Obituaries 06/19/25
Gary Biegert, 76
Gary Biegert, age 76, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025.
Gary was born on May 22, 1949, in Buffalo, to Robert and Louise (Olson) Biegert. He grew up in the area and developed a strong connection to his community. On June 8, 1974, Gary married the love of his life, Karen Kalway, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love and laughter.
From a young age, Gary was a hard worker. As a teenager, he worked for Wright County Fish & Game, fostering his love for the outdoors. He then spent over a decade at Otten Brothers Nursery, where he honed his skills in landscaping and tree trimming. Gary found great satisfaction working as a grounds caretaker for David and Barbara (Babs) Koch, where he was known for his dedication.
Gary was deeply involved in his community and dedicated his time to causes he cared about. He was an active member and volunteer with the Knights of Columbus, where he particularly enjoyed selling Christmas trees and engaging with everyone who stopped by. For over twenty years, he also served as a gate security at the Buffalo Rodeo, a role he took great pride in. Gary was also an avid music lover and attended the Winstock Music Festival for 25 years, creating lasting memories with friends and family. In addition, Gary was a dedicated usher and greeter at St. Francis Catholic Church for over four decades, welcoming parishioners with a warm smile.
Gary is lovingly remembered by his wife, Karen; his children, Troy Kalway (Amy Zimmerman), Tracey Biegert, and Curtis (Amy) Biegert; seven grandsons: Dylan, Logan, and Aidan Kalway, Damien (Mackenzie), Brayden, Colten, and Brooks Biegert. He is further survived by bonus grandchildren, Destiny Scharf and Jacob Mickelson.
Gary is also survived by sisters, Loretta (Ron) Tuma, Martha Grunewald, Vionne Rossman, and Noretta (Kevin) Efram; sisters-in-law, Marcia (Leo) Endres, Ruth Kalway, and Judy Kalway; and brothers-in-law, Denny Cleland, and Jim (Shirley) Kalway. He will be deeply missed by his many nieces, nephews, friends, and relatives.
Gary was preceded in death by parents, Robert and Louise Biegert; brothers, Charles and Douglas Biegert; sister, Donna Cleland; brothers-in-law, Bob Rossman, Joe Kalway, and Kenny Kalway; and nephews, John Rossman and Scott Tuma.
Gary’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his family and community will be remembered by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
Visitation for Gary was held Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN. Knights of Columbus Rosary was held on Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial was Monday, June 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation that continued one hour prior to the mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN.
Celebrant was Father Austin Barnes.
Interment was held at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo, MN.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Thomas Blake, 79
Thomas Edgar Blake, of Buffalo, MN, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, at his home surrounded by family, after a long battle of cancer. He was born July 12, 1945, in Brush, CO, to James and Faye Blake. Tom was a dedicated Oilfield Tool Pusher for many oilfield companies all over the US. He took some time away from the oilfield to enjoy farming for Kerksiek Farms in Strasburg, CO. He could not stay away from the oilfield life, so he returned and continued his love for the rigs until retirement. He retired from Royal Drilling, Inc., of Russell, KS. He enjoyed visiting with all of his past employees whom worked under him, spending time with his family and friends, mowing and gardening. His humor and wisdom left an unforgettable mark on everyone he met.
He is survived by: his brother, John Blake; sisters, Margaret Brown and Carol Miller; his sons, James Blake, Terry Blake; and daughter, Sheri Strehlow; stepsons, Travis Snyder, Matthew Crawford, and Chris Crawford; his many grandchildren, of which two included Arthur (AJ) Bartik and Trista Bartik; step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Faye Blake; his wife, Melody Blake; brother, Joseph Blake; sisters, Doris Styaert, Joyce Wong, Neva Miller, Dorthy Vondy, Shirley Covey, and Mary Styaert; his daughter, Tracy Blake; and stepdaughter, Vanessa Hutchins.
At this time, no services are planned.
The Peterson Chapel assisted the family in Buffalo, Minnesota, with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Irmina Holthaus, 95
Irmina Holthaus, age 95, of Buffalo, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at her residence.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 22, from 4-8 P.M. at the FUNERAL HOME. Further visitation will be held on Monday morning, June 23, beginning at 9:30 A.M. until time of Mass at the CHURCH.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Irmina Holthaus will be held on Monday, June 23, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo.
Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Buffalo.
A Full obituary will appear in next week’s paper.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Curtis Schmalz, 78
Curtis “Curt” D. Schmalz, a Vietnam Veteran and longtime resident of Buffalo, MN, died on Tuesday June 3, 2025, at Meeker Manor in Litchfield, MN, at the age of 78.
