Obituaries 1/8/26
Joseph Buschel, 48
Joseph “Joe” Louis Buschel, age 48, of Buffalo, MN, formerly of Big Lake, MN, passed away unexpectedly on December 27, 2025.
He was born on February 12, 1977, in Buffalo to Steven and Mary (Holthaus) Buschel. Joe later moved to Dassel where he graduated from Dassel-Cokato High School. He played baseball and wrestled, sports that reflected his determination and competitive spirit.
Joe married Christine Harter, and they made their home in Big Lake, where they welcomed their daughter, Angelina. He built a life grounded in hard work and strong relationships.
Joe worked as a roofer for over 25 years with Local 96 and was known as a hardworking, dependable man who took pride in his work.
He loved golfing, fishing, hunting, and playing slow-pitch softball. Most of all, he loved spending time with his daughter, family and friends, and cherished every moment he shared with them. He loved spending time with his beautiful daughter and listening to her sing, he was so proud of her and loved her dearly.
Joe will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love of the outdoors and sports. He had a contagious smile and laugh, and such a special devotion to his family. He was a very personable and sociable man with a great sense of humor, a dreamer, a humble man. He was always ready to help anyone in need. He will be greatly missed by many.
Survived by his wife, Christine Buschel; daughter, Angelina Buschel; his mother, Mary Buschel; siblings, Rose Buschel, Tonya Vega, Charles (Chantell) Buschel, and Daniel (Alicia Louma) Buschel; nieces/nephews, Jonathan (Ashley) Vega, Ramon Vega Jr., Isabella (Aaron) Engstrom, Skylee, Brayden, Alannah Buschel, and Brandon Buschel; mother-in-law, Marilyn Harter; as well as many family and friends near and far.
He was preceded in death by his father, Steven ‘Joe’ Buschel; father-in-law, Ron Harter; brother-in-law, Craig Harter; both sets of grandparents; an aunt and uncles.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph “Joe” Louis Buschel will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Father Austin Barnes will be the Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in Buffalo.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, from 3-7 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Further visitation will be held on Friday morning, January 9, from 9:30 - 11:00 A.M. at the church.
Casket Bearers will be Dan Buschel, Chuck Buschel, Jonathan Vega, Ramon Vega Jr., Brandon Buschel, Brayden Buschel, David Noley, and Jason Elmore.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Larry Hance
Larry Hance, a beloved husband of Diane, father, grandfather, and lifelong resident of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, January 4, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Larry was a man who truly lived life to the fullest. He was famously “rough and tough and about half wild,” a self-description that perfectly captured his vibrant spirit and enthusiasm for all things in his life. As John Wayne once said, “Courage is being scared to death — but saddling up anyway.”
A man of deep devotion, Larry’s world revolved around his family and his faith, He loved politics, spending time on the lake, and caring for his cows and horses. He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and an unmistakable zest for life that will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Diane (Ramthun Lange); six children, Kole (Becky) Hance, Amy (Clint) Frederiksen, Natasha (Zach) Ordorff, Joshua (Kristi) Hance, Erica (Dan) Elsenpeter, and Joe Hance; 20 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; three step-children, Stacey (Sandy) Kalway, Melissa (Chad) Pribyl, and Jeremy (Audra) Lange; 10 step-grandchildren; and three step great-grandchildren; sister-in law, Erva Hance.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Janet; his parents, Wilfred and Helen (Rentjes) Hance; and his brothers and sisters, Kathy (Ralph) Gnitka, Joan (George) Schaust, Jerry (Dee) Hance, Estelle (Matt) Schaust, Rita (Arnie) Kunkel, and Edward (Erva) Hance.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Larry Hance will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Father Austin Barnes will be the Celebrant. Interment will follow with military rites at St. Francis Cemetery in Buffalo.
A visitation will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, Minnesota, on Monday, January 12, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 6:30 P.M. followed by a Prayer Service at 7:00 P.M.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Patricia Hankinson, 64
Patricia “Patty” Marie Hankinson, age 64, of Elizabeth City, NC, passed from this Earth on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
She was born in Buffalo, MN, on September 11, 1961, to Mary Schoenecker Stevens, of Buffalo, MN, and the late Richard Stevens. Patty enjoyed going to the beach, gardening, writing poetry, spending time with her family, and watching her granddaughters, Blair and Dakota, grow.
