Obituaries 11/15/18

Laura Bauer, 78

Laura Mae (Priebe) Bauer, 78, of Port Charlotte, Fla. and formerly of Zimmerman, passed away on November 7, after a long battle with COPD.    

She was born Jan 1, 1940 to Harriet and William Priebe in Emmons. She graduated from Rosemount High School in 1957. On October 20, 1962 she married her loving husband, Ray.

Laura enjoyed listening to music (especially Elvis), scrapbooking, gardening, going out on the pontoon, playing with her grandchildren, and taking care of her husband, Ray.

Laura was preceded in death by: her parents, William and Harriet Priebe; brother, Marlow Priebe; sister, Jo Ann Otte; and second husband, John Benedict.

She is survived by: her husband, Ray Bauer; daughters, Denise (Dan) LaFave, Renee (Todd) Hareid, Lynette Thomas, and Ericka (Jeremy) Larson; sister, Carol (Steve) Dennis; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; many other family and friends.         

A Celebration of Laura’s life will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 17, at Dare’s Funeral Home, 805 Main St., Elk River with memorial service at 1 p.m.

 


Sandra Christensen, 73

Sandra “Sandy” Jean Christensen, 73, of Plymouth, passed away Thursday, November 8, at home surrounded by her family.  

She was born and raised in Buffalo, where she graduated from Buffalo High School in 1963.

Sandy was united in marriage to her husband, Kenneth N. Christensen on May 16, 1964. They resided in Plymouth for the duration of their 50-year marriage and had five wonderful children: Bryan (Victoria) Christensen, Neil (Theresa) Christensen, Carmen (Thomas) Schiro, Bradley Christensen, and Kevin (Sally) Christensen.  

She was a loving caregiver and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She loved to go hunting and fishing with her sons and family friend Steve, often times working hard to catch the biggest fish.

Sandy loved the color pink, everything Elvis, and going to garage sales to find the best deals. One of her favorite past-times was sitting on her front deck overlooking the lake.

Sandy is survived by: her loving children; nine grandchildren, Brooke, Jesse, and Claire Christensen, Brock and Haley Christensen, Alexandria Ahlert, Jack and Sophia Hanson, and Stella Christensen; a  brother, Gerald (Joyce) Erickson; and many friends, nieces, and nephews.

Sandy was preceded in death by: her husband, Kenneth N. Christensen; parents, Leonard and Grace Erickson; and sisters, Donna Ludders and Joanne Halliger.

Funeral Services for Sandra Jean “Sandy” Christensen were held on Monday, November 12, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Pastor Ted Vanderpan officiated.

Interment followed at Swedesburg Lutheran Cemetery-Marysville Township.

A visitation was held on Sunday, November 11, from 4 to 8 p.m.  at the Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.  Further visitation was held on Monday morning at the church one hour prior to services.

Honorary Casket Bearers were grandchildren, Stella Christensen and Alexandria Ahlert.

Casket Bearers were grandchildren: Brooke Christensen, Jesse Christensen and Brock Christensen, Jack Hanson, Haley Christensen, Sophia Hanson and Claire Christensen.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family.

 


Kevin Eicher, 56

Kevin F. Eicher Sr., 56, of Isanti, passed away at his home November 11, surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy battle with heart disease.

Kevin was born in Buffalo December 5, 1961 to Francis and Mavis (Mason) Eicher. Kevin married Michele Nielsen on November 16, 1990. They made their home in Isanti where Kevin enjoyed fishing, hunting and working on anything mechanical.

Kevin is survived by: his loving wife, Michele; children, Kevin Jr. of Isanti, Melissa Eicher of Isanti, Wendi Hanson of Ham Lake, Ashly Eicher of St. Paul; five grandchildren; sister, Benita (Rick) Wright of Montrose; stepmother, Rochelle Eicher of Burnsville; in-laws, Neal and Marlene Nielsen of Big Lake; many loving sister and brother-in-laws; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Mavis Eicher.

