Obituaries 7/11/19
Linda Anderson, 62
Linda Darnell Anderson, age 62, of Montrose passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2019.
She was born in Alexandria, Minnesota on March 6, 1957.
She enjoyed fishing, horses and was a good mom!
Linda lives through her sons and grandchildren…. Sons: Michael (Donna) Carlson of Montrose, Daniel (Cassie) Carlson of Milroy and Stephen Olson of Montrose; grandchildren: “Tommy” Paul Carlson, Cheyenne Carlson, Dustin Carlson and Autumn Carlson; sisters: Dolores “Laurie” Probolt and Diane Williams; other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by husband Mike Luedke and by a brother David Clark.
Funeral services for Linda Anderson were held on Friday, July 5, 2019 at 11:20 a.m. at The Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted. Pastor Dave Hormann officiated. Lavon Kielkucki was the organist/soloist for the funeral service.
A visitation was held on Friday, July 5, one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
The Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.chilsonfuneralhome.com.
Stella Cyriacks, 89
Stella Anne Cyriacks was born January 15, 1930 to Rev. Herbert and Martha (Steinke) Kothe in Niagra, ND, about 45 miles west of Grand Forks, ND. She was baptized at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Niagra.
In 1936, her father accepted a call to Zion Lutheran Church in Springfield, MN, where Stella was confirmed. Stella graduated from Springfield High School; she was athletic and loved cheerleading, basketball and swimming. Stella went on to earn her Associate of Arts Degree from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato.
She taught for two years at a Lutheran country school near Red Wing and for two years at a Lutheran school in Richfield. She continued her education at the University of Minnesota and in 1956 earned a degree in History. While at the University, she was involved with Synchronized Swimming.
Stella worked for one year at Prudential Insurance Company on the Comptroller’s staff. On August 25, 1957, she was united in marriage to Marvin Cyriacks at Concordia Lutheran Church in Fairhaven. They lived for a short time in Merced, CA while Marv completed his service in the US Air Force.
They moved to Annandale, where they were blessed with three children. Stella studied German at St. Cloud State University, earning her degree in 1984. She taught German for two years at Cathedral High School in St. Cloud; she continued to teach German through the Quest Program at Annandale High School until retiring in 1997. Stella also taught piano and organ lessons out of her home for many years.
Stella was a member and past President of the Annandale Improvement Club. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Silver Creek and Zion Lutheran Church in Annandale. She was active with LWML and was a Sunday School Teacher at Zion Lutheran Church. Stella loved music and was the church organist and choir director at numerous churches over the years.
Stella had a joy of traveling especially to Germany, Austria and state parks in the United States. She also had a passion for learning as could be seen by the three college degrees that she earned. Time with family was important and she loved the time she spent watching sports with her husband, Marv.
Stella is survived by her daughters, Marla of Brooklyn Center and Patrice of St. Louis Park; sisters and brothers, Dorothy Meyer of Buffalo, Herbert (Jan) Kothe of Suverna Park, Naomi (Darold) Wold of St. Louis Park, Helen (Jon) Larson of New Brighton, Richard (Carolyn) Kothe of Eagan, Rev. Kenneth (Katie) Kothe of St. Michael and Connie (Richard) Helgeson of St. Michael; and sister-in-law, Theodora “Teddy” Kothe.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Herbert and Martha Kothe; husband, Marv in 2017; son, Bret in 2004; brothers, Theodore, Edward and David Kothe; and sister Grace Neumann.
The casket bearers were Brian and David Kothe, Bob and Russell Bushman, Bruce Larson, and David Trautman. Rev. Ken Tatkenhorst provided the music for the service.
Arrangements were entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale.
Obituary, Guestbook & Video Tribute online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Darla Fisher, 81
Darla Johnston Fisher, age 81, of Delano and formerly of Buffalo, passed away on July 2, 2019.
Darla was born the daughter of Darryl and Helen (Poston) Johnston on September 13, 1937 in Buffalo.
On September 25, 1999 Darla was united in marriage to Patrick Fisher at Blessed Hope Church in Howard Lake.
