Obituaries 9/19/19

Harvey Grangroth, 87

Harvey Eldon Grangroth, age 87, of Cokato, passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at Cokato Manor.

He was born November 21, 1931 at home in Waverly, to Herman and Alina (Davo) Grangroth. Harvey was baptized and confirmed at the First Apostolic Church of Cokato.

He attended McKinley Country School in Waverly, until 1945. On June 6, 1953, he was united in marriage to Verna Arvola at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church in Sebeka. This union was blessed with 13 children. They made their home farming in Waverly, until 1961, when they moved to Cokato. They continued to farm until they moved to town in 2003.

Harvey loved spending time with his family, and baking apple pies and cinnamon rolls, canning and selling at the farmers market. Faith being very important to Harvey, he was a current active member of the Cokato First Apostolic Lutheran Church.

Harvey is survived by: his children, Rebecca Grangroth, Deborah (Robert) Lasanen, Paul (Peggy) Grangroth, Bonita (Charles) Nikula, Diana Grangroth, Julia Grangroth, Timothy (Linda) Grangroth, Theodore Grangroth, Ann (David) Jones, Maria (Daryl) Martin, Wayne (Karen) Grangroth, Steven (Jodi) Grangroth, and Suzanne Bourque, foster nephew, Richard (Dorene) North; 63 grandchildren; 74 great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert (Luella) Grangroth, Eva Wuollet.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; wife, Verna; sisters, Hazel Epple, Helen Peterson, Anna Bohjanen, and Bernice North; brothers, Howard and Harry Grangroth; grandson, Trent Grangroth; and great-grandson, Danny Lasanen.

A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 14. Visitation was on Friday, September 13, from 5-8 p.m., and continued one hour prior to the service on Saturday. All held at the Cokato First Apostolic Lutheran Church.

Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato.

Nancy Gray, 75

Nancy Jo Anderson Gray, died quietly on Monday, September 2, 2019 at her home in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. The daughter of Carl E. and Arna Evelina Anderson, she was born on March 31, 1944 at The Swedish Hospital, Minneapolis.

Upon graduation from Buffalo High School in 1962, Nancy perused her professional career at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. She received a Bachelor of Music degree, in 1970 and earned a Master of Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, 1980. Her career at Westminster spanned over four decades. Nancy served in numerous capacities with in the Westminster Choir College, including educator, researcher, historian, and authority on the life and work of Dr. Erik Routley, the British theologian and hymnologist. In which she received three funded research leaves to England, which resulted in several papers and Dr. Routley’s biography.

Nancy is survived by: brother, Gary M. (Betty) Anderson, Buffalo; nephews, Toby Anderson, Bagley, Eric Anderson, Bagley, Jesse Anderson, Bemidji; niece, Catherine Main, Buffalo.

“Celebration of Life” service will be Saturday, October 5 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Solebury Episcopal Church, New Hope, Pennsylvania.

Kenneth Kalway, 72

Kenneth J. Kalway, age 72, of Monticello, died Saturday, September 14, 2019 at the St. Cloud Hospital.

Family will receive friends at a Celebration of Life Reception from 12-2 p.m. on Friday, September 20, at the Monticello VFW.

Kenneth James Kalway was born December 13, 1946 in Buffalo to Raymond and Eva (Elletson) Kalway. He graduated from Buffalo High School with the Class of 1964.

On February 27, 1965, Ken was united in marriage to Judy Spike in Buffalo. He worked as a mechanic, owning and operating Ken’s Service in Monticello. Ken enjoyed riding motorcycle and snowmobile, fishing, hunting, camping, golfing and bowling. He loved to spend time with friends and family.

Ken is survived by: his wife, Judy Kalway; sons and daughter, Lenny Kalway of Hasty, Sandy (Stacy) Kalway of Foley, Christine Kalway (Scott Bitzer) of Howard Lake and Robb Kalway of Daytona, FL; mother, Eve Ordorf of Buffalo; sisters and brother, Marcia (Leo) Endres of Buffalo, Jim (Shirley) Kalway of Monticello and Karen (Gary) Biegert of Buffalo; sister-in-law, Ruth Kalway; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Kalway; brother, Joe Kalway; step-father, Louis Ordorf; and step-mother, Margaret Kalway.

Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Maple Lake.

Chester Kottke Sr., 96

Chester Edward Kottke Sr., age 96, of Corcoran passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at Park View Care Center in Buffalo. 

He was born on June 13, 1923 in Hanover the son of Conrad & Elizabeth (Saenger) Kottke.

Chester valued his family of five children, thirteen grandchildren, thirty-one great grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

He was a genuine people person, which he lived out as an entertainer, salesmen, bus driver, outstanding senior citizen, senior citizen president and multiple different careers and hobbies.

Chester was baptized, confirmed and a lifelong, faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover.

