Obituaries 03/05/26
Gladys Aarestad, 87
Gladys Ann Aarestad, age 87, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, in Buffalo, MN. Born September 4, 1938, in Eagle Bend, MN, to Gladys and Sverre Haughdahl.
Ann was a loving, thoughtful, and compassionate person whose presence touched the lives of all who knew her. Ann loved spending time with her family and friends. She cherished traveling with her late husband, Charles, and especially enjoyed playing cards with the girls, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Her kindness, generosity, and love for life will be deeply missed by everyone who had the opportunity of knowing her.
Ann graduated from Minnetonka High School, class of 1956 and went on to work for Monarch Inc. She was highly respected and appreciated for advancement of women at the corporate level. She was nominated for the “Women of Sara Lee” program and retired as the divisional controller of the Minneapolis branch.
Ann is survived by her children, Laurie (Michael) Weigel, Cheryl Ernesti, Joe(LaVonne) Mielke; sister, Barbara (Pat) Klein; grandchildren, Chad (Courtney) Mielke, Katie (Matt) Adams, Justin (Marit) Ernesti, Crystal (Jonathon) Boike, Robert (Brandy) Randall, William (Gabrielle) Randall; great-grandchildren, Jayden, Zephinah, Kyleigh, Rylee, Danielle (Carter), Jemma, Maclaine, Ben, Nick, Donovan, Austin; great-great-grandchild, Hadley.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Sverre Haughdahl; daughter, Vickie Mielke; her first husband, Edgar Mielke; her second husband, Charles Aarestad; sister, Marjorie Holden; brother, Jack Haughdahl.
A Prayer service will be held at The Peterson Chapel, 119 Central Avenue, Buffalo, MN, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, with a visitation at 1:00 P.M. and a Prayer Service at 2:00 P.M.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Peyton Brenny, 25
Peyton Andrew Brenny, age 25, of Montrose, MN, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes from an unknown medical condition on February 24, 2026.
Peyton was a warm-hearted, fun-loving soul whose presence brought laughter and curiosity into the lives of those around him. Known for his quick wit and unmistakable sarcastic humor, a clever comeback was guaranteed and never far behind his smile.
Peyton graduated from Buffalo High School in 2019, where he participated in track and field. He later worked at Buffalo Hospital in the registration department, where his knowledge and kind nature were appreciated by coworkers and those he served.
He had a deep passion for history and was an avid reader, always eager to learn something new. Peyton also enjoyed gourmet cooking and took pride in experimenting with food and flavors. In his free time, he loved gaming and listening to heavy metal music, interests that reflected both his creativity and individuality.
Never one to shy away from unique pursuits, Peyton began hunting with a cousin and developed an interest in taxidermy, even crafting his own squirrel skull necklace. While planning an Iceland trip with friends, he discovered a love for bonsai tree collecting—another reflection of his curiosity and appreciation for detail.
Peyton’s intelligence, humor, and wide-ranging interests made him unforgettable. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Peyton is survived by his parents, Christopher Brenny and Jennifer Brenny (Tony Haven); siblings, Eli Brenny and Autumn Brenny (Zach Symanietz); grandparents Rick and Diane Johnson and Jeanne Brenny; great grandparents, Jerry Haugh Steinberg and Bob and Delores Chapman; aunts and uncles, Skip (Becky) Johnson, Michael (Sarah) Brenny, Bryan (Katie) Brenny, Shannon (Nabeel) Benalshaikh, Stacy (Scott) Anderson, Michael (Alison) Johnson, Eric (Amber) Johnson, Tony Johnson.
Loved by many cousins, friends, special friend, Christi Lombardi, and his cat, Mochi.
Preceded in death his grandfather, Douglas Brenny; and cousin, Drake Johnson.
Visitation for Peyton was held Monday, March 2, 2026, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel, 119 Central Avenue, Buffalo, MN.
Funeral service was held Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation continuing one hour prior to the service at Buffalo Covenant Church, 1601 Hwy. 25 N, Buffalo, MN.
Casket bearers for Peyton were his guy cousins, Jordan Anderson, Jace Anderson, Mahdi Benalshaikh, Dominic Johnson, Jonah Anderson, Ethan Brenny, Ryder Johnson, and Levi Brenny.
