Obituaries 2/18/21

Joyce Clayton

On February 11, 2021, Joyce K. (Wurm) Niesen/Clayton, passed peacefully surrounded by loving family.

Joyce leaves behind: loving husband, Jesse Clayton; children, LouAnn Klein, Sherry (Tom) Olson, David (Deb) Niesen, Julie Niesen; step-son, Steve Clayton; step-daughter, Robin; 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; brothers, Bob (Carol) and Keith (Sandy); sister, Dorthy (Jim); daughter-in-law, Terre Niesen; sisters-in-law, Sandy (Lyle), and Norma Jean Moody; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, William Niesen; parents, George and Sadie (Jansen) Wurm; sons, Tom, Bruce, Kenny; brothers, Dick and Morris; and sister, Rita.

The legacy of Joyce’s kind spirit and love will live on through family. Funeral service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Elizabeth Daleiden, 85

Elizabeth J. “Betty” Daleiden, age 85, of Albertville passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at The Engel Haus in Albertville.

She was born on December 6, 1935 in Otsego, MN, the daughter of Lewis and Blanche (Millhouse) Pouliot. Betty graduated from Elk River High School in 1954. On January 30, 1957, Elizabeth J. “Betty” Pouliot and William N. “Billy” Daleiden were joined in holy marriage at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Elk River. God blessed their marriage with seven children. Betty and Billy founded B&D Plumbing and Heating in St. Michael. She was also a daycare provider for over twenty years. She loved children! Betty enjoyed traveling, sewing, cooking, baking and tea parties with her friends. She was a faithful member of the St. Michael Catholic Church and belonged to its Christian Mothers.

Betty is survived by her loving husband of sixty-four years, William N. “Billy” Daleiden; children, Mark (Delana) Daleiden, Bruce (Vince) Daleiden, Dennis (Tracy) Daleiden, Janene (Tom) Keller, Charlene (Jeremy) Zachman, Gregg Daleiden and Kathy Jo (Kerry) Barthel; a daughter-in-law, Wendy Daleiden; seventeen grandchildren, twenty-nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Sharon (Jim) Hackenmueller, Lynda (Steve) Weeks and Pat Theilman; sisters-in-law, Colette Pouliot and Delores Pouliot; many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Ronald, Lee, and Doug Pouliot; and by a grandson, Andrew Daleiden.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Elizabeth “Betty” Daleiden will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael, MN. Father Brian Park will be the Celebrant. Interment will follow at the St. Michael Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday morning, February 18 from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to local charities will be appreciated.

The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Virginia Farquhar, 80

Virginia L. Farquhar, “Ginger,” age 80, of Buffalo MN, passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2021. She was born February 2, 1941 in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of Robert and Lelia (Belk) Shannon. Ginger also grew up with one of her closest aunts, Elda Belk, playing a big role in how she was raised and introducing her to her love of music.

Ginger graduated from Peoria High School with the class of 1959 where she excelled in music, she even recorded an album. She attended Bradley University, being a member of the Bradley University Choir and also sang light opera. The choir traveled to various places to perform, even performing in Washington, D.C.

On April 13, 1963, Virginia Shannon and Robert Farquhar were united in marriage in Peoria, Illinois. Ginger was a wonderful teacher at the Peoria Public School District, Marshfield Public School District, Assembly Christian Academy, and Peoria First Assembly Christian School. Ginger and Robert were the founding members of Assembly Christian Academy in Marshfield, WI.

She was always involved with many youth groups and youth ministries throughout all her life. Ginger later began a career as a supervisor with the American Red Cross in Peoria, IL, retiring in 2003. During her time, there she helped organize donor data on computers at the Heart of America Blood Services office. In 2011, her long-time Red Cross supervisor donated his kidney to her. She later gave back the gift of life by being a donor after life through LifeSource Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation.

Family was the most important part of Ginger’s life. She was a faithful and dedicated member of several churches, recently at Buffalo Community Assembly of God in Buffalo. She enjoyed attending church, photo and video editing, cooking for her family, and scrapbooking. She was very creative, arranging floral pieces and decorating her home. She loved animals and enjoyed feeding and watching birds.

Ginger truly had a big heart, being so compassionate and generous, always willing to help others. She will dearly be missed by all!

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Lelia Shannon; and special aunt, Elda Belk.

Ginger is survived by her husband, Robert Farquhar; children, Jefferson Farquhar, Susan (Bradley) Hanson; grandchildren, Shanna, Brenna, Mikayla, Karissa and Tianna Farquhar, Courtney, Collin and Carter Hanson; great-grandchildren, Evelyn Johnson and Karina Mora; siblings-in-law, Carole Farquhar, Roberta Plake (Robert’s twin sister), and David Plake; along with many other family and friends.

