Obituaries 09/10/26
Sally Bair, 84
Sally O’Sullivan Bair was born January 8, 1942, in Rochester, Minnesota. Sally was the daughter of Dr. Hugo Linden Bair, a Mayo Clinic Ophthalmologist, and Harriet Sullivan Bair. Sally died on February 10, 2026, after a short illness, at the age of 84.
Sally graduated from John Marshall High School in Rochester, Minnesota, in 1960, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and voted secretary of her junior class. She then attended Beloit College, joining the Delta Gamma (DG) Sorority. Beloit imbued her with a sense of idealism, which she carried throughout her life. She was a freshman during the time of the Freedom Fighters, one of whom, Jim Zwerg, was a Beloit student. Sally recalled vividly those turbulent times. It was her Delta Gamma sorority at Beloit that pledged a black woman. The National DG governing board then suspended the Beloit chapter.
Sally went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Colorado Women’s College, now part of Denver University in 1965 with a major in social sciences and minors in literature and education. She went on to complete graduate work in chemical dependency counseling at the University of Minnesota and a graduate degree certification in special education learning disabilities and remedial reading from Bemidji State University in 1977. After retiring, she continued her education in paralegal studies, which she enjoyed immensely. Learning was a lifetime affair with her, and she was always pursuing some topic, be it Antarctica, civil rights, geology, sled dog history, or World War II battles and personalities.
In 1965, Sally embarked on a teaching career that spanned over 30 years, retiring in 1999 after 20 years in the Princeton, Minnesota schools, teaching at the high school level. She also taught in Alaska, at the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in North Dakota, in Colorado and Osseo, Minnesota. During several of her earlier years in teaching, she coached girls’ gymnastics and became active on the gymnastics judging circuit.
Growing up in Rochester in the 1950s, Sally found there was no opportunity for young girls to practice this sport, or any sports for that matter, especially competitively. Lithe and graceful, she would have been a strong gymnastics competitor. It was a positive, revolutionary move when Title IX was passed by the US Congress in 1972, mandating gender equality in all educational programs.
A hiatus from teaching enabled her to do editorial work for the American Indian Education Association and the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology. She always had an abiding interest in other cultures, and in 1968 spent a summer traveling extensively throughout Africa.
Sally’s passion and joy was sled dog sports, which she was introduced to in Alaska. This petite gal was active in sled dog racing for 25 years; winning medals at the local level in many sprint sled dog races. She general kept a kennel of ten to twelve dogs, to which she was devoted. They were her “children,” as she liked to tell people: “They’re always glad to see you, and they don’t have to go to college.” For the sake of her parents, she liked to add that she had her own police force right in her back yard! She loved regaling her family with anecdotes of the triumphs and tribulations of her hobby and would sometimes bring a litter of six-week-old puppies to her parents’ home for a weekend of socialization.
In 1975, she joined Minnesota’s North Star Sled Dog Club (NSSDC) and became the organization’s editor and publisher from 1993-2016 of their news magazines The Tugline. Sally was self-taught as a graphic artist and desktop publisher. Sally was awarded the NSSDC’s Maeb Bayers Memorial Trophy in 1996 for her contributions.
Sally’s skills and knowledge of the sport led to an appointment in 1999 as Secretary General of the International Federal of Sled dog Sports (IFSS). This appointment allowed her to expand her horizons in the sport internationally. She authored many articles and news releases on the sport for NSSDC and IFSS, wrapping up her responsibilities with IFSS in 2012.
Her tenure in sled dog sports was an enjoyable one and enabled her to travel extensively at the national and international level, meeting mushing enthusiasts and other sports figures throughout the world, gaining added appreciation of other countries and their cultures. She was a firm believer in giving back to this sport that had given her so much.