Luncheon at the church followed the service.
Private family interment at a later date.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Charlene Hillstrom, 83
Charlene Beatrice (Hill, Karvonen) Hillstrom, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on February 18, 2026, at the age of 83. She was born on March 13, 1942, in Detroit, MI, to Karl and Emma Hill. The family moved multiple times during her childhood: first to Astoria, OR; then to Redridge, MI; and they settled in Minneapolis, MN. Charlene specialized in cooking and graduated from Miller Vocational High School in 1960. She worked at a cafeteria and as a keyboard operator at Northwestern National Bank.
She married Kenneth Karvonen on March 12, 1966. They lived in Minneapolis, MN, and Minnetonka, MN, before moving to their home in Delano, MN, where they lived for thirty years and lovingly raised their family of eight children. She worked as a seamstress – meticulously reweaving fine dress clothes for clients. In 2003, they moved to Park Rapids, MN, where Charlene served as the kitchen head at Stony Lake Camp. Ken and Charlene were blessed with 41 years of marriage before Ken passed away in 2007.
Charlene married David Hillstrom on October 26, 2014. They enjoyed many wonderful retirement years together: traveling and visiting with family and friends near and far. They lived in Monticello, MN, for eight years – always readily welcoming visitors into their home. In 2022, they moved to Buffalo, MN where Charlene spent her final years and was called home to eternal life. She is remembered by her loved ones for her caring and attentive nature and her heart of service. Her kitchen was full of delicious, warm, homemade food. She always made sure everyone had enough to eat and overnight guests had enough blankets to stay warm. She found contentment in serving others and had a special way of making those around her feel loved. Living faith was dear to Charlene, and her memory remains in us as a quiet, practical, and loving example.
Charlene is survived by her husband, David; children, Susan (Matt) Jurmu, Sheila (Steven) Muhonen, Sheryl Karvonen, Stephen (Tracy) Karvonen, Karen Riley, Denise (Ross) Hillukka, Janelle (David) Lieder, and Lisa (Allan) Johnson; 61 grandchildren; 88 great-grandchildren; siblings, Calvin (Judy) Hill, Carla (Milton) Swimmer, Christine Lafleur, Cathryn (Dennis) Potvin; sister-in-law, Dorothy Rice; stepchildren, Kevin (Carol), Brian (Patricia), Sharon (Ron) Skoog, Linda (Kevin) Gilmore, Peggy (Karlo) Hillukka, Douglas (Beth), Brent (Kathy), Scott (Rachel), Jane Carlson, Mary (Dave) Rigo, Aaron (Susie), Beth (Paul) Huhta, Keith (Karen), Kurt, Carrie (Scott) Haataja; and many more family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Karvonen; one infant grandchild; two infant great-grandchildren; parents, Karl and Emma Hill; siblings, Clifford (Terry), Clyde; and infant, sister Irene; brothers-in-law, William Solomon and Charles Lafleur; and step-son-in-law, Nathan Carlson.
Services were held Saturday, February 21, at 4:00 p.m. at the Rockford Laestadian Church in Buffalo, MN.
Interment was at Balmi Cemetery in Wolf Lake, MN.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Margery Lenneman, 93
Margery M. (Rotenburger) Lenneman, age 93, formerly of St. Michael, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Park View Care Center in Buffalo.
She was born on April 23, 1932, in Washington, Iowa, the daughter of Paul and Helen (Bopp) Rotenburger.
On November 25, 1955, Margery Rotenburger and Richard Lenneman were united in holy matrimony at St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael. God blessed their marriage with eight children.
She was a faithful member of St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael and a proud member of the St. Michael American Legion Auxiliary Post #567.
She found great joy in baking – especially her homemade Sunday-morning buns – making pretzels with family, researching family history, and playing cards, with Kings in the Corner and Peanuts among her favorites. Above all, she treasured time spent watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.
