Obituaries 11/23/23
Darrell Anderson, 91
Darrell Raymond Anderson, age 91, was born in Red Wing, MN, on May 14, 1932, and died in Buffalo, MN, on November 15, 2023.
Darrell grew up on the family farm about a mile from Spring Garden Lutheran Church in Cannon Falls, MN. His first language was Swedish. He learned English in first grade at country school, which he attended through grade 8. He graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1950 and from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1954 with a BS in Business Management. After college, he was drafted into the US Army, including serving 16 months in Darmstadt, Germany.
Darrell moved to Buffalo and married his college sweetheart, Karleen (Leiseth), in 1958, and they were married for 40 years until her death in 1998. Together, they turned an old schoolhouse into a home, and enjoyed gardening, canning, working on the house, and doing yard work and craft projects. Together, they raised four children. They built a cabin in the woods, took their kids camping in 48 states, and were active members of their Zion Lutheran Church community. In later years, they enjoyed going “antiquing” and traveling to places like Alaska and Nova Scotia with their truck camper. They made a lot of quilts together. They were a happy team, and losing Karleen to cancer was very hard.
Over the years, Darrell worked for Nash Finch, Buffalo Coop Creamery, and Centra Sota Cooperative. He was the family historian and genealogist, kept good records of everything from expenses to birthdates, and had a great memory for people and places. He had a list of every car he’d ever owned. He liked to keep things well-organized and hated to throw out anything that might be useful to someone someday. He liked lutefisk dinners and chocolate-covered cherries. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In 2013, he was named a Wright County Outstanding Senior Citizen Volunteer of the year.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Karleen; parents, Raymond and Eunice Anderson; parents-in-law, Dorothy and Engvald Leiseth; brother, Duane Anderson; granddaughter, Ashley Walter; great-granddaughter, Cora Ingebretson; and goddaughter, Carey Kopp.
He is survived by children, Ramona (John) Backman, Conrad Anderson, Daniel (Laurie) Anderson, and Nathan Anderson; grandchildren, Malorie (Matt) Drugg, Josh Walter, Logan (Natalie) Anderson, Whitney (Joe) Nasvik, Sarah (Bret) Ingebretson, and Anna (Arnold) Mutayoba; great-grandchildren, Mason and Miles Drugg, Chloe Walter, Baker and Merrick Anderson, Roman Nasvik, and Augustus and Anna-Regina Mutayoba; brothers, Dean (Donna) Anderson, Donald (Dorothy) Anderson; sister-in-law, Nadine Anderson; and brother-in-law, Keith (Patty) Leiseth; as well as numerous other relatives and friends.
The family would like to thank friends, Bob Dahl, Wes Mahlberg, Tom and Sheri Loeffler, and the staff of Park View and Triniti Hospice for all the help they gave our dad.
A funeral service for Darrell was held on Monday, November 20, at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Pastor Kari Bahe officiated. Interment followed at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Buffalo. Visitation was at the church from 9-11 a.m., prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Buffalo, MN.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Shirley Bodin, 78
Shirley Bodin, 78, years passed away on Tuesday November 14, 2023.
Shirley was born on May 31, 1945, on the family farm in Delano, Minnesota, to George and Lidia (Krause) Wandersee. On November 6, 1965, she was joined in holy marriage to Dennis Bodin at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Montrose.
She survived by her daughter, Lori Bodin Lindeman (Mark); granddaughters, Brittany (Dave) Keltgen, and Brooke (Hunter Stewart) Sawatzke; great grandchildren, Brayden, Alex and Jordan; son, Dan (Annette) Lindeman; grandchildren, James (Heather) Lindeman, Kristin (Scott) Ernster, and Jason Lindeman; great-grandchildren, Lucy, Gryphen, Eden, and Ayden; her beloved, dog, Ali Mae; her siblings, Robert (Joan) Wandersee, Frederick (LaDonna) Wandersee, Charles Wandersee, Duane (Julie) Wandersee, Kenneth (Virginia) Wandersee, Jerry (Karen) Wandersee, Diane Huston, Nancy (Jack) Sawyer; sister-in-law; Darlene Wandersee; her brothers-in-law, David (Judy) Bodin, Richard (Mary) Bodin; sister-in-law, Nancy (Dale) Daniels; and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis (Denny) Bodin; her dogs, Bridget and Sadie; her parents, George and Lidia Wandersee; brothers, Donald, David, Richard Wandersee; sisters, Elizabeth Schmidt and Kathy Parker; in-laws, Earl and June Bodin; sisters-in-law, Susan Bodin, Carolyn Bodin, Sandra Wandersee; brother-in-law, Kenny Huston.
Funeral Services for Shirley Bodin will be held Sunday, November 26, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, Minnesota. Interment will take place at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Montrose, Minnesota. Pastor Dean Brown will officiate.