Sally was amazed at how little the world of sled dog sports can be, as her travels took her not only to distant places but also enabled her to meet mushers throughout. A trip for a race to Kamchatka, Russia, where she acted as one of the race judges, was memorable. A meeting of the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), of which IFSS is a member, in Dubai, was very interesting. The final evening event, hosted by HRH Princess Haya, was a delicious beach dinner and party called “Arabian Nights.”
One of her fondest memories was to Roros, Norway, where she was in charge of canine doping testing in this distance race. Sally arrived at night and walked down to the finish line area where all the dogs were for their first checkpoint. Suddenly, over 900 race dogs erupted in one big “sing” (howl) that lasted for over a minute. It was magical. All she could think was, “That’s why I love this sport!”
Sally also contributed her work in sled dog sports to the US Federation of Sled Dog Sports (USFSS), serving on its board in some capacity from its inception in 2004. She served mostly as Board secretary and Chair of its Anti-Doping Committee. She was instrumental in helping to develop its first set of bylaws and writing its application for a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
Sally was a dedicated and passionate member of the Minnesota DFL at the precinct, county, and congressional levels, serving as secretary for both her senate and congressional districts. She also served on the DFL State Central Committee. She was pleased to host many meetings and gatherings of all sorts at her home in Buffalo on Berthiaume Lake. She cherished the values and friendships she shared with her DFL cohorts.
While living in Duluth, Minnesota, after retiring from teaching, Sally became a board member of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in Duluth. She served as its secretary and as the turn-around checkpoint chief timer at Trail Center for several years, a job she thoroughly enjoyed. The race was an all-night endeavor. Stationed at the beachfront by the bonfire at the frozen Poplar Lake, she was mesmerized by the sight of the sled teams coming over the lake with the leader’s red blinking light and the musher’s headlamp announcing their impending arrival.
In 2017, Sally agreed to edit and set the layout of a memoir hardcover book, written by her former college “pinmate” who graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and served four tours of duty in Vietnam. Her friend suffered from PTSD, but they stayed in touch over the many years since college. For Sally, this project was an honor and privilege, as well as a race against time, for this retired Marine captain received his finished hard copy edition just a month before succumbing to lung cancer.
Sally was predeceased in death by her parents; her brother, Lindy Bair (Hugo Linden Bair, Jr.); her twin sister, Molly Ann Bair; her brother, Timothy Murray Bair; and sister-in-law, Catherine Napoli Bair.
Sally was close to and is survived by numerous cousins.
A Celebration of Life is being hosted by Sally’s family on September 19, 2026, at 1681 Bishop Ave. NW, Buffalo, MN, from 1-4 p.m., and all friends, neighbors, and former students are welcome to come and share stories and laughter.
John Brager, 81
John Oswald Brager, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, at the age of 81, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on June 6, 1945, to Ralph and Eleanor (Johnson) Brager in Minneapolis, MN. After graduating from North High School, he joined the Army National Guard. He then co-owned a business with his brother doing cabinetry and production painting. He married Jean (Van Nurden) Brager on November 6, 1976, and, together, they shared fifty-one wonderful years.
John was known as a quiet listener, being an easy-going guy, and for his steadfast dedication to his family. He enjoyed many hobbies, including walking hundreds of miles with his beloved dog, Jox, building computers, volunteering for several groups, and working on word search books. He enjoyed gathering with his Monday-night burger crew and always had an appetite for ice cream. He was known for being into electronics and computers, and people mentioned he missed his calling as he used those skills to help others and to keep in touch with his family as they moved further away. He was an active member at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo. In his retirement, he was adventurous, went on road trips, spent his winters in San Diego, and always found fun events to attend. John was also an avid supporter of all his children and grandchildren’s sports activities with many hours spent in bleachers and standing in fields.
He is survived by his wife, Jean; his five children, Stephen (Melissa), Jacqueline (Armando), Jason (Kim), Jolene, and Jill (Anthony); his seven grandchildren, Lena, Elissa, Skylar, Tessie, Karter, Brynn, and Thaddeus; his three siblings, Calvin (Annie), Carol, Mary (Mike); and an abundance of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral service was held at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN, on Friday, September 4.