Chester is survived by: his children, Chester (Judy) Kottke Jr. of St. Francis, Marilyn (Kurt) Dahlen of Longville, Dianne (Robert) Griffith of Gary, South Dakota, Randy (Cecelia) Kottke of Princeton and Russ (Cindy) Kottke of St. Michael; significant other, Lori Stevens of St. Michael; many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Conrad & Elizabeth (Saenger) Kottke; his wife, Arlean (Laurent) Kottke; a sister, Gladys (Walter) Witte; a brother, Lawrence Kottke; an infant, granddaughter Kimberly Vollbrecht; great-grandson, Joseph Gorsegner; son-in-law, Douglas Vollbrecht; and by an infant great-grandson, Jesse Mahler.

Funeral Services for Chester Kottke Sr. will be held on Thursday, September 19, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover. Pastor Luke Schmidt will officiate. Interment will follow at The Hanover City Cemetery. A visitation was held on Wednesday, September 18, from 4-7 p.m., at The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. Further visitation will be held on Thursday morning, September 19 one hour prior to services at the church.

Honorary Casket Bearers will be granddaughters:  Robin Wallace, Rita Kottke, Briana Winkelman, Rhonda Jacobson, Pam Weimer, Jodi Miller and Jana Grifford.

Casket Bearers will be grandsons: Chad Vollbrecht, Clayton Kottke, Casey Kottke, Michael Richardson, Steven Richardson and Brent Kottke.

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

Michael Nelson, 50

Michael Brendan Nelson (Goding), age 50, of Sandstone, passed away on September 4, 2019. He was born in Wheaton, on June 14, 1969 to Thomas and Vicki (Nelson) Goding. When Mike was eight years old, he and his family moved from Minnetonka to Loretto, where he spent most of his childhood.

After attending school in Rockford, he worked various jobs in the area as a machinist. He worked for CB Quality and also worked in his Dad’s shop. Mike liked to dabble in numerous entrepreneurships when he wasn’t working as a machinist. He loved woodworking and being able to build projects around the house.

Mike was known for being a very kind and open person. He was easy to get along with and had a big, generous heart. Known for his outgoing personality, he was able to make friends quickly and formed many long-lasting friendships. He was someone you couldn’t forget because of his sense of humor; he was the practical joker of the family! Mike did have a soft side, and loved animals, especially his two cats. Throughout the past several years, he found a new connection in his faith; Jesus was his best friend.

Mike recently found his new home in Sandstone. He loved the area, being able to hunt and fish and made so many new friends. In fact, he designed and was in the process of building his own house with the help of many of his new friends. Mike loved taking his motorcycle for rides in the area and was a member of a motorcycle club in the Pine City area called, “The Jack Pine Riders.” Spending time riding on the open road was one of his favorite hobbies.

He was preceded in death by: his father, Tom; and grandma, Margie.

Mike is survived by: his son, Zach Heiskary; mother, Vicki Goding; siblings, Jeremy (Kelly) and Juli (Rob); former spouse, Kris Nelson and her son, Kole Krueger; and many other relatives and close friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, September 22, at 2 p.m. with visitation one hour prior at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo and online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Maxine Schaust, 86

Maxine V. Schaust, age 86 of Delano, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 surrounded by her loving family on the family farm. She was born on January 2, 1933 to Martin and Hazel (McAlpine) Wurm in Maple Lake.

Maxine was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many. She was united in marriage to Leonard P. Schaust on August 11, 1954 at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake.

Maxine and Leonard farmed together. She was the consummate homemaker and farmer. She was the epitome of a hostess and loved to entertain. Maxine was known for her generosity. She took great care in keeping her house, gardens and farm looking impeccable. She loved to cook, bake homemade bread, and canning the bounty of the garden. She and Len had a love for dancing Polkas and playing cards. She never missed a family birthday or important family date.

Maxine was preceded in death by: her parents, Martin and Hazel Wurm; an infant daughter; twin grandsons, Cole and Chase Grams; siblings Agnes (Sylvester) Piram, Grace (Leo) Rasset, Thomas Wurm, Timothy (Marie) Wurm, Mary (Bill) Jandro, Roy Wurm; brothers-in-law, Allen Decker, Richard Smith, Wayne Jude.

Maxine is survived by: her husband, Leonard, Sr. of 65 years; children, Leonard (Laurie) Schaust, Jr., Luann (Dale) Hoese, Gary (Deb) Schaust, Sandy (Rick) Grams, Betty (Charlie) Checkal, David (Shellie) Schaust; 18 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; siblings Sister Betty Wurm (Sr. Martha Merriman), Eloise Smith, Hazel Decker, Jim (Marlene) Wurm, Arlene Jude; sisters-in-law Margaret Wurm and Ann Cruikshank; as well as many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 17, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Delano. Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m., Monday, and continued 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, all in Martha’s Hall of St. Peter Catholic Church in Delano..A Rosary Service occurred at 3:30 p.m. and a Prayer Service at 7:45 p.m. on Monday in Martha’s Hall..Interment was in the Calvary Cemetery in Delano.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home of Delano.

