Obituaries 04/16/26
Richard Braun, 73
Richard (Rick) Charles Braun, 73, passed away peacefully on Tuesday April 7, 2026, with his wife and kids by his side. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Bison Creek Event Center, 1207 Hwy. 25 North, Buffalo, MN 55313, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Rick was born on December 22, 1952, in Rochester, MN, to Aloysious (Bud) and Pearl (Boettcher) Braun. It was in his childhood where he developed a love for sports, cars, and fishing. Rick graduated from John Marshall High School in 1971. Following graduation, he attended Rochester Community College.
Rick spent many years managing jewelry stores in various parts of the United States, which ultimately landed him at Gordon’s Jewlers in Wilmar, MN, where he met Becky. On June 16, 1984, Rick was united in marriage to Becky L. Broman, in Willmar, MN. After some moving around for job opportunities, Rick and Becky ended up buying a home in Buffalo, MN, where they resided for 40 years.
Together, they welcomed and raised their three children, Corey, Zach, and Shanlee, creating a strong and caring family. Rick took any chance he could to tell others just how proud he was of his family; whether that be Becky being a stay-at-home mom taking care of the kids or bragging to others about Corey, Zach, and Shanlee’s athletic abilities (that he takes full credit for).
Rick wore many hats in the Buffalo community including “Frito Rick” as he was a very successful Sales Rep for Frito Lay for 25 years. Though Rick is best known for his role as “Coach” for his kids’ various baseball, softball, and basketball teams; an avid bass fisherman; host of all-night poker parties with family, friends, and neighbors; as well as taking great pride in keeping his cars in pristine condition. His work ethic was bar none. Whether he was meeting his monthly quotas at work or balancing his workday, getting the lawn mowed and coaching practices/games (all in one day), he wanted to be the best. His competitive nature was a large part of who he was and part of the legacy that lives on in his kids.
Later in life, his new title of “Bumpa” became his joy. Rick’s goofball personality was perfect for this new role. He was always the first to make them laugh by making silly faces, tickling them, and letting the kids tackle him. He taught them how to play balloon baseball and fish. He never passed up a time to cuddle up in his chair and watch a cartoon with one or more of his seven grandchildren. He was an active grandpa, which is something his family will treasure forever.
He was also an adored father-in-law who truly loved his children’s spouses like they were his own. Rick loved spending time with them and has created lasting memories. He was so proud to talk about Sara, Cassie, and Tyler and take them on as part of the Braun family.
Rick faced significant health challenges. In 2019, he bravely battled and beat Pancreatic Cancer. Shortly after that, he was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia and Primary Progressive Aphasia. Ultimately, Rick passed away due to the progression of the Frontotemporal Dementia. Luckily, even as he lost the meaning of words and names of people, he always recognized and knew who his family was, which reinforces just how much he loved his family.
Rick will be remembered by his great sense of humor; he always had a joke ready for anyone willing to listen, bringing laughter and lightness to those around him. Additionally, his dedication and mentorship to so many of Corey, Zach, and Shanlee’s friends during his years of coaching will be felt for generations to come. And most importantly his love of his family, creating an unbreakable bond that is shared amongst them.
Rick is survived by his wife, Becky (Broman) Braun; children, Corey (Sara) Braun, Zach (Cassie) Braun, and Shanlee (Tyler) Maher; grandchildren, Cohen, Bennett, and Callan Braun, Isla and Elliot Braun, Thea and Talan Maher; father-in-law, Roger (Sharon) Broman; sisters, Virginia “Ginny” (Dave) Bigelow, Kathy (Noodle) Schoppers, and Anne (Jeff) Gunderson; brother-in-law, Mark (Sue) Broman; sister-in-law, Heather (William) Magowan; many nieces and nephews; and many cherished family, friends and neighbors.
Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Pearl Braun; siblings, Sharon (Gene) Cook, Michael Braun, Carol Marie Braun; brother-in-law, Lewis Schoppers; nephew, TJ Schoppers; mother-in-law, Mary Broman; sister-in-law, Pamela Larson.