John Daily Sr., 90
John Brownley Daily Sr., age 90, of Plymouth, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Suite Living of Plymouth.
He was born on December 14, 1935, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of John II and Anna Daily.
John worked for over thirty years for the State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Division, and also for the City of Minneapolis Library.
John was a lifelong member of The First Apostolic Lutheran Church in Long Lake.
Survived by his children, Ann (Todd Ackerman) Daily, John (Dana) Daily, Jane (David) Widhalm, Joan (Michael) Miller, Robert (Sarah) Daily, William (Sheri) Daily, Karen (Chad) Hakel, and Michael Daily; forty grandchildren, thirty-two great-grandchildren; many other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Daily; his parents, John II and Anna Daily; and several relatives and friends.
We would like to give special thanks to Brighton Hospice. They have become extended family members and friends who we will forever carry in our hearts.
Funeral services for John Brownley Daily Sr. were held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at First Apostolic Lutheran Church, 2300 Cox Trail, Long Lake, Minnesota 55356.
A visitation was held on Saturday, September 5, at the church one hour prior to services.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
John Halvorson, 87
John Sverre Halvorson, of Buffalo, MN, passed away the morning of Tuesday, September 8, 2026. John was born January 19, 1939, in Milan, MN.
Services are with The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN. Full obituary to be posted at a later date.
Evelyn Mutterer, 81
Evelyn Rose Mutterer, age 81, of rural Buffalo, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Parkview Care Center in Buffalo. The family wishes to thank the staff for their wonderful and dignified care for their mom and grandma, especially the last several months.
She was born on October 21, 1944, in Minneapolis, the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth (Donat) Dewey. She grew up in Hopkins, also spending much time at her grandparent’s farm in Eden Prairie. Her family moved to Rockford in the summer of 1958.
Evelyn graduated from Rockford High School in 1962.
She was instructed in the Lutheran Catechism and confirmed in the Christian faith as an adult at Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rockford.
On June 30, 1963, Evelyn Dewey and Carl Mutterer were joined in holy marriage at Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rockford. Pastor W.E. Neuman performed the ceremony. God blessed their marriage with three children.
Evelyn was formerly employed at Wonderall’s in Buffalo and at The Rockford Bakery.
She was a faithful member of Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rockford. She was very active in her church, especially as a girl Pioneer leader, Ladies Aid, and LWMS.
Evelyn enjoyed her flowers, gardening, knitting, making children’s clothes, cats, and her movie collection.
Survived by children, Tim Mutterer, Christine (Lee) Hallman and Daniel Mutterer; three grandchildren, Jordan (Austin) Schall, Alex Mutterer, and Brittney Mutterer; two great-grandchildren, Kaden and Kacey; a brother, John Dewey; sister-in-law, Lupe Dewey; sister-in-law, Arlene Mutterer; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Preceded in death by her husband, Carl Robert Mutterer on May 1, 2016; her parents; and by a brother, Frank Dewey.
A Memorial service for Evelyn Mutterer will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rockford. Pastor Paul Schuler will officiate. Inurnment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, two hours prior to services AT THE CHURCH.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Pamala Petersen, 69
Pamala M. Petersen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born August 25, 1956, in Pipestone, MN, Pam lived a life full of love, laughter, strength, and unforgettable memories.
She met the love of her life, Jeff, in the 9th grade. Together, they spent more than five decades building a beautiful life and family.
Pam’s family was her greatest joy. For 20 years, she also dedicated her life to helping others as a chemical dependency counselor at Hazelden.
Pam leaves behind her husband, Jeffrey; children, Justin (Lori), Dana (Bernie), and Malissa (Brandon); grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great-granddaughter; stepfather Ken; and siblings, Rod (Patty), Randy (Tammy), and Doug.