Services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, November 17 at Oxlip Evangelical Free Church, 29237 Roanoke St NW,  Isanti, with visitation beginning one-hour prior to the service. Internment will be at Strike Cemetary, Isanti.

Arrangements handled by Strike Life Tributes Isanti/Cambridge.

 

 


Ronald Engstrom, 61

Ronald (Ron) Engstrom, 61, of St. Michael, passed away on November 11.

Ronald is survived by: wife of 32 years, Jenny; daughter, Megan (T.J.) Sedlacek; son, Tony (Courtney) Engstrom; five grandchildren, Ella, Lydia, Bentley, Max, and Aliah; siblings, Jeaneen (Bruce) Berning, Lowell (Alice) Engstrom, and Lynell Becker; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by: parents, Robert and Elaine Engstrom; brother, Roy; brother-in-law, David Becker; and parents-in-law, Myron and Susan Oswald.

Visitation was held Wednesday, November 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. with prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Peterson Chapel, 300 Main St. N, St. Michael. Funeral Service will take place on  Thursday, November 15 at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 11024 Church St. NE, Hanover. Interment to follow service.

 

 


Mary Kaye Hunt, 76

Mary Kaye Hunt, 76, born May 23, 1942, celebrated her glorious home-going, to Heaven on November 9.

Mary Kaye joyfully joins her father, mother, brother, sister, former husband, family and friends in Heaven. Her children, Allison, Amanda, Kristen, and Matthew cheered her home-going with love, respect, honor, peace, and compassion.

Mary Kaye graduated valedictorian from Rockford High School, was a cheerleader and hospital volunteer.

Taking care of her family was her first priority, after Jesus. She was an excellent executive secretary for the family office of Curt Carlson - Carlson Companies, Plymouth, being employed with Carlson Companies for 20 years.

After retirement, she wanted to remain busy. She was a loved part-time receptionist at Clarebridge of Plymouth. She was adored by residents, families, and staff.

The light of Jesus shone through Mary Kaye. That pure light lit up every place she went, and every heart she touched. Her faith in the Lord Jesus was unwavering.

Mary Kaye enjoyed long summer drives, rainbows, and sunsets. In the spring, she enjoyed seeing the maple syrup buckets on the trees. Autumnal colors and sparkling white snow brought joy to her heart. She liked snowmen, and cardinals too!

Mary Kaye was beautiful inside and out – her bright smile and lovely face were a gift from God. The gentle love of Jesus was evident in her love for people. 

Her favorite scripture, Romans 8:28, “All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose,” was an encouragement to her children and others. Mary Kaye spoke this verse frequently; it uplifted all who would hear.

She will be missed dearly by many, many friends; a loving family, and her children. Mary Kaye ran her race well and is in the arms of Jesus. We will see her again! Hallelujah!

Commital will take place on Tuesday, November 20 at Kreidler Cemetery, 423 36th Street SW, Montrose, followed by visitation time from 12:00 noon-1:00 p.m. at Living Word Christian Center, 9201 75th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park and a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 p.m.

 


Donald McDonald, 90

Donald James McDonald, 90, of Annandale, died Thursday, November 8, while under hospice at the Annandale Care Center knowing he was deeply loved.

Memorial Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, November 17, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Annandale with Rev. Dave Nelson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Burial with military honors will be held 11 a.m. Monday, November 19, at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls.

Donald James McDonald was born April 20, 1928 in Minneapolis, to James and Austia (Todd) McDonald. As a young boy, Don moved with his family to Sebeka, where he graduated high school in 1945. After his early graduation, Don honorably served his country at the age of 16 during WWII as a Merchant Marine and then after that, the Navy.

Don was stationed in the Philippine Islands, as well as Iwo Jima. Upon his discharge, Don furthered his education at St. Cloud State where he obtained his bachelor’s degree. He then attended Dunwoody Institute for two years where he learned the trade of architectural drafting and estimating.   

