Obituaries 2/4/21

Barbara Anderson, 86

Barbara Gail Anderson, San Diego, CA – One of the most beautiful souls ever is now in heaven.  Barbara Gail Anderson (Santos), 86, originally from Minneapolis and then Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away on January 8, 2021.  Barbara lived in Pulaski Lake Shores on our cherished land until 2017, which has been in our family since the 1940’s.

She is survived by her three children, Craig (Shawn), Kim (Lon), Randy (Doreen); her eight grandchildren, Jami, Bonni (Kurt), Jacob, Nakkia (Joseph), Tim (Paola), Alyssa (Brian), Sarah (Eric), and Sabrina (Josh); her 12 great-grandchildren, Jada, Sienna, Olivia, Sophia, Kayla, Lisa, Emma, Lucy, William, Jackson, Abigail,  Dakota, and soon to be baby girl, Eaton; six siblings, Juanita (George), Patricia, Nancy, Steve (Mary Kay), Dave (Judy), and Brian (Meri); many nieces, nephews, cousins; her boyfriend, Leonard (Buddy); and countless special friends. 

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Paul; her parents, Kenneth and Bess Santos, of Minneapolis, MN and just 10 days prior on December 28, 2020, her beloved brother, Dean Santos, of Henrietta, NY. 

Barbara’s career in the medical field in Minneapolis, MN spanned Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinykin & Associates OB\GYN, and Pyramid Behavioral Health. She loved to travel and, in early retirement, spent time with her husband, Paul, traveling the U.S. in their motorhome. Those travel adventures continued later with her loving boyfriend, Buddy, who faithfully called her every day after moving from Minnesota to California. Her Maltese, Bella, was her ultimate pride and joy! They were inseparable!

Barbara exuded positivity, perseverance, immeasurable strength and just like her “Energizer Bunny” mother, Bess, spunk and stamina all throughout life! Everyone loved her, thought she was such a sweetheart, and SO funny due to her quick wit!  She always had us laughing! 

She could turn a bad situation into something positive and fun. She was a spitfire with the most caring heart. The most amazing Filipino cook who made the best Sotanghun and Adobo. She was the best storyteller...sharing all of her hysterical adventures with Paul. Her life revolved around her kids and grandkids. She had so much love for them. She loved family most of all. She loved soaking up the sun in her sun hats. She made friends everywhere she went. Everyone that met her loved her to pieces. She was the ultimate night owl! She was always smiling and laughing. She loved her freedom and exploring. She only saw the best in people. 

Eternal gratitude and thanks to all in our amazing Santos and Anderson clan. Every phone call from family and friends meant the world to Mom, and truly was her lifeline. Her unwavering faith and belief in Jesus as her Lord and Savior ensured her place in heaven. Her pain replaced with eternal peace. 

Many thanks to all of our incredible medical providers, who strived to provide the best care possible. Special thanks to all the nurses, med-techs, and caregivers at Las Villas Del Norte, who could not help but fall in love with her. We are especially grateful to LaVonne and Darryl for going above and beyond.

A Celebration of Life will be held later in Minneapolis, when the time is safe to honor Barbara’s life. Her final resting place will be with Dad at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN. To leave an online condolence visit: PowayBernardoMortuary.net

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

Rest in peace our beloved Mom, until we meet again in heaven.  We love you so!  The Andersons

 


Constance DesMarais, 61

Constance Louella Carmillta Marie DesMarais, age 61, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. She was born August 28, 1959 in Buffalo, the daughter of Marah “M.T.” and Mabel (Olson) DesMarais. On August 28, 1959, Connie was baptized and confirmed while at the Buffalo Hospital. She outlived all expectations!

Connie attended St. John’s School for the Deaf in Milwaukee, WI and graduated from Minnesota Academy School for the Deaf in Faribault, MN in 1979. She furthered her education at TVI in St. Paul for housekeeping.

She was a dedicated volunteer as a candy striper at the old Buffalo Hospital and enjoyed getting to hold the babies when they were sick. She also enjoyed being outside, flowers, and puzzles. She had a big heart and loved her family, friends and especially loved the babies and her dog, Luna. Connie and her mother, Mabel, had a very special bond; Connie missed her Mom daily after she passed away on October 12, 2018. And even though communication was a barrier for her, she loved life!