Pam was preceded in death by her sister, Debbie; sister-in-law, Lisa; brother-in-law, Lyle; father, Stanley; and mother, Marlys.
There will never be another Pam. Her love, laughter, strength, and unforgettable personality will live on through everyone she touched. Pam’s celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 26, at noon at Pioneer Park in Monticello, MN.
While our hearts are broken by her passing, we want to come together to remember her, share stories, laugh, cry, and celebrate the incredible woman she was and the love she gave so freely.
Until we meet again, Mom. We love you to the moon!
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Loren Peterson, 75
Loren Wayne Peterson, age 75, of Monticello, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at his residence.
He was born on October 17, 1950, in Lindstrom, Minnesota, the son of Lloyd and Ruby (Swenson) Peterson.
Loren was instructed in the Lutheran Catechism and confirmed in the Christian faith on April 11, 1965, at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Greenfield.
On May 29, 1971, Loren W. Peterson and Joyce C. Schalo were joined in holy marriage at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Corcoran. God blessed their marriage with three children. Loren honorably served his Country in the United States Marine Corps. He was a faithful member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Loren was formerly employed for many years as a block maker. He enjoyed going to the cabin near Nevis, Nascar racing, and belonged to The Oliver Club.
Survived by his loving wife, of fifty-five years, Joyce C. Peterson; children, Robert (Megan) Peterson, Tiffany (Cory) Laing, and Tessa (Chris) Weber; five grandchildren, Isabella Peterson, Brandon Doyle, Connor Peterson, Landon Weber, and Piper Peterson; a brother, Harlan Peterson; a sister-in-law, Elaine Peterson; many other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents; and by two brothers, Ronald Peterson and Darrel Peterson.
Funeral services for Loren Peterson were held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 12 noon at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9141 County Road #101, in Corcoran. Pastor Matthew P. Johnson officiated. Visitation AT THE CHURCH was two hours prior to services on Saturday, September 5. Interment with military rites, St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery.
Casket Bearers were Dustin Klersy, Jason Windsperger, Connor Peterson, Brandon Doyle, Jacob Pace, and Andrew Windsperger.
The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Marvin Uecker, 94
Marvin Leonard Uecker, age 94, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Benedictine Living Community, St. Peter MN.
Born in Grey Eagle on February 27, 1932, Marvin was the son of Otto and Hildegard (Guse) Uecker. He was baptized on March 20, 1932, at St John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grey Eagle and was confirmed at St John’s in 1946. Marvin graduated from Grey Eagle High School in 1950.
On July 25, 1954, Marvin Uecker and Ann Kaun were joined in holy matrimony at Trinity Lutheran Church (Lake Crystal, MN). God blessed their marriage with three children, Nancy, Michael, and Timothy.
Upon graduation from high school, Marvin spent the majority of the next 23 years as an auto mechanic in the Uecker & Harmon Garage, as well as the Cities Service Garage in Grey Eagle and as the Maintenance Manager/Mechanic at the Stearns Electric Co-Op in Melrose, MN. In 1973, he transitioned to a new role as an automotive mechanics instructor, teaching at the Rum River Vocational Center in Mora, MN, the Wright Vocational Education Center, Buffalo, MN, (1973-1985), and at the Riverton High School Vocational Technical Center, Riverton, WY (1985-1988). Upon retirement from teaching in 1988, Marvin continued to work as an independent auto mechanic until he formally retired in 1993.
In addition to formal employment, Marvin served as the Grey Eagle Fire Chief (1955-1965), drove school bus for Grey Eagle School District #791 (1957-1969), served as Deputy Sherriff-Division of Rivers and Lakes for Todd County (1958-1962), Insurance Agent for Market Mens Mutal (1958-1963), Assistant Game Warden (1959-1963), member of the MN State Curriculum Articulation program (1975-1982), member of the Hutchinson Area Vocational-Technical Institute Auto Department Advisory Committee (1982-1985), and Head of the Wright Vocational Cooperative Center Automotive Advisory Committee.
