Obituaries 05/22/25

Marlene Barthel, 88

Marlene Lois Barthel, age 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 13, in her hometown of Buffalo, MN. Marlene was born on July 24, 1936, in St. Michael, MN. The daughter of Leo and Thecla (Zachman) Schumm. 

On June 2, 1956, Marlene Schumm and Lowell ‘Pete’ Barthel were united in holy marriage at St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael, MN. God blessed their marriage with eight children. Pete Barthel preceded his wife in death on May 4, 2016.

Marlene was a faithful member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Marlene had fond memories growing up with her siblings near the Crow River in her childhood hometown of St. Michael. She worked independently before marriage, then partnering with her spouse on their successful business. She had a love for babies, gardening, nature, volunteering, animals, sewing, garage sales, and family camping trips to state parks. Marlene was a proud and devoted wife and mother. Life gave her many great memories with her children and many grandchildren. In her later years, she lived at The Glenn in Buffalo where she made many new friends that she enjoyed activities with. The staff at The Glenn enjoyed her company and the ease of caring for her.

Marlene will be greatly missed by her children, Cheryl Feltman, Robert Barthel, Richard Barthel, Mary (Edward) Jacobson, Denise (Wayne) Keeran, and Troy Barthel; grandchildren, Bridget (Tyson) Stanley, John (Amy) Hurley IV, Erica (Allison) Jacobson, Laura (Carl) Kahlstorf, Amy Jacobson, Jedediah (Kate) Hurley, Hunter (Rachel) Keeran, and Gabbie Keeran; great-grandchildren, Nina, Morgan, Tyler, Hayle, Maddie, Isaiah and Isaac; great great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Lucy, Vivica, Thomas, Landon, Jaelan, Keenan, and Jude; sister-in-law, Sharon Schumm; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Marlene was especially thankful for Godchild, Connie and spouse, Doug Pugh, Katie Schmidt, Paula Hurley, Dusty DeMarais, Aaron Forsythe, Jeanne Matter, Kevin Chilson, and Lori Wagner, all of whom provided much love, care, and support to Marlene throughout her life.

In addition to her husband, Marlene was preceded in death by her two children, Deborah Hurley and Matthew Barthel; her parents; parents-in-law; a sister, Leah Clover; and brothers, Vernon, Eugene, Loren, Gordon, and Merrell Schumm; and son-in-law, John H. Hurley III. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo on June 3 at 11:00 A.M., with luncheon following the interment. Father Austin Barnes will be the Celebrant.  Interment at St. Francis Cemetery in Buffalo, MN.

Visitation will be held on June 2, 2025, from 4-7 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo and one hour prior to Mass on Tuesday, AT THE CHURCH.  

Marlene’s family would like to thank all the family and friends for their prayers and kind thoughts of sympathy.  A thank you to the reader and music arrangements held at the mass. A special thank you to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo that assisted the family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Ricky Borden, 73

Born March 22, 1952 - Died May 12, 2025

Ricky Clark Borden, age 73, of Maple Lake, MN, son of Thomas Glenn Borden and Ethel Gertrude (Moore) Borden was born on March 22, 1952, in Sanborn, IA, during a blizzard.  

He attended public school in Sanborn, IA. He was always a hard worker, even as a kid. He mowed lawns, shoveled snow, delivered the town newspaper, and assisted the milkman. After HS graduation, he studied for two years at Westmar College in La Mars, IA, to join the clergy. After some soul searching, he transferred to UNI in Cedar Falls, IA, where he graduated with a BA Degree in 1974. His strong work ethic continued during his college years, saving for his education. Soon after passing the CPA Exam, he landed in Wright County, MN, where he spent four decades servicing his clients, both big and small. He was a member of the American Institute of CPA’s. He belonged to the Minnesota Society of CPA’s and many community and business organizations, including Rotary Int’l, BNI, Jaycee’s, Chamber of Commerce, and multiple fund-raising venues. He spent most of his years as a partner with Gruys Borden Carlson CPA’s before selling to Larson Allen, which then became Clifton Larson Allen. He became an Ordained Christian Pastor and was blessed to have performed several weddings and baptisms. After retiring in 2017, he enjoyed many adventures while traveling. 

Rick will long be remembered for his dedication, kindness, and sense of humor. He made the world a better place. Rick enjoyed humor, reading, classic rock, motorcycle touring, and cruise ship travel. 

Rick was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Terry; and infant sister, Marsha. 