Orville Schuman, 89

Orville LeRoy Schuman, age 89, of St. Michael, passed away Monday, September 16, 2019. He was born April 12, 1930 in Montrose, the son of Arthur and Luella (Schaunamann) Schumann.

Orville grew up in Watertown. He was a faithful member of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Greenfield.

Orville enjoyed bowling with his bowling league for 50 years, watching football and baseball- he was an avid Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan, vacations up north with his family, and joyfully teasing his grandchildren.

On October 14, 1951, Orville Schuman and Glenora Lieder were united in marriage. The two were blessed with three children: Gordie, Gayle and Mark.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Arthur and Luella Schumann; infant sibling; sisters, LaDonna Lange, Janice Major; and brother, Darvin Schumann.

Orville is survived by: his loving wife of 67 years, Glenora Schuman; children, Gordie (Sandy) Schuman, Gayle (James) Wooster, Mark (Carleen) Schuman; grandchildren, Jeremy (Amy) Schuman, Joel (Robyn) Schuman, Jacob (Tiffany) Wooster, Kelsey (Steve) Galonska, Adam Schuman, Amanda (Collin) Anderson; great-grandchildren, Cort, Keily, Lauren, Gage, Tate and Ryan Schuman; brother, Loren (Jeanne) Schumann; sister, LeAnn (Milan) Stender; brother-in-law, Gaylerd (Diane) Lieder; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Funeral service will be Monday, September 23, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m., at Salem Ev. Lutheran Church in Greenfield. Interment to follow at Salem Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Salem Ev. Lutheran Church in Greenfield.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home.

Rudy Tokkesdal, 79

Rudy Nielsen Tokkesdal, age 79, of Buffalo, passed away Saturday, September 14, 2019. He was born April 17, 1940 in Buffalo Lake, the son of John and Dora (Krueger) Tokkesdal.

Rudy was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo Lake. He graduated from Buffalo Lake High School with the class of 1958.

After graduating high school, Rudy briefly worked as a farmhand in Albertville and then owned and drove a Standard Oil delivery truck while living in Annandale. In 1961, Rudy worked for Minnesota Rubber for 42 years until his retirement. Rudy and his family moved to Buffalo in 1962, where he also drove truck part time for Ron Lohse. In 1966, they bought their current house that they reside in today.

Rudy met the love of his life, Joyce, at a polka dance. Their first dance was to the Blue Skirt Walz, and any time that song came on during all the dances they enjoyed throughout life, they made sure they always danced that song together. On May 15, 1959, Rudy Tokkesdal and Joyce Mahlstedt were united in marriage at Stockholm Lutheran Church in Cokato. The two were blessed with four children.

One of Rudy’s greatest passions was old-time polka dancing with Joyce. The two would travel all over the US visiting many polka festivals. They enjoyed three trips together to Oktoberfest in Germany and to Denmark to visit the Tokkesdal native homestead. Through their love of polka dancing, they met many lifetime friends.

After retirement, Rudy and Joyce became “Winter Texans” in Mission, TX for six months out of the year. They enjoyed old time music in the valley, and Rudy was the emcee for the Polka Jam Sessions at W & I Park.

Rudy enjoyed traveling with Joyce, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, camping, antique shopping, collecting beer cans and beer steins, as well as John Deere Tractors. Rudy had vintage John Deere’s restored that he could pass on to his family.

Rudy was a dedicated family man, always providing for his family. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s events, and he was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Following Joyce’s stroke in 2010, Rudy dedicatedly cared for her until the past few months when his health was ailing.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Dora Tokkesdal, John and Annie Tokkesdal; parents-in-law, Max and Marion Mahlstedt; infant daughter, Doris Tokkesdal; grandson, Jarod VonRueden; sister, Esther Schmalz; brother-in-law, Jim Aufderheide; infant sister-in-law, Marvel Mahlstedt.

Rudy will be dearly missed by: his loving wife of 60 years, Joyce Tokkesdal; children, Wayne (Sharon) Tokkesdal of Buffalo, Renee (Peter) VonRueden of Clyman, WI, Randy Tokkesdal of Buffalo; grandchildren, Julie (Nick) Pagano, Jamie Tokkesdal-Harms, John (Laura) Tokkesdal, Jolene (Jesse) Hawes, Aaron VonRueden, Alison Tokkesdal, Jack Tokkesdal; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Sylvia Aufderheide; siblings-in-law, Marvin Schmalz, Gloria (Dick) Paul, Dennis (Adele) Mahlstedt, Shirley (Bill) Havisto; and many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Visitation was held Wednesday, September 18, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Funeral service will be Thursday, September 19, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Interment at Howard Lake Cemetery in Howard Lake.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo.