Obituaries 08/07/25
Charles Beatty, 23
Charles Spencer Beatty, age 23, of Buffalo, passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
He was born on September 11, 2001, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, the son of Spencer C. and Sarah E. (Fitzgerald) Beatty.
Charles liked going for drives and spending time with his dog. Charles was a good Man! He was tough, strong, and resilient. He Loved to drive and spend time with his friends and family. Though he left this earth too soon, he spent his time growing, learning, and becoming a man. His friends and family will miss him dearly!
Survived by his mother, Sarah E. Fitzgerald; father, Spencer C. Beatty; a sister, Samantha Beatty; maternal grandparents, Michael and Janet Fitzgerald; other relatives further survive.
Charles was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Charles L. and LaVerne Beatty.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family.
Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Susan Braun, 64
Susan Florence Braun, age 64, of Monticello, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, at North Memorial Hospital surrounded by loved ones.
Susan was born on February 8, 1961, in Wayzata, Minnesota, to Joseph and Marie (Stimler) Braun. She grew up in Rockford and graduated with the Rockford High School Class of 1979.
She dedicated herself to her community with a giving heart. She was an active and devoted member of the local VFW Auxiliary, where she volunteered countless hours of her time. Her service extended far beyond organizational duties—she was always ready to lend a hand, share a kind word, or offer comfort to those in need.
She was known for her warm spirit, unwavering positivity, and selfless nature. Her smile lit up every room she entered, and her kindness left a lasting impression. Whether helping with community events or quietly supporting a neighbor, Susan lived her life with purpose, always placing others before herself.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Survived by her significant other, Dave Ross; children, John Dahl (Choas) and Jennifer (Brian) Dougherty; grandchildren, Noah, Lisa, Bethany, Joanna, Michael, and Peter; siblings, Dorothy (Bill) Hayes, Sally Berthiaume, Nancy (Les) Delton, Daniel (Missy) Braun, and Diane (Ivon) Anthony; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Monticello VFW Post 8731 (713 Cedar Street, Monticello, MN) from 12:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael-Albertville. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Aloysius Elsenpeter, 87
Aloysius “Al” Elsenpeter, age 87, of Maple Lake, died Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the Buffalo Hospital surrounded by his family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 8, 2025, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Maple Lake with Fr. Mark Juettner as Celebrant and Fr. John Meyer and Msgr. Callahan as Concelebrants. Burial will follow at St. Charles Catholic Cemetery, rural Maple Lake. Visitation will be held 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.
Aloysius Harold Elsenpeter was born on December 14, 1937, in Maple Lake, Minnesota, to Harold and Rose (Latour) Elsenpeter. A proud graduate of Maple Lake High School in 1955, Al went on to forge a remarkable career, devoting 41 years of his life to Wright-Hennepin Electric. He served as Chief Financial Officer until his retirement in 1997. His professional achievements were matched only by his deep commitment to his family and faith, values instilled within him since childhood.
On June 4, 1966, he married the love of his life, Patricia Spielmann, at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake. Together, they raised a beautiful family, nurturing their eight children in a home that echoed with laughter, love, and life lessons.
A devout Catholic, Al’s faith guided him throughout his life. He found joy in attending Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, praying the rosary, and taking on the role of lector at church services. His passion for spirituality resonated, and he further enriched his faith through his involvement with the Knights of Columbus, the Men of the Sacred Heart, and the St. Timothy School Board.
Al possessed a zest for life that inspired others, despite facing the challenges of polio from the age of 14. He navigated his circumstances with grace, with the use of crutches or wheelchair, yet remaining active and vibrant. He found joy in gardening, farming, playing cribbage, croquet, 500, and dedicating countless hours to the tranquility of his yard. Al even shared his musical talents through his band, “Al Elsenpeter and the Key Notes.” Above all, Al valued family and faith.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Pat, of Maple Lake; children, Cheryl (Trent) Carlson, of Buffalo, Lisa Miller, of Monticello, Jeffrey (Julie), of Buffalo, Maria (Joseph) Linder, of Buffalo, Stephen (Sommer), of Minnetrista, Thomas (Amber), of Buffalo, Paul (Mandy), of Buffalo, and Dominic (Jessica), of Howard Lake; 33 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; siblings, H. Jeanette Woolstencroft, of Buffalo, and Harold “John,” of Maple Lake; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Rose; brothers, Gary and Greg; and nephew, Joseph.
Jeffrey, Stephen, Thomas, Paul, Dominic, and Noah Elsenpeter will serve as casket bearers. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
As Al would say at the close of his concerts, “That’s it folks, that’s all for now.”
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Duncan Fowler, 85
Duncan “Dunc” Fowler
August 26, 1939, to June 18, 2025
Born August 26, 1939, to Eugene and Gretchen Fowler in Salt Lake City, UT. Duncan “Dunc” Fowler passed away peacefully June 18 with family at his side after having lived with pulmonary fibrosis for many years. Duncan grew up in Minneapolis, graduating from Southwest High School in 1957. He attended Michigan State University and graduated from the University of Minnesota. Duncan married Sally Plank in 1961 and moved their family to Alaska in 1968, where he served as the State of Alaska Ombudsman and later as the ombudsman for the State of Iowa and King County (Washington). Dunc and Sally spent their retirement years traveling the US and Canada in their RV with their beagles.
Dunc was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law (Clifford and Dorothy Plank); his granddaughter, Keighley Woollums; brother-in-law, Greg Shields; and many dogs.
In addition to Sally, he is survived by his children, David (Elizabeth Jankowski), Julie Fowler Wilson, and Susie (Kirk) Wulf; grandchildren, Cassandra Fowler, Zoey (Matt) Peake, Sophia and Zia Wulf; great-grandchildren, Aiden Skeffington-Vos, Caelan Woollums, Kira Woollums, and Philip Peake; sister, Laurie Shields; brother-in-law, Perry Plank; and sister-in-law, Sue (John) Leighton.
A service of remembrance will be held on Sunday, August 17, at the Lions Den in Ellison Park, Monticello at 3:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, gifts are suggested to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Association or the Juvenile Diabetes Association.
You can read his full obituary on the Neptune Society website: https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/golden-valley-mn/duncan-fowler-124....
Darla Groshens, 86
Darla Mae Groshens, age 86, of Buffalo, and formerly of Maple Lake, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Havenwood of Buffalo.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 20, AT THE CHURCH one hour prior to services.
A Memorial Service for Darla Mae Groshens will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo.
Inurnment will be held on Monday, September 22, at 1:30 P.M. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
A full obituary will appear later.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Gerald Kappa, Jr., 64
Gerald “Jerry” Frank Kappa, Jr., of Buffalo, MN, passed away on July 29, 2025, at the age of 64.
Born on January 31, 1961, in Chicago, IL, Jerry was the son of Gerald and Lucille (Kilzer) Kappa. He grew up in Schaumburg, IL, and graduated high school with the Class of 1979. After high school, he attended Wyoming Tech in Laramie, WY, where he earned his certification as a diesel mechanic.
In 1981, Jerry began working for Northwest Airlines. While there, he met his future wife, Heidi Erickson. The two were married on October 25, 1997, in Naperville, IL. They settled in the Buffalo, MN, area in 1998 and made it their forever home.
Jerry enjoyed the simple things in life: many memorable days spent fishing on Eagle Lake, camping trips up to Canada with his brothers, or just tinkering in his garage. He was always working on a project or learning a new skill, whether it was fixing something around the house or experimenting with a new recipe on his meat smoker. He also took great pride in his garden and the time spent in it.
Though he had a tough exterior, those who knew him best saw his softer side—especially when he became a grandpa. His family meant the world to him, and they always knew it. He cared deeply, loved fiercely, and showed up when it mattered.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Lucille; and sister, Leanne Spees-Kappa.
Survived by his wife, Heidi; children, Sean (Jordan) Burch and Michael (Landree) Burch; grandchildren, Caleb, Sydney, Peyton, Lucas, Samuel, and Soren; siblings, Jeff Kappa, Lynn (Sam) Anton, and Michael (Kim) Kappa; many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Funeral Service will be held Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. with visitation beginning two hours prior at 1:00 P.M. at the Buffalo Covenant Church, 1601 Hwy 25 North, Buffalo, MN.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
James Szarke, 85
James “Jim” Alan Szarke
Jim was born in Mankato, MN, on October 7, 1939, to Joseph Leo Szarke and Elizabeth Mary Ann (Thier) Szarke. He peacefully died of complications from dementia and Parkinson’s Disease on July 30, 2025, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, MN, surrounded by his family.
Jim grew up in Blue Earth, MN, until age five and then moved to Buffalo, MN. Jim attended Blue Earth School and then St. Francis Catholic School for seven-and-a-half years. He graduated from Buffalo High School in 1957. After graduation, Jim joined the United States Air Force. After he completed Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, he was stationed in Biloxi, MS, Rapid City, SD, and Iceland. He reached the rank of Airman 1st Class as a Radar Operator and was honorably discharged in 1961.
He graduated from St. Cloud State College in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. He obtained his Master of Science degree in Special Education with an emphasis on teaching students with learning disabilities in 1968. He had a distinguished teaching career that spanned over 34 years in Cokato, Roseville, Fergus Falls, Morris, Dent, and Perham, MN. Notably, he served six years as Special Education Director in Fergus Falls and Morris. The last nineteen years of his career he taught 5th grade in the Perham/Dent school district. In 2000, Jim retired from teaching to care for his wife, Patricia.
While attending college, he met and married Patricia “Pat” Louise Trandahl on August 24, 1963. From this union, seven children were born, Christopher James, Deborah Jo, Maria Patrice, Katrina Rae, David Alan, Daniel Eric, and Jonathan Paul. In 1975, he took a break from teaching, purchased the Hartz grocery store in Gonvick, MN, and ran the store with his family for five years. After selling the store, he and his family moved to Perham, MN, where he sold insurance for a short time, but the love of teaching drew him back into his true calling.