In addition to her husband, Roy Hankinson, of 37 years, and her mother, Patty is survived by daughters, Paige Heffernan, of Timonium, MD, and Ryann Hankinson (Spencer Newman), of Elizabeth City, NC; sons, Shawn Hankinson, of Leola, PA, Jacob Hankinson (Aylisha), of Elizabeth City, NC, Nicholas Hankinson (Dylan Waldron), of Virginia Beach, VA, and Carlo Dabucon, of Chesapeake, VA; grandchildren, Gavin, Andrew, Blair, and Dakota; sisters, Lisa Bursch, Mary Sue Aldrich, and Jeanie Hintz, all of Buffalo, MN; and brothers, Mike Stevens and Tim Stevens, also of Buffalo, MN.
She was preceded in death by her father.
In her own words:
“Our time has been tuned, Let the Music play.
Our memories will only remember the melody.
Love meant only to go on in our hearts,
No Goodbyes, just sweet music to our souls.”
Pattyhank 2025
A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, at VFW Post 4809, 5728 Bartee Street, Norfolk, VA 23502.
Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC, is assisting the Hankinson Family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
John Heins, 101
John August Martin Heins, age 101, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025. He was born on October 2, 1924, in Rockford Township to Charles and Ethel (Dixon) Heins.
John was a farmer his entire life, a role that was deeply important to him. He was known for his strong work ethic and pride in an honest day’s work. Farming was not just his livelihood, but a way of life that shaped who he was.
On July 12, 1946, John was united in marriage to Vera Sipe. Together, they built a life centered on family, love, and togetherness. Family was always John’s top priority. He never missed important milestones, such as weddings or graduations and could always be counted on to be there for those he loved. He truly showed up for his family.
John loved gatherings and celebrations, often believing that the more people, the better. He helped plan his own 100th birthday celebration, where countless family and friends showed up for him this time. He especially enjoyed going dancing with Vera and never turned down a good game of cards and conversation. He enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins, going on road trips, and was a past board member at Cross Lutheran Church in Rockford. Known for his great sense of humor, John enjoyed joking and making others smile. He was kind, thoughtful, and had a big heart.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ethel Heins; and many siblings and in-laws.
John is survived by his wife, Vera; children, Calvin (Linda) Heins, Cheryl (Al) Lee, and Russell (Denice) Heins; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Audrey (Dennis) Bistodeau; sister-in-law, Beverly Heins; special cousin, Dean Dixon; and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at The Peterson Chapel (300 Main Street N, St. Michael, MN) at 11:00 A.M. with visitation beginning one hour prior. Interment will take place at Elmwood Cemetery in Rockford, MN.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael-Albertville. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Sylvia Henry, 83
Sylvia Irene Henry, age 83, of Montrose, MN, passed away on January 1, 2026.
She was born on October 19, 1942, in Manannah, MN. She was the daughter of Ralph and Ruth (Nicol) Driver. Following High School, Sylvia attended Anoka Technical College to become a Medical Assistant.
On October 30, 1965, Sylvia and Roy Henry were joined in holy marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly, MN. They built a life together and raised their family in Waverly, MN.
Sylvia taught many life skills to her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed baking, gardening, crocheting, sewing, embroidering, ceramics, and even making rag rugs. She cherished flowers and found endless peace in watching hummingbirds.
Survived by her husband of 60 years, Roy Henry; children, Joyce “Gabby” (Jon) Harty, Thomas Thayer, Kiz (John) Willner, Roy “Coco” Henry Jr., and Sylvia “Sissy” Daniels; son-in-law, Bill Krouse; grandchildren, Phillip “Phil”, Tracy (Tom), Kelly (Brandon), Jim, Carrie (David), Niles (Jackie), Neila (Travis), Thomas, Chantrelle, Josh, Isaac, Veronica, John, and Jenna; followed by 24 great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Ruth (Nicol) Driver; her parents-in-law, John and Hildegard Henry; siblings, Jerry, Jean, Darrel and Gladys “Glady;” by daughters, Brenda Henry and Mary Krouse; grandchildren, Jessica “Jessie,” and Matthew “Mattie;” great-grandchild, Deshon “JR.”
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Sylvia Henry will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 24, AT THE CHURCH from 10:00 A.M. until time of Mass.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to wwww.thepetersonchapel.com.
Earl Krone, 88
Earl F. Krone, age 88, of Gaylord, passed away Monday, December 29, 2025, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia. Memorial Service was held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, 11:00 A.M. at American Lutheran Church in Gaylord with interment in High Island Cemetery in New Auburn.