Ward Carlson, 67
Ward Carlson (67), of Buffalo, MN, passed away on April 10, 2026, surrounded by love and his family on the very land he was born and raised.
Ward was many things to many people; brilliant, kind, and endlessly compassionate. He was someone who loved without conditions, who never judged without understanding, and who always extended a helping hand to anyone in need. His presence brought comfort, warmth, and acceptance to all who knew him.
Ward lived his life as an example to others. He showed us how to move through the world with open hearts free of judgment. He taught us how to truly love, how to be ourselves without fear, and how to find joy in even the smallest moments. Whether it was through his humor, his wisdom, or his never-ending support, Ward left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
He was one of the hardest working people you could ever meet. He took pride in his work and believed that if you love what you do, it never truly feels like work. He showed all of us how to work hard and how to play even harder.
He loved his home in Buffalo and the many people who made it special. He had a gift for creating, and he was always thinking outside the box to turn everything he touched into something unique and beautiful. His work can be seen throughout Buffalo, a lasting reflection of his talent, passion, and heart.
To Ward, it was never just about earning a paycheck; his work was an extension of who he was. Through it, he built lasting friendships, formed unbreakable bonds, and helped make his community a more beautiful place. His legacy lives on in every piece he created, and in each one, a part of him remains.
Ward was known for a sight many will never forget, a 20x30 American flag flying high on a crane. He would often tell people, “You already know where I live, just look for the giant flag on the crane.” For so many, that place became more than just a landmark, it became a second home, a place where people were always welcome. Ward made sure everyone knew that if they ever needed anything, they could find him there, where that flag flew high and proud.
And now, much like that flag, our sweet angel, Ward, flies high and proud, too. He had a rare and beautiful spirit, one that radiated unconditional love wherever he went. He was someone you could always count on, no matter the circumstance.
To many, he was a hero, guiding people by simply just being himself. Because of Ward, we all live a little more fearlessly. He encouraged us to take chances, to embrace who we are, and to jump into life even when we didn’t know the outcome.
The lessons he shared and the love he gave will continue to live on through all of us. Ward made the world a better place, and his light will never fade. We carry him with us in our hearts, in our memories, and in the way we choose to live our lives each day.
Where that flag once marked the place we could always find him, now the sky itself holds him. Flying high, proud, and free for all of us to carry in our hearts. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Ward is survived by his loving wife, Tammy; son, Travis (Gracie); a daughter, and three grandchildren; sister, Diane (Mike); sister, Nola (Robert); brother, Maynard (Linda).
He was preceded in death by mom, Dorothy; dad, Newell; two brothers, Chester and Ronnie. Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.
Bonnie Dornquast, 78
Bonnie Dornquast (Boerner), 78, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday at her home in Buffalo, MN.
Born in Buffalo to Warren and Doris Boerner, Bonnie graduated from Buffalo High School and earned her nursing degree at St. Mary’s College in Minneapolis. She married Barry Dornquast, of Buffalo, in 1968 and had three children, Bridget, Anthony, and Branden. She and Barry spent a few years in Alaska and Colorado before returning to Buffalo for good.
In addition to her nursing career, Bonnie studied American Sign Language and worked as an ASL interpreter for five years. Bonnie knew from the time that she was in eighth grade that she would dedicate her life to helping others.
Bonnie was predeceased by her parents, Warren and Doris Boerner; and her son, Anthony.
She is survived by her husband, Barry; daughter, Bridget; son, Branden; grandson, Breck; and brother, Kurt Boerner, (Kathleen Roer); as well as cherished life-long friends.
Bonnie will be remembered by family and friends for her kindness, resilience, and impish sense of humor. She lived for over 45 years with rheumatoid arthritis and endured its many adverse health consequences with positivity, courage, and humility.
After a private family service, Bonnie’s life will be celebrated on Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m. at the Buffalo American Legion.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, 8815 Conroy Windermere Rd., Suite 309, Orlando, FL 32835, or www.helpfightra.org.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Gregory Kuklock, 79
Gregory Wayne Kuklock, age 79, of Buffalo, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at his residence.
