Obituaries 05/15/25
Jeanette DesMarais
Jeanette Frances DesMarais (née Robeck) left this earth on Friday, May 9, 2025, leaving behind Joe, her husband of 61 years; four children, Jason (Bronwyn), Jennifer (Troy), Justin (Krista), and Jackie (Dusty); and seven grandchildren, Hunter, Morgan, Jack, Ben, Quincy, Daisy, and NoraMae. Her grandchildren were her life, pride, and joy. Many people say their kids have the best grandma, but we are going to respectfully disagree (or disrespectfully disagree, if necessary).
Without question, Jeanette made this world a better place. She was very involved with her church and community groups. She volunteered in the church nursery, donated quilts, crafted for fundraisers, helped with events, and was always one of the first to contribute items to bless those near and far. Hundreds of people snuggle under blankets she made or use a tea towel she hand-embroidered.
You would most often find Jeanette working in her sewing room with replays of Judge Judy or Law & Order playing loudly in the background – with her “damn cat” nearby. She was an avid reader, so if she wasn’t sewing, you would find her engrossed in her latest book.
If not in the sewing room, you could find Jeanette in the kitchen, with her favorite Elvis song or classic country music playing. Countless people have been fed by her hands; she is widely, widely known for her cooking! Unfortunately, no one will ever be able to replicate her recipes because she would change them “a little” every time. There are very few people who don’t mention her cooking as some of their favorite memories.
Jeanette worked so hard her entire life and seemed to always be on the move, albeit a bit slower in recent years. No matter the speed, she always made sure the people around her knew and felt her love, that the birdfeeders around the yard remained full, and that the cookie jar was well stocked.
As people have reached out with condolences, they have mentioned her extremely generous, giving nature. Many have shared that Jeanette offered a “second home” or was like a “second mom” to them. People have also consistently mentioned her “spunk.” She had a sharp wit, quick with a hilarious snarky one-liner. She was staunchly independent and could be as stubborn as a mule. Jeanette loved fiercely and would do anything needed to protect those she loved.
While mourned by many, they take solace that she is now reunited with her sister, Eileen, and lifelong friend, Sharon.
A memorial service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church of Buffalo, MN, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and luncheon to follow.
Interment will be in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Buffalo, MN.
Memorials to Great River Library-Buffalo are appreciated in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Natalie Jacobsen, 44
Natalie Nicole Jacobsen, of Buffalo, died on Feb. 2, 2025, at 44 years from illness. Born March 24, 1980. She lived in Buffalo, MN. She grew up in Plymouth on Kirkwood Ln. N. Graduated from Wayzata HS and U. of Wisconsin-Stout. Natalie worked many years for a well-known mattress company. She enjoyed artistic painting and the companionship of her two dogs and her cat. She was a joy to the family and always ready with a hug! She will be greatly missed by her mom, Coline (Cokie) Cowan; dad, Steve Jacobsen; brothers, Trevor and Brian Jacobsen; cousins, family and friends!!! Remembered as a loving Sweet Soul!
Funeral to be held May 23, St. Henry Catholic Church of Monticello, 101 East 7th St., 10 A.M. visitation and 11 A.M. service with luncheon to follow. Inurnment following at St. Henry Cemetery.
Tamra Korbel, 48
Tamra Julane Korbel, age 48, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on May 9, 2025, at her residence.
She was big-hearted and wore her heart on her sleeve. She was the type of person who always put everyone ahead of herself. Her family and people around her knew she was a loving wife, great mom, and devoted grandma just by watching what she did for them and how she loved them.
Tamra worked as a direct support professional for Functional Industries in Buffalo, MN
Tamra is survived by her husband, Jason Mueller; children, Bryce Marquette, Ashley Mueller, Brandi (Nate) Korbel, Alisa (Anthony) Korbel, and Davianna Keller; grandchildren, Harlee, Amelia, Maci, Chloe, and Ace; brothers, Kent (Sarah) Mohrmann and Jon Bernardy; also nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Dawn Mohrmann.
Visitation for Tamra will be held Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. with a Time of Sharing at 6:00 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Jean Kubu
Jean Helen (Garbers) Kubu passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025.
Jean was born to parents, Henry and Geraldine Garbers of Van Horne, IA. She graduated from Van Horne Consolidated High School in 1962 where she was a member of the 1962 Iowa State Champion Girls Basketball Team.
Jean attended Drake University in Des Moines, IA, and the University of Minnesota studying Secretarial and Coaching Sports Management.
Jean married the love of her life, Gene George Gregory Kubu, on November 9, 1963, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vinton, IA. They moved to Minneapolis, then to Brooklyn Center, and eventually settled in Buffalo, MN, making many friends along the way. They were involved in many activities, such as volleyball, card club, snowmobiling, camping, and fishing.
Jean worked at Square D Company in Cedar Rapids and Young Quinlan Department store in Minneapolis. She was employed by ISD #877 at Parkside and Hanover Elementaries where she was a Para and School Secretary for 37 years. There was no one more perfect for the role of School Secretary than Mrs. Kubu! She LOVED and protected all those kids that walked through the halls. She knew their name, their sibling’s names, their parent’s names, and sometimes their grandparent’s name. She also coached Girls Volleyball, Softball and Basketball at Rockford High School for 14 years.
