Obituaries 04/23/26

Sandra Burke, 81

Sandra M. Burke, age 81, of Maple Lake, died Monday, April 13, 2026.

Memorial Services were held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Maple Lake with Rev. Culynn Curtis officiating. Burial followed at Marysville Cemetery. Visitation was held one hour prior to the services at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to MS Society of MN, https://www.nationalmssociety.org/. 

Sandra M. Olson was born on October 19, 1944, in South Haven, Minnesota, to Einard and Blenda (Carlson) Olson. She married Alan Burke on July 17, 1965. They moved from Minneapolis to Maple Lake and raised two children, five dogs, three cats, and one disastrous ant farm. Sandy was a lifelong Lutheran and loved to sing in the choir. She was an active and delighted gardener, growing almost as many plants as indoors as she had outside. Sandy and Al traveled many times to Japan to visit their son, Eric; his wife, Mayuho; and their three grandchildren. She was a talented artist, a gift she passed on to her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by husband of 61 years, Alan; children, Sonya Burke (Troy Behnke), of Minneapolis, and Eric (Mayuho Tanaka), of Takahagi, Ibaraki, Japan; and three grandchildren, Kylie, Leif, and Ewan; sister, Ricky Leinen; sister-in-law, Jennifer Cummings; nieces, nephews, many cousins and dear friends. 

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Einard E. and Blenda W. Olson; and brother, Alan Olson.

Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.

Dawn Paulson, 55

Dawn Marie Paulson, age 55, of Princeton, Minnesota, passed away on April 5, 2026.

Dawn was born on August 9, 1970, in Burnsville, Minnesota, the daughter of James Paulson and Sandra Witter.

Dawn will be deeply missed by her loving family, including her mother, Sandy Witter; her children, Matt Paulson (fiancée, Ann Hart), and Sara Paulson-Holen; and her cherished grandchildren, Huntley, Abrea, and Taysom Paulson, along with a baby girl on the way. She is also survived by her siblings, Laurie (Stacy) Davis, Todd Paulson, Chris Paulson, and Beth Rademacher; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Dawn was an avid thrift shopper who was always ready for a quick shopping trip. She enjoyed hotel stays and weekend getaways, especially when they meant spending time with her son and grandchildren. Dawn shared many lifelong friendships and treasured memories filled with laughter and good times.

Recently, Dawn gave her life to Christ alongside her sister, an experience that meant a great deal to her.

She enjoyed watching Sunday Night Football and was a devoted fan of the Minnesota Vikings. Dawn loved the colors yellow and purple, which reflected her bright and spirited personality.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Paulson; and her maternal grandmother, Myrtle Mosher.

A Celebration of Dawn’s life will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, with a visitation from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, Minnesota.

Private family interment will be held at a later date.

Family and friends are invited to honor Dawn by wearing her favorite color, yellow.

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