Rick is survived by his wife and soulmate, Sharon; loving bonus children, Jeremy (Jen) Derheim, of Becker, MN, Jennifer (Jimi Dagner) Derheim, of Litchfield, MN, and Jerrod Derheim, of Maple Lake, MN; his three estranged children, Erika, Ben, and Sarah; eight grandchildren, Samantha (Zachary) Nesenson, Cynthia Villegas, Ella Felling, Dylan and Danielle Derheim, Piper Coughlin, Olivia Erickson, and Jenette Dagner; one great-grandchild, Aurora Nesenson; brothers, Scott (Ruth Ann) Borden, of Sanborn, IA, and Douglas (Aaron) Borden, of Primghar, IA; and sister, Joy (Rich) VanderWerff, of Sanborn, IA; his very special canine companion, Bindi; and many friends, associates, and extended family members.  

He ascended into heaven on May 12, 2025, after a short battle with cancer.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 2, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel, 250 E. Broadway St., Monticello, MN. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 11:00 A.M., with visitation one hour prior, at Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel, 250 E. Broadway St., Monticello, MN.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel of Monticello, MN, 763-295-2918, www.peterson-grims mochapel.com.

Arthur Lindberg, 82

Arthur “Butch” Lindberg, age 82, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on May 18, 2025. (Full notice to appear next week.) Services are pending with The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.

Dale Lorentz, 84 

Dale Clarence Lorentz was born on July 18, 1940, to Clarence and Ardis (Hess) Lorentz. His mother reminded us every year that it was very hot that day. He died on May 13, 2025. It was hot that day, too.

Graduating from high school at the age of 16, his report card notes that Dale was “a quiet student and a respectful listener.” While in high school, Dale was in the band briefly, badly playing the French horn. He is also credited with being on the track team, even though he didn’t really do that. Dale enjoyed bowling and stock car racing and won many trophies for both. He had a bit of a wild streak in him when he was younger.

Dale attended Dunwoody Institute and earned a degree in Manufacturing Engineering, which he used for many years working for Van Dale (later West Tech) and Cam (later Pengo) Manufacturing.

Dale was drafted into the United States Army in 1963 and served as an Army medic at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, where he was awarded an Army Good Conduct Medal.

Dale married Agnes (Tunnie) Galvin in 1965 at St. Mary’s Church in Waverly, MN, and their marriage was blessed with twelve children. They raised their children on a hobby farm in Woodland Township, where they had cattle, pigs, chickens, occasionally turkeys, ducks, and geese, and one really mean goat. Dale enjoyed working on the farm, planting gardens, picking tomatoes, and puttering around on various projects. He firmly believed that you could always do a better job than you had done, and so he would frequently tell his children that they “had a good start.” He loved going to auctions to find treasures, and he also loved a good bag sale on the last day of a garage sale.

Commitment to his community meant that Dale was actively involved in many groups, including the Lions Club, where he was a Charter Member and served as President and Gambling Manager; the Knights of Columbus, where he served as Grand Knight and Financial Secretary; the Boy Scouts; the Waverly Boosters; the American Legion; and the Special Olympics. He enjoyed working at the food stand and beer stands for Waverly Days and the church bazaar, parking cars for Winstock, and marching in the Memorial Day parade. He was honored by the Minneapolis Aquatennial for his volunteer work and commitment to the community. An active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, he served on the Parish Council, the Board of Education, the Adult Education Committee, and was a lector, song leader, Eucharistic minister, Eucharistic Adorer, rosary leader, youth group leader, and member of the men’s choir. He was a prolific blood donor who donated over thirteen gallons of blood.

He was a very busy man, but his number one priority was his family. No matter how busy he was with the farm, he always made time to attend his children’s school and sports events. He was a devoted father, and he loved being a grandfather to his 16 (soon to be 17) grandchildren.

Dale is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Ardis Lorentz; his father- and mother-in-law, Leonard and Rose (Lillian) Galvin; his brothers, David and Eugene; and his sister, Mary Jane, as well as brothers- and sisters-in-law, Richard Barberg, John Tapio, Mary (Marty) Coyne, Joan (Francis) Munsterteiger, James Galvin, John (Susan) Galvin, Sr. Margaret Galvin, Helen Flynn, and Anne Lund.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Agnes; and his twelve children, Julie (Mark) Stegner, Daniel (Dolores), Jonathan, David (Charise), Joan (Steven) Nelson, James (Carol), Jill (Eric) Gustafson, Joel (Jennifer), Debra (Andrew) O’Brien, Dennis, Diana (Daniel) Lucas, and Doreen. Also survived by his grandchildren, Catherine, Benjamin, Matthew, Emmerson and Ellison Lorentz, Adyson DiNatale, Jimmy Doll, Sebastian Nelson, Anna and Emily Rose, Eva and Avery Gustafson, Aiden Weege, Deacon O’Brien, and Josiah and Gideon Lucas. Dale is further survived by his brothers and sisters, Rose Barberg, Albert (Marlene) Lorentz, Eva (Royal) Moulton, Joyce (Herb) Smith, Sue Tapio, Shirley (Marty) Javurek, Trudy (Kelly) Clausen, Leo Lorentz, and Michael (Cher) Lorentz; sisters-in-law, Jean Lorentz and Terry Lorentz; and brother-in-law, Richard Lund. He is also survived by his godchildren, Mike, Jeff, and Christopher Lorentz, Todd Munsterteiger, Katie Coyne, Mary Jo Flynn, and Patty Levin; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A visitation was held on Sunday, May 18, at the church from 4-7 P.M. A Knights of Columbus Rosary wase recited at 6:30 P.M. Further visitation was held on Monday morning, May 19, one hour prior to Mass.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Dale Lorentz was held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Waverly. Father Lawrence Blake officiated.

