Obituaries 05/04/25

Michael Couette, 72

Michael J. Couette, age 72, of Maple Lake, died Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 2, 2025, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Maple Lake with Fr. John Meyer as Celebrant. Visitation from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday and from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Friday, both at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Maple Lake. Burial will be held at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery.

Michael James Couette was born on June 26, 1952, in Buffalo, Minnesota, to James “Rollie” and Charlotte “Chuckie” (Miller) Couette. Mike was a lifelong member of the Maple Lake community, having graduated in 1970 and then raised his family in his hometown.

Mike dedicated decades of his life to the construction industry as a proud Heavy Equipment Operator for the Local 49ers, retiring in 2011. Even in retirement, his commitment to hard work remained strong as he continued to drive dump truck locally.

Mike proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed primarily at Fort Riley and in Germany as a member of the 1st Infantry. He specialized in long range artillery. His service to his country was just one testament to his character - a man who gave generously of himself and always sought ways to lend a helping hand. Mike’s love and generosity was always extended to others throughout his life.

Mike was passionate about life. One of his greatest joys was hunting with friends and family on his property. He welcomed others into his home, often gathering people in his shed for laughter and camaraderie. He enjoyed going to the gym, followed by moments spent over coffee with friends. His love for sports was evident as he played and coached his three children. He also took immense joy in spending time with his grandchildren and supporting them in their activities.

As a member of the Maple Lake Legion and VFW, and Knights of Columbus, Mike’s faith and loyalty to his community reflected the deep-rooted principles he lived by. He was an avid fan of Notre Dame and Gopher football, passionately cheering for his teams.

He is survived by his children, Jon (Ashley) Couette, of Travelers Rest, SC, Craig Couette, of Maple Lake, and Meghan (Tyler) Ledwein, of Maple Lake; seven grandchildren, Hank Ledwein, Gunner Ledwein, Holland Ledwein, Ryker Couette, Chaidyn Couette, Huntlee Ledwein, and Jack Ledwein; siblings, Pauline Connick, of Mayville, ND, Joseph (Sandy) Couette, of Maple Lake, and Thomas (Becky) Couette, of Maple Lake; former spouse, Julie Paumen Couette, of Maple Lake; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ed and Nan Paumen, of Maple Lake; sisters-in-law, Beth Couette, of Minnetonka, Mary (Gene) Lambert, of Buffalo, and Colleen (John) Entinger, of Waverly; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and dear friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rollie” and Charlotte “Chuckie;” brother, Steven “Frankie;” and aunt and uncle, Mickey and Tom Bergstrom.

Jon, Craig, Alex, Joe and Nate Couette, Tyler and Hank Ledwein, and Pat Trainor will serve as casket bearers. Krista Elsenpeter and Sarah Goelz will provide music for the service. 

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

Obituary, Guestbook, and Video Tribute online at www.dingmannfuneral.com

John Kust Sr., 81

Born 3-22-1944, Minneapolis, MN

Died 4-22-2025, Montrose, MN

John Edward “Jack” Kust, 81, of Montrose, MN, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025, with family and friends nearby. He fought fiercely with lung cancer for nearly ten years. He was a loving friend to many in the community, always smiling and willing to lend a helping hand. A man of true integrity. Jack was quite literally a Jack of all trades. From carpentry to installing and fixing locks and alarm systems, cabinet maker, electrician, plumber, experimenter, and inventor, there was nary a challenge he would not take on. Jack had a lifetime love of lakes and boats and lived on Lake Minnetonka for most of his life.

Preceded in death by wife, Bonnie Bravo; parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Kust; siblings, Gerald Kust, Bob Kust, Betty Keesling, and Joe Kust. 

Survived by siblings, Jim Kust, Pat (Paul) Solstad, Peg Daluge, Carol Kust, Kathy Wheeler; sons, John (Cari) Kust, Jody (Faye) Kust; grandchildren, Corrina (Liam) Fury, Simon, Teddy, Diego, Benjamin, Aaron, Jameson, Brayan, and Matthias Kust; great-grandchildren, Kyzer and Maliyah Kust, Alistair and Silas Fury; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Service to remember and celebrate the life of Jack will be on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., Living Waters Christian Fellowship, 312 Pacific Ave., Waverly, MN. Luncheon to follow.

Timothy Mueller, 64

Timothy Alan Mueller, age 64, of Fridley, passed away April 18, 2025.

Tim was born August 19, 1960, in Minneapolis, to Kenneth and Camilla (Gardner) Mueller. The family lived in Blaine for a brief period before moving to Fridley. Tim attended Woodcrest Elementary and Spring Lake Park Schools. Later on, he obtained his Boiler Engineer License. Tim was confirmed in the faith at St. Philips Lutheran Church in Fridley.

Throughout most of Tim’s adult life he worked for Minncast, Cintas (G&K), and North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and cheering on the Vikings and the Wild. Tim was active in the Sons of the American Legion through the Fridley Post. Tim deeply loved each of his nieces and nephews like they were his own and enjoyed spending time with them.

Tim is survived by his mother, Millie; brothers, Dan (Sharon Christoffersen), and Jeff; sister, Kathy (Dan) Rodelius; nieces, Danielle (Kelly) Enger, Julienne Mueller (Cory Moss), Jacqueline (Robert) Vargas, Dominique Mueller, and Amanda Specht (Tony Semmen); nephew, Benjamin Rodelius; grand-nieces, Samantha Moss, Camilla Specht, Aeliana Vargas, Emmeline Vargas; grand- nephew, Jackson Tyler Moss; aunts, Darline Erickson, Marilyn Mueller, Susan Wredberg; and uncle, Jim Wredberg; and many cousins and friends.

Preceded in death by father, Ken; niece, Emma Rodelius; and nephew, Andrew Rodelius.

A Memorial Service will be held May 3, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel, 300 Main Street North, St. Michael, Minnesota. Visitation at 1:00 P.M., followed by the service. Refreshments with the family will be served afterwards.

Private family interment at Sunset Cemetery in St. Anthony at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to: American Kidney Fund (kidneyfund.org) or a charity of your choice.

The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.