Darla grew up in Buffalo went to school and graduated from Buffalo High in 1955.
Darla had a deep love for Jesus and also for her family.
Darla is survived by her husband, Patrick; children Bonnie Bosen, Heidi Christianson, Todd Solberg, Sarah Bursch, Heather Dick, Shane Solberg and Bliss Benson; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Hope Lavine, David Johnston, Ryon Johnston, Beth Johnston and Suzanne Johnston; also, many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Darryl and Helen Johnston; daughter, Theresa Eck; great-grandson, Isaac Hall; brothers, Roger and Cordell Johnston.
Memorial service for Darla was Monday, July 8 at 2:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service all at WestPointe Church of Delano. Luncheon to follow at church. Interment was at Lake View Cemetery of Buffalo.
Serving the family…The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo.
Bonnie Goetzke, 65
Bonnie May Goetzke, 65, died at her home in Memphis TN on April 19, 2019 after a twenty-year struggle with the effects of Pan Hypopituitarism.
Bonnie was born on November 7, 1953 in Monticello, MN to Wesley and Marjorie (Carlson) Goetzke. She was an inquisitive and active child, and her interest in knowing everything about everything carried through her entire life. She loved music and books, and collected a wide and varied library of both, was an excellent singer, and played the piano and organ.
Bonnie was a high school exchange student to Sweden. She was very proud of her Swedish heritage and collected many types of Swedish art and craft work. She would study and research any topic that piqued her interest, and picked up hobbies and took classes and excelled in a wide variety of skills, such as stained glass, concrete counter design, jewelry-making with beads, sewing, glass cutting, woodworking, and many others.
She collected antique children’s books, vintage silhouettes, paintings, bird art, primitive farm implements, and antique furniture, among others.
Bonnie graduated from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, and then worked for UPS, only to be fired for union organizing. Her career in the United States Postal Service took her from Minneapolis to Postal Headquarters in Washington DC, where she designed, implemented, and continued to innovate the process of mail forwarding. Her efforts led to some of USPS’s first use of large computer systems in the 1980’s, and she revolutionized the process of forwarding mail accurately and efficiently, improving the lives of millions of Americans. She worked closely with executives from foreign posts who also implemented the same or similar innovations in their own countries. After she retired from USPS, she returned to the family farm in Monticello, where she lived with family.
Eventually she bought a home in Memphis, TN to be near her closest friends and continue seeking new skills and hobbies and worked as a contractor supporting the USPS Headquarters unit there.
Bonnie was an engaging friend with a wicked sense of humor, a wide variety of interests, and nurtured her friendships over long years of distance.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents Wesley and Marjorie, her brothers Carl and Lester, and her sister Judy. She is survived by her brother Duane Goetzke of Monticello, sister Gloria Goetzke of Culver City CA, nephew Kirt, and nieces Vicki, Irina, and Lada.
A memorial service for Bonnie will be conducted by Rev. Paul Nichol on July 20, 2019 at 1 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 12449 Clementa Avenue NW, Monticello. Interment of Bonnie’s ashes and those of her mother Marjorie will be at Woodside Cemetery, 27175 Smithtown Road, Shorewood, after the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the MAGIC Foundation at https://MagicFoundation.org/give.
Susan Hagedorn, 78
Susan Mary (Matthews) Hagedorn, age 78 of Waverly, passed away February 10, 2019. She was born on April 25, 1940 in Austin, to Harry and Mary (Jordan) Matthews.
On July 7, 1973, she was united in marriage to Lowell R. Hagedorn in Las Vegas, NV.
Susan worked in food service at the Montrose Elementary and Buffalo Junior High School.
Susan loved the country style life and enjoyed living by the river. She enjoyed the animals, caring & feeding the wildlife and the stray cats that found their way to her place. Susan had many flower gardens and vegetable gardens and cherished all the outdoor endeavors that came with living in the country.
Susan is preceded in death by her husband, Lowell in 2017; parents, Harry and Mary Matthews; and brother, Dave Matthews.
