Obituaries 1/29/26
Priscilla Bjorklund, 95
Priscilla Jeanne (Schmidt) Bjorklund, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Lake Ridge Care Center in Buffalo.
She was born on February 1, 1930, to Walter and Barbara (Dixon) Schmidt in Buffalo Township.
Priscilla was baptized and confirmed at Immanual Lutheran Church-Pelican Lake-rural Buffalo, MN. She was a lifelong member there.
Priscilla graduated from Buffalo High School in 1947. She attended St. Cloud State College and obtained her teaching degree. She went on to teach in the Belgrade and Osseo school districts and was a substitute in the Buffalo School District. She attended many school reunions at those schools.
She married Clarence Bjorklund on April 7, 1955, in a secret wedding in Sleepy Eye, MN. They were blessed with one daughter, Joy, the love of their life for many years.
Priscilla enjoyed gardening and traveling. She loved her trip to Alaska and always wanted to do an African Safari. She attended the Seattle World’s Fair. She also enjoyed watching baseball and football on TV and knitting.
She was a long-standing member of The Wright County Horticultural Society. She loved her gardens, especially the flowers and strawberry plants for many years. Many visitors stopped by to see her beautiful flowers.
Priscilla was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence; only daughter, Joy Klein; and brother, Dixon Schmidt; and many other family and friends.
She is survived by her grandchildren, Madison and Morgan; son-in-law, Keith Klein; many nieces and nephews on the Schmidt and Bjorklund side of the family; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Priscilla Bjorklund will be held on Wednesday, February 4, at 11:00 A.M. at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church-Pelican Lake. Pastor Christopher Oehlke will officiate. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.
A visitation will be held AT THE CHURCH one hour prior to services.
Honorary Casket Bearer will be Kim Kowalke.
Casket Bearers will be Morgan Klein, Bruce Schmidt, Craig Brose, Tim Stevens, Steve Dehmer, and Luke Dehmer.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
John Gransee, 78
John William Gransee, age 78, of St. Michael, Minnesota, formerly of Buffalo, Minnesota, and Mercer, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on January 19, 1948, in Ripon, Wisconsin, to Gilbert and Lorraine (Gneiser) Gransee. He grew up in Ripon and graduated from Ripon High School with the Class of 1966.
After high school, John had several jobs, including driving truck for Green Giant and car sales, and later built a successful career as an underwriter with American Family Insurance. It was during his time he met the love of his life, Cheryl, at a company retreat—an encounter that marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership.
A true outdoorsman, he had a deep love for hunting and fishing, with duck hunting being his favorite. He spent many seasons trapping and enjoyed the time spent at their family shack in Wisconsin.
In recent years, John and Cheryl moved to Buffalo, Minnesota, area to be closer to family, something that meant a great deal to them. John was a dedicated family man, known for his great sense of humor, wit and strong will. He always had a joke or story ready and easily entertained anyone near enough to hear them.
John’s faith was also very important to him, and he enjoyed being involved in the Church when he was able. He was most recently a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buffalo.
John is preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl; parents, Gilbert and Lorraine Gransee; sister, Judith Keller; and brother-in-law, Craig Muntifering.
He is survived by his sons, Ben (Julie) Gransee, Sam (Natalie) Gransee, and Adam (Sarah) Brenizer; grandchildren, Isabel, Nicholas, Nora, and Brielle; brothers-in-law, Marc (Jim Hagen) Muntifering, Ron (Colleen) Muntifering, Chris (Marsha) Muntifering; sisters-in-law, Patrice (Jon) Bogart, Susan (Tom) Evans, Ann (Bruce) Hanson, Mary Muntifering, and Jean (Jim) Elsenpeter; cousins, Lucy Poellinger and Joyce Reinke; and many other relatives and friends.
Memorial service will be held Friday, January 30, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation one hour prior and a luncheon to follow. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Rosendale Cemetery in Rosendale, WI.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Lawrence Korus, 73
Lawrence “Larry” John Korus, age 73, of Maple Lake, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, December 20, 2025. He was born in Minneapolis on June 16, 1952.