Margery is survived by her children, Kenneth (Cheryl) Lenneman, Jerry (Laurie) Lenneman, Jane Lenneman (Merlin Valerius), Michael (Sherri) Lenneman, Nancy (LeRoy) Berning, Patrick (Janet) Lenneman and Ann (Kevin) Bistodeau; ten grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren; brother, Larry (Judy) Rotenburger; along with many other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by her husband, Richard (2012); and infant daughter, Susan; her parents; sister, Patty; and brother, Elmer.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff at Park View Care Center and Trinity Hospice for their compassionate care and support during Margery’s stay at Park View.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Margery M. Lenneman will be held on Thursday, March 5, 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 St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in St. Michael, MN.
A visitation was held on Wednesday, March 4, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. A Prayer Service was held at 6:00 p.m. by Deacon Steve Dupay. Further visitation will be held at the church on Thursday morning, prior to Mass, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Casket Bearers will be grandchildren, Sarah Clark, Emily Julson, Jenna Koeppe, Adam Lenneman, Eric Lenneman, and Luke Lenneman.
The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Barbara Mainquist, 86
Barbara “Barb” Mainquist of Buffalo, MN, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the age of 86. She was born on December 3, 1939, in Cokato, MN. She grew up in the Buffalo/Monticello area on her family’s dairy farm.
She was actively involved in all things fiber: wool, yarn, spinning, knitting, weaving, and felting. She truly enjoyed the creative process and teaching these skills to others. When she wasn’t busy with fiber arts, she spent much of her time with her Dryriders MC group, friends, and family. She truly enjoyed traveling on her motorcycle and spending weekends camping with her group and loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice Robinson, Eleanor Robinson; and siblings, Mary Corder, Joanne Robinson, and Jean Robinson.
She is survived by her by her spouse, Vance Mainquist; children, Christopher (Cindy) Paumen, Calvin Paumen, Lisa (Ralph) Benner, Sara Mainquist, and Carrie Mainquist; siblings, Arnold Robinson (Linda Rian) and Richard (Carol) Robinson.
Survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as two great-great-grandchildren.
Celebration of Life will be held this spring or summer to honor Barb. We have chosen this timing to embrace the outdoors, which she loved so dearly. We will share more specific details regarding the date, time, and location once they are finalized.
The family would like to thank The Wellstead of Rogers and Moments Hospice for the care and compassion they showed Barb in her final days.
Gary McFadden, 77
Gary Eugene McFadden, 77, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, surrounded by family after a short bout with pneumonia and influenza.
Born October 26, 1948, in Alexandria, Minnesota, he was the youngest of four children of George and Irene McFadden. He spent his childhood in Sauk Centre, Minnesota where he built his faith in God, being baptized and confirmed, while attending 1st Congregational Church.
As he entered his freshman year in high school, the family moved to south Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he graduated from Rosevelt High School. Gary proudly served as a jet engine mechanic in the United States Air Force for 4 years. He served one tour in Vietnam and was honorably discharged from active duty obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant in May of 1972.
In his early life, he was married to Patricia Mickelsen, with whom he had his son, Gene. He later found enduring love with Beverly Hayes after meeting her at Humbolt Institute. They married on April 22, 1975, and shared over 50 wonderful years of marriage. Together they welcomed three more children: Kimberly (Anderson), Grant and Garth and enjoyed raising their family in their home on Lake Pulaski in Buffalo, MN.
Gary followed his father’s footsteps into the auto body industry, working as a technician, shop manager, insurance adjuster, and finishing his career at NAPA Auto Parts.
He treasured time spent in the woods hunting for deer, but his true passion was fishing for largemouth bass. Gary also was a devoted sports fan, especially of the Minnesota Vikings and college basketball.
He was a dedicated member of the American Legion Post #270, Mizpah Lodge #191, and the Minnesota Scottish Rite.
Gary is survived by his wife, Beverly; children, Gene (Angie), Kimberly Anderson (Joel), Grant (Brittany), and Garth (Amanda); grandchildren, Garrett McFadden (Ali), Brenna McFadden (Fiancé John), Liam Anderson, Greta McFadden, Grace McFadden, Maya McFadden, Reese McFadden, Quinn McFadden, and Lola McFadden; his sister, Georgia Pollock; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Duane and Mary Hayes; many nieces and nephews and other cherished family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parent, George and Irene McFadden; sisters, Irma Warner and Linda Goulette; brothers-in-law, Bill Pollock and Bill Goulette; Patricia (Mickelsen) Riddell (Gene’s Mom) and infant granddaughter, Joss (Garth and Amanda).