She is survived by her children, Chris (Gerard) Lepak, Jeff Rogers, Greg (Karla) Rogers, and Julie (George) Riddle; grandchildren, Aaron, Emily, Lauren, Bryce, Cole, Ava, Melanie, Mariela, Amanda, Sadie, Heidi, and Melissa; and sister-in-law, Marian Matthew.
Memorial service will be held Saturday, July 20 at 11:30 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service, all at The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Private family interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Michael Holovnia, 62
Michael David “Ziggy” Holovnia, age 62, of Delano, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at his home. He was born on January 13, 1957 to Zigmond and Leona (Von Bank) Holovnia in Buffalo.
Ziggy was a long-time resident of Delano; graduating from Delano High School. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. He was owner/operator of Holovnia Trucking for many years. He had a special passion for his Harley.
Ziggy was preceded in death by his parents and mother of his son Pam Matter (Van Lith). He is survived by his son Jeff (Jenny); grandchildren Dalton, Weston, Adelyn and Braxton; brothers Tom (Donna) and Steve; nephews Paul (Susie) and Jim (Kristen); aunts Norma Wandersee, Helen Conroy and Monica Zinken.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Delano. Visitation was Tuesday, 4-7 p.m. and continued Wednesday, 10-11 a.m., all were in Martha’s Hall of St. Peter Catholic Church.
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano.
Darrell Johnson, 72
Darrell Wallace Johnson, age 72, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 28, 2019 after nearly three-year courageous battle with cancer.
Darrell was born August 5, 1946 in Minneapolis, the son of Wallace and Dolores (Peterson) Johnson and was the oldest of four children. Darrell attended Robbinsdale High School where he enjoyed and played varsity basketball and graduated with the Class of 1964. He furthered his education at the University of Minnesota. Darrell had a successful career at Honeywell and Medallion Cabinetry for over 40 years. At Medallion, he built life-long relationships with the many colleagues de deeply respected.
While Darrell enjoyed and thrived at work, what he was most passionate about was the opportunity to impact people for Christ. He led men’s groups, Bible studies, taught Sunday school and was a Deacon at Albion Evangelical Free Church. He shared openly about his love for God and the importance it played in his life. The desire of his heart was to learn about Jesus, to live in a way that would reflect His presence and to share his faith with others.
Darrell loved to grow things. His specialty was hybridizing daylilies, but the reality is that he was just as excited to see the apples and pumpkins show up in the fall.
A natural people person, Darrell was known for his willingness to invest in the lives of others. He had a special gift of making those around him feel valued, asking purposeful questions to learn about was important to them, and how he might help.
On March 27, 1971, Darrell Johnson and Pamela Wharton were united in marriage until her passing of ovarian cancer on May 16, 1997. On November 20, 1998, Darrell Johnson and Jane (Roberts) Patten were united in marriage.
Darrell is survived by his wife, Jane Johnson; children, Scott Johnson, Aaron (Lisa) Johnson, Kelly (Brian) Cook; step-children, Jason (Tami) Patten, Nathan (Rachel) Patten, Heather (Erik) Berg, Ruth (Justin) Greiman; 24 grandchildren; brother, Alan (Mary) Johnson; sisters, Patricia (Chuck) Higgins, Vicki (Larry) Ecklund; and may other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Pamela Johnson and parents, Wallace and Dolores Johnson.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 12, 2019 from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Albion Evangelical Free Church in Cokato. Funeral service will be held at the same location, Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 3:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior.
Casket Bearers will be Scott Johnson, Aaron Johnson, Jason Patten and Nathan Patten. Honorary Casket Bearers will be Kelly Cook, Heather Berg and Ruth Greiman.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Buffalo Food Shelf or Cokato Food Shelf.
Serving the family…The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo.
Larry Kauppi, 83
Larry Thomas Kauppi, age 83, of Buffalo and formerly of Corcoran passed away on Monday, July 1, 2019.
He was born on June 3, 1936 in Minneapolis the son of Fred A. & Rose (Pumarlo) Kauppi.