Larry graduated in 1971 from Edison High School in Minneapolis. He enlisted into the US Army from 1972 until 1974, proudly serving our Country. He worked many years as an upholsterer with Dorothy Collins Interior Design, until beginning his own company, Larry Korus Upholstery.
On September 2, 1978, Larry and Mary Zimmer were united in marriage in Minneapolis.
He enjoyed many days biking, fishing, hiking, painting, traveling, attending his kids’ sporting events, and being an avid MN Timberwolves fan. He had a welcoming personality and enjoyed putting a smile on people’s faces with his jokes and stories.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Bertha; and siblings, Jerry, Sylvia, Theresa, Ellen, and Sharon.
Larry is survived by his loving wife, Mary; children, Josh (Nicole), Jacob, Kim, Pat (Jennifer); grandchildren, Madelyn, Jace, Micah, Tierny, Makenna, Malachi, Miles; siblings, Stan, Delores, Alice, Diann; and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. at the 21st Century Bank Event Center, 12716 Main Street, Rogers, MN 55374.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel of Monticello, MN, 763-295-2918, www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com.
Marilyn Lohmann, 87
Marilyn Normande (Graham) Lohmann, 87, of Wayzata, MN, formerly of Buffalo, passed away peacefully with family by her side on January 18, 2026.
Marilyn was born on September 15, 1938, in the Bronx, NY, to William and Isabelle (nee Rodrigue) Graham. She grew up near the original Yankee Stadium and spent summers with her brothers and cousins on their grandparent’s farm in Saint-Éphrem-de-Beauce, Quebec.
Marilyn graduated from St. Simon Stock High School and was proud to share that she worked briefly for the FBI before her brother Ken introduced her to his SJU (MN) classmate, Mark Lohmann.
On October 17, 1959, in New York City, Marilyn married Mark, her husband of 58 years, before moving to Mark’s home state of MN. The family moved to Miles City, MT, in 1968 where they raised their six daughters before returning to MN in 1986.
Marilyn will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her steady strength, love of conversation, and her sense of humor. Her greatest joys were visiting with her family and playing euchre.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Mark; infant daughter, Michelle; parents, William and Isabelle Graham; brothers, Kenneth, William, and Ronald Graham; and beloved sisters-in-law, Irene and Louise Graham.
She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Lohmann, Therese Lohmann, Carolyn Taylor, Amy (Jerry) Smith, Allison (Matt) Gruhn, and Bethany (David) Slack; and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Chelsey (Brandon) Werth and their children, Riah, Thaddaeus, Henrietta, Francis and Frederic; Lauren (Chris) Hoeschen and their sons, Easton and Austin; Jack, Mark, and Will Taylor; Madison and Gabrielle Gruhn; Taylor and Hunter Slack.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 630 E Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata, MN, on Friday, February 13, at 11:00 A.M. Visitation at 10:00 A.M. with a luncheon to follow Mass. If desired, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
Robert Rafferty, M.D, 81
Robert Francis Rafferty, M.D., born September 24, 1944, in Rochester, MN, died peacefully at his home in Madison, WI, with hospice care, on January 20, 2026, four months after the passing of his beloved wife.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dr. Jean Noonan Rafferty; and his parents, Francis and Gertrude Rafferty.
He is survived by his brother, Charles Rafferty (Betty); his sons, Michael Noonan (Sarah), Patrick Noonan (Julie), and Peter Rafferty (Jill); his grandsons, Jacob and Joey Noonan, and Truman and Baxter Rafferty; along with many extended family members and dear friends.
After his youth in Owatonna, MN, he graduated from the College of St. Thomas then earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Minnesota. Robert served as an Air Force Captain – stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War – and he kept his green helmet outside his door to the end.