He was born on August 11, 1946, in Minneapolis, the son of Albert and Caroline (Sellner) Kuklock.
He honorably served his Country in the United States Marine Corps during Vietnam. Greg was a proud Marine!
For many years, he was a heavy equipment operator for C.S. McCrossan, Inc. Greg belonged to Operating Engineers Local #49.
He was a huge fan of John Deere tractors and collected John Deere memorabilia.
Survived by a daughter, Kristine Teesdale, of Rockford; a sister, Linda (Joe) Dols, of Hackensack; a brother, Stephen (Barb) Kuklock, of Plymouth; other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents; and by his loving companion, Jolene Jordan.
Funeral services for Gregory Kuklock will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.
Interment with military rites will follow at Hanover City Cemetery.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 25, at the funeral home one hour prior to services.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Connie Nelson, 73
Connie Nelson, age 73, of Annandale, died Saturday, April 11, 2026, at her home under the care of hospice and her family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Annandale with Fr. John Meyer as Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery, near French Lake. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday and one hour prior to the service on Saturday, both at the church. A Prayer Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the church.
Connie J. Nelson was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota, on April 2, 1953, to Harold and Luella (Dircks) Nelson. Connie was raised in Annandale alongside her four siblings. After graduating from Annandale High School in 1971, she pursued a degree in education at St. Cloud State University, where she graduated in 1975.
For decades, Connie dedicated her professional life to the grocery industry, becoming a respected employee and manager at several Marohn family grocery stores, including Red Owl, Marketplace, and Cub Foods. Her unwavering commitment to her work mirrored her steadfast devotion to the community she loved dearly.
A lifelong member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Connie served as a trustee and participated actively in the parish council and various committees. Her spirit resonated through the church as she led the music ministry with grace and passion.
The essence of Connie’s character shone brightest through her contributions to her church and the many community projects, groups, and programs she supported. Always quick to share a witty joke or play a trick, she was a loyal friend to many. An avid sports enthusiast, Connie shared her love for softball and bowling, playing on and coaching four women’s softball teams over the years, leaving an indelible mark in the hearts of her ball team friends.
Connie is survived by her siblings, David (Karen) Nelson, of Villa Park, IL, Ronald (Nancy) Nelson, of Maplewood, Larry (Barbara) Nelson, of Springfield, IL, and Bonnie (Mike) Kramer, of Watkins; nieces and nephews, Laura (Dave) Oakleaf, Dan (Tricia) Nelson, Joe (Theresa) Nelson, Cynthia (Ryan) Blume, Jacob (Noa) Nelson, Paul Nelson, Sherry Stueven, Jeremiah Stueven, Heather Nelson, and Mark (Annie) Kramer; and many extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Luella Nelson; brother-in-law, Clyde Stueven; and nephew, Bradley Nelson.
Dan, Joe, Paul, and Jacob Nelson, Jeremiah Stueven, and Ryan Blume will serve as casket bearers. St. Ignatius Music Ministry will provide music for the service. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com
Nola Ramstad Kjos, 82
Nola Ramstad Kjos peacefully passed away on Friday, April 3, surrounded by her loving family and under the compassionate care of hospice.
Nola was born on December 16, 1943, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota. She graduated from Tintah High School in 1962. During her high school years, she was involved in the class play, served on the annual staff, worked as a library attendant, and was selected as a homecoming candidate. Nola grew up riding horses and spent summers with her family at Floyd Lake.
Nola proudly served in the United States Air Force. After spending time in Galveston, Texas, she returned to Fargo, where-while working at Mr. Steak-she met the love of her life, Monte Kjos. The two were united in marriage on September 3, 1972, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, Minnesota. Their wedding reception was held in the church basement, a place that remained especially meaningful to Nola throughout her life. Monte and Nola made their home in Fargo, near one too many rivers, where they raised their two children, Heidi and Scott.
Faith and service were central to Nola’s life. She attended Bible study at Trinity Lutheran Church, taught Sunday School, and devoted countless hours to visiting congregation members who were ill in hospitals and nursing homes. Nola had a natural gift for making connections and later continued that calling by volunteering with hospice. She also greatly enjoyed her time with the Red Hat Ladies-waving from parade floats and traveling throughout North Dakota.