He attended Buffalo High School and joined the United States Air Force after graduation.
He was formerly employed with Northwest Air Lines for over thirty years as a mechanic/quality control. He was a private pilot and had an instrument rating. Larry loved flying!
He also enjoyed traveling, pheasant hunting when he was younger, boating, motorcycles and fishing. Larry was fond of his lake place near Richmond.
Survived by his wife: Karen L. Kauppi; children: Michael (Colleen) Kauppi and Debra Kauppi; two grandchildren: Ryan Kauppi and Janae (Tyler) Richer; three great-grandchildren: Liam, Jude and Nora; step-children: Kimberly Clark (Julie Green) and Beth Nielsen; step-grandchildren: Erik and Hannah; many other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his first wife Elizabeth (Goeb) Kauppi, his parents and by a brother Allen Kauppi.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Larry Kauppi was held on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church in Corcoran. Father Glen T. Jenson was the Celebrant. Inurnment St. Jeanne de Chantel Cemetery. A visitation was held on Tuesday, July 9th one hour prior to Mass at the Church.
Urn Bearer was Michael Kauppi.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Adelheide Ludwig, 70
Adelheide Katherine “Heide” Ludwig, age 70, of Buffalo passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at her residence.
She was born on January 27, 1949 in Queens, New York the daughter of Benjamin & Daisy (Mackey) Schwartz.
On September 20, 1970, Heide Schwartz and Wilton L. Ludwig Jr. were joined in holy marriage at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in upper Manhattan, (Inwood) New York.
Heide was formerly employed in information and sales for Dan & Jerry’s Greenhouse. Heide had a great knowledge of plants and trees. She also was formerly a cook at Mayer Lutheran High School. She was a stage manager for Buffalo Community Theater.
She enjoyed quilting, watching the cooking channel and writing articles for the Wright County Drummer. She was a former leader for the Clever Clovers 4-H Club.
Family was her Treasure!
She was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo.
Survived by her husband: Wilton L. Ludwig Jr.; two sons: Philip Ludwig of Waverly and Mark Ludwig of Honolulu, Hawaii; brother: Pastor Paul S. Schwartz of Downers Grove, Illinois; a sister: Alexandra “Sandy” (Robert L.) Schwartz Paden of Monticello; five nephews and two nieces.
Preceded in death by her parents and by a sister Karen Hagert.
Funeral services for Heide Ludwig were held on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Pastor Ryan Clark officiated. Interment was held at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in rural Hillsboro, North Dakota. A visitation was held on Tuesday, July 2, from 4-8 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Further visitation was held on Wednesday morning, July 3, at the church one hour prior to services.
Casket Bearers were Stephen Schwartz, Jennifer Schwartz, Peter Klug, Jeff Brown, Brent Hoernemann and Matt Lindemeir.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
James Neaton, 100
James Paul Neaton, age 100, of Watertown, Minnesota passed away on Thursday July 4, 2019. He was born October 9, 1918 to Michael and Bridget (Burns) Neaton in Watertown.
Jim was a life-long resident of Watertown and member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He was born on the Original Neaton homestead in Watertown Township and took over the family farm in 1954.
Jim was active in the Farmers Union. In 1976 he was elected president of the Carver County Farmers Union and served as president or vice president of the local chapter for many years. An early adopter of environmentally friendly farming practices, he was active in the Carver County Soil & Water Conservation district and was named Outstanding Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1978.
Jim was an active member of the DFL party, often representing the area at district and state conventions. He most enjoyed being with his family and friends, and if there was a heated political discussion involved, that was the icing on the cake. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor and accomplished storyteller.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Monica; son, Tom Gallus; parents, Michael and Bridget Neaton; siblings: Mary Kosel, Ed Neaton, Eileen Campbell, Joe Neaton; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Cy Kosel, Francis Campbell, Art Borer, Tom Kuka, Don Speckel, Archie Kuka, Joe Kuka, Mary Neaton and Ann Neaton.