Gary’s legacy of love, family and passion for the outdoors will be remembered by all who knew him.
Services will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 11024 Church St NE, Hanover, MN 55341. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life service at 12:00 PM. A luncheon will be served at the church following the service. Interment will be at a later date at Camp Ripley Cemetery in Little Falls, MN.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to Conservation Minnesota at Donate | Conservation MN. Gary was an avid outdoorsman, was an active donor to the Department of Natural Resources and enjoyed reading the publications of the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer.
We extend our deepest appreciation for the exceptional care and compassion Gary received during his time at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. The family also wishes to express our deepest gratitude for all the prayers, thoughts, acts of kindness and expressions of sympathy. WE HAVE BEEN TRULY BLESSED!! - The family of Gary McFadden
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com
Marylou Veaderko, 87
Marylou Ceile (Vail) Veaderko, beloved mother and grandmother, 87, of Delano MN, passed away February 27 after a brief illness.
Marylou is preceded in death by her husband, Harlan Veaderko; parents, Agnes and Howard Vail; sisters, Dorothy Langanki and Betty Weber.
Marylou is survived by her children, Cheryll (Gordon) Sanderson, Patricia Lindquist (Gilbert Remer), Michael Veaderko, Daniel (Kathy) Veaderko; eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Kitty Bock; and many nieces and nephews.
Interment will take place on Saturday, April 4, at 12:00 noon, at the Delano Public Cemetery, County Rd. 17 S, Delano, MN, followed by a ‘Celebration of Life’ at the Delano American Legion event room, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Georgina Vokaty, 88
Georgina Ann (Jean) Vokaty
January 19, 1938 - February 27, 2026
Georgina Ann “Jeannie” Vokaty, age 88, of Buffalo, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Park View Care Center, surrounded by loving family members.
She was born on January 19, 1938, in Minneapolis.
Jeannie was a loving mother who devoted her life to her family, and later worked as a crew member at McDonald’s. She was a past member of The United Methodist Church in Buffalo. Her favorite Bible verse was Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Jeannie will be lovingly remembered by her children: Chris Vokaty; Randy (Laurie) Vokaty; Linda Nelson; David Vokaty; and Tim (Angie) Vokaty. She is also survived by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Lana Jane (Stafford) Baker.
A Memorial Service for Georgina Ann Vokaty will be held on March 9th at the Chapel of Park View Care Center. The visitation will begin at 1 p.m. with the funeral service starting at 2 p.m. Chaplain Dan Osborne will officiate.
A private family interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Park View Care Center https://www.parkviewsenior.org/donate/ or Triniti Hospice Care https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/triniti-home-health-and-h...
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Park View Care Center for the compassionate care they provided to Jeannie throughout her six-and-a-half-year stay.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Dale Wagner, 76
Dale Bradly Wagner, 76, passed away on February 23, 2026, quietly at home surrounded by his family.
He was born in Bertha, Minnesota, on January 30, 1950, to Edward and Jeannine (Johnson) Wagner, the first of their three sons.
After graduating from the University of Minnesota, he continued his education at William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul. He was admitted to the bar in April, 1974. Most of his legal career was spent in Cambridge, Minnesota, where he specialized in the areas of real estate and estate planning.
On October 11, 1975, he married Tonia Weldele, of Buffalo, Minnesota. They were blessed with three children, Amber Elizabeth, Levi Anthony, and Frank Joseph. They made their home in Cambridge for 40 years.
In 2018, they moved to Big Lake, Minnesota, where Dale spent a lot of time finishing their new home on two-plus acres. He was a talented wood worker and made bookcases and a fireplace mantel.
As an attorney, he was highly regarded. To his family and friends, he was held in high esteem. He was loved and will be missed.
