Obituaries 04/10/25

Darlene Erickson, 92

Darlene Anna Erickson, age 92, of Buffalo died Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Annandale Centennial Villa Memory Care.  

She was born on March 21, 1933, in Almena, WI, to Edward and Tillie Nickell. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Matthew Church in Almena, WI.

Darlene graduated from Cumberland Wisconsin High School in 1950. Throughout her life, she worked at Pillsbury Co., American Auto Insurance Co., and Wright County Courthouse.

Darlene married Dale Erickson on October 9, 1954. They proceeded to have four children, all born in different states due to Dale’s military service. The family moved to Buffalo when Dale went to Vietnam and spent the rest of their days there.

Darlene was a loving sister, wife, mother, and grandma. She enjoyed spending time with her family, playing cards with friends, crocheting, and crafts.

She is survived by son, Gary (Sandi), of Ironton, MN; daughter, Cindy (Ervin) Karasch, of Sauk Centre, MN, and daughter, Judy (Larry) Ahlm, of Buffalo, MN; six grandchildren, Jason (Kelly) Erickson, Jenny (Keith) Ahonen, Angela Denne, Jesse Denne, Rachel (Perry) Zahnow, Kayla (Tyler) Gunnerson; seven great-grandchildren, Kobe (Allison) Ahonen, Karlee Ahonen, Landon (Karli) Erickson, Leah Erickson, Alissa Denne, Ava Jones, and Ashlyn Zahnow; three plus one on the way great-great-grandchildren; brother, Glenn (Betty) Nickell; sisters-in-law, Lois Nickell and Rosie Nickell; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale; son, Randy; her parents; brothers, Art, Marvin (Doris), Ervin (Deloris), and Jerry (first wife, Roberta).

Funeral service for Darlene Erickson was held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo MN. Visitation took place one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Pastor Joel Pike will officiate. Interment followed at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo.

Honorary casket bearers were Brad Dieken and Steve Lewerke.

Casket bearers were Keith Ahonen, Kobe Ahonen, Jason Erickson, Landon Erickson, Perry Zahnow, Tyler Gunnerson, and Jesse Denne.

The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo MN assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Noah Johnson, infant

With hearts full of both love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our precious son, Noah Allan Johnson. He was born on March 24, 2025, to proud parents, Michael and Ashley (Lensegrav) Johnson. He measured 2 pounds, 9 ounces and was 16 inches long. Noah was deeply loved from the moment we knew of him. He filled our hearts with joy during his four precious days on earth before passing peacefully in our arms on March 28, 2025.

When Noah was in the womb, every night before bedtime his dad would give his mom’s belly kisses; a ritual of love that will be forever cherished. Though his time here was short, the love he gave and received was infinite.

Noah will always be remembered and loved beyond measure. Though he is no longer in our arms, he will forever remain in our hearts.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Kevin Allan Johnson, Ace Johnson, Donald Frehe, Patricia and Stan Kolasa, Connie Lensegrav, and Robert Rear.

Noah is survived by his parents, Mike and Ashley; siblings, Shawn, Mackenzie, Brooklyn, and Landon; grandparents, Kimberly Petrich, Robert and Claire Lensegrav, and Ronald Lensegrav; aunts and uncles, Robin (Justin) Bendickson, Dawn Keeler, Robert Lensegrav, Jr., and Laura (Jason) Headrick; and many extended family members.

Funeral Service will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025, at The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael-Albertville, 300 Main Street N., at 11:00 A.M. with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael – Albertville. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

MaryEllen Lachermeier, 80

MaryEllen Lachermeier, age 80, of Montrose, MN, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society of Howard Lake, MN.

She was born on February 20, 1945, in Watertown, MN, the daughter of Leo and Josephine (Rogers) Lachermeier.

She was baptized in Watertown, MN.

MaryEllen graduated from Holy Trinity High School in Winsted, MN.

MaryEllen was joined in holy marriage on May 21, 1967, to Robert Thomas Christensen at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly, MN. God blessed their marriage with three children, two sons, Tom and Ted, and a daughter, Tammy.

MaryEllen remarried on December 11, 1981, to Al Roehlke and was blessed with a daughter, Josephine.