Earl Fredrick Krone was born on April 26, 1937, in Corcoran Township, Hennepin County to Vernon and Pearl (Hackler) Krone. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover, Minnesota. He attended Buffalo High School.
Earl was united in marriage to Caroline Schutte on June 6, 1959, by Pastor Fred Photenbauer at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Corcoran Township. They were blessed with one daughter, Cynthia Krone, and shared 64 years of marriage when Caroline passed away on March 11, 2024.
Earl worked for Orrin Thompson Homes and Jesco Masonry as a foreman for many years and also farmed in Corcoran Township before moving to Gaylord. In 1972, Earl and Caroline sold their home by Rogers, quit their full-time jobs and purchased a dairy farm by Gaylord where they resided since. Earl and Caroline quit dairy farming and rented out the land. Earl worked part time for Seneca and enjoyed working part time for a couple of farmers every spring and fall.
Earl was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover where he taught Sunday School. He was currently a member of American Lutheran Church in Gaylord where he also taught Sunday School and was on the church council.
Earl’s present activities have included bowling; vacationing in Branson, Missouri; and touring Europe, Alaska, Canada, and most of the United States. He enjoyed Gospel and old-time music.
Earl passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025, at the Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia at the age of 88 years. Blessed be his memory.
Earl is survived by his daughter, Cindy Krone of Gaylord, MN; sisters, Joyce Heuer, of Howard Lake, MN, Janeal Hermanson, of Elk River, MN, Darlene Johnson and her husband, Ade, of Little Falls, MN, and Judy Kottke and her husband, Chester, of St. Francis, MN; brothers, Leon Krone and his wife, Kathy, of Lester Prairie, MN, Dean Krone and his wife, Jackie, of Maple Grove, MN, Gary Krone and his wife, Julie, of Elk River, MN, and Keith Krone and his wife, Jill, of St. Michael, MN; sister-in-law, Barb Schutte, of New Auburn, MN; many nieces, nephews and aunts.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Pearl (Hackler) Krone; wife, Caroline Krone; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ed and Amanda (Madrow) Schutte; brothers-in-law, Bob Heuer, Herman Schutte, and Don Hermanson; sister-in-law, Pat Krone.
Arrangements by Egesdal Funeral Home in Gaylord, Minnesota. Online obituaries and guest book available at www.hantge.com.
Harold Meintsma, 87
Harold George Meintsma, age 87, of Ponsford, MN, formerly of Monticello, MN, passed away Monday, December 22, 2025, at his winter home in Harlingen, TX.
A full obituary and service will be forthcoming in the spring.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN, is serving the family.
Marcella Peitz, 91
Marcella Margaret (Broll) Peitz, age 91, of Buffalo, passed away on December 21, 2025, at Buffalo Hospital, Buffalo, MN. She was born on September 6, 1934, to George and Magdalene (Ertl) Broll in Waverly, Minnesota.
Marcella graduated from St. Mary’s High School of Waverly in 1952. She married Alvin Peitz on May 11, 1954, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Waverly. Marcella and Alvin were blessed with four children, Karen, Cindy, Alan, and Craig.
Marcella, along with Alvin, raised their family in New Brighton and Rockford, MN. They moved to Buffalo, MN, in 1999. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, and sewing clothing and quilts for the family.
Preceded in death by Craig Peitz (son), Larry Broll (brother), Gary Eberle (son-in-law), and Magdalene (Ertl) and George Broll (parents).
Marcella is survived by her husband, Alvin; their children, Karen Peitz-Eberle, Cindy (Kevin) Bingham, Alan (Sue) Peitz; and daughter-in-law, Bev Peitz; grandchildren, Ryan (Abbey) Goral, Jay Goral, Michael (Melissa) Peitz, Andy Peitz, Cory (Paige) Peitz, Chad (Tori) Peitz; and step-granddaughter, Mandy Bingham; great-grandchildren, Camden Goral, Grayson Goral, Owen Peitz, Palmer Peitz, Lainey Peitz, Evelyn Peitz; and step-great-granddaughter, Covi Bingham.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at St. Mary Catholic Church in Waverly, MN.
Celebrant will be Father Larry Blake.
Interment will be at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Waverly, MN.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Pamela Streich, 60
Pamela Kay Streich, age 60, of rural Maple Lake, Minnesota, and formerly of Cokato, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday December 31, at The Glenn Memory Care Cottages in Buffalo Minnesota.
She was born on November 23, 1965, in Fridley, Minnesota, the daughter of Larry and Meredith (Maurseth) Hille.
