Obituaries 03/20/25

Gary Gabrelcik, 80

Gary Arthur Gabrelcik, 80, from Delano, MN, died February 17, 2025, at Grossmont Hospital in Le Mesa, CA. He is already missed greatly, and had been a trooper, soldiering through the many health issues he went through. 

Born in Joplin, MO, June 21, 1944, as the oldest of ten, to Arthur and Priscilla (Meuleners) Gabrelcik, Gary’s early education was in the one-room red schoolhouse just a short distance from the family farm. He graduated from Delano High School in 1962. Gary received his draft notice on his 21st birthday and after basic, was sent off to Saigon, Vietnam, where he served his country. 

Gary married Bonnie (Wandersee) on January 27, 1968, at St. Mary’s of Czestochowa, Delano, MN. They went on to be the love of each other’s lives and best friends, never far from each other for 57 wonderful years. All of those years spent in Delano, with the exception of their up north getaway time and the last number of years snow birding in southern CA at their son’s place. 

Gary was a carpenter for many years after starting his own business, building many homes in the local area and beyond. And for those who knew Gary, he never truly retired. Gary was blessed with four children, nine grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and another on the way, eleven step-great-grandchildren and two more on the way. 

In his not very often free time, Gary liked deer hunting, fishing, bowling, gardening, and fixing things. In his later years, he enjoyed tinkering in his shed, collecting old tractors, planting trees, going up north, and getting himself in predicaments that Bonnie was forever getting him out of. Through all of the health issues he experienced, he remained positive, and there wasn’t anything he would not try to do. 

Gary is survived by the love of his life Bonnie; his children, Deb (Tony) Blaschko, of Le Center, MN, Wendy (Jeff) Klehr, of Arlington, MN, Dean (Michael Ann), of Jacumba, CA, and Terry (Diana), of Cokato, MN; grandchildren, Jake (Sarah) Peterson, Kate (Austin) Schmidt, Tyler (Kaitlyn) Klehr, Brooke (Jake) Steyer, Samantha Klehr, Allison Klehr, Brandon, Angela, and Bryce Gabrelcik; step-grandchildren, Clayton (Andrea) Cohn, Clinton Cohn, Cassidy (Sara) Wilson, Travis Blaschko, Shyla (Brandon) Kahle, Jarred Blaschko (Daniel Kvist); great-grandchildren, Harper and Theo Peterson, and baby Klehr; step-great-grandchildren, Liam, Keegan, Kaydence, Karina and baby Wilson, Adelynn, Trevor, Gabriel, Henry and Cora Blaschko, and Hattie, Russ, and baby Kahle. 

Further survived by siblings, Don (Kay), Carol (TC) Fogarty, Linda (Ed) Franzen, Daniel (Cecelia), Robert (Lenore), LuAnn (Joe) Neaton, Gene (Lisa), and Wayne (Donna); in-laws, Mike (Nancy) Wandersee and Nancy Walter; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gary is predeceased by his parents; his brother, Randy; sister-in-law, Deb (Brown) Gabrelcik; brother-in-law, Hannk Walter; in-laws, Gordon and Alice Wandersee; and nephew, Max Gabrelcik. 

Gary has chosen to be cremated and will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN, on Friday, March 21 at 10:30 A.M. There will be a celebration of life at Delano Senior Center on Saturday, March 22, at 1:00 P.M.

Jody Grossinger, 57

Jody Ann (Dalaska) Grossinger, age 57, of Wadena, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in her home.

Jody Ann Dalaska was born on March 2, 1968, in San Diego, California, to Ruth Keating, and later adopted by Ruth’s then husband Craig Dalaska. Her family moved to Buffalo, Minnesota, before settling in Wadena where Jody graduated as part of the class of 1986 from Wadena High School.

Jody was united in marriage with Brian Shively in 1986, and to this union they were blessed with a daughter, Amber. The couple worked together at LS Tools in Verndale and then later divorced.

Jody was united in marriage to Monte Grossinger in Wadena in 2002 and later divorced.

She worked for KSKK radio station as a receptionist for five years.

Jody enjoyed cooking, baking, going to concerts, getting tattoos, and her dogs.

Jody is preceded in death by her infant son, Justin; parents; biological father; and grandparents.

Jody is survived by her daughter, Amber (Coltan) Carlen; grandchildren, Justin Funk, Cameron Carlen, and Corinna Carlen; siblings, Kris (Mike) Strzyzewski and Eric Dalaska; many nieces; nephews; other relatives; and a host of friends.

Visitation, Friday, March 21, 2025, 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. Celebration of Life to follow at 2:00 P.M., Karvonen Funeral Home ~ Wadena, 419 2nd Street NE, Wadena, MN 56482.

Royce Mueller, 90

Royce W. Mueller, age 90, of rural Buffalo, died Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.

Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2025, at Silver Creek Community Church, Maple Lake, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Maple Lake.