She worked house cleaning, was a cook at The Blue Note, Green Giant, Classic Eggs, and Premier Technology.

MaryEllen had a love for bingo, casino runs, westerns, crossword puzzles, and dining out. She enjoyed time spent with her family.

She is survived by her children, Tom Christensen (Michelle), of Howard Lake, Tammy Salonek (Scott), of Waverly, and Josephine Roehlke, of Montrose; grandchildren, Shianne Christensen, Kayla Lorentz, Cody Christensen, Brody Salonek, Chase Yager, and Cash Yager; brothers, Duane “Woody” (Betty) Lachermeier, of Buffalo, and Dale (Joanne) Lachermeier, of Lester Prairie; many other relatives and friends.

MaryEllen was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Josephine Lachermeier; an infant brother, David Lachermeier; and by a son, Ted Christensen.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for MaryEllen Lachermeier will be held on Wednesday, April 23, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly. Father Larry Blake will be the Celebrant.

A private family inurnment St. Mary’s Cemetery in Waverly

A visitation will be held AT THE CHURCH one hour prior to Mass from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M.

The family would like to thank The Good Samaritan Society of Howard Lake for the care and love they gave to MaryEllen. She called to be home for her passing and the Lord granted her wish. We would also like to thank St. Mary’s Catholic Church for their gratitude during our time of need. Also, to the Chilson Funeral Home for all of the support during this trying time.   

The Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.chilsonfuneralhome.com.

Orville Mortensen, 86

Orville Eugene Mortensen, age 86, of Montrose, passed away at Park View Care Center on April 3, 2025. He was born on April 28, 1938, to Carl and Elizabeth (Betts) Mortensen in Argyle, MN.

Orville and his 10 siblings grew up near Holt, MN. After finishing school, Orville moved to Montrose to work at the Kespell family farm. Soon after, he started his 40+ year work career at Armour & Company, So. St. Paul, MN. before continuing at Washington Scientific, Long Lake, MN. After retiring, Orville worked part-time at the local off sale for a number of years. He loved visiting with everyone and handing out suckers to the kids that would come in.

Orville met Jane at a dance in Montrose. They got married in 1960, and during their first year of marriage Orville was drafted to the US Army as a Private First Class E3. He was honorably discharged after two years of service.

Orville and Jane had two boys, Danny and Steve. They had many adventures together with stories that will make you laugh. Going to the Grand Ole Opry, Mount Rushmore, casino trips, watercross racing, snowmobile trips, fly-in fishing trips, cruises, and many trips to the cabins by Mille Lacs and in Park Rapids. This all led to a love of the outdoors that included hunting, fishing, 4-wheeling, demo derbies, and sports.

Orville is preceded in death by his son, Daniel; parents, Carl P. Mortensen and Elizabeth J. (Betts) Mortensen; siblings, Myrtle Holmstrom, Andreas Mortensen, John Mortensen, Melvin Mortensen, Blanche Waterworth, Dale Mortensen, Arthur Mortensen, Gerald Mortensen, Allen Mortensen.

Orville is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jane Mortensen; son, Steve (Cathy); grandchildren, Jeff, Sarah (Chuck); great-grandchildren, Easton, Evelynn; sister, Karen Peterson; sisters-in-law, Lynor Mortensen, Carol Mortensen; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota. A visitation will be held prior from 10-11a.m., with a 9:30 a.m. rosary service. Internment at Calvary Cemetery in Delano, Minnesota. A luncheon will be held at the Iten Funeral Home following the committal service.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.

Thomas Paumen, 84

Tom passed away peacefully at home, Sunday, April 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Thomas James Paumen was born September 28, 1940, the seventh of 14 children born to Leonard and Muriel (Pribyl) Paumen. Tom was the last child to be born on the family farm, located between Ramsey Lake and Rasset in rural Maple Lake, MN. As a very young child, he was tasked with hauling firewood, feeding chickens, and picking eggs. He attended country school for first and second grade. He attended St. Timothy’s Parochial School third through eighth grade and graduated from Maple Lake High School in 1958.

Tom wanted to join the US Army after graduation, however, he was only seventeen years old, which required parental signature. After completing basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, he was stationed at Fort Ord, CA, for two years. Tom served as a cook and prepared three daily meals for over 400 soldiers. Upon completing his two-year enlistment, Tom was honorably discharged and returned to Minnesota. Tom remained in the Army Reserves for three years following active duty.