Interment with military rites followed at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.

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

Roy Rud, 84

Roy Duane Rud, age 84, of Buffalo, MN, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family. He was born on January 9, 1941, in Mayville, North Dakota, to Fred and Hilda (Groven) Rud.

Roy graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958 and went on to attend Mayville State College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He continued his education at Mankato State, receiving his Master’s degree in 1962.

He began his teaching career out west, first in Glasgow, Montana, in 1963, and then in Barstow, California, from 1963 to 1965. In 1966, Roy was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served in the honor guard.  He served his country until 1967. After his military service, he returned to education, accepting a teaching position in Arlington, MN.

In 1969, Roy married LaVonne Hochgraber, who became the love of his life, sharing 55 years together.

Roy’s career in educational leadership began in 1970 when he became Principal in Brownton, MN, a role he held until 1976. He then served as Superintendent in Barrett, MN, from 1976 to 1979 before accepting his final position as Superintendent in Hector, MN, where he served from 1979 until his retirement in 2000.

Throughout his life, Roy’s family remained his priority. He was a devoted husband and father, always eager to take his family on adventures, from camping trips to memorable vacations like Disneyland. He loved his grandchildren and spent much of his time attending their activities. He also found joy in fishing, hunting, cooking, and carpentry, and was known for his humor and kind heart.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Hilda; brothers, John, Norman, and Jerry Rud; and sisters, Alma Swenson and Irene Mack. 

Roy is survived by his devoted wife, LaVonne; children, Barton Rud, Ryan (Jessica) Rud, Deandra (Michael) Strouth, Roy Jr. (Linda) Rud, and Robyn (Gary) Petty; grandchildren, Justin, Avery, Olivia, and Grant Rud, and Noah, Connor, and Logan Strouth; brothers, Lloyd and Zane Rud; sister, Betty Johnson; and many other relatives and friends. 

Funeral service will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior at Zion Lutheran Church, 1200 Hwy. 25 S, Buffalo, MN. Interment to follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Buffalo. 

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

Rena Westphal, 82

Rena Lee Westphal, age 82, of Buffalo, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Havenwood of Buffalo.

She was born on March 30, 1943, in California, the daughter of William and Doris Clifton.

Rena graduated from Buffalo High School in 1961.

On June 3, 1963, Lloyd Westphal and Rena Clifton were joined in holy matrimony at the Buffalo Presbyterian Church. God blessed their marriage with three children, Ward, Noel, and Tracy.

Rena enjoyed her life to the fullest, working alongside Lloyd on their family dairy farm and at office administration jobs, helping Wright County 4-H, churches, and local businesses to run smoothly. She spent her childhood living in many different locations, even Alaska before it was a state, but what she loved the most was settling down with Lloyd in Buffalo on the farm to raise her family. Anyone who met Rena was blessed with her shining, happy personality and upbeat, positive outlook on life. Her most favorite saying was “Bloom Where You Are Planted,” and she bloomed beautifully all her life, wherever she was, spreading joy and humor and smiles to one and all.

Rena is survived by her children, Ward (Michelle) Westphal, Noel (JoCarol) Westphal, and Tracy Westphal (significant other Jordan); six grandchildren, Nicole Hafften, Hannah Otto, Gregory Otto, Michael Westphal, Mitchel Westphal, and Rachel Westphal; seven great-grandchildren, Paetyn, Owen, Briella, and Hunter Westphal, Madilyn, Emma and Jacob Hafften; a brother-in-law, Charles “Jiggs” Hatcher; a sister-in-law, Shirley Clifton; other relatives and many friends.

Preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Westphal; her parents, five brothers, and two sisters.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 28, one hour prior to services at the church.

A Memorial Service for Rena Westphal will be held on Wednesday, May 28, at 11:00 A.M. at The Buffalo Presbyterian Church.

The family would like to thank the staff at Havenwood in Buffalo for their loving care.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.