Don went to work in sales for API Inc. for five years, before spending the next 29.5 years as a self-employed general contractor for UNSCO, Inc.

On June 19, 1987, Don was united in marriage to Sandra Joanne Wallace in Golden Valley. Don was a member of the Masons, Shriners, and Minneapolis Optimist Club. His hobbies included painting with water colors, playing the harmonica, and being active outdoors. Don was never one to shy away from social gatherings, whether it be with friends or family.

Don is survived by: his wife of 31 years, Sandy of Annandale; children, Eileen Roloff of Spokane, Wash., Lynn (Damon) Peterson of Blaine, Jon (Sandy) McDonald of Hovland, and Jim (Becky) McDonald of Bloomington; step-children, Jackie (Dave) Gonyea of Minnetonka and Paul (Sandie) Chevalier of Minnetonka; 19 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and other extended family members and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Wilbur.

Orma Lou Jacobsma, Judy Johnson, and Jim McDonald will provide music for the service.

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

 


Stephen Mooney, 60

Stephen A. Mooney, 60, of Maple Lake, died suddenly and peacefully on Thursday, November 8, in the Chippewa National Forest, near Pennington, while on a hunting trip.

Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 14, at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake with Fr. John Meyer as the Celebrant. Burial followed at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was held 3 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, both at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Maple Lake. A prayer service took place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral chapel.

Stephen Arthur Mooney was born January 6, 1958 at the Buffalo Hospital to Donald and Cleone (Stoppelman) Mooney. He grew up in Maple Lake and graduated from Maple Lake High School with the Class of 1977. He was baptized, received his First Communion, and was Confirmed in his Faith at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake; he remained a member of the church all his life.

In his younger years, Steve worked at numerous farms including living at the Henry Mavencamp farm, he also worked at Exide Battery in Minneapolis, Foam Fabricators in Silver Creek, Deltak Manufacturing in Plymouth, and he retired from NRG - Elk River Resource Recovery after 17 years of employment.

On September 29, 1979, Steve was united in marriage to Pamela Bernice Asfeld at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. They lived in Maple Lake where they were blessed with two children.

Steve was a member of the Maple Lake Lions Club, where he served as the Zone Chair and was the recipient of the Melvin Jones and the Helen Keller awards. He served on the Maple Lake City Council for eight years and was on the board for the Equal Opportunity Housing Committee.

In 2015, Steve was honored as an Aquatenial Commodore. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, baiting his grandchildren’s hook, gardening, making salsa and volunteering his time in the community. His family was the joy of his life and he loved to spend time with his grandchildren.

Steve is survived by: his loving wife of 39 years, Pamela of Maple Lake; daughter, Wendy Sylvester of Annandale; son, Nicholas (Roger Mendoza) of San Antonio, Tex.; grandchildren, George and Livvy Sylvester; Father Don of Maple Lake; brothers and sisters, Dan (Marcia) of Big Lake, Cliff (Linda Tobin) of Clearwater, Teresa (Douglas) Kempenich of Maple Lake, Rich (Heidi) of Maple Lake, Chris (Kim) of Clearwater, Dede (Rob) Fieldseth of Monticello and Debbie (Andy) Hanson of Clearwater; mother-in-law, Lilias Asfeld; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Glenn (Bea) Asfeld of San Antonio, Tex., Skip (Arlene) Asfeld of Cokato, Gordan (Diane) Asfeld of Watertown, and Laurie (Dan) McConnell of Becker; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by: his mother, Cleone Mooney, and father-in-law, George Asfeld.

The casket bearers were: Jeremy Asfeld, Eric Asfeld, Todd Kempenich, Matthew Mooney, Darby Hanson, Michael Asfeld and Chad Walhowe. The honorary casket bearers were Benjamin Asfeld, Zechariah McConnell and the Maple Lake Lions Club. Krista Elsenpeter and Anne Pribyl will provide the music for the service.

Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.