Jean’s passion was her family. Gene and Jean raised their two boys, Greg and Talion, in the Rockford School District. You would always see and “hear” her in the stands cheering all the kids on. They built a cabin in Aitkin, MN, where they would enjoy the summers with lifelong friends. Jean took advantage of being off work in the summer. She spent long weeks at the cabin with her boys and long weeks down in Iowa visiting family. Always one for taking the scenic route, stopping to explore along the way. After retirement, Gene and Jean would spend summers at the cabin and winters in Yuma, AZ, as well as travelling all over the country and world! One thing was for sure, they were ALWAYS together. She loved getting out of the Minnesota winter and being with her friends playing shuffleboard, organizing the ice cream socials, and heading over the border to shop. Boy did she love to shop! She would say being a parent was great, but being a Grandparent was the best. She was THE BEST Grandma to Tyller, Ben, Anna, and Nick…but really, she was a Grandma to ALL. Grandma Jean would cheer all the kids on like they were her own.
Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Gene Kubu; son, Gregory Kubu; parents, Henry and Geraldine Garbers; and sister, Joan Garbers.
Jean is survived by her loving son, Talion Kubu (Sara), of Buffalo, MN. Jean is also survived by her four beloved grandchildren, Tyller Kubu, Benjamin Kubu, Anna Kubu, and Nicholas Kubu, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Service will be held Friday, May 23, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN, at 1 p.m. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the church. Inurnment will be held at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Buffalo. The service will be livestreamed via the church YouTube channel for those who cannot attend in person: https://www.youtube.com/c/stjohnsbuffalo.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society. If purchasing flowers, you may contact Bee Strong Blossoms (www.beestrongblossoms.com).
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Ruth Schultz, 97
Ruth Charlotte Haar Schultz passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
She was born in North Mankato, MN, on February 29, 1928, to Pastor William and Lillian (Bohlken) Haar.
Ruth was received into God’s kingdom of believers through Holy Baptism that same day. She vowed to be faithful to her Lord and Savior on her Confirmation Day at Salem Ev. Lutheran Church in Greenfield, MN, on April 6, 1941.
She attended Buffalo High School graduating in 1946.
Ruth then attended Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, graduating on June 10, 1949. She received a call to teach at St. John’s Lutheran School, Montello, WI. It is there she met Robert E. Schultz. They were united in marriage on June 20, 1952. They raised five children—John, Jim, Jane, Rachel, and Amy in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
She was preceded in death by her Christian parents and loving husband; three sisters, Dorothy, Lillian (Buncy), and Beverlee (Babe); son, John; infant great-granddaughter, Sofia Ruth; grandson-in-law, Bill Radintz; and grandson, Robert Schultz.
She is survived by her sister, Susan Haar; her brother, Tom (Debby) Haar; son, Jim (Susan) Schultz; daughters, Jane (Mark) Haefner, Rachel (Jim) Tessmer, Amy (James) Bubolz; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services for Ruth Schultz will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 627 S Washington St., New Ulm, MN, on Friday May 16, 2025, at 11:30 A.M. There will be a visitation starting at 10:00 A.M. at the church, until the time of service at 11:30 AM.
Lunch will be served immediately following the service.
Interment will be in Montello, WI, next to her husband, at a date to be determined.
“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:13
The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Rodney Yonak, 72
Rodney “Rod” Allen Yonak, 72, of Hanover, MN, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 6, 2025, at Abbott Hospital in Minneapolis after a long battle with heart disease.
Rod was born to George and Rose (Svoboda) Yonak on January 17, 1953, in Monticello, MN. He attended country school until 8th grade and graduated from Monticello High School in 1971. Rod worked at Yonak Sanitation and was co-owner of FCR Landfill, Dem-Con, and Dollar Discount. He was most recently employed at Adesa as a transport driver.
Rod married Carla Renee Myers on August 9, 1975; this year, would have marked their 50th wedding anniversary. They made their home in Hanover, MN, where they raised their three children, Amanda, Alexandra, and Aaron. Rod loved deer hunting and looked forward to his yearly trip with his son, Aaron, and friends, LeRoy Kiphuth, Clarence Schroeder, and John Blackhurst. Rod enjoyed watching his grandkids grow and loved his animals, especially Lilly and Buddy. He also loved baking; his mother’s apple pie recipe was everyone’s favorite. His gift of kindness and generosity will live on in all the hearts he touched.
Rod is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carla; their children, Amanda (Damian) Yonak-Johnson, Alexandra (Matt) Anderson, and Aaron (Jill) Yonak; and four grandchildren, Natilee, Liam, Kylee, and Aubree. He is also survived by his brother, Kevin Yonak; sister-in-law, Jan Yonak; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Rose Yonak; brothers, Preston (Mayella), George Jr. (Margie), Russell (Betty), Wayne, and Gary Yonak; and in-laws, Carlton and Marian Myers.
A funeral service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church 302 NE 2nd St., Buffalo, MN, 55313 on Saturday, May 17, at 10:30 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Light refreshments will be served afterward.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