He is survived by his children: Bridget (Breeze) Neaton, Gerry Gallus, Steve (Amy) Gallus, Bob (Gail) Gallus, Terry Gallus; eight grandchildren: Tyler Gallus, Cora (Cody) Hoffman, Jen (Oscar) Gallus, Alex Gallus, David (Sarah) Gallus, Josh Gallus, Zac Gallus, Ben Gallus; sister, Jane Borer; sisters-in-laws, Jo Neaton, Mary Speckel, Marion Kuka, and Mary Ann Kuka; four generations of nieces and nephews; and innumerable friends and neighbors.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 11 at Immaculate Conception Church in Watertown. Visitation was from 4-8 p.m., Wednesday and continues Thursday, from 10-11 a.m., all at Immaculate Conception Church. Interment will be in the church cemetery.
Arrangements by the Iten’s Watertown Chapel.
Margaret Robbins, 84
Margaret Lynn Robbins, also known as Sue, age 84, of Buffalo passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at Lake Ridge Care Center in Buffalo.
She was born on December 14, 1934 in Stamford, Texas, the daughter of Aubrey & Edna (Singleton) McIntire.
Margaret was formerly employed as a head cashier for The United States Navy. She also was formerly employed at Furrs Café in Lubbock, Texas.
She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Margaret was a family person!
Survived by children: Donna Stoughton of Katy, Texas and Robert Tidwell, of Sarasota, Florida; nine grandchildren, including loving grandson Tim (Michelle) Painschab, of Maple Lake, Michael (Amy) Anderson, of Maple Grove and Jeremy (Sharee) Painschab, of Stamford, Texas; eleven great-grandchildren; a sister Alma Pittman, of Ardmore, Oklahoma; along with other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by her husband G.W. Robbins, her daughter Loretta Painschab, her parents and by twelve brothers and sisters.
A visitation was held on Monday, July 8, 2019 at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lake Ridge Care Center in Buffalo.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Robert Rohlin, 87
Robert Lee Rohlin, age 87, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, June 30, 2019. He was born March 14, 1932 in Swea City, IA, the son of George and Elsie (Johnson) Rohlin.
Proceded in death by parents George and Elise (Johnson) Rohlin, brother Roy, sister Dorothy, brother-in-law Bud Letcher and nephew Terry Letcher.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Dee Rohlin; children Cathy (Richard) Johnson, Robb (Jory) Rohlin, Peter Rohlin, Jamie (Amy) Rohlin, Kristin (Dan) Kuhlmann; grandchildren, Rochelle (Bill) Wyers, Zachary (Julie) Clifton, Mackenzie (Taylor) Clifton, Tori (fiancé, Loren Schultz) Clifton, Lauren (Raymen) Rice, Robert(Robbie) Rohlin, Jacob (Courtney) Rohlin, Dakota Bruns, Dylan Rohlin, Hayley Rohlin, Madison Kuhlmann, Connor Kuhlmann; step-granddaughters, Jessica (Joshua) Eull, Heather (Kyle) Anderson; great-grandchildren, Owen Wyers, Avery Anderson, Bailey Eull, Nathan Eull, Dakota Rice, Payton Rice, Noah Rohlin; sister-in-law’s, Phyllis Rohlin and Darlene Geyen; nephews Steve (Nancy) Letcher and Brad Letcher and niece Kaelynn (Bob) Gould.
Bob grew up in Swea City, Iowa. He graduated from Swea City High School and Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis with a degree in Civil Engineering. He worked for Caswell Engineering and in 1965 he and Thore Meyer formed Meyer-Rohlin, Inc. an engineering and land surveying company. Bob served many counties until his retirement.
Bob was proud of his time served in the Army as a radio operator and wiremen, most of which was spent at Fort Benning, Georgia. Fond Army memories of Bob’s were being a driver for Commander John D Eisenhower and the parades that took place during the Presidents visits.
Bob was a member of the Swea City Legion Post 675 and a Buffalo Rotarian. He volunteered with the Boy Scouts, and coached little guy football and little league baseball. Bob also loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s wide range of sporting activities. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, traveling, weekends at cabin and spent many years as a Viking’s season ticket holder.