Curtis Duane Schmalz was born December 28, 1946, in Glencoe, MN, to Alois (Ollie) Rudolph and Hilda Dorothy (Schwartz) Schmalz. He was baptized on January 26, 1947, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Watertown, MN.
Growing up Curt lived in Glencoe, MN, Clarkfield, MN, Grandin, ND, and Cosmos, MN.
Curt was confirmed on April 24, 1960, at Rosendale Immanuel Lutheran Church.
He graduated from Cosmos High School graduating with the Class of 1964.
Curt joined the Navy when he was 17 years old, known as a kiddie cruiser, his mother signed the paperwork so he could enlist. He attended boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes in IL. Curt’s rank was Machinist Mate 3rd Class E4. He served on the USS George K MacKenzie (DD-836), a gearing-class destroyer. Curt was on active duty from July 1, 1964, to December 8, 1967. While in Japan, Curt shipped plates and crystal back home as presents to his mother. Curt was proud to be a Shellback, having experienced the time-honored tradition of crossing the equator and joining the ranks of King Neptune’s court. Curt was a proud patriot and loved sharing stories about his time on the destroyer.
Curt was united in marriage to Barbara (Peterson) on June 12, 1971, at Peace Lutheran Church Cosmos, MN. This union was blessed with one son, Chad.
Curt always provided well for his family, working multiple jobs throughout the years as a welder and then machinist. Curt was employed at Meyer Industries in Redwing MN, Di-Acro in Lake City, MN, Remmele in Big Lake, MN, UMC in Hamel, MN, and Imagineering in St. Louis Park, MN.
He enjoyed woodworking, having made multiple gifts for family and friends and a roll out holder to store paraments for Hosanna Lutheran Church, reading, working on vehicles, visiting with friends, driving his golf cart, and shopping on Amazon. Curt was a Chevrolet man but if you drove a Ford, he would still be your friend. He loved collecting and shooting firearms and was a member of the Monticello Sportsmen Club. Curt liked to laugh and was a natural prankster. Curt and his wife, Barbara, travelled to Branson, MO, with friends in 2016 and 2017.
He loved his family and treasured his friendships. His faith in God was always there with him.
Curt is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Buffalo, MN; son, Chad (Jennifer), of Buffalo Lake, MN; grandchildren, Cody Schmalz, of Buffalo Lake, MN, Brittany Schmalz, of Hutchinson, MN, Alexis Schmalz, of Hutchinson, MN, and Wyatt Schmalz, of Buffalo Lake, MN; his beloved cats; and many other friends and relatives.
Curt is preceded in death by his parents, Alois and Hilda Schmalz; sister, Karen Zander; brothers, Keith and Kenneth Schmalz; and father and mother-in-Law, Donald and Byrnice Peterson.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 11:00 A..M with visitation beginning two hours prior at 9:00 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church – 302 Second Street NE, Buffalo, MN. Interment with military honors will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery of Cedar Mills/Hutchinson.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Floyd Smith, 84
Floyd David Smith, age 84, of Hot Springs, South Dakota, died peacefully in his sleep from bladder cancer on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
He was born on January 23, 1941, to Earl D. and Marie (Gengler) Smith in Litchfield, Minnesota.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1959 and spent the next five years traveling the seas as a boilerman. He was honorably discharged in 1964. He then spent another nine years in the U.S. Navy Reserves where he studied and passed the tests for his G.E.D.
He met the love of his life (Linda Spike) when he went to have supper with his sister, Adel, in an apartment she shared with Linda as a roommate.
He was instructed in the Lutheran faith and became a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1967.
On September 30, 1967, Floyd David Smith and Linda Julie Spike were united in holy matrimony at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Minnesota. They spent almost 58 years together enjoying their life with each other.
He was employed over the years at: Control Data, Elk River Powerplant, Carlson Cement, Buffalo Senior High School, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Laramie River Station, Wheatland, Wyoming, from which he retired after 25 years of service.
He liked to go hunting and trapping with friends. He also collected guns, enjoyed target shooting, riding his Harley, and his 4-wheeler, especially his Teryx with his wife.
Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, Earl. N and Marie Smith; brothers, Charles, Douglas, Sidney; sister Louella Thompson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roy and Hazel Spike.