Funeral service will be held Monday, February 22, 2021 at 1:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m., at Buffalo Community Assembly of God. Burial will follow at Swedish Mission Cemetery in Buffalo. Memorials to the Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester, MN (www.gift-of-life.org) are appreciated.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Wanda Gilmer, 86

Wanda Mae (Mattson) Gilmer, age 86, passed away at her home on Saturday, February 6, 2021 surrounded by family. Wanda was born on November 13, 1934 to Clinton and Alice Mattson. She was raised on a small farm in Waverly, Minnesota with her three siblings. Wanda graduated from Buffalo High School and went on to graduate college. After graduating college, she met and married Jay Gilmer. Together, they raised their two children, Marty and Brent Gilmer in Howard Lake, Minnesota.

Wanda had a great passion for travel, and at the time of her passing had traveled to 93 places across the world. Another notable hobby was painting; she truly enjoyed creating beautiful pictures for friends and family to enjoy. Wanda also enjoyed spending time with friends. She was involved with many groups, including Sewing Club and Red Hat Society.

It was clear to anyone who knew her, that Wanda loved her family deeply and spent the majority of her time at her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s many sporting events. She rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on the young athletes in her life. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Brent (Donna) Gilmer, Marty Gilmer; grandchildren, Erin (Tom) Herda, Nick (Tiffany) Gilmer; and great-grandchildren, Chloe, Jaxon, Hathaway, Asher, and Scout.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 54 years, and brother, Clayton.

A Celebration of Life will be taking place in the near future.

Duane Ilstrup, 74

Duane M. Ilstrup passed away peacefully on February 9, 2021 with his wife by his side. Duane was 74 years old. He was born in 1946 in Buffalo, Minnesota, the son of Emris and Emma Ilstrup. In high school, Duane was an athlete in three sports and was an honorable mention All-State center in football.

Duane attended Augsburg College and graduated with honors in 1968 with a double major in mathematics and physics. He then attended graduate school in Biostatistics at the University of Minnesota earning a Master of Science degree.

Duane accepted a position in Biostatistics in 1970 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota where he became an Associate Professor. He was integrally involved in medical research in several specialties, including most of the surgical specialties, cardiology, microbiology, infectious diseases, and diagnostic radiology. He believes that he was extremely fortunate to work with the most talented physicians, surgeons, and laboratory investigators in the world.

Duane gathered an outstandingly talented group of statisticians to work on his team, and as a result he was able to co-author or author over 500 refereed research papers and book chapters.

At the end of his career, one of Duane’s primary interests was mentoring young post-doctoral statisticians in the art of consulting.

Until physical issues prevented it, Duane was a basketball gym-rat at the Rochester YMCA. Duane volunteered for several committees at the Y and became Board President in 1983-1984.

Duane knew that his greatest and luckiest accomplishment was in 1972 meeting and marrying his wife and best friend, Diane E. Ilstrup who later became Principal of John Marshall High School.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Russell. He is survived by his wife, Diane.

Duane has donated his body to the Mayo Clinic for medical research. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of the Mayo Clinic Hospice Program for the care and compassion they gave to Duane and the family. We would like to also thank Visiting Angels for their excellent care.

A Celebration of Life for Duane may occur at a later time with the severity of the present pandemic. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made in memory of Duane Ilstrup for either Mayo Clinic for Research, or the donor’s choice of a charity. Donations can be made to Mayo Clinic for Research either by phone, online or US Mail.

By phone:  (855) 852-8129, online: https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donatemc, or US Mail: checks should be made payable to Mayo Clinic and addressed to, Mayo Clinic Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905.

Marilyn Nyren, 82

Marilyn Geraldine Nyren, 82, of South Haven, MN passed away peacefully due to complications of a stroke at Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St Cloud, MN surrounded by her loving family on February 4, 2021.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 62 years, Duane J. Nyren; children, Mark (Jeri) Nyren, of Annandale, MN, Delire (James) Rhode, of Buffalo, MN, Lorae (Calvin) Truenow, of South Haven, MN, Dawn (Jeff Teschendorf) Stammer, of South Haven, MN; 14 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; sisters, Marlene Yager, her identical twin, of Waite Park, MN, Shirley Noonan, of Paynesville, MN; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceeded in death by her parents; brothers, Dean, Denny and Duane Maus and Donny Walgenbach; infant grandson, Dustin Truenow; and son-in-law, Scott Stammer.