Nola had a deep love for travel. She cherished cruises with her daughter, trips with Concordia, family vacations, and the many memorable trips she and Monte took to Las Vegas and Washington, D.C.
A proud wife, mother, and grandmother, Nola is survived by her husband, Monte; children, Heidi (Tracy) Kjos Schmidt, of Fargo and Scott (Lynsey) Kjos, of West Fargo; and her grandchildren, Landen Kjos, Aspyn Kjos, and Regan Schmidt.
Nola and Monte were strong supporters of local non profits. Nola was especially passionate about Oak Grove, where her son and grandchildren attend school, and Sanford Health.
Nola was known for her charismatic conversations and her love of shopping and sharing thoughtful gifts to brighten someone’s day. Giving to others was one of the many ways she expressed her love and kindness. Her generous spirit and caring heart will be remembered and deeply cherished by all who knew her.
Nola was preceded in death by her mother, Muriel Ramstad; her father, Allen Ramstad; and her brother, Larry Ramstad.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, Minnesota. Lunch will follow in the Christian Life Center, with burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Fargo, North Dakota.
Memorials may be made in Nola’s memory to Sanford Health Foundation or the Oak Grove Lutheran School Foundation.
Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home – Fargo, ND.
Benjamin Whelan, 34
Benjamin (Ben) Joseph Whelan, age 34, of Golden Valley, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on March 6, 2026. Bill and Diane Whelan were blessed to welcome Ben on November 10, 1991, in Robbinsdale. Ben was a beautiful son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend, and lover to all, and will be greatly missed.
Ben attended St. Raphael’s Catholic School before going on to Robbinsdale Cooper High School, from which he graduated in 2010. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Community Forestry from the University of Minnesota in 2014. Following college, Ben went on to work as a successful certified arborist and worked for his family company Urban Foresters until starting his own successful company, Treeben’s Tree Care.
Ben lived a life of adventure. He traveled the country north, south, east, and west, from Alaska to Pennsylvania and around the world to New Zealand, Tasmania, and Australia where he trained and competed as a professional lumberjack. He took his best friend, Ole (the best dog there ever was) with him on many of his adventures and loved that dog as much as life itself. Ben’s love of the outdoors led him to be a world-class fisherman and hunter, enjoying many hunting and fishing trips with his father. He loved hockey and was able to enjoy one of his favorite traditions of attending the Minnesota High School hockey tournament with his dad one last time.
He is proceeded in death by Ole; and his grandfathers, Ronald Loch and Thomas Whelan.
He is survived by his loving parents, Bill and Diane Whelan, of New Hope, MN; his favorite sister, Nicki Whelan, of New Hope, MN; his grandmothers, Dorothy Loch, of Buffalo, MN, and Mary Lou Whelan, of Annandale, MN; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, a few crazy dogs, and the damn cat he saved from a tree.
The family welcomes you to Ben’s Celebration of Life, which will be held at the country house of Bill and Diane Whelan on Saturday, May 2, 5999 Desoto Ave. NW, Maple Lake, MN 55358, beginning at 11:30 a.m.
George Yetzer, 90
George S. Yetzer, age 90, of Osseo. An Army Veteran and lifetime member of the American Legion.
Preceded in death by parents, Henry and Adelhilde; brothers, Henry, Charles, and Paul; sisters, Anna and Marie; daughter-in-law, Cheri; and longtime partner, Florence Dahl.
Survived by children, Thomas, Robin (Tim) Fischer, Julie (Richard) Neuruer, and Lisa Ingersoll (Chatch); grandchildren, Trent, Bree, Kassey, Margaret, Christine, Dylan, Matthew, Sarah, Samantha, and Benjamin; great-grandchildren, Lily, Addilyne, Amari, Eleanor, and Joy; brother, Vernon; as well as Florence’s family, other relatives and friends.
Celebration of George’ Life 1-4 P.M., Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Osseo-Maple Grove American Legion, 260 4th Ave. SE, Osseo. Interment, Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
