Obituaries 04/02/26
Donna Bergquist, 89
Donna Mae Bergquist, age 89, of Plymouth, MN, our beautiful, loving, imperfect mother was peacefully welcomed into the arms of Jesus, surrounded by her family on February 19, 2026. Donna Mae (Posthumus) Bergquist was born on her family farm on July 15, 1936, in Corinna Township, MN. Donna was baptized at the Silver Creek Reformed Church. She graduated from Annandale High School in 1954. Donna married Jim Bergquist in a small private ceremony in the parsonage of the same church in 1955. They would go on to have seven kids and were married for 67 years! They lived in Buffalo and Montrose until they moved to Plymouth in 1965. This would be where our mother spent the rest of her life. Donna held many jobs over the years, but her proudest achievement was earning her florist degree much later in life and creating beautiful arrangements!
Our mother loved many things. She loved her family. She loved new babies, holding them and talking to them so gently; always so excited for every new grand- and great-grandchild. She loved gardening. She loved flowers! The garden was so big it took up much of our yard over the years and kept us fed. She canned and froze everything and made the best raspberry jam. She loved her dogs and cats. Her last loves were Fred and Snookie. She loved her pretty things. She loved her porch and plants. She loved her chair. She loved to hug and hold you tight. Always saying “I love you, drive safe”. She loved to wave goodbye from the back door, flashing the porch light as you drove away. Those hugs, words, waves, and jam will be missed forever.
Donna is survived by her children, Dawn (Tim) Thrift, Denise Ward, Carrie Olsgard (Leon Langreck), Bradley Bergquist (Kathy Cole), Jeffrey Bergquist, Candace (Paul) Pella, and Daphne (Tim) Rued; her grandchildren, Megan (Nick) Tackmann, Heidi (Brian) Schminski, Christine (Mike) Smith, Rebecca Thrift, Charles (Bibiana Hassan) Thrift, Sherri (Travis) Forcier, Christopher Griffin, Devin Miszkiewicz, Michael (Kristin) Bergquist, Jordan Adams, Tyler Bergquist, Rachel (Alex Underwood) Pella, Joshua Pella (Katie Turcotte), Nicholas (Amy) Pella, Angela Bergquist, Anthony Rued, and Alexander Rued (fiancée, Megan Haas); many great-grandchildren; and her pup, Fred; sisters and brother-in-law, Betty Johnson, Ruthann Dixon and Karen (Richard) Larson; Jim’s sisters, Darleen Cardinal and Harriet Splettstoezer; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her beloved husband. James; her parents, John and Gertrude Posthumus; sister, Ione Anderson; in-laws, Warren Anderson, Myron Johnson, Max Dixon, Benny and Betty Lou Bergquist, Willis Cardinal, Norman Splettstoezer; Jim’s parents; and sister, Henry; Lydia and Gloria Bergquist; son-in-law, David Ward; and Angie’s fiancé, Alan Wermerskirchen.
Wake Friday April 10, 2026, 4-8 p.m., The Peterson Chappel in Buffalo, MN, 4-8 p.m., 119 Central Avenue, Buffalo, MN.
Funeral Service, Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Messiah United Methodist Church in Plymouth, 17805 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN, 11 a.m. with visitation one hour ahead.
Private internment for both Jim and Donna, Sunday, April 12,2026, 2 p.m. at Lakeview Cemetery, 9544 County Road 8 NW, Maple Lake, MN. Together as one. Because they wanted it that way!
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Frances Czanstkowski, 97
Czanstkowski, Frances Genevieve (Marketon), age 97, of Delano, passed away on March 24, 2026. She was born on January 3, 1929, to John and Julia (Fautsch) Marketon in Waverly, Minnesota.
Frances was the second oldest of 13 children, raised on a farm between Waverly and Howard Lake. She attended the local country school, graduating in the 8th grade.
Frances met Albert Czanstkowski, and they were wed in 1947 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly, Minnesota. After marriage, they lived in Waverly for a short time before moving to Delano. Upon setting roots down in Delano, they welcomed seven children onto their farm.
