Obituaries 10/20/22

Kerry Barthel, 54

Kerry James Barthel, age 54, of St. Michael, passed away on October 10, 2022 in his home.

Kerry was born on April 5, 1968, the son of Duane and Kathleen Barthel. He was born and raised in St. Michael, attending the St. Michael Catholic School and Church, a lifelong parishioner, and graduated from St. Michael-Albertville in 1986. Kerry joined Kathy Jo in holy matrimony on September 23, 1989, and God blessed them with two daughters, Kasandra and Krista. Kerry had so much to be proud of, and he made sure to tell everyone just how blessed he was in each of his conversations.

As a business owner, he worked hard all the time, but he never made his work his life, and his life was never his work. Everyone knew he was a great painter, but we don’t remember him as just that, because the impact he made on the community was far greater than just a bucket of paint. Kerry was generous, he was hilarious, he was joyful, and he was stubborn. And those are the qualities of a good businessman, but even better qualities in a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend.

Kerry had a nickname for all of those around him. If he had your number, he made sure to use it. Kerry and Kathy loved to vacation, go out to dinner, play cards with friends, pray together in the wine room, and love on their seven grandkids. Kerry was pro-life and pro-family, sharing in his desire for large families to grow within this community. His love for all of those in his life was truly unbelievable because it stretched so far, farther then we all know.

Kerry’s faith was so strong, especially in recent years, the growth was loud, and he was so honest with those around him about the truth of our Catholic faith. He shared how important the rosary was as he learned to love it more and more each day while praying with his wife and alone. Within his spiritual growth, he made sure to let his family know that he wasn’t scared to die and that this temporary home is just that, temporary. Kerry enjoyed beer (a lot), golf, playing and watching football, plowing his driveway, having deep conversations, and spending time with his family. Every Sunday, Kerry would grill for the family to enjoy together, and in those moments “solve all the world’s problems.”

He is preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Elizabeth (Pouliot) Daleiden.

Kerry is survived by his wife, Kathy Jo; children, Kasandra (Jacob) Vorderbruggen, and Krista (Anthony) Praught; grandchildren, Vivian Praught, Alice Praught, Charlotte Praught, Elsie Vorderbruggen, Luettta Vorderbruggen, Ruger Vorderbruggen and Gerard Vorderbruggen; parents, Duane and Kathleen Barthel; siblings, Jeanne (Wesley) Holland, Keith (Sue) Barthel, Lori (Scott) Ende, Timothy (Debbie) Barthel, Theresa (Jim) Eicher, and Anne (Roger) Tiernan; his in-laws; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for Kerry Barthel was held on Friday, October 14, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at The St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael. Principal Celebrant was Father Brian Park and Concelebrants, Father Peter Richards, Father Connor McGinnis, Father Joseph Zabinski, and Father Nathaniel Meyers and Deacon Steven Dupay. Interment followed at The St. Michael Cemetery in St. Michael. A visitation was held on Thursday, October 13, from 3-7 P.M. at the church. A Rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M.

Honorary Pallbearers were all Kerry’s nieces and nephews.

Casket Bearers were Mitch Zachman, Ian Barthel, Brent Holland, Bryan Holland, Nicholas Eicher and Sam Eicher.

Livestream link   https://www.youtube.com/c/StMichaelCatholicChurchStMichaelMN.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Cornerstone Women’s Center, 204 Central Ave. E, St. Michael MN 55376, which Kerry was set to paint in the coming weeks.

Kerry’s family will be donating money to the painting of the church apse, which Kerry was planning to paint this winter, in lieu of sending acknowledgement cards.

It is greatly appreciated and truly a blessing to give back, as this is what Kerry would have done.

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

 


Brian DeRoo, 54

Brian K. DeRoo, age 54, of Rockford passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester.

Memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at 7 P.M. at the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia with Rev. Aaron Fuller as officiant. Visitation from 4:00 P.M. until the time of service on Thursday.

Brian Keith DeRoo was born in Glenwood, MN, on May 28, 1968, to Lloyd and Dorothy DeRoo. He was the seventh of nine children and grew up in Brooten, MN.  Brian was very active in school and played football, basketball and was on the track team. He graduated from Brooten High School in 1986.

After graduation, Brian joined the United States Navy, serving on a nuclear submarine. He was very proud of his military service and was honorably discharged in the fall of 1992.

Brian and Laura started dating shortly after his return from the Navy. On Oct. 8, 1994, they were married and made their home in Rockford, MN. They were blessed with two sons, Joshua and Ryan. Brian was very active with his boys, coaching them in sports and becoming their Boy Scout Leader. He enjoyed being with his family and being outdoors. He liked gardening and camping and looked forward to fishing and hunting seasons every year.

