavold and their children, Gabriel, Samuel, Michael and Lillybelle; and Alex (Corey) Lavold and their children Charlie and Jack; and step-son, Thom (Deb) Oltman and his son, Will (Tasha) Oltman; also survived by her beloved sister ,Alice Brown, of Tomah, WI, nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends, all whom she dearly loved.

Visitation for Carolyn will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 1:00 p.m. at Connect Church, 3989 MacIver Ave. NE, St. Michael, MN, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m. The service will be available to be viewed on the church’s Facebook live: (https://www.facebook.com/ConnectChurchMN)

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home, 763-497-5362, www.thepetersonchapel.com.

James Redepenning, 84

James ‘Jim’ Redepenning, born August 13, 1936, to Otto and Lena (Goetsch) Redepenning in Revillo, SD.  He was baptized on September 13, 1936.

Jim died peacefully on November 23, 2020 at home in Scottsdale, AZ surrounded by family.

Jim grew up in western Minnesota on the family farm. After high school, he worked on the railroad. He married Zona Larson on May 26, 1962. Jim moved the family to Duluth, MN in 1966 where he sold World Book Encyclopedias for a short time. A new job with Allstate Insurance took them to Brooklyn Park, MN in 1967. In 1974, the family moved to Greenfield, Minnesota, where Jim continued to work for Allstate Insurance Company in Fridley and enjoyed working his hobby farm with old-fashioned tractors and machinery.

Jim was the life of the party and truly enjoyed and cherished his relationships with his many long-time friends from the surrounding area. In their empty nest years, they spent many weekends polka dancing. Zona passed away too early on February 15, 1995.

Church was a large part of Jim’s life. He was an active member and elder at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN.

Jim married Jean Evans on December 30, 2001. They enjoyed wintering in Arizona, traveling together, a wonderful friendship until Jean’s death on May 1, 2016. After moving to Arizona, he was an active member at Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, AZ. Jim loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren deeply and was very proud of each of them.

Jim is survived by children, Andrea (Craig); daughter-in-law, Shelly and Stacey (Lee); grandchildren, Ryan (Paige) and Andrew (Jessica); Samantha (Ben), John, and Jordan; and Emily, Ethan, and Olivia; great-grandchildren, Maisie and Harrison; siblings, Violet (Dwight) Borgerson, Loretta (Orv) Folkerts, Don (Marion) Redepenning; sister and brother-in-laws, Jackie Redepenning and Butch Christensen.

He was preceded in death by parents, Otto and Lena Redepenning; first wife, Zona Redepenning; son, Eric James Redepenning; second wife, Jean Evans; siblings, Dorothy (Harris) Grabow, Lillian (Leonard) Meister, Vernon (Marlys) Redepenning, Clifford Redepenning, Florence Christensen, Pete Redepenning; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date near his hometown in Minnesota.

Memorials may be designated to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 302 NE 2nd Street, Buffalo, MN 55313, or Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church, 9590 E Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

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

Bruce Ryan, 72

Bruce M. Ryan, age 72, of Buffalo and formerly of St. Paul, passed away on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

He was born on November 13, 1948. Bruce honorably served his Country in The United States Army in Vietnam. Bruce was formerly employed as a builder for Circuit Boards. He loved fishing, bird watching and feeding the wild animals under the pine trees. Bruce also enjoyed lottery tickets. 

Bruce is survived by son, Bobby (Heather) Gonser, of Buffalo; four granddaughters and a grandson, Tabitha Gonser and Taylor Gonser, both of Buffalo, Tristin Gonser, of Minneapolis, Tessa Gonser, of St. Paul, and Jason Gonser, of Oakdale; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Janet M. Blessing. 

Funeral services for Bruce Ryan will be held at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, December 3, 2020 at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Inurnment will be held at The Lutheran Cemetery in Orrock, Minnesota. A visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, December 3 at the funeral home. 

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

Mary Ann Sarkinen, 80

Mary Ann Genevieve Sarkinen, age 80, of Buffalo passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on November 27, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mary Ann was born in Brainerd, MN to Werner Gerhardt and Vieno Sylvia (Pikkaraine) Rivers on March 1, 1940. She grew up in Brainerd, MN and graduated from Brainerd High School and St. Cloud State University, in St. Cloud, MN. Mary Ann was a sixth-grade teacher for the St. Louis Park public school for two years.

She was united in marriage to Donald Sarkinen on August 8, 1964 in Minneapolis, MN. God blessed this union with 10 children. Mary Ann was a loving mother who devoted her life to raising their family in Burnsville, MN. Mary Ann was a lifelong member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Donald of 49 years; sister, Ruth (Byron) Koistinen; sister-in-law Helen Rivers, and brother-in-law Darrel Sarkinen, and grandchildren, Colleen, Matti, and Jared.

Those grateful to have shared her life include her children, Garret (Jane), John (Theresa), Tamara (Loren) Redinger, Maria (Doug) Burkhardt, Ryan (Roxanne), Lee (Taru), Janelle (Richard) Rosenlund, Nathan (Nora), Elissa (Jacob) Stewart, and Brianna; 57 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three brothers, James (Greta) Rivers, Carl Rivers, David (Ruth) Rivers; sister, Helen Sarkinen; and a host of Christian friends.