She was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Delano, dedicating many hours of volunteer work wherever the church needed. Fran was also a dedicated member of the Delano American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed keeping a large garden, with many flower beds around her farm. After Albert passed in 1984, Frances enjoyed working for the local Flower Farm, cleaning houses, and helping on the farm. She loved to bowl, spend time with family, and especially enjoying hosting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a passion for cooking, baking, and good company.
Preceded in death by her husband, Albert; grandson, Brandon; great-grandson, Drake Johnson; parents, John and Julia (Fautsch) Marketon; siblings, George (Jean) Marketon, Anna (Herb) Whele, Dorothy (Ralph) Baumann, Tony Marketon, LeRoy Marketon, Gladys (Larry) Broll, Irene (Ronny) Russ; sister-in-law, Paulette Marketon; brother-in-law, Herb Kapsner; son-in-law, John Hanson.
Frances is survived by her children, John Sr. (Marguerite), Allan (Bonnie), Darlene Hanson, Richard (Susan), Renee (Gary) Kisner, Elaine Vomhof, and Donald (Michelle); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Joe (Agnes) Marketon, Marie Kapsner, Don Marketon, Clarence (Rena) Marketon, and Joan (Jeff) Johnson; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 A.M. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Parish, St. Peter’s campus in Delano, Minnesota. A visitation was held from 4-8 P.M., with an 8 P.M. prayer service on Monday, March 30, 2026, and continued Tuesday from 10-11 A.M. prior to Mass, all at the church. Interment was in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Delano, Minnesota.
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.
David Dorow, 63
David Roger Dorow, age 63, of Maple Lake, died unexpectedly on March 23, 2026.
Memorial Services were held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Maple Lake. Rev Culynn Curtis officiated. Visitation was held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday and one hour prior to the service on Saturday, both were at the church. A prayer service was held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the church.
David Roger Dorow was born November 19, 1962, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Norbert and Mildred (Jacobson) Dorow. He grew up in Fargo, graduating from Fargo North High School in 1981. He then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University in mechanical engineering and dedicated his entire career to that field. For 28 years, he was a valued and respected member of the team at Loram Maintenance of Way Inc., where his skill and commitment left a lasting impact.
On August 18, 1990, David married his best friend, Wendy Grace Clark, at Hope Lutheran Church in Fargo. Together, he and his wife raised their son, Greg, who was a source of great pride and joy in his life.
Outside of his career, he followed some truly unique passions - raising and breeding reindeer and taking to the skies as a private pilot - always embracing life with curiosity and adventure.
David is survived by his loving wife, Wendy Grace Clark, who had the privilege to walk beside such a noble and good man; son, Gregory (Jessica) Dorow, of Seattle, WA; first grandson on the way; siblings, Douglas (Debra Hovland), Linda Dorow, and Duane, all of Minneapolis; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert and Mildred.
Urn Bearers were Greg, Douglas, Linda, and Duane Dorow. Jen Podolske provided music for the service. Arrangements were entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Thomas Hargreaves, 72
Thomas Eugene Hargreaves, 72, of South Haven, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.
Tom was born on June 25, 1953, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A self-made engineer with a sharp mind and relentless curiosity, he built a life defined by ingenuity and determination. Alongside his partner Ken, they started Rothgreaves & Associates in a garage, and it has grown into a thriving and successful business. Over the years, his creativity and dedication led to numerous patents, leaving a lasting mark through his work.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tom was known for the joy he carried with him every day. He loved playing guitar and singing, often filling rooms, and campfires, with music and laughter. His infectious laugh and easygoing spirit made him someone people were naturally drawn to. He had a way of making life feel lighter, brighter, and more fun for everyone around him.
Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Hargreaves; and his sister, Jaelyn Forsland.