On June 10, 1967, Tom was united in marriage to Linda Micka at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Edina, MN. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Paul and Paula. Tom and Linda lived in Loretto, MN, for thirty years in a home that Tom built.

The years following his military service, Tom worked at Scott Atwater, Federal Carton and Container, and Twin City Ready Mix. Tom spent three years at Wrico Stamping and Clow stamping where he learned and honed the skills, he then used to start Hamel Stamping in 1972 along with his brother Maurice. In 1980, two years after buying out his brother’s shares, Tom moved the company and general contracted a 6000-square-foot building in Loretto, MN. With the move to the new location, the company name was changed to HSI Metal Stamping. With the help of his wife and children, Paul and Paula, the family business grew, requiring two additional building expansions at the Loretto location for a total of 20,000 square feet. That space was soon not large enough to accommodate the growing business, and in 1997, HSI moved to Buffalo, MN, to a new 40,000-square-foot building, which Tom again general contracted. Continued business growth resulted in a 30,000-square-foot addition that was added to the Buffalo facility in 2007. HSI celebrated 50 years in business in 2022 and continues to succeed under family leadership, which includes the addition of the third generation.

Tom spent countless hours volunteering in the Loretto community. Tom was on the committee that started the first parish council at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Loretto. He served two terms on the parish council, as a trustee, and was a member of the finance committee.  He was a chairman of the parish festival and served decades as an usher. Tom also chaired the St. Peter and Paul school addition project. Tom was a member of Ducks Unlimited and was a charter member of the Minnesota Darkhouse Association. Tom was a proud member of the Loretto Lions Club for many years, serving as Vice President, President and Zone Chairman.

In 1975, Tom and Linda bought a lake lot on Long Lake in Isanti County. Tom spent his weekends for many years building his favorite place for rest and relaxation. For over 45 years, Tom enjoyed time spent at the lake fishing, gardening, and entertaining friends and family on weekends. Tom also loved spending time on the golf course with decades long friends. In 1999, Tom and Linda moved into their new home in Buffalo, MN, and became members of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

Tom enjoyed travelling the world with Linda. Together, they visited all 50 States, seven Canadian Provinces, nine Mexican cities, two Central American countries, 15 European countries, and 11 Caribbean Islands. They enjoyed many weekend getaways with friends on the Mississippi River, and fun road trips to interesting Midwest cities and small towns.

Tom was blessed with two wonderful grandchildren, Mitchell and Victoria. Tom’s greatest joy came from supporting them in their many activities and athletics. He was always proudly in the front row on the bleachers or front row of the theatre.

Tom is survived by Linda, his loving wife of 57 years; his children, Paul Paumen, of Delano, and Paula (Paul) Herda, of Buffalo; grandchildren, Mitchell Valli and fiancée, Kate Polman, and Victoria Herda and fiancé Logan Vajda; sisters, Marcella Schauffler, Mary Van Offeren, Jean (Gary) Neutz; brothers, Gerald (Joyce), Maurice (Karen), Richard (Judy), John (Nancy), David (Marlene) and Greg (Diane); brother-in-law, Douglas (Rene’) Micka; and many other cherished relatives and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Muriel Paumen; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Earl and Lucille Micka; sister, Lenore; brothers, Russell, Robert, and Douglas; sisters-in-law, Martha, Lavonne, and Wanda; and brothers-in-law, Norbert (Birdie) Schauffler and George Van Offeren.

In honor of Tom’s legacy, HSI has established the Thomas J. Paumen Memorial Scholarship that will be given annually to a student studying Tool and Die/Machine Trades, carrying on his legacy of stewardship and mentorship.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 12, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Buffalo, MN, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation prior to mass beginning at 9:00 a.m. Luncheon will be at the church immediately following the mass.

Interment following the luncheon at 2:00 p.m. at St. Charles Cemetery in rural Maple Lake, MN.

Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.

Rodney Yonak, 72

Rodney A. Yonak, age 72, of Hanover, MN, passed away on April 6, 2025. (Full notice to appear later.) Services are pending. Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in St. Michael, MN.