Dr. Bob practiced old-school family medicine in the St. Cloud and Buffalo, MN, areas for decades - making house calls, cross country skiing to the hospital during a snowstorm to reach a patient, and building lasting relationships with families across generations in work he truly loved.
Robert was a man of wide-ranging passions. He was a devoted patron of the Minnesota Orchestra and Minnesota Opera, and nothing ever topped hearing Puccini performed live. The New York Times was his daily companion, read cover to cover, including the Sunday edition. He loved the Smithsonian museums and was a lifelong learner whose curiosity knew no bounds.
On April 11, 1986, Bob and Jean married, and through the decades they celebrated their anniversaries with the “Years of Bliss” inside joke that became a testament to their enduring love and humor through life’s curveballs. They shared a deep love of travel, especially Mexico and the Mediterranean. He visited 130 countries in his lifetime!
Robert also embraced fatherhood with warmth and dedication and later delighted in being “Grandpa Bob.”
Robert’s enthusiasms were varied: he took up karate and sailing in the 1980s, got himself a chanter thinking he’d learn the bagpipes next, and acquired a Harley-Davidson Softail in the most classic midlife move imaginable. “Such a Bob,” as Jean would say. For the million things he loved, he hated beets and cabbage in any form.
Bob and Jean relocated to South Carolina in 2013, where they spent their final years together. Following Jean’s death in September 2025, he moved to Madison, WI. Robert loved the poem Desiderata, which reminded him that we are all “children of the universe, no less than the tree and the stars” with a right to be here.
His legacy is one of intellectual curiosity, professional dedication, deep love for Jean, and the complexity that comes with a long life fully lived. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Family will hold a private memorial service later this year in Spring Valley, MN, where Robert and Jean’s ashes will be interred together.
Dorothy Schindler, 94
Dorothy Mae (Perisian) Schindler, age 94, of rural Buffalo, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at her residence.
She was born on March 16, 1931, in Buffalo, the daughter of LeRoy “Bud” and Christina “Tina” (McEachern) Perisian.
Dorothy graduated from Buffalo High School in 1950.
On July 14, 1951, Dorothy M. Perisian was joined in holy marriage to Robert “Bob” Schindler. God blessed their marriage with two children.
Through the years, Dorothy worked at Johnson’s Lodge and Grill, Keplinger Produce, Gopher Manufacturing Company, and Lakeview Restaurant. She was employed for forty-four years at Buffalo Veneer and Plywood, retiring in 2002.
She was a faithful member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pelican Lake. She belonged to its Ladies Aid.
Dorothy enjoyed making crafts, crocheting, sewing, baking, and gardening.
She especially was fond of spending time with family and friends.
Survived by a loving daughter, Cynthia (Jim) Glunz; a grandson, Fred Kelm; nieces, nephews, many other relatives and many friends.
Preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Schindler on October 3, 2016; a son, Jon Schindler, accidentally on May 4, 1974; her parents; sisters and brothers-in-law, Millie (Ruben) Bonk, Beverly (Donald) Elsenpeter, Jeanette (Don) Elsenpeter; brothers, Albert (Gladys) (Marilyn) Perisian and Allen Perisian.
Funeral Services for Dorothy Mae Schindler will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church-Pelican Lake. The Reverend Christopher Oehlke will officiate, and interment will follow at the church cemetery.
A visitation will be held AT THE CHURCH on Saturday, January 31, from 10:00 A.M. until time of services.
Honorary Casket Bearers will be Eric Marks and Mike Bonk.
Casket Bearers will be Dan Elsenpeter, Rick Bonk, Randy Bonk, Gary Perisian, Loren Weese, and Dan Weldele.
Memorial contributions are respectfully requested in lieu of flowers.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com
Shirley Trullinger, 89
Shirley Audrey (Ewy) Trullinger, age 89, of Hanover, Minnesota, formerly St. James, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026.
She was born on March 30, 1936, in St. James, MN, to Alfred and Geneva Ewy. She grew up in the St. James area and graduated from high school in 1954.