He is survived by brothers, Francis, John Herman, Roy, Daynor, Vernon; sisters, Barbra Aurentz, Adele Markstead, LaVonne Smith, and Arvilla Haugen; sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Nathanial Sapaude; sister and brother-in-law, Kenneth and Brenda Spike; his beloved wife, Linda; and many relatives, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A celebration of life or a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColleys Funeral Home.
Steven Socher
Steven Michael Socher, of Buffalo, MN, sadly passed away on Tuesday morning, May 27, 2025.
In true Steve fashion, he slipped out the back door when no one was watching. “Hellos” were his favorites, “Good-Byes” not so much.
Family was very important to him, and he had many versions of family: Blood, 12 Step Group, Fishing, Golfing – each of them were very important to him.
So, raise a cup of coffee, cast a line, tee-up a ball for him; that’s the best way to honor your memories with him. Us, we will be putting a brisket in the smoker and setting the table for a “Family Dinner” – one of Steve’s favorite events – we may even set a place for him at the adult table, finally.
Preceded in death by parents, Ambrose and Ethelyn Socher; brothers, Dennis, Robert, Marvin; sister, Karen Dixon; niece, Patty; nephew, DJ; great-niece, Amara.
Survived by his son and daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephew, grandnieces and nephews, and great-grandnieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life: Sunday, June 22, 2025, Buffalo Evangelical Free Church, 2051 50th St. NE, Buffalo, MN 55313, 4 - 7 p.m. Potluck dinner at 4 p.m., service at 5:30 p.m.
You are welcome to view the picture slide show any time: http://www.dropevent.com/StevenSocher.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Wayne Spindler, 88
Wayne Harry Spindler, age 88, of Buffalo, MN, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, at Okalee of Medina.
Wayne’s journey began in Wausau, WI, on February 19, 1937, when he was born to his parents, Erwin and Florence (Kort) Spindler. He grew up in Rothschild, WI, surrounded by numerous extended family members, where he developed his love of family celebrations and the great outdoors. He graduated from D.C. Everest High School in 1955, then studied Electrical Engineering at UW-Madison, where he met the love of his life, Darleen (Goodman) Spindler. Marriage and kids were soon to follow. After completing his degree, he began his career at Honeywell, where he worked for 39 years and made many good friends along the way. Bloomington was “Home” for 30 years, followed by a move to Buffalo, where he enjoyed sharing lake life with family and friends.
Wayne could often be found out on the lakes and in the woods of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado, Canada, and Alaska. He spent many days out in God’s creation camping, boating, hunting, and fishing - always with family and/or friends. Bowling, card clubs, golf, Y’s-Men’s Christmas Tree Sales, Kiwanis, sailing, traveling, trap shooting, and fixing things kept him “on the go” over the years. He supported his kids and grandkids at many of their events. After retirement, he enjoyed wintering in Florida for 21 years. His favorite way to unwind was to enjoy the sunset in the company of his loved ones.
Wayne was a devoted family man, patiently passing on many skills to his kids, including the ability to solve problems. He regularly attended churches wherever he lived and had accepted Jesus’ grace in his life. He was playful with his grandkids and placed a high importance on being there for his family. He lovingly cared for his wife as she battled illness. He missed her deeply for the next 19 years as he continued his own journey while living with Parkinson’s Disease. Though Parkinson’s slowed him down considerably, he still treasured time with family and friends until he was taken to be with Jesus, his Savior, and was finally reunited with Darleen. His great smile, fun-loving and friendly personality will be remembered by all those who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Darleen; and his two sisters and their husbands, Gladys (Don) Borchardt, and Jeanette (Roy Dean, Jack) Kearns.
Wayne is survived by his three children and their spouses, Laura (Paul) Lundeen, of Buffalo, Mark (Jody) Spindler, of Medina, Kent (Amy) Spindler, of Hugo; plus, many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Anna (Anthony) Lundeen Spano, Max (Steph) Lundeen, Mackenzie (Kyle) Truax, Carter Spindler, Dawson Spindler, Emma Spindler, Grace (Wyatt) Spindler Edler, and Ben Spindler. He has three great-grandchildren, Taryn and Emery Truax, and Arlo Lundeen.
We are thankful for the caring staff of Grace Hospice, and the many loving family, friends, and caregivers who have been a blessing in Dad’s life in his last years and days.
Celebration of Life is at Buffalo Covenant Church on Friday, June 20, at 9:30 A.M. visitation, 11 A.M. service, and luncheon at noon. Burial service to follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Livestream will be available during the service at Buffalocov.org/live.
Arrangements are being handled by The Peterson Chapel. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