A special thank you to Dr. Burgdorf, Karen and Allina Buffalo Clinic Staff, Heartland Home Hospice, First Responder Andy Daniels, PCA’s Vivian, Joe and Lori, Father Meyer and Fr. Scherber.
Funeral service was held Friday, July 5, 2019 at 12:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m., at The Peterson Chapel, 119 Central Ave, Buffalo, with Father Nathaniel Meyers as Celebrant. Burial with military honors followed at St. Francis Cemetery in Buffalo.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. 763-682-1363. www.thepetersonchapel.com.
George Schaust, 89
George Edward Schaust, age 89, of Delano, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2019 at his home of 67 years surrounded by family. He was born on March 3, 1930 to Anthony and Elizabeth (Pogreba) Schaust in Franklin Township, alongside his twin sister, Genevieve.
George was a graduate of the Delano Class of 1948. He married Joan Mary Hance in 1952, and they had seven children. George was a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He farmed most of his life, put in 20 years working at the Delano Public Schools, and in retirement he worked at the Rockford Town Hall for another 20 years.
A devoted Catholic, he was a lifelong parishioner of St. Peter’s Church. His love for his family made him a strong provider who always put others before himself. Anyone who knew George can remember his love for dancing, his country, and his faith. His family feels at peace, now that he and his wife of 67 years are enjoying dancing together again in heaven.
George was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Mary (Hance) Schaust, who died on May 17, 2019; his parents, Anthony and Elizabeth (Pogreba) Schaust; his siblings Matilda (John) Florek, Leona (George) Fake, Anthony Schaust, Betty (Rich), Gabrelcik, Joseph Schaust, Loren (Dorothy) Schaust; and brother-in-law’s Glen Litfin and Bob Farniok.
He is survived by his children: George Jr. (Gayle) Schaust, Ranee (Rick) Wagner, Lorri (Jeff) Otto, Randy (Dana) Schaust, Steve (Cindy) Schaust, Molly (Brian) Mellgren, Brian (Tammy) Schaust; 15 grandchildren Heather Daniels, Erica (Seth) Bossert, Andy Schaust, Keith Wagner, Brett Wagner, Ryan (Anne) Otto, Ashley (Adam) Meert, Hannah Schaust, Megan Schaust, Nicholas Mellgren, Kayla (Riley) Dalbey, Scott Mellgren, Allison Schaust, Trevor Schaust, Grace Schaust; nine great-grandchildren: Aurora Daniels, Sam Daniels, Keyton Wagner, Abby Otto, Reese Otto, Liam Young, Kennedy Dalbey, Jackson Dalbey, Carter Mellgren; siblings: Arlene Litfin, Genevieve Farniok, Leonard (Maxine) Schaust, Matt (Estelle) Schaust; and sister-in-law’s Deloris Schaust and Lorraine Schaust.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Delano. Visitation was Wednesday, 4-8 p.m. with 3:30 p.m. Rosary and 7:30 p.m. Prayer Service and continues Thursday, 10-11 a.m., prior to the Mass, all in Martha’s Hall of St. Peter Catholic Church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Delano.
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano.
Steven Smith, 64
Steven O. “Beaver” Smith, age 64, of Montrose passed away on Friday, July 5, 2019 at the Buffalo Hospital.
He was born on April 12, 1955 in Woodland, California. He was raised in Wheatland, North Dakota by his parents Merlon & Magdalena (Stroh) Smith. He married Jeanne (Tinguely) Smith on April 5, 1974, in Buffalo, North Dakota. They had six children in 11 years.
Steve attended elementary school in Wheatland and graduated high school from Central Cass in Casselton, North Dakota. He continued to live in Casselton where he worked as a janitor at the school for many years. He then started his own business installing and refinishing wood floors. Most recently he drove bus for Functional Industries.
Steve was a faithful and active member of the Buffalo Community Assembly of God Church in Buffalo. He loved Jesus and spent much of his time studying the Bible and journaling. He also loved being a grandpa and spending time with his grandkids fishing, playing cards, games, and spoiling them with treats. Additionally, Steve enjoyed woodworking and completed many custom carpentry projects for his family.
Survived by his wife: Marilyn; children: Jessica (Benjamin) Hubbard of Maple Grove, Jacob (Stacie) Smith of St. Michael, Isaac (Andrea) Smith of Prior Lake, Luke (Anne) Smith of Dayton, Bridget (Joseph) Weber and Katherine (Shawn) Ohnstad all of Maple Grove; 18 grandchildren; his parents: Merlon & Maggie Smith; his siblings: Darcy Smith, Harry (Pam) Smith and Lucy Smith-Strouse; step children: Jobel Claire Concha and John Marcel Concha; along with many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Steven “Beaver” Smith will be held on Friday, July 12, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Buffalo Community Assembly of God Church in Buffalo, preceded by a viewing at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Bill Hicks will officiate. A visitation with a viewing will be held on Thursday, July 11, beginning at 5:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the family for funeral expenses would be appreciated.
George Sykora
George “Burt” Sykora passed away peacefully on June 26.
He is survived by wife, Karen and son, Michael. He was preceded in death by father, George and mother, Doris and is survived by two sisters, Audrey (Scott) Mathews of St. Louis, MO and Diane (Clarke) of Ruidoso, NM, and a number of nieces and nephews.
For those who knew Burt, he will always be remembered for his strength of character, his sense of humor and his passion for hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He was also an aviation enthusiast and was a licensed pilot and flight instructor. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
A celebration of Burt’s life will be held at a later date.
Irene Woitalla, 80
Irene C. Woitalla, age 80, of Waverly, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
She was born in a farmhouse outside of Roscoe, on September 4, 1938. The daughter of Peter and Alvina (Schmitz) Kraemer. Irene was joined in Holy Matrimony to Edward S. Woitalla on October 7, 1959 in St. Anna. They were blessed with three sons: Joe, Jim and John. Ed suffered from kidney disease, and Irene took care of him for many years until his death in 1979.
In her life, she enjoyed helping people by donating her time and was very giving of herself. She gave her time to many community activities, finding and donating items people needed, and was involved in foster care as a foster parent, group home and placements for children. Irene loved to entertain, hosting many dinner parties at her home, COF dinners, church events, card clubs, and enjoyed inviting anyone over for holidays when they didn’t have a place to go. Her other hobbies were many, to name a few-cooking, traveling, flowers, dancing, playing cards and anything that involved family.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Church as part of the finance committee, building committee, funeral assistance, religion class instructor, and was a Eucharistic minister. She was also part of the American Legion Auxiliary, a Booster member, city of Waverly election judge, sponsored and planned Joe Woitalla Fishing Expo, and helped organize many other various events.
Irene was employed by Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey and his wife Muriel for many years as their secretary. Later she began to sell insurance, worked for the Mueller Agency, and then opened her own business, Shore Agency. Her son, Joe, joined the business. After selling that business, she continued to provide insurance under the Woitalla Agency. As part of the insurance world, Irene was on many insurance boards.
Irene is survived by her children: James (RoseMary) Woitalla, John (Amy) Woitalla, foster daughter Michelle (Alan) Loch; grandchildren: Daniel Woitalla, Mitchell (Grace) Woitalla, Jacob Marschall, Joshua Marschall, Jackson Marschall, Kaitlin (Trevor) Wendlandt, Kelsey Loch, Brendan Loch; Siblings: Roselin Jonas, Ervin (Ellie) Kraemer, Delroy (Janice) Kraemer, Delrose (Stanley) Symanietz, Alice (Bob) Koylinski, Erma (Donald) Klein, Marlene (Steve) Bresnahan; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband Edward and son Joseph.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at the Church of St. Mary in Waverly. Visitation was Monday, 4-8 p.m. with a 3:30 p.m. Rosary and 7:30 p.m. Prayer Service in St. Mary’s Parish Center. Visitation was continued Tuesday, 9-10:45 a.m. prior to the Mass also in St. Mary’s Parish Center. Interment was in the church cemetery.
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano.