Marilyn was born in Monticello, MN to Frank and Doris (Dietrich) Maus. She graduated from Upsala High School in 1956 where she was Homecoming Queen. She was united in marriage to Duane J. Nyren on November 22, 1958.  They established their home in South Haven, MN and were blessed with four children.

She worked outside the home at Maddens Nursing Home in South Haven, MN, Fabricraft (Airtex Ind) in Cokato, MN, and as childcare provider with her daughter, Delire in Buffalo, MN. The love of Marilyn’s life was her family. She enjoyed hosting picnics, family reunions, birthdays, holidays; she always found ways to gather family and friends. You could see and hear Marilyn on the sidelines of any sporting event. From hot blistering swim meets to freezing cold hockey games. Trap shoots, football, baseball, soccer, volleyball games, dance recitals and gymnastic meets. Marilyn was the number one cheerleader. Her passions were traveling to Alaska, fishing, flower gardening and cleaning. Marilyn will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, due to COVID-19 concerns.

Merrel Schumm, 82

Merrel J. Schumm, age 82, of St. Michael passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, February 11, 2021, surrounded by his family.

He was born in St. Michael on October 3, 1938, the son of Leo and Theckla (Zachmann) Schumm. Merrel graduated from St. Michael High School in 1957. He honorably served his Country in The United States Army from 1961 to 1963, reserves until 1967.

On September 16, 1967, Merrel J. Schumm was joined in holy marriage to Sharon A. Stodola at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Elk River. God blessed their marriage with three children. He was employed by Public School District #885 from 1967-1998. He retired as the head custodian. He was a lifelong, faithful member of The St. Michael Catholic Church. Merrel enjoyed driving, traveling, amusement parks - looking for the ultimate roller coaster, shopping for new gadgets, socializing, meeting new people, and attending his grandchildren’s’ sporting events. Merrel loved telling jokes!  

Merrel is survived by loving wife of fifty-three years, Sharon; children, Peggy (Wade) Von Eschen, of St. Michael, Pamela (Troy) Engen, of Frederic, Wisconsin, and Paul (Jeni) Schumm, of Albertville; grandchildren, Danica (James) Lindorff, Paige Falde, and Levi Falde; Morgan Schumm, Madison Schumm, Brecken Murkins, McKenzie Schumm and Adeley Murkins; Kincade Engen and Makenna Engen; a great grandchild, Paisley Lindorff; a sister, Marlene Barthel, of Buffalo; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Leah Clover; brothers, Vernon, Loren, Eugene, and Gordon Schumm.  

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 3:00 p.m., Friday, February 19, 2021, St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael. Visitation at the funeral home wil be Thursday, February 18, 4-8 p.m. Further visitation at the church on Friday, February 19, one hour prior to Mass. Inurnment St. Michael Cemetery.

The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home in St. Michael is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Wayne Yonak, 74

Wayne Anthony Yonak passed away on February 10, 2021 surrounded by his family at his home in Monticello, Minnesota, following a courageous battle with Parkinson Disease and Leukemia.

Wayne was born to George and Rose Yonak on September 18, 1946 in Monticello, MN and graduated from Monticello High School in 1964. He was in the United States Air Force from 1964 to 1968, stationed in Texas, Guam, and Montana. He was a true patriot with a great love for his country.

Wayne married Jan Taylor on February 3, 1968 in Glasgow, Montana. They were blessed with four children, Shelley Fluekiger, Patrick (Ysela) Yonak, Dawn (Scott) McCarty, and Dustin (Sarah) Yonak.

During his career, Wayne owned seven businesses, most recently co-owner of Yonak Sanitation and Landfill. Wayne was a private pilot and loved flying. He enjoyed watching the Vikings, snowmobiling with his boys, and key lime pie. He had a very strong faith, becoming an ordained minister. Wayne was a loving husband and father.

He is survived by his wife; children; brothers, Rodney and Kevin; and his much younger sister-in-law, Pam Taylor Cano, who he raised as his own child; grandchildren, Anthony (Morgan) Yonak, Austin (Robyn) Yonak, Devin Peterson, Taylor Schabel, Kate (Darien) Cox, Tyra Fluekiger, Riley Peterson (fiancé Maddy Simon), Parker McCarty, Lindsey Peterson, Dylan (Lydia) Yonak, Avery Fluekiger, Emma McCarty, Adam Fluekiger; great-grandchildren, William Yonak and Ellie Peterson; and many nieces and nephews.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, George and Rose; and brothers, Preston, George, Russell, and Gary.

A very special thank you to the Monticello CentraCare medical staff, hospice, and longtime physician Dr. Natasha Hamann.

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.