Casket bearers will be Nate, Aaron and Jared Bodin, Chris Daniels, Dave Keltgen and Eric Butler.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family can be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Michael Christensen, 69
Michael (Mike) Arthur Christensen passed from earthly life on August 25, 2023, after a short illness.
Mike was born September 6, 1954, in Minneapolis, MN to Tillie Theresa (Zientek) and Marvin Christensen. He spent most of his youth growing up in Coon Rapids.
On graduation Mike joined the Army where he served from 1972 to 1974, from which he was honorably discharged from a back injury he received.
In 1984, he met his wife, Lisa Krugen, while living in Rockford, MN. From there, history was made as they made a life together, getting married on January 31, 1986. Their son, Michael James Christensen was born on January 27, 1987. While Mike and Lisa only had one child together, he raised and loved Lisa’s twins, Joshua and Nicole Krugen, as his own. He helped raise them in the Buffalo and Cokato area.
Most of Mike’s, Lisa’s, and their children’s life together was spent in Cokato and Buffalo enjoying snowmobiling, fishing, and the many activities involving their kids.
In 2014, Mike retired from his life of truck driving from J&B Group where he transported cold storage food items for 17 years. In 2017, Mike and Lisa had the opportunity to move to AZ where the weather was better for Mike’s aches and pains attributed to arthritis and his years in the military and driving truck.
One of Mike’s favorite things to do was to make and eat all the sweets and ice cream he could. He often stashed his goods in the freezer behind the normal fare, so he’d always have something to eat.
Above all else, family and close friends were most important to Mike. Whether it be his annual gatherings in Randal, trips to the Canadian Isle with the Dahl family, ice fishing with his brother and daughter, holiday and special gatherings in their home, trips to the Casino, or hanging out playing cards and watching football, being with those closest to him in his life, was what made him happiest. All will miss the special sarcasms and humor he brought to life.
Mike is survived by his wife, Lisa (Ruppert) Christensen; son, Michael Christensen (Jarae); son, Joshua Krugen; daughter, Nicole (Krugen) Burk (Ryan); grandchildren, Kayden, Kasie, Crew, Cameron, and Autumn; brother, Ronald Christensen; sisters, Joyce Maning and Gail Wilson; mother-in-law, Janet (Ruppert) Larson; father-in-law, Paul Larson; sister-in-law, Lezlee (Walter) Lawrence; brother-in-law, Todd (Vicki) Ruppert; and many nieces, nephews, and friends that will miss him dearly.
A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, November 25, starting at 5:00 P.M. at the Hanover City Community Hall, 11230 5th St, NE, Hanover, MN. The family will start receiving guests at 5:00 P.M., a short service will begin shortly after, with dinner following, and then an evening of memory sharing doing what Mike enjoyed most, playing cards and eating desserts, dips, and snacks. Please feel free to join the many family and friends in remembering Mike.
Thomas Erickson, 73
Thomas E. Erickson, age 73, of Maple Lake, died Thursday, November 16, 2023, at the Buffalo Hospital.
Visitation began at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Maple Lake, with a Prayer Service at 3:30 p.m. led by Fr. Kevin Magner. A Celebration of Tom’s Life followed from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Madigan’s in Maple Lake.
Thomas Edmund Erickson was born March 7, 1950, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Warren and Catherine (O’Neill) Erickson. He grew up in Minneapolis, before moving with his family to Litchfield during his high school years. In 1968, he graduated from Litchfield High School. Tom then began his lifelong career as a truck driver, most recently with Kottke Trucking in Buffalo Lake. Over the years, Tom lived in Litchfield, along with his two children, Heidi and Justin “Buck,” followed by Ramsey, and for the past seven years, he quickly became a member of the Maple Lake Community.
Tom enjoyed spending time outdoors riding 4-wheeler or side-by-side, or spending time on the lake skiing and boating. When he was not working on house projects or cars, you could probably find him at Madigan’s with his new friends. There were no strangers with Tom, only friends he had not met yet. And chances were, you were given a nickname by Tom, whether you liked it or not. He could walk into a warehouse on his route and would be quickly greeted with the same enthusiasm as Norm from Cheers. Tom’s wit, quick comebacks, and unique Tom-isms will be missed by everyone. Although he could be characterized as stubborn, he was beyond personable and always rooted for the underdog.
Tom is survived by his children, Heidi Zook, of Buffalo, and Justin “Buck” (Katie) Erickson, of Carbondale, CO; seven grandchildren, Taylor, Michael, Max, Sam, Isa, Frankie, and Waylon; siblings, Carol (David) Anderson, of Delano, Wayne (Bonnie), of Clearwater, FL, Rita (Ron) Copus, of St. Michael, Jerry (Char), of Pensacola, FL, David, of Coon Rapids, Judy (Doug) Starry, of Maple Lake, and Cathy (Jay) Pomeroy of Minnetrista; former wives, Barbara Anderson and Linda Erlandson; and nieces, nephews, other family members, and his multitude of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Sharon (George) Stubbs, Phillip and Phillip, Sue (Orv) Johnson, and Marion Olson.