Funeral Service was 2 p.m., Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at Old Apostolic Lutheran Church, Minnetonka. Visitation was from 1-2 p.m. prior to service at the church. Interment was in Old Apostolic Lutheran Church Cemetery, Delano.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano.

Gene Stensland, 68

Gene Frederick Stensland, age 68, of Buffalo passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, after a 22-day stay due to Covid.

Gene was born November 14, 1952 in Rochester, MN, the son of Fred & Edna (Erath) Stensland. He attended high school in Kenyon and went on to graduate from UM Waseca School of Agriculture in 1973. Gene then moved to Watertown and started his lifelong career of selling farm implement parts.

Farm numbers were important to Gene; who else would use a Case IH piece of equipment as their phone password? To farmers, his friends, and customers, he was the ultimate farm parts guy. He enjoyed several years of tractor pulling, with one of the tractors being Art Fortwengler’s 560 Int’l. In later years, he enjoyed watching the tractor pulls with family or friends.

On April 29, 1978, Gene was united in marriage to Diane Salonek at Immaculate Conception Church in Watertown, MN. Without fail on the 29th of each month thereafter, he’d roll over in bed and say, “Happy Anniversary.” Diane truly felt blessed. He was one in a million.

Gene and Diane were blessed with and proud of their three children, Brian, Jason, and Lisa. Many have commented on the wonderful traits of the kids; they had a good teacher. He also adored their grandchildren, Maria, Connor, Chloe, and Breanna. He enjoyed hanging out with the grandkids, watching the older grandchildren’s sporting events, and having Google duos with the youngest granddaughter. He loved to tell jokes to the grandkids and enjoyed hearing their jokes, too.

Family was very important to him, and he treasured the time spent with them; playing 500 or Euchre was one of his favorite pastimes. Gene had a big heart, and he loved helping others. He found joy in working alongside his brothers-in-law in the field, running to get parts for farmers, researching info on farm equipment or Cub Cadet lawn mowers for people, and fixing what he could for others. He will be missed by family and many friends, as he had many gifts and talents he shared.

Gene was active in the St. Francis of Xavier Catholic Church participating in men’s group and Knights of Columbus. Gene was so looking forward to the 2nd annual Knights of Columbus toy farm show he was helping organize.

Gene is survived by wife, Diane; children, Brian (Tammy) Stensland, Jason Stensland, and Lisa (Travis) Senear; sister, Kay Stensland; grandchildren, Maria Stensland, Chloe Stensland, Connor Stensland, and Breanna Senear; father-in-law, Alfred Salonek; mother-in-law, Elizabeth (Lachermeier) Salonek; brothers-in-law, John (Lori) Salonek, Dan (Sharon) Salonek; sister-in-law, Bonnie Salonek; cousins, nieces, nephews, and numerous friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Edna (Erath) Stensland; brothers-in-law, Bob Salonek and Jerry Salonek.

Private visitation will take place. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Father Nathaniel Meyers will be the celebrant. Interment at St. Francis Cemetery. Please see the following link to view livestreaming of the funeral Mass:  http://www.perkinsmediagroup.com/stensland

Casket Bearers will be Steve Johnson, Dave Floren, Matt Johnson, John Salonek, Dan Salonek, and Nathan Salonek.

We are also planning a Celebration of Life, which will take place during the spring of 2021.

While flowers are welcome, contributions may instead be sent to the Gene Stensland Memorial Fund at the MidCountry Bank in Buffalo, MN.

The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo MN served the family. On-line condolences can be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Hazel Strand, 95

Hazel F. Strand, age 95, of Annandale, died Friday, November 27, 2020 at the Hilltop Care Center in Watkins.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 4, 2020 at Lake Union Covenant Church, South Haven. Public Viewing will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale; family will not be present at the viewing. Viewing will continue from 10-10:45 a.m. on Friday at the church. Burial will take place at Lake Union Covenant Cemetery. The funeral and committal services will be livestreamed on the funeral home website.

Hazel Florence Strand was born November 26, 1925 in French Lake Township to Frank and Ada (Gunderson) Johnson. Hazel grew up on the family farm and attended country school.

On May 16, 1945, she was united in marriage to Russell J. Strand at the pastor’s home in Albion Township. Before entering Hilltop Care Center in Watkins, Hazel lived her entire life in the Annandale and South Haven areas. Hazel worked to provide a loving home for Russell and their three children, Clarence, LouAnn, and Dinah, in addition to helping with the farm operations.

Hazel attended worship services at Lake Union Covenant Church, as well as St. John’s Lutheran Church in Annandale. She liked gardening and canning; many could enjoy the fruits of her labor later in the season. Hazel also enjoyed quilting, and embroidering on dish towels, which have become treasured keepsakes for many. Above all, time spent in the presence of family was what Hazel treasured most.

She is survived by her children, LouAnn Carlson, of Buffalo, and Dinah (Robert) Voight, of South Haven; six grandchildren, Chad, Cheryl, Clae, Clint, Carl and Melanie; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ada Johnson; husband, Russell Strand; son and daughter-in-law, Clarence “Casey” and Judy Strand; son-in-law, Bert Carlson; and brothers, Paul and Arnold Johnson.

Hazel’s grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.

Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.