Brian worked for several companies throughout his career as an IT Network Administrator. In March 2019, he was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. He continued to work until his body was no longer able.

After fighting long and hard with his battle with cancer, Brian passed away on Oct 12, 2022. His passing leaves a huge void in the hearts and lives of those who loved him.

Brian is survived by his wife of 28 years, Laura. His sons, Josh and Ryan, who he was so proud of. His loving mother, Dorothy DeRoo; and in-laws, Merlin and Lois Arends. His brothers and sisters, Kevin (Linda) DeRoo, Brenda (Ken) Arens, Michelle (Dale) Salge, Don (Judy) DeRoo, Michael (Lori) DeRoo, Annie (Jaime) DeRoo, Aaron (Sara) DeRoo and Andrea (Eric) Dingmann. His sister-in-law, Lisa (Dan) Schaefer. Many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends. He also leaves behind his hunting dog and faithful companion, Rebel.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd DeRoo.

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, 952-442-2121, www.johnsonfh.com.

 


Gary Kasper, 63

Gary Kasper, of Spring Lake Park, 63, passed away in his sleep on Thursday, October 13, in Duluth.

He was born on July 3, 1959, to Lewis and Virginia Kasper, of Saint Michael. He graduated from Saint Michael Albertville High School. He enjoyed helping people, time with family, walks at the dog park with his friends, working with his hands, and painting.

He was preceded in his death by his father, Lewis.

He is survived by his mother, Virginia; siblings, Marilyn, Marie, Earl, Joann, Julie, Rita and Lisa; his adult children, Nicholas, Jennifer, Rachael and Noel; and grandchildren, Kaitlynne, Lewis, Lenora, Makayla and Brielle, and Ruth.

A Memorial Service was held in honor of Gary on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at The Peterson Chapel in Saint Michael. All were encouraged to attend visitation with his family from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and a small memorial service followed at 6:15 p.m.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael-Albertville. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


Cynthia Khalil, 69

Cynthia “Cindy” Jo (Smith) Khalil, age 69, of Buffalo, passed away on Sunday, October 9, 2022, at Regency Hospital.

Born in Buffalo, MN, on November 1, 1952, Cindy was the daughter of Maurice “Bud” and Phyllis (Kris) Smith. She graduated from Buffalo High School and attended Saint Cloud State University where she earned her teaching degree. Cindy traveled to West Germany in 1974 to complete her student teaching where she met the love of her life, Issam “Sam” Khalil, on the U-Bahn. Cindy and Sam returned to Buffalo and were married on July 9, 1976. They had one son, Pierre. Cindy taught social studies at Buffalo High School for over 40 years. In retirement, Cindy and Sam worked security at US Bank Stadium, the highlight of which was working at Super Bowl LII.

Cindy loved her cat, Pig Pen, working on projects at home, reading, watching the Minnesota Wild, a Murray’s steak, and weekend trips to Chicago. She loved hosting Christmas Eve and spending time with her family. She loved Pierre’s friends as her own and cared deeply about all of her students and colleagues at Buffalo High School. She had an incredible memory and told the best stories.

Cindy is survived by her husband, Sam; son, Pierre (Kari) Khalil; sister, Molly (Lyn) Payne; nieces and nephews, Elisabeth (Nate) Arcand, Robert (Abi) Payne, Christina (Karl) Thinesen, Alex Payne, David Payne; and her great-nephews, Gavin, Taylor, and Thomas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Phyllis Smith.

As a final gift, Cindy donated her body to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program for the furtherance of medical research. An open house in celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, October 23, from 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. at Bison Creek Event Center, 1207 MN-25, Buffalo, MN 55313. There will be no formal service. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Memorials preferred to Crossroads Animal Shelter of Buffalo, MN.

 


Ralph Kotilinek, 78

Ralph W. Kotilinek, age 78, of Maple Lake, died suddenly in his sleep on Friday, October 7, 2022, at his home of natural causes.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 24, 2022, at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake with visitation from 9-10:30 a.m. at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Maple Lake. Fr. Kevin Magner will be the Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery in Maple Lake.