He is survived by his wife, Tonia; daughter, Amber Loberg (Matthew) and their children, August, Edward, and Adaline; sons, Levi and wife, Melinda, and Frank and wife, Emma, and their son, Roger. Also survived by brothers, Michael (Terri) Wagner and Randy Wagner.
Dale was preceded in death by his stillborn daughter, Veronica Mary; parents, Edward and Jeannine Wagner; sister-in-law, Teresa Wagner; in-laws, Jerome and Lucille Weldele; brother-in-law, John Weldele; and niece, Emma Handt.
Evening visitation was held Sunday, March 1, 2026, at The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael – Albertville, 300 Main Street North, from 3:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., with a prayer service that began at 6:00 P.M. Rosary was recited following the prayer service.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, March 2, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation beginning one hour prior at the St. Michael Catholic Church, 11300 Frankfort Pkwy. NE, St. Michael, MN. Inurnment followed at St. Mark’s Cemetery in rural Buffalo.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael Albertville. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Penny Welch, 78
Penny LaRue Welch, age 78, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on February 26, 2026.
Penny was born the daughter of Alder and Louise (Navratil) Bergstrom on October 29, 1947, in Breckenridge, MN.
On July 23, 1966, Penny Bergstrom was joined in holy marriage to LeRoy Welch in Richfield. God blessed their marriage with two children.
Penny was a part of the quilting group and a faithful member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo. She and Lee were a couple that did everything together. A couple of her greatest loves was the time spent together restoring and showing classic cars; also knitting and quilting with her friends and family.
For years Penny worked as a supervisor for Inbound Telemarketing at the Betty Crocker order desk. She received calls from customers who were calling in to redeem their Betty Crocker points.
Above all her greatest love was the love that she had for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The memories made and the stories told will be treasured by all involved for years to come.
Penny is survived by her children, Bradley (Connie) Welch, of Rushford, MN, and Brenda (Jeffrey) Mader, of Buffalo, MN; four grandchildren, Gary (Sarah) Welch, Cody (Tracy) Welch, Lacey Mader (Benjamin Becker), and Braxten Mader; great-grandchildren, Addilyn Hotchkiss, Ila and Ivy Welch, and baby Welch coming soon; also other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy; parents, Alder and Louise Bergstrom; sister, Patty Schultz.
Memorial service for Penny will be held Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN.
Officiating will be Pastor Ryan Clark.
Luncheon to be held at the church following the service.
Interment will be held Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., Assembly Area #4 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Mark Ziegler, 67
Mark Ziegler, 67, Born July 27th, 1958, in Arlington, Minnesota died peacefully in his home in Buffalo, Minnesota with his two favorite girls near, his life partner Sandy and daughter Karrisa, in the beginning hours of February 28th, 2026.
Mark was raised on his family farm in Green Isle, MN, moved to Iowa, then back to Minnesota, and finally settled in Buffalo for the last 34 years with his partner Sandy.
Mark put his whole heart into everything he did. He was passionate about woodworking and building things, refurbishing old cast iron pans, collecting music, making pens, and the list goes on and on and on. Along with his art Mark was an award-winning pool player having been in many pool leagues and on several teams. He was the most talented, detail-oriented grill master and chef always coming up with fun meals for his family. He was so passionate about cats having loved them since he was a child and rescued many throughout his life, even caring for the neighborhood strays. Of all the accomplishments Mark had, his most important were the two children he raised as his own Karrisa and Jerrit.
Mark is preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Deloris Ziegler, his sister Pat (Patricia) Gillitzer and brother-in-law Steve Gillitzer, and many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his life partner Sandy Heacock, his children he loved like his own Karrisa and Jerrit Eull, his four beloved cats Flo, Flora, Floyd, and Lizzy, his four sisters, Marie “Gene” Obar, Betty “Ron” Rauschendorfer, Judy “Clay” Miller, and Cindy “Rigo” Vazquez, his four brothers, Rick “Jane” Ziegler, Dave (David) Ziegler, Bruce “Paula” Ziegler, and Steve “Becky” Ziegler, and countless nieces and nephews.
There will be a celebration of life at Peterson Chapel in Buffalo Minnesota from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday, March 7th, 2026. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Buffalo Humane Society in Mark’s name.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com