Royce William Mueller was born on February 5, 1935, in Hamburg, Minnesota, to Herman and Lucille (Herrmann) Mueller. As a boy, Royce attended school in Young America at St. John’s Lutheran School. He served his country in the US Army from 1958-1960. On April 25, 1958, he married Lois Jean Rozenberg at Silver Creek Reformed Church. They made their home in the country outside of Maple Lake, where they raised their three children.

Royce dedicated 36 years to Mammoth Industries, where he worked in the heating and cooling industry, retiring in 1998. Following his retirement, Royce continued working as a farmhand for Gene Smith Farms, where his love for the land and commitment to hard work remained a guiding force in his life.

An active member of Silver Creek Community Church, Royce devoted many years to serving on the consistory and as an usher, embodying the spirit of community and service. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he instilled that same sense of reverence and duty in his family.

Royce was also a lover of the great outdoors, finding joy in snowmobiling, camping, and fishing-activities that provided him with countless cherished memories alongside his loved ones. Whether he was puzzling late into the night or spending precious moments with family, he always created an atmosphere of warmth and joy. Royce lived a rich life having loved deeply and served faithfully.

Royce is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lois of Buffalo; children, Kimberly Mueller, of Finley, ND, Kathy Jensen, of Buffalo, and Steven (Ann) Mueller, of Maple Lake; seven grandchildren, Daniel (Jessica) Bromstad, Mark Bromstad (Lona Kratz), Joshua (Rachel) Klemz, Amanda (Matt) Farber, Nichole (Mandel) Dye, Katelynn (Sean) Rush, and Olivia Mueller; seven great-grandchildren, Jacob, Kylie, Aubrey, Parker, Levi, Maliek, and Aniyah; siblings, Lavonne (Earl) Keusemann, Dennis (Louise) Mueller, David (Betsy) Mueller, Larry Mueller, and Charlene (Ronald) Kroells, all of Norwood Young America; brother-in-law, Melvin Rozenberg, of Maple Lake; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Lucille Mueller; siblings, Douglas Mueller and Bonnie Mueller; parents-in-law, Dick and Alice Rozenberg; and sisters-in-law, Marlene Mueller, Bonnie Rozenberg, and Irene Hanson; and brother-in-law, Raymond Hanson.

Royce’s grandchildren will serve as urn bearers. Patti VanDorp will officiate. Krista Elsenpeter and Sarah Goelz will provide music for the service. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Service of Maple Lake.

Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and Service Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.

Milton Rudnick, 97

Milton Leroy Rudnick, 97, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025, at his residence in Albertville, Minnesota. 

The tenth of ten children, Milton (Bud) was born on December 24, 1927, in Fresno, California, to Rev. Edward and Natalie (Sandler) Rudnick. Milton is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carlene E. (Helmkamp) Rudnick; son, Robert; daughter, Deborah, and son-in-law, Steven (Schreiner); son, Richard, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer; as well as four grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

He was predeceased by his parents, as well as four brothers, five sisters, and their spouses. 

Milton’s buoyant optimism, intelligence, generosity, humor, and enthusiasm made it easy for him to share his ardent faith in Jesus Christ. At the age of 13, he surprised himself by following the call to the ministry. He never looked back. Milton graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1952. He married Joyce Schroeder in 1953, and they were blessed with three children. Milton received a Doctorate of Theology in 1963. After enduring a heart-breaking end to the marriage in 1967, Milton was able to help others going through similar painful times. He met Carlene Helmkamp in 1968 at Concordia College (now University) in St. Paul, where they both taught. They married on March 1, 1969. They frequently hosted gatherings for friends and family, and traveled widely across the United States, Canada, Europe, Russia, and the Ukraine.

Throughout his career, Milton served as pastor, church historian and theologian (Concordia College, St. Paul), prolific author, fundraiser (Alive in Christ), and seminary president (Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, Canada). In retirement, Milton served as interim pastor for several churches, taught at Russian and Ukrainian seminaries, worked in development for the Oswald Hoffmann School of Christian Outreach, and served as Assistant to the Pastor at Life In Christ Lutheran Church in Albertville, Minnesota. No task was too humble or daunting if it furthered the Gospel. They were simply “opportunities.” He continued to pray for the lost and the church in his final hours. 

Milton was a faithful husband, wise and loving father, doting grandfather, devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend. If anyone needed help, he would find a way. Milton’s generosity reflected his confidence that the Lord would provide – and He always did. 

We miss Milton dearly and are comforted that he now rejoices with his Lord and Savior. We will see him again in heaven, where there is “no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). Meanwhile, Milton’s legacy lives on through the hearts changed by the Gospel he preached, the minds he opened to the Scriptures, and the reflection of Christ’s love that he shared with everyone he met. 

“With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation” (Psalm 91:16).

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Life In Christ Lutheran Church in Albertville, Minnesota. Reviewal will be from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. at the church.