Ralph William Kotilinek was born December 11, 1943, in St. Cloud, to Leo and Bernice (Wurm) Kotilinek. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake and graduated from Maple Lake High School. On June 29, 1963, Ralph was united in marriage to Dorine Florence Schmit at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Watkins. They were blessed with three children, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Ralph owned and operated Kotilinek Excavating and Sons, Inc. for many years. He enjoyed taking in history, going to senior dances, gardening, cutting wood, and going for walks. In his younger years, he also enjoyed hunting, racing snowmobiles, coaching his boys, and participating in the Wright County Saddle Club with his daughter.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Dorine; daughter and son, Kim (Pat) Sandretzky, of Maple Lake, and Tim (Carey) Kotilinek, of Buffalo; grandchildren, Chad (Tia) Kotilinek, Chelsea Kotilinek (fiancé, Charlie Jewett), Nicole Sandretzky, Chris Sandretzky (fiancée, Brianna Penaz), Lily Kotilinek (fiancé, Zach Dahl) and Trevor Kotilinek; great-grandchildren, Cairo Kotilinek, Charie Jewett, Jr., Chloe Jewett, Shawn Forstad, and Everhett Sandretzky; brother, John (Bev) Kotilinek, of Jackson, MI; and sister, Linda Kotilinek (Mary Warne), of Arden Hills; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Bernice Kotilinek; and son, Mark Kotilinek.

The urn bearers will be Chris Sandretzky, Trevor Kotilinek, Zach Dahl and Charlie Jewett. Nicole Sandretzky, Cairo Kotilinek, Charlie Jewett, Jr., Chloe Jewett, Shawn Forstad, and Everhett Sandretzky will be the gift bearers. The readers will be Chelsea and Lily Kotilinek. Krista Elsenpeter and Sarah Goelz will provide the music for the service. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.

Obituary, Tribute Wall, Video Tribute and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.

 


Ann May, 83

Ann R. (Herbst) May, age 83, of Rogers, MN, passed away October 15, 2022.

Ann was born in Waverly, MN, March 11, 1939. She was a retired Registered Nurse from North Memorial Health.

She was energetic, spirited, and beautiful. She loved her family, friends, and church. Enjoyed a good glass of wine, a crazy joke, fishing, and traveling. 

Mass of Christian Burial Friday, October 21, 2022, at 11:00 A.M., Mary Queen of Peace-St. Martin Campus, Rogers, MN. Visitation one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery, Waverly at 2:30 P.M., Friday afternoon, October 21, 2022. 

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

 


Martin Sweerin, 77

Martin “Marty” C. Sweerin, age 77, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on October 8, 2022.

Marty was born the son of Thomas and Maxine (Rehder) Sweerin on March 30, 1945, in Waterloo, Iowa.

In 1973, Marty started Lakeland Tool & Engineering in Anoka and owned and operated this business for many years. Marty’s hobbies included fishing, hunting, watching Nascar and enjoyed high school and college wrestling.

Marty is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie; children, Eric (Megan) Sweerin, Brenda (Mark) Essendrup and Deb (Eric) Milow; grandchildren, Vaughn, Chase, Vivian and Claudia Sweerin, Sam and Anna Essendrup, Max, Tori and Ella Milow; siblings, Linda Van Loh and Larry (Sue) Sweerin; also many other relatives and friends.

Private family services were held at the family residence. Officiating at the service was Pastor Cathy Jones.

 Casket bearers were his grandchildren, Vaughn, Chase, Vivian, Claudia Sweerin, Sam & Anna Essendrup, Max, Tori & Ella Milow.

 Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.

 


Willfred Winger Jr., 71

Willfred “Pete” Winger, Jr., age 71, of South Haven, died Monday, October 17, 2022, at the Buffalo Hospital.

Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at a later date at Fairview Cemetery in Remer.

Willfred Willard Winger, Jr. was born April 19, 1951, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, to Willfred “Bill” and Carole (Anderson) Winger. Pete grew up in Remer, where he graduated from high school. He then furthered his education at a technical school for Welding.

On October 18, 1972, he was united in marriage to Lois Engholm in Remer. In 1982, Pete and Lois moved to Annandale to raise their family. In his early years, Pete worked as an over-the-road truck driver, before beginning his 20+ years as a mechanic for Midwest Paratransit in Buffalo.

In 1996, Pete and Lois moved to a home in South Haven. As one to never sit idle, Pete kept himself busy by driving either a truck, tractor, or semi, hunting, fishing, baking, cooking, cutting wood, watching westerns, putting his carpentry skills to work, or collecting junk and treasures. He was a jack of all trades that could fix and repair anything and everything and jumped at every opportunity he could to help people. Pete was most likely to be found on his Kubota tractor, putting all the attachments to work.