After losing his first wife, Pat, to cancer, he married Dianne Katherine (Altstadt) Rohde on April 26, 2003. He spent his retirement years active in the Adopt a Godchild program, was active on many boards, including St. Henry’s Parish Trustees, Kinship, and local and regional Library boards. He was a faithful volunteer at St. Henry’s Catholic Church where he taught religion classes and delivered communion to shut-ins for many years. He loved attending youth track meets and supporting local young people. He prayed faithfully for family and friends alike. Jim loved to jump in the car and take day trips to visit his family with a stop at Itasca State Park to drink in the beauty and grab a quick ice cream.
He is survived by his wife, Dianne Rohde-Szarke, Perham, MN; sister, Betty Skoglund (Donald), Maple Grove, MN; brother, John Szarke, Duluth, MN; brothers-in-law, George Altstadt (Ardith), Perham, MN, and Roger Altstadt (Sue), Perham, MN; son, Christopher Szarke, Salt Lake City, UT; son-in-law, David Mueller (Gina), Dayton, MN; daughter, Maria Terry (Wayne), St. Clair, MN; daughter, Katrina Grotjahn (Lonnie), Rochester, MN; son, David Szarke, Alexandria, MN; son, Daniel Szarke (Dawn), Colorado Springs, CO; son, Jonathan Szarke (Leah), Greensboro, NC; step-daughter, Robin Rohde Keller (Mike), Dayton, MN; step-son, Myren “Mickey” Rohde, Jr. (Susan), Perham, MN; grandchildren, Lianna Mueller, Dallas, TX; Michael Mueller, Seattle, WA; Joseph Mueller, Anoka, MN; Maria Mueller (Jake), Lake Wylie, SC; Alex Mueller (Bethany), Buffalo, MN; Daniel Mueller, Dayton, MN; Sarah Terry, Rochester, MN; Isabelle Terry, Benjamin Terry, St. Clair, MN; Alex Szarke (Kayla), New London, WI; Logan Slaughter, Weyauwaga WI; Deborah Stalboerger (Jordan), Winona, MN; Jordyn Anderson, Neilsville, WI; David Grotjahn, Rochester, MN; Annelie Szarke, Mathieu Szarke, Katherine Szarke, Colorado Springs, CO; Lawson Szarke, Jayson Szarke, Brielle Waiganjo, Greensboro, NC; Samuel Keller, Steamboat Springs, CO; Theodore Keller, Pleasant Hill, IA; Owen McShane, Moorhead, MN; Leah McShane, Dayton, MN; Ethan Rohde, Fergus Falls, MN; Jaxson Rohde, Aspen Rohde, Boden Rohde, Perham, MN; and great-grandchildren, Elzen Mueller, Autumn Frenning, Korbin Frenning, Klara Frenning, Kassius Frenning, Keanu Frenning, Benedict Mueller and baby on the way, Azaelia Szarke, Azariah Szarke, Willow Szarke, Koa Szarke, Kylie Stalboeger, Noah Mitte, RaeLynn Mitte; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia Szarke; daughter, Deborah Szarke Mueller; brothers, Joseph Szarke, Steven Szarke, and Roger Szarke; grandson, Patrick Slaughter; and nephews, Michael Skoglund and Joseph Kuehn.
Jim’s family would like to thank the staff of the Minnesota Veterans Home for the exceptional care, affection, and honor provided to him. He was very fortunate and blessed to have spent his last four years in such a special and loving place.
Blessed be the memory of Jim Szarke.
Visitation was 2:00-5:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 5:00 and Parish Prayers at 5:15 on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service in Perham. Visitation resumed from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 on Monday, August 4 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Perham. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN, (218) 346-5175, www.schoenebergerfh.com.
Cecilia Torgeson, 72
Cecilia Marie Torgeson, age 72 of Montrose, MN, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025.
Ceil was born the daughter of Paul and Adeline (Miland) Aulwes on May 30, 1953, in Minneapolis, MN.
Cecilia was a faithful churchgoer who loved spending time in worship, and her joy was often expressed through her favorite hymns and country gospel music. Her love for the Lord was woven into everything she did.
A woman of many passions, Cecilia found joy in the simple, beautiful things in life. She loved camping, tending to her garden with care and patience, and creating beautiful crafts with her hands. She was also known for her holistic approach to health, making her own tinctures and oils. An avid reader, Cecilia could often be found with a book in hand, her favorite being romance novels. Cecilia leaves behind a legacy of faith, beauty, and care that touched all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Vern; children, Leslie (Mike) Schwieger, Jeff (Stacy) Torgeson, and Tracy Granger; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Paula (Rod) Ruesch, Steve Aulwes, and Tom (Wanda) Aulwes; sisters-in-law, Deb Aulwes and Stacey Aulwes; also, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Adeline Aulwes; brothers, Tim Aulwes and Denny Aulwes.
Mass of Christian Burial for Ceil was held Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly, MN.
Luncheon at the church following the service.
Interment will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