He is survived by his loving wife, Laura; his father, Jerome; his brothers, Phillip (Lil) Forseth, Kevin (Sue), Chris, and Jim (Monica); and his sisters, Joellen and Jody (Joe). He also leaves behind his children, JT (Peggy), Janet, and Jason (Kristy); his stepsons, Jim Luetjens and Casey Holtz; his seventeen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Tom’s legacy lives on in the family he loved, the business he built, and the countless lives he touched with his warmth, humor, and music. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
A funeral service will be held on April 25 at Northgate Church, 7295 Sunwood Drive, Ramsey, MN. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by the service at 11:00 am, with a luncheon to follow.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Margaret March, 88
Margaret Joan (Miller) March, age 88, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, in Buffalo, MN, surrounded by her family. She was born on November 9, 1937, in Little Falls, Minnesota, to John and Victoria (Knoll) Miller.
Margaret grew up in Little Falls and attended Little Falls High School, graduating with the Class of 1955. She was later united in marriage to Gene Merrill, Sr., and together, they were blessed with six children. Margaret devoted much of her life to caring for her family and those around her, always offering kindness, patience, and generosity.
She had a heart for helping others. She volunteered with the Senior Companions program in Buffalo, where she assisted local seniors with everyday needs such as running errands, bringing them to appointments, and helping with grocery shopping. She truly enjoyed visiting with the people she helped and valued the friendships she made along the way. She also attended Buffalo Covenant Church.
Margaret also had many hobbies that brought her joy. She loved playing games and was well known among family and friends as a “Master” at Scrabble and Yahtzee. She also liked building puzzles and completing word searches and crossword puzzles. She was creative and crafty, spending time crocheting, knitting, and coloring. She also made and taught ceramic classes with her brother, Leroy (Doc). They even had their own kiln! She also enjoyed traveling and made many memorable trips to Texas and Hawaii.
Margaret will be remembered as a kind, loving, and generous woman who deeply valued her family.
She is survived by her children, Linda (Ken) Gustafson, Sandra (Mark) Wilkins, John (Terri) Merrill, Kathleen Lepowsky, Gene “Geno” (Denise) Merrill Jr., Robert (Joleen) Merrill. Margaret had 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her older brother, Richard (Dick) Miller. She also had many nephews and nieces!
Memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. with visitation beginning two hours prior at The Peterson Chapel, 119 Central Avenue, Buffalo, MN. Luncheon will be held at Huikko’s – Bison Creek Event Center following the service.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Richard Mason, 88
Richard Albra Mason, age 88, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on March 25, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Richard was born on July 25, 1937, in Beloit, Wisconsin, to Percy and Grace (Weirick) Mason. He graduated from Beloit High School with the Class of 1955 and went on to complete an apprenticeship with Landis Tool Company in PA. He later enlisted in the United States Army, serving honorably in Korea from 1963 until his discharge in 1965.
While working in La Crosse, Richard’s life took a meaningful turn when he stopped at a diner and met Nancy Zimmermann, who was waitressing at the time and served him the best California burger that he had ever had. The two quickly connected, were married, and built a life together centered on family. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Richard’s career brought him to Minnesota, where he began working as a draftsman for McQuay. Through additional schooling and dedication, he advanced to become a project engineer and later worked for Tennant Company in Golden Valley where he achieved five patents for his designs before retirement.
Richard was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting in Motley and northern Minnesota, even running M &M Bait and Tackle out of his garage in the mid- 1970s. He was a Wisconsin state champion in archery and also had a passion for Indian motorcycles. He loved teaching others to play card games and to spend time with family and friends. Known for his sense of humor and attention to detail, Richard was a list-maker who stayed focused and got things done.
Richard was deeply devoted to his family. He coached many of his children’s sports teams and was a steady, supportive presence not only to them but to many others who came to see him as a second father.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; his parents-in-law, Wilbert and Inez Zimmermann; sons-in-law, Jim Sahli and Dirk Spence; and several extended family members.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; his children, Lance Mason, Rhonda Sahli, Dana Mason, Erika Holker (Nathaniel), and Lana Spence; his grandchildren, Taylor, Madisen, Joshua, Julianne, Lily, Karlie, Madelyn, and Robby; five great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, April 10, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation one hour prior at Zion Lutheran Church, 1200 Hwy 25 S, Buffalo, MN. Military honors will conclude the service. Please dress casual. Private interment will be at a later date at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