Connie was a lifelong, faithful member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, M.T. and Mabel DesMarais; and brothers, Chester “Chet” DesMarais and Randal DesMarais.

Connie is survived by her siblings, Joseph (Jeanette) DesMarais, Curtis (Carol) DesMarais, Christine Hafften, Karen (Jake) Mortvedt; sisters-in-law, Janice DesMarais and Brenda DesMarais; beloved dog, Luna; and countless nieces and nephews, family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo with Father Nathaniel Meyers at Celebrant. Burial at St. Francis Cemetery in Buffalo.

In memory of Connie, all were asked to wear bright and cheerful clothes while attending her visitation and Funeral Mass.

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

 


Everett Hollenbeck, 90

Everett Jerome Hollenbeck, age 90, of Buffalo, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021. He was born March 14, 1930 in Monticello, the son of Harry and Mabel (Beckley) Hollenbeck.

Everett was a proud Navy Veteran and a member of the Buffalo American Legion Post 270.

On June 18, 1960, Everett Hollenbeck and Phyllis Wagner were united in marriage at Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Maple Lake.

He enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, and spending winters in Mexico with his wife, Phyllis. He was a dedicated Minnesota Vikings fan and enjoyed watching all football games. Everett sometimes had a feisty personality but was very kind and always there to help others. Everett and Phyllis loved socializing with friends and family, having an “open door” policy at home to welcome anyone and everyone!

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Hollenbeck; parents, Harry and Mabel Hollenbeck; and siblings, Harriet, Lorraine, Ralph, and Orville.

Everett is survived by his daughter, Deborah Pohlkamp; grandson, David (Betty) Pohlkamp; great-grandson, Derek Pohlkamp; and many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 7, 2021 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 8, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Burial will follow at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

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

 


Spencer Lofrano, 81

Spencer William Lofrano, age 81, of rural Delano passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2020 peacefully at his residence.

He was born on May 2, 1939 in Minneapolis, the son of Joseph F. and Elizabeth M. (Jaworski) Lofrano.

On February 17, 1962, Spencer W. Lofrano and Marlene J. Kargel were joined in Holy Matrimony. God blessed their marriage with three children.

Spence was employed many years as an electrician and estimator. In later years, he had his own business, JKS Repair and Control.

He enjoyed being outdoors and many activities; hunting, fishing, bowling, music festivals, pepper and tomato garden, cooking, motorcycling (Gold Wing) and camping with his grandchildren. He was also always up for a good campfire or game of cribbage.

Survived by his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Marlene J. Lofrano; three children, Kurt (Carol) Lofrano, of Delano, Cheryl (Kevin) Zaske, of Maple Lake, and Joe (Jenny) Lofrano, of Red Wing; grandchildren, Dan, Katie and Lisa; David, Maria and Anna; Jessica, Arianna, Kendra and Bradi Jo; great-granddaughter, Blakely; other relatives and many friends. 

A time of gathering for Spencer Lofrano will be held on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 4 to 7 at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.  A time of story sharing will be held at 6 p.m.  Eric Zaske will be saying a short blessing and leading the story sharing.  A celebration of life is also being planned for spring.

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

 


Cynthia Mallery, 57

Cynthia A. Mallery, age 57, of Tulsa, OK, formerly of Madison, SD, died January 3, 2021 at her home in Tulsa.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale and Hargrove-Marker Funeral Home of Jenks, OK.

Cynthia Ann Mallery was born January 11, 1963 in Austin, TX to Donald and Norma (Schermer) Balster. She grew up in rural Maple Lake. She was united in marriage to Allen Mallery in 1982. Over the years, Cynthia has lived in Buffalo, MN, Kimball, SD, and Madison, SD. She worked at the Smith Zimmermann Museum in Madison, South Dakota for the past six years and was about to begin her education at Rhema Bible Training College in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Cynthia was a member of Abundant Life Church in Madison, South Dakota, as well as the Jane Austen Society of North America and South Dakota. She was also a member of the South Dakota Questers. She enjoyed reading, ceramics, researching family ancestry and history.