Obituary, Guestbook, and Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com
Donald Pribyl, 82
Donald C. Pribyl, age 82, of Maple Lake, died November 15, 2023, at his home surrounded by the love and care of his family.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 20, 2023, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Maple Lake with Fr. Kevin Magner as Celebrant. Burial with military honors followed at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery, East Maple Lake. Visitation began at 10:00 a.m. on Monday at the church.
Donald Clarence Pribyl was born at home on July 30, 1941, in rural Maple Lake to Clarence and Lydia (Derfler) Pribyl. Don grew up on the family farm and attended District #50 country school in Maple Lake before transferring to St. Timothy’s School. He graduated in 1959 from Maple Lake Public School. Following his graduation, Don worked at the family farm, before honorably serving his country in the United States Army. Upon his discharge from active duty, Don served two separate times from 1961-1967 and 1975-1979 in the Army Reserves.
On May 23, 1964, he was united in marriage to Joan Rose Van Offeren at St. Timothy Catholic Church, where he remained a lifelong member. They made their home on the family farm, where they raised their two children, Charlene and Loren. In 1981, Don graduated from St. Cloud State University. In addition to farming, Don also worked as a vocational counselor for 21 years at Opportunity Partners in Golden Valley and Functional Industries in Buffalo.
Don was a life member of the Maple Lake American Legion Post #131 for 52 years and served as a past commander. He also served 26 years at the Wright County Sheriff Office Reserve Unit. He was a lifetime member of the NRA, and for 30 years, he was a Firearms Safety Instructor. As an outdoorsman, Don also was a member of the Hasty-Silver Creek Sportsman Club for over 40 years, where he served as secretary and treasurer.
Don enjoyed spending time hunting birds, deer, and prairie dogs. He also liked fishing, trapshooting, or simply time at the family cabin on Moose Lake near Pennington. He was fond of Farmall tractors and Caterpillar bulldozers. Above all, Don cherished the time he was able to spend with family, especially with his two grandsons.
Don is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joan, of Maple Lake; children, Charlene (Chris) Nyquist and Loren (Amee) Pribyl, of Maple; grandchildren, Kenneth (Oakley) Nyquist and Matthew Pribyl; brother, Ralph (Melanie) Pribyl, of Maple Lake; and other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Maurice; mother-in-law and father-in-law; aunts, uncles, and other family members.
Kenneth Nyquist and Matthew Pribyl served as urn bearers. Krista Elsenpeter, Sarah Goelz, and Chris Vokaty provided music for the service. Arrangements were entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
Obituary and Guestbook online at www.dingmannfuneral.com
John Roden
A favorite person to all, John “Johnny” Louis Roden went home to be with the Lord. His legacy forever lives in us through his larger-than-life personality.
Memorial service Saturday, November 25, 2023, with visitation at 8:30 A.M. – 12 P.M. at
St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Monticello. Mass at 12 P.M. Luncheon at Albertville Parish Hall at 1:30 P.M. prior to the service at St. Albert’s Cemetery.
Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home is serving the family.
Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Kate Ward, 71
Kate Ward, age 71, of Buffalo, died Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at HavenWood of Buffalo.
Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 27, 2023, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Maple Lake with visitation two hours prior to the service. Fr. Kevin Magner will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Timothy, East Maple Lake Cemetery. A reception to celebrate Kate’s life will be held at The V in Maple Lake from 12:30-2:00 p.m. on Monday.
Mary Catherine Ward, better known as Kate, was born on June 11, 1952, in Three Rivers, Michigan, to Herbert and Patricia (Quinn) Galinet. She grew up in Kalamazoo, MI, graduating from Monsignor O’Brien High School with the class of 1971. Kate worked at the Wright County Sherriff’s Department in administration for 12 years and at Wright Hennepin Electric for nine years as an assistant to the Vice-President. On July 20, 2002, she was united in marriage to Thomas James Ward in Monticello. They lived in Maple Lake Township. Kate enjoyed gardening, birdwatching, riding horses, camping, and spending time with family and friends.
She leaves behind a legacy of love for her four children and nine grandchildren: sons, Eric (Nicole) McNulty, of Chanhassen, and Brian (Katie) McNulty, of Franksville, WI; step-daughter, Mandy Gustafson, of Monticello; step-son, Jared (Alison) Ward, of St. Michael; grandchildren, Michael, Colin, Ryann, Norah and Delaney McNulty, Grace and Anna Gustafson, Brady and Reese Ward; brother, Terry (Kay) Galinet, of Aurora, CO; sisters, Shelly (Dave) Kievit of Naples, FL, and Louise Galinet, of Kalamazoo, MI; and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Patricia Galinet; her husband, Thomas Ward; and grandson, Michael McNulty.
Kate’s grandchildren will serve as urn bearers. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
Obituary, Guestbook, and Video Tribute online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