Throughout his life, Marvin was an active church member and served as an Elder in many of those congregations. He had a strong faith and loved the Lord Jesus with his whole heart.
For hobbies, Marvin enjoyed traveling the nation with his wife, where they visited every state but Hawaii. He loved working on cars, “creating” things with his own hands, hunting, snowmobiling, and trout fishing in the mountains of Wyoming.
Survived by his daughter, Nancy Petermeier (Dan); son, Tim Uecker (Michelle); daughter-in-law, Karmen; brother, Otto Uecker (Chris); sister, Ruth Rosenberg; brother Delmer Uecker; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and other treasured relatives and many friends.
Marvin was preceded in death by his wife (Ann) of 71 years; son, Michael Uecker; grandson, Mitchell Uecker; his parents, Otto, and Hildegard Uecker; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, William (Bill), Sr. and Eva Kaun.
Visitation will be held at St John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grey Eagle on Saturday, September 19, from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 A.M., followed by a luncheon in the church basement. The interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery following the luncheon. In lieu of flowers, Marvin requested that any memorials be provided to the ALS Network (at alsnetwork.org).
Kenneth Weese, 78
Kenneth Benjamin “Kenny” Weese, age 78, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away on August 31, 2026, at Cokato Manor, surrounded by his loving family.
Kenny was born on December 9, 1947, in Buffalo, Minnesota, to Benjamin and Edna (Harff) Weese. On May 3, 1969, he married the love of his life, Roxana Schwietering, and, together, they built a life rooted in love, family, and faith. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Following his service, Kenny built a dedicated career as a postal carrier, where he became a familiar and friendly face in the community. In addition, he served his community as a member of the Buffalo Fire Department for 20 years.
Kenny was a devoted and active member of Buffalo United Methodist Church. He served on the praise team for many years, sharing his faith through music and fellowship. Kenny and Roxie also began the church’s Christmas dinners many years ago, creating a tradition of warmth, generosity, and community that continues to bless others.
His faith was a guiding force throughout his life, shaping the way he loved and cared for others. He will be remembered for his kind and loving nature, his unwavering faith, and the way he made others feel valued and supported.
Family was at the center of Kenny’s life. He found his greatest joy in spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He especially loved cheering on his six grandchildren in all their sporting events—his enthusiastic support and unmistakable “cheering” will be fondly remembered by many. Kenny also enjoyed playing Texas Hold’em, playing pull tabs, and sharing laughter and stories with those he loved most.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Roxana Weese; his parents, Benjamin Weese and Edna (Harff) Anders; parents-in-law, Bill and Audrey Schwietering; sisters, Bernice Schermer and Doris Polinder; sister and brother-in-law, Kaye and David Pramann; sister-in-law, Barb Schwietering; nephew, Andrew Pramann; brothers-in-law, William Schweitering, Jeff Schwietering (his best friend), Norman Schermer, and Fred Polinder.
Kenny is survived by his son, Chad (Jennifer) Weese, of Maple Lake; and daughter, Rebecca (Bryan) Clemen, of Cokato; six grandchildren, Samantha Evenson, Benjamin (Madison) Weese, Emily (Brayden) Belanger, Jacob Weese, Maxwell Clemen, and Kendra Clemen; and five great-grandchildren, Elijah Hagen; Elliott and Easton Weese, and Raelynn and Daisey Belanger; sister-in-law, Judy Schwietering; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Korb (Cheryl) Schwietering and Tim (Jill Hennesen) Schwietering; many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service for Kenneth “Kenny” Weese was held on Sunday, September 6, visitation from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m., at Buffalo United Methodist Church. A luncheon followed the service.
Pallbearers were Andy Yonak, Tom Klett, Mike Brings, Craig Lilja, George Christ, and Ron Heacock. Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren, Kenny’s legacy of faith, love, and devotion to family will live on in all who knew him.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