 


Marilyn Nagovsky, 86

Marilyn Jean Nagovsky (Wige), 86, of Cambridge, passed peacefully on November 3, in Buffalo.

Marilyn was born the daughter of Ralph and Carolyn (Clothier) Wige on January 3, 1932 in Litchfield.  She moved to Cambridge with her husband and they lived there for most of her life.

Marilyn is survived by: her children, Linda (Richard) Prigmore, Jim (Beth) Nagovsky, Ben (Kathy) Nagovsky, and son-in-law, Scott Brietzman; grandchildren, Jeremy McCoy, Billie Jo McCoy, Kurtis Manning, Zachary Heiskary, Marilouise Johnson, Brody Brietzman, Cierra Nagovsky, Jonathon Nagovsky; along with many great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, Ralph and Carolyn Wige; brother, Robert Wige; husband, Lowell Nagovsky; and daughter, Louise Brietzman.

Her life was full and her light will continue to shine in us all.

Memorial service for Marilyn was held on Saturday, November 10, at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service all at the Peterson Chapel of St. Michael. Officiating was Pastor Jack Heidenreich. Private family interment will be held at a later date.

Serving the family is the Peterson Chapel of St. Michael.

 


Virginia Semelsberger, 69

Virginia “Ginny” Semelsberger (Bergstrom), of Monticello, passed away on November 10. She was born February 22, 1949.

Virginia was preceded in death by: husband, Larry Semelsberger; ex-husband, Roy Woller; her parents, Edward and Ruth Bergstrom; sister, Jan Olson; brothers-in-law, Pete Lindquist and Eldon Olson. 

She is survived by: children, Royce (Jackie) Woller, Melanie (Jeremy) Hansen, Matthew Woller and Andrea Woller; grandchildren: Trenton, Clara, Mason and Zachary;  sister, Muriel Lindquist; brothers, Chuck (Coralyn) Bergstrom, Doug (Judy) Bergstrom, Don (Debi) Bergstrom and Dale (Diane) Bergstrom; also friend, Werner Beutler.  

Ginny grew up in Buffalo.  She was an LPN at Buffalo Hospital. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her!

Funeral services for Virginia “Ginny” Semelsberger will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 15, at the Buffalo Evangelical Covenant Church, 1601 Highway 25 N., in Buffalo. Interment will follow at Swedish Mission Cemetery. Visitation took place on Wednesday, November 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Peterson Chapel, 119 Central Avenue, in Buffalo.  Further visitation will be held on Thursday morning, November 15 one hour prior to services at the church. 

Casket Bearers will be Dan Olson, Mark Olson, Guy Bergstrom, Jed Bergstrom, Sam Bergstrom and Beau Beutler.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family.

 


Ronnie Wiskow, 63

It is with great sadness, that the family of Ronnie Lyle announces his passing, on Friday, October 26, 2018 at the age of 63.

Ronnie was born on September 24, 1955, to Lyle Wiskow and Betty (Palm) Wiskow, in Roseau. He spent his childhood in Baudette and attended school there, graduating in 1974.

Ronnie worked in the construction field his entire adult life, starting out by working on power lines, and then moving on to building log cabins in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. He lived in Denver, Colorado for a few years, then settling in Auburn, Wash., where he continued honing his skills as a master carpenter.

Ronnie was an avid fisherman, tying his own flies, spending all of his spare time on the rivers and lakes of the Pacific Northwest. He will be forever missed by his family and friends.

Ronnie is survived by: his mother, Betty Curran of Buffalo; brothers, Bryan of Denver, CO, and Allan of Buffalo; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by: father, Lyle; brother, Rory; and sister, Joni.

Memorial services for Ronnie will be held on Saturday, November 17 at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 1200 Hwy. 25 S, Buffalo.

Publication: 

The Drummer and The Wright County Journal Press

PO Box 159
108 Central Ave.
Buffalo MN 55313

www.thedrummer.com

Sign Up For Breaking News

Stay informed on our latest news!

Manage my subscriptions

Subscribe to Breaking News feed