Obituaries 04/03/25
Joan Munsterteiger, 92
Joan Munsterteiger, age 92, passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025, in her home.
Joan grew up on a dairy farm in Waverly, MN, as one of seven children born to Leonard and Lillian Galvin. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Waverly and graduated from high school in 1951. Joan met Francis Munsterteiger at a wedding dance in Waverly, and they were married on May 28, 1952. They were married for 67 years and lived their entire life on a dairy and beef cattle farm in Buffalo. They raised eleven children and have 20 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Joan enjoyed working for the Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools for 16 years as a Custodian, taking pride in her work and developing friendships with the staff at Parkside Elementary.
Joan will be greatly missed by her family and friends for her kindness and the unrelenting care she provided for others. She found joy in the simple things in life; family gatherings, cooking, watching the Minnesota Twins on television, visiting with friends, and taking pride in her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments. One of her fondest memories was being a member of a 500-card club that was formed with other young couples from St. Francis Xavier Church. They played cards and enjoyed a meal together on a monthly basis for over fifty years, and the card club members became some of her very best friends. She was proud of her Irish heritage, and she exuded the characteristics of this nationality through her zest for life, her sense of humor, her strong work ethic, and humble approach to life. One of her favorite memories was visiting Ireland with one of her sisters and her daughters. Joan was a devoted member of St. Francis Xavier Church for over seventy years, attending mass on a weekly basis and serving on various committees.
Most importantly, Joan will be remembered by her family and friends for the joy she brought to the lives of others. Her wonderful smile, her perpetual kindness, her sense of humor, her generosity, the joy she took in seeing family and friends have good things happen in their lives, and the unconditional love shown toward others. She impacted so many lives in such a positive and meaningful fashion, and she’ll be so dearly missed.
Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Francis; her son, James; her daughter, Cynthia; and her grandson, Ben.
Survivors include her children, Mary Munsterteiger, Elizabeth Cooper (Mike), Greg Munsterteiger, Kevin Munsterteiger (Jill), Brian Munsterteiger (Tara), Lisa Fouquette (Tom), Mark Munsterteiger, Michelle Bussmann (Mark), Todd Munsterteiger (Holly); 19 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flower arrangements, please make a donation to the Buffalo Food Shelf. A Memorial service will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church in Buffalo on Friday, April 11, at 11:00 A.M., visitation at 9:30 A.M. A reception will be held at Huikko’s Bowling and Entertainment Center, 1207 Highway 25 North, Buffalo, MN. We would like to encourage you to wear green, as we celebrate a life well lived!
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Henry Nieman, 85
Henry Joseph Nieman. At 85 years old, Henry’s journey on this earth came to a peaceful end on March 26, 2025, but the love and kindness he shared with the world will live on forever in our hearts.
Born on December 28, 1939, in St. Mathias, MN, to Henry “Harry” Nieman and Anna “Irma” (Fietsam) Nieman. He graduated from Buffalo High School in 1958 and soon after answered the call to serve his country. From 1963 to 1965, Henry honorably served in the United States Army, stationed overseas in Germany.
Henry spent many years working at SpanCrete and Deltek. He was a fixer in the truest sense—he could repair anything, but more importantly, he was always there to lend a helping hand, no matter what the task was or the person in need.
His deep faith led him to become a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, where he served as Guard Commander for an incredible seventeen years.
Henry loved camping, fishing, and hunting, and when the sun set, he could be found on the dance floor, twirling his sweetheart, Rosemary, with a grace and joy that left onlookers in awe. He was an excellent dancer, moving with effortless rhythm and a heart full of love.
Henry had a sharp wit and a warm sense of humor, often sharing his favorite Ole and Lena jokes with anyone willing to listen.
Above all, Henry’s greatest love was his family. He is survived by his beloved significant other, Rosemary Schultz, and his four children, Anthony “Tony” (Carlene) Nieman, Nicholas “Nick” (Nina) Nieman, Amy (Robb) Mattila, and Alison (Mike) Thiesfeld; his two stepdaughters, Angela (Todd) Carlson and Sarah (Ryan) Sodahl. His legacy continues through his 17 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. He will also be deeply missed by his siblings, Eileen Register, Mary (Mel) Friendt, George Nieman, and Dennis (Carolyn) Nieman, along with countless more relatives and dear friends.
Henry now joins those who have gone before him—his parents, Harry and Irma; his grandson, Brandon Nieman; his brother, Gordon “Gordy;” Gordy’s wife, Laverne; their daughter, Joann Nieman; his brother; Bernard “Bernie” Nieman; Bernie’s wife, Rita; their son, James Nieman; their daughter, Brenda Nieman; his brother-in-law, Jack Register; and Jack and Eileen’s daughter, Sharon Register. —in eternal peace.
Henry Joseph Nieman was a man who gave unconditional love—a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, partner, brother, and friend whose kindness knew no limits. He taught us what it means to serve, to love, and to cherish the moments we have together. Though he may have left this world, his spirit will forever dance in our memories, in the stories we share, and in the love that binds his family together.
Rest in peace, Henry. You were deeply loved; you will be profoundly missed, and you were the best!
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN, with Father Austin Barnes as the Celebrant. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Francis Cemetery. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the Mass at the church. The Rosary will be said at 9:30 A.M. followed by visitation until the time of the Mass at the church.
The family is being assisted by The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, and online condolences can be shared at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Kenneth Paul, 85
Kenneth “Ken” Francis Paul, age 85, of Buffalo, Minnesota, died after a short illness in his home at Park View Health and Living Center on March 24, 2025.
He was born on June 2, 1939, in Saint Cloud, MN. He was raised on a farm in Eden Valley, Minnesota, where he lived with his parents, Frank and Mildred; brothers, Donald and Harold; and sister, Carol.
After high school, Ken served in the United States Army and then went on to attend the School of Mortuary Science at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. There he met Ellen May Elstad, who was working in an office where he delivered mail. The two married on September 16, 1961, and eventually made their way to Norwood, Minnesota, where they owned Paul Funeral Home. Later, they also owned Paul Funeral Home in Lester Prairie. Ken and Ellen have five children, Elizabeth, Jennifer, William, Jane, and Nathan. Later, Ken was employed at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.
Many people asked Ken why he wanted to be a mortician. His answer was always that he wanted to help families at one of their most difficult times. Ken was devoted to serving his community and was loved and appreciated by the many families who suffered the loss of a loved one.
One of his greatest joys was being a grandpa. His grandchildren will remember his sense of humor and kind heart. Ken liked to waltz, play crazy eight with his grandkids, and keep in touch with friends. He was kind, generous, hard-working, and very proud of his family. He will be greatly missed.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, and sister, and his wife, Ellen.
He is survived by his children, Elizabeth (James) Moline, of Lake Elmo, Jennifer (Nick) Mancini, of Bayport, William Paul (partner, Sara Doherty), of Wayzata, Jane (Shawn) Engle, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and Nathan Paul of Bayport; and his grandchildren, Kit (Andrew) Haveles, Louisa Resner (husband, Adam Riley), Ryan Paul, Vera McMullen Paul, Thomas Mitchell, Grant Mitchell, Claire (Hannah) Crain, Will Engle, Maddy Engle, and Lucy Engle; and his great-grandchildren, Solvi and Graham Haveles.
A Graveside Funeral Service for Ken Paul was held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 1:30 P.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Buffalo, MN. Father Austin Barnes officiated.
Ken’s family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses at Park View Senior Health and Living and Triniti Hospice for their compassionate care.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