In August of 1956, Shirley was united in marriage to Roy Trullinger. Together, they made their home in St. James, where they raised their two sons, Dan and Mike. Shirley and Roy were known for their generous hearts and open home. Over the years, they lovingly cared for many foster children and ran an in-home daycare, providing an environment filled with love for countless children in their community.
After retiring, Shirley and Roy spent several years in Arizona before returning to Minnesota to be closer to family. They shared a love of adventure, often traveling across the country in their Airstream, enjoying new places and forming friendships along the way. Some of their most cherished memories were made during summers spent with their children and grandchildren at the Army Corps of Engineers campground in Crosslake, Minnesota. Shirley loved being on the water, especially if she could go fishing.
They devoted many hours volunteering through the church, including helping to build Bethel Lutheran Church in Little Falls, Minnesota. Shirley and Roy hosted St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Bible studies for a number of years. Faith and service were important parts of her life.
Shirley was an excellent cook and baker, providing family and friends with many tasty meals and treats in her lifetime. Shirley enjoyed golf, bridge, and quilting.
Preceded in death by her husband, Roy, in 2019; sisters, Louise (Vic) Greier and Audrey (Quentin) Rieger; and brother, Melvin (Mabel) Ewy; aunt and uncle, Millie and Jimmy Kintzi.
Survived by her sons, Dan (Teri) and Mike (Jeanne); grandchildren, Amber (Adam) Markovich, Blake (Alicia) Trullinger, Jenny Summers, Matt (Maggie) Summers; great- grandchildren, Avery, Bryant, Luke, Ray, and Brayton; sister, Pat (Fred) Valdez; sisters-in-law, Charlotte (John), Linda, Mina, and Esther; brother-in-law, Vic (Gelner); and many other relatives and friends.
Shirley will be remembered for her quick wit, great sense of humor, and selfless nature.
A memorial service to honor her life was held on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation one hour prior at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover, MN. Interment will be held at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, MN.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for their Bible camp programs.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael-Albertville. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Jerome Zaeska, 90
Jerome Richard Zaeska, age 90, passed away on January 11 of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.
He was born on December 18, 1935, in Atwater, MN, to Fred and Mildred (Behm) Zaeska. After graduating from Atwater High School in 1953, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was based in San Francisco before attending the University of Minnesota, thanks to the GI Bill.
He taught English and German at Henry Sibley Senior High School in Mendota Heights, MN, married Maija Sproģis in 1961, and then spent two years in Mannheim, Germany, teaching English at a U.S. Department of Defense school.
Upon return, he continued teaching at Henry Sibley and earned a master’s degree from Middlebury Language Schools in Vermont. In 1984–85, the family spent a year near Erlangen, Germany, where Jerome was a Fulbright exchange teacher.
After retiring, he volunteered for 15 years as an AARP tax preparer at the Delano Senior Center in Delano, MN.
The Zaeskas lived on a farm by the Crow River, where they kept Belgian draft horses; Jerome enjoyed doing some of the farmwork with the horses. Other hobbies included reading, tending the vegetable garden, and doing the Star Tribune crossword puzzle every day.
Jerome was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lawrence “Charlie” Zaeska; sisters, Arlene Wallmow, Ramona Werner, and Janice Angrimson.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Maija; daughter, Amanda (Toms) Zaeska, of Riga, Latvia; grandchildren, Jānis Jātnieks and Laima Jātniece; son, Vilis (Gabrielle) Zaeska, of Excelsior, MN; grandsons, Valters and Rolands Zaeska; sister, Doris Tipka, of Litchfield, MN; and 27 nieces and nephews and their families.
A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, February 8, from 1–3 p.m. (program at 1:30 p.m.) at the Delano Senior Center (234 2nd St. N, Delano, MN). In lieu of flowers, donations to the Friends of the Delano Senior Center, the Atwater High School Alumni Association, the Animal Humane Society, and the Crossroads Animal Shelter are warmly welcomed.