Pam was baptized in the Christian faith at St. Phillip’s Lutheran Church in Fridley, Minnesota.
She attended both grade and High School in Fridley and after graduation attended the U of M.
For many years Pam worked for Cub Foods as the pricing manager.
She later met and married Brian Streich on September 20, 1996, at Grace Lutheran Church in Fridley, Minnesota. Together, they were blessed with four boys, Caleb, Nathan, Joel, and Aaron.
Pam enjoyed gardening, especially flower gardening, crafts, making bread and scones for a local organic grocery store. Pam also enjoyed doing things with the family, such as fishing and taking trips up north.
Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Larry and Meredith Hille; grandparents; mother and father-in-law, Joan and Reuben Streich; and by a brother-in-law, Bradley Streich.
Pamela is survived by her loving husband, Brian Streich; sons, Caleb, Nathan, Joel, and Aaron Streich; brother, Todd (Chris) Hille; sister, Lisa (Ryan) Sweeney; and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services for Pamela Kay Streich were held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Pastor David T. Mensing will officiate. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery in Woodland Township, Wright County.
A visitation was held on Tuesday, January 6, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Further visitation was held on Wednesday morning, January 7, one hour prior to services.
Casket Bearers were her nephews, Tyler Streich, Zach Campbell, Ben Hille, James Hille, Cole Sweeney, Riley Sweeney, Joshua Saxton, and Kyle Saxton.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Kelly Suerth, 38
Kelly Angela Crosby Suerth, age 38, of Maple Grove, MN, and Buffalo, MN, passed away Monday, December 8, 2025. She was born June 23, 1987, to Susan Crosby at Hennepin County Medical Center. When Susan passed away, Kelly and her sister, Margaret, were placed in the foster system and then briefly lived with aunts and uncles. In 2000, Kelly Angela (age 12) and Margaret (age 11) were adopted by Karen Kocer Suerth and Steve Suerth. She was their “Kelly Angel!”
During her middle school and high school years, Kelly Angel was very involved in school activities and sports where she made many friends. Kelly and her sister, Margaret, kept Karen and Steve very busy attending their many activities. Kelly especially loved music, movies, volleyball, and softball. She also had a lifelong love of turtles. Kelly graduated from Buffalo High School in 2005. She also played volleyball and softball in college at Rainy River Community College in International Falls, MN, and at Mayville State University, Mayville, ND.
During high school and college, Kelly worked as a Greenskeeper at Albion Ridges Golf Course (2005-2006), Annandale, MN; as Hostess and Server at Space Aliens Grill and Bar (2005-2007), Albertville, MN. She also was a Dietary Aide at Sunrise Assisted Living (2004-2006), Buffalo, MN.
Kelly earned an Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts and Science Degree from Rainy River Community College in International Falls, MN, where she was very involved in both volleyball and softball. She received many Northern Division honors. She went on to play softball at Mayville State University in Mayville, ND. After college, she moved to Athens, GA, where she worked as a Corporate Trainer for Logan’s Roadhouse and was a bartender at The Rail. Kelly also made many friends in Georgia. To know Kelly was to love Kelly.
In 2022, Kelly moved back to Minnesota and after a short time with her parents in Buffalo, MN, she moved into Terra Apartments in Maple Grove, MN, as she accepted a full-time Front Office Representative position with many benefits at South Lake Pediatrics. She was also a team lead and trainer for new hires at this job. Kelly loved her job and coworkers, and they loved her.
Kelly is preceded in death by her birth mom, Susan Crosby; Darron Luhrsen (son of Karen and Steve); grandparents, Alberto and Josephine Rosati; grandfather, William Mealey; grandfather, Herbert J. Suerth and grandfather, Deacon Albert J. Kocer; and great- grandparents and relatives on all sides.
Kelly is survived by her parents, Karen Kocer and Steve Suerth, Buffalo, MN; her sister, Margaret (Suerth) Blomberg and husband, Ben Blomberg; and her niece, Emma Blomberg, Sioux Falls, SD; grandma, Rita Kocer, Wagner, SD; grandma, Monna Suerth, Minnetonka, MN; grandma, Phyllis Mealey, Two Harbors, MN; brother, Nick Crosby and family, St. Louis Park, MN; brother, Cory Washington; nephew, Chance and his parents Erin and Mike Ferris and family, Haslet, TX; and many great-aunts and uncles; aunts and uncles, cousins, and other family and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation one hour prior at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