Pete is survived by his children, Deanna (John) Laughton, of Sartell, Nina (Danny) Alcox, of Little Falls, Jennifer (Nate) Mettling, of Zimmerman, Tony (Luda) Miller, of Litchfield, and Trevor Winger, of Buffalo; grandchildren, Kayla, Austin, Matthew, Tiffany, Abbigayl, Isabella, Aidan, Brooklyn, Austin, Raychel, Nathan, Payton, Oliver, and Bryson; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Gabriella, Addison, Karly, and McKenna; significant other, Susan Larson, of South Haven; siblings, Mary Martin, of Embarrass, Jeannie (Cliff) Wagenbach, of Tower, Diane Larson, of Remer, Chuck (Lorna) Winger, of Embarrass, Willie Winger, of Aurora, and Terri Winger (Bob), of Longville; many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lois; and siblings, Jerry and Dennis Winger.

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

Obituary, Tribute Wall, Video Tribute and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.

 


Keith Wurm, 74

Keith D. Wurm, age 74, of Maple Lake, passed away on October 12, 2022, at North Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 26, at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Maple Lake, MN, with Fr. Meyer as the Celebrant. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at St. Timothy’s cemetery columbarium. There will be a luncheon to follow at the Maple Lake Legion to celebrate his life. 

Keith was born on May 9, 1948, to George and Sadie Wurm. Keith married the love of his life, Sandy Davidson, in 1967, and they enjoyed 54 years of marriage together and had two sons, Brian and Brad Wurm. Keith worked for Wright Hennepin Electric, LaTour Construction, and also owned and operated an appliance store and Keith Wurm Construction company in Maple Lake for many years. After retirement, Keith resided at the Maple Manor Apartments where he was a caretaker for several years and made many dear friends.

Keith was a longtime faithful member of St. Timothy’s Catholic Church. He enjoyed fishing, watching football, and especially spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his sons, Brian Wurm, of Monticello, and Brad (Kelly) Wurm, of Clearwater, MN; grandchildren, Nicole, Gavin, and Nolan Wurm; siblings, Bob Wurm (Carol) and Dorothy (Jim) McHugh; brothers-in-law, Roger “Chuck” (Sandy) Davidson, Richard Davidson, Robert Davidson and Jesse Clayton; sisters-in-law, Doris Shierts, Donna (Lyle) Miller, Barbara (Bob) Rigenhagen; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Keith was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy Wurm; parents, George and Sadie Wurm; siblings, Morris (Sharon) Wurm, Dick (Jackie) Wurm, Joyce (William “Bud”) Neison, Rita (Charles) Schoen.

 


Marie Wurm, 98

Marie Florence (Knute) Wurm, age 98 of Monticello, formerly of Maple Lake, assed away peacefully and prayerfully surrounded by family on Friday, October 14, 2022, at The Glenn in Buffalo, MN.

Marie was born on January 4, 1924, to Paul and Emma (Rathje) Knute at their home in South Haven, MN, the youngest of 10 children. She attended a country school near South Haven through 8th grade. Marie attended and graduated from Annandale High School as Valedictorian in the Class of 1941.

She then became a caregiver for a person with special needs in Buffalo, MN. On June 5, 1943, Marie married Roland Wurm at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Maple Lake, MN, where they became members. They settled near Maple Lake and raised 10 children on their farm. In her later years, she moved to Monticello and joined St. Henry’s Catholic Church where she was an active volunteer. Marie was a strong woman of Catholic faith.

She was a very hard worker, and she rarely complained. Marie was passionate about vegetable gardening and preserving all of her produce, growing flowers, sewing, crafts, cooking, baking, entertaining, especially for holiday gatherings. She used her beautiful voice to sing and was an avid dancer. She made sure her children knew how to do both. Marie was especially fond of children and was often heard bragging about the number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren she had.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roland; infant children, Catherine, Logan, and Morgan; eight siblings; and great-grandson Alex Vogt-Wurm.

Marie is survived by children, Dorothy Johnson, Loretta (Thomas) Morin, Kenneth (Betty) Wurm, Arnita (Charles) Loegering, Eileen (Patrick) Mooney, Charles Wurm, Janet (Daniel) Binsfeld, Paul (Evelyn) Wurm, Cynthia (Mark) Laudenbach, and Yvonne (Matt) Theisen; 33 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Elsie Freimuth; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 A.M. on Thursday with visitation one hour prior to Mass, October 20, 2022, at the Church of St. Henry, 1001 E. 7th Street, Monticello, MN.  Luncheon to follow Mass at church. Interment at St. Timothy’s Catholic Cemetery in Maple Lake, MN.

Arrangements by Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel, Monticello, 763-295-2918, www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com.

 

Publication: 

The Drummer and The Wright County Journal Press

PO Box 159
108 Central Ave.
Buffalo MN 55313

www.thedrummer.com

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