She is survived by her mother, Norma Plaggerman, of Annandale; brothers and sister, Steven Balster, of Clear Lake, Carol (Sam) Jeffery, of Tonpah, Willis (Peggy) Plaggerman, of Maple Lake, and Dale (Lori) Plaggerman, of Clearwater; eleven nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Mallery; father, Donald Balster; and step-father, Bert Plaggerman.

Obituary and Tribute Wall online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.

 


Pete Thomes, 61

Pete Thomes, 61, of Brainerd, Minnesota died Tuesday, January 26, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. Visitation for Pete was held for one hour prior to the service to be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 30 at Heritage Church, Baxter. Pete was born in Buffalo, MN on December 5, 1959, son of Ray and Barbara (Pluth) Thomes. He was raised and educated in Buffalo, graduating from Buffalo High School in 1978 and then attended St. John’s University.

He was proud to be active in the Boy Scouts of America and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at age 16. Pete also worked as staff at Many Point Scout Camp from 1976-1982. He made some lifelong friends there and always had a special place in his heart for the camp.

Pete was in the insurance business for 33 years, owning his own agency for the last ten of those years. He married Verna Quaintance on April 20, 2002 in Jamaica. They moved to the Brainerd Lakes area six years ago, where he was a realtor with Edina Realty.

Pete enjoyed hunting, especially waterfowl (just call him “Duck Commander”) and chasing walleye. He loved being outdoors and would combine that with a passion for music. Pete loved nothing better than a campfire and a group of people making music and singing. Pete and Verna were able to enjoy many “hootenanny gatherings” at their home in Brainerd over the years. Pete was a self-taught harmonica player.

Pete is survived by his wife Verna; his children, Rachel (Luke) Fratzke, Ellen Thomes and Stefan Thomes; stepsons, Klint (Nicole) Quaintance and Todd (Laura) Quaintance; grandchildren, Liam, Ryker, Rachael, Lauren, Gabriel and Paige (Derek); his father, Ray Thomes; his siblings, Greg (Betty) Thomes, Cathy Behrens, Judy Thomes, Chris (Ann) Thomes, Brian Thomes; brother-in-law, Art (Nola) McClaren, sister-in-law, Mary Lou Beier (Sonny); and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel of Baxter, www.brenny.com.

 


Michael Weide, 55

Michael Todd Weide, age 55, of Buffalo, passed away surrounded by his family on January 12, 2021.

He was born on October 5, 1965 in Golden Valley, Minnesota, to Lowell and Nancy (Bruning) Weide. Mike grew up in Minnetonka and attended high school there. He graduated with the class of 1984.

Mike met the love of his life, Jacquie, and the two were joined in marriage in 1988 in Minneapolis.

He furthered his education by attending school in Eden Prairie to get certified as an automotive machinist. He then went to Michigan to become a certified welder in 1990. Always striving to expand his knowledge, Mike graduated with a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine from Northwest Chiropractic College in 2002. He opened his own practice in St. Paul and also in Idaho. Most recently, Mike started his own Etsy shop selling his handcrafted shadow boxes and other items he made. He was a very-detailed carpenter and really enjoyed perfecting his woodworking skills.

Mike was a loving and devoted husband and father. He made sure his family was always taken care of and their needs were met. He was the calm and sensible voice of reason in tough situations, and provided guidance when needed. He was ambitious, funny, and always willing to help people with everyday tasks. Mike was also a devoted pet parent to his beloved dogs. He’d take them out for walks every day and treated them as if they were family members.

Traveling to Cancun was one of his favorite vacation destinations. Spending time on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and being with his family was paradise for him.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Lowell; and grandfather-in-law, Biff Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jacquie; children, Christopher (Sara) and Matthew; mother, Nancy; siblings, Don (Lisa) and Scott (Rigo); and many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association.

A private Celebration of Life will be held to honor Mike.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo.  Online condolences may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 

Publication: 

The Drummer and The Wright County Journal Press

PO Box 159
108 Central Ave.
Buffalo MN 55313

www.thedrummer.com

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