Obituaries 12/14/23
Margaret Bachman, 105
Margaret Lindquist Bachman, age 105, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on November 30, 2023. She was born on July 31, 1918 in Ashland, WI, to Emma and John Evar Anderson. She moved to Minneapolis at age 10, and later attended Edison High School and MN Business College, which secured her job at Northrup-King Seed Company. A blind date set up by her co-worker, Ruth Lindquist, led her to meet Ruth’s brother, Elmer. Margaret and Elmer married during the war in 1944, with Margaret having only one week’s notice to plan the wedding during Elmer’s leave. They raised three children and enjoyed 56 years together in MN and Naples, FL. After Elmer’s death in 2000, Margaret was blessed to marry a second wonderful man, Lloyd Bachman. Margaret and Lloyd had seven lovely years together until his death in 2010. Margaret continued to live independently at Lake Pulaski in the summers and Naples in the winters up to age 99 1/2. She was thankful to have found the caring community at Park Terrace Assisted Living in Buffalo for four years and Park View Care Center for her final years. Thank you to all the dedicated and loving staff at both facilities.
Margaret’s life spanned the Spanish flu in 1918 and Covid pandemic of 2020, two World wars, the Depression, moon landing, and the development of radio, television, and the internet. Margaret was a member of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church for 76 years and a member of Esther Circle for over 50 years. She loved her family and was a model of kindness, generosity, and determination. We were so lucky to have her in our lives for so long.
Margaret is survived by her sister, Ruth; her son, Jim (Mary Ann) Lindquist; and daughters, Merrilyn (Dave) Tauscher and Joanne (Stephen) Borgwardt; grandchildren, Jill, Greg (Shehla), Lisa (PJ), Kristin, Eric (Karissa), Jenny (Ben), Laura, and Joey (Martha); great-grandchildren, Riley, Jack, Ben, Jacob, Morgan, Paxton, Ethan, Charli, Joanie; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her two loving husbands, Elmer Lindquist and Lloyd Bachman; brothers, Robert and Arden; along with sisters-in-law and her brother-in-law.
Funeral services will be held at Mt Olivet Lutheran Church on Jan. 8, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will precede the service at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Crystal Lake Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Mt Olivet Lutheran Church or Cathedral of the Pines Camp.
Traci Berland, 58
Traci Jean Berland, born December 12, 1964, passed away at the age of 58 on November 23, 2023, after a hard-fought battle against breast cancer.
Traci Berland left us to go home and be with her mother, Sandra Berland; father, Gary Berland; and many other family members.
She leaves behind three children, Elesia Barse, Samantha Barse, and Joe Barse. Traci is also survived by six grandchildren, Lydia, Erza, Prudence, Tucker, Lila, and Harper; and sister, Terri Maus and family.
Traci graduated from Iowa Western Community College with her LPN degree and was a home health nurse for multiple clients. She had many talents and hobbies. She was an artist in multiple mediums. She loved walking along the beaches and rivers to meditate and gather strength. Traci loved all of God’s creation but tended to find peace when helping care for animals. Traci loved gardening, music, photography, horses, plants, her children, and grandchildren.
Traci was much like a firefly; sometimes hidden, going from place to place, and from time to time, she would light up and shine with a simple but profound presence that would make one smile and take notice. Those who knew her, knew of her kindness and her love for them.
There will be a celebration of life for Traci that will be announced via social media. Please contact Traci’s family for information.
Gerald Gruenhagen, 68
Gerald Otto Gruenhagen “Budda” was born May 13, 1955, in Cokato, Minnesota, to Otto and Dorothy (Anderson) Gruenhagen. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at St James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, Minnesota. In his younger years, Gerald grew up on the family homestead where he enjoyed farming with his family, riding motorcycles and driving all kinds of muscle cars and trucks.
Gerald later went on to join the Operating Engineers Local 49 Union where he operated various pieces of equipment and met lifelong friends. He spent over 25 years in the union and retired from the Local 49ers at the age of 62. Gerald married Connie Rancour at St. James Lutheran Church on May 13, 1987. They would go on to have two children, Christina and Matthew Gruenhagen. Gerald and Connie enjoyed 36 wonderful years of marriage together.
In his free time, Gerald loved spending it with family and friends. His favorite place to be was at home with his family. In April 2023, Gerald accepted one of his greatest titles in life, Grandpa, through the birth of his first granddaughter, Georgie Lynn. He also enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, including collecting vintage Harley Davidson motorcycles and WW2 memorabilia, watching Westerns, going to gun shows with his son, and helping others whenever he could. He was a proud member of the American Rifle Association.
Gerald passed away on December 9, 2023, at the age of 68 at the family farm in Howard Lake. Gerald was a kind, loving, and generous person who would have given his last dollar to anyone who would have asked and never said no to any request made to him; beloved by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Connie; children, Christina, Matthew (Cassandra) Gruenhagen; granddaughter, Georgie; sisters, Barb (Don) Lambert, Kathy Steffes, Susie (Joe) Synder, Janet (Tim) Lepage; sister-in-law, Janet (Mike) Ewert; brothers-in-law, Mike (Kathy) Rancour, Tony (Aimee) Rancour, Pat Rancour, Vince Rancour; and family and friends.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Otto and Dorothy Gruenhagen; brother, Dwight Carlen; brothers-in-law, Jerry Hugo and Les Steffes; cousins, Russell Gruenhagen and Garlen Gruenhagen; and in-laws, Louis and Arline Rancour.
Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 16, 2023, at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, MN, with visitation one hour prior to service.
Arrangements being handled by Swanson Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, MN.
Deborah Huikko, 66
Deborah Diane Huikko, age 66, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on December 3, 2023, at the Buffalo Hospital in Buffalo, MN.
Deborah was born the daughter of Jerome and Kathleen (Zinken) Glunz on September 28, 1957, in Buffalo, MN.
Deb found joy in the simple pleasures of life, often spending her summers camping near Walker, MN, surrounded by the beauty of nature that she cherished so much. Fishing brought her a sense of tranquility, and she could often be found with a fishing rod in hand.
Bowling was another of Deb’s passions, and she engaged in friendly competition with her loved ones. Her ongoing rivalry with the “dang 10 pin” became a source of laughter for all that bowled with her.
Deb’s devotion to her grandchildren was unmatched. She took immense pride in watching their sporting events, cheering them on every time. Her playful nature shone through in the games she played with them, creating a bond that will be remembered and cherished by her grandchildren for a lifetime.
Card games were a frequent pastime for Deb, especially with her in-laws. Whether it was a spirited round of cards or a quiet evening of conversation, she valued the time spent with family, creating strong connections that defined her life.
For over a decade, Deb dedicated herself to her work at Kwik Trip in Buffalo.
One of Deb’s most notable qualities was her straightforward and honest nature. She always spoke her mind, ensuring that those around her knew where they stood. This authenticity endeared her to many, creating a sense of trust and genuine connection with those fortunate enough to know her.
Deb is survived by her husband of 45 years, Allen; children, Katie (fiancé, Jen Bohn) Huikko and Jerome Huikko; grandson, Wyatt Huikko; step-grandson, Luke Bohn; siblings, Bonnie (Hal) Berger, Margie Peterson, Sandy (Chuck) Davidson, Bobby (Barb) Glunz, Jim (Cindy) Glunz, Fred Glunz, John (Kim) Glunz and Dana (Rick) Meyer; sister-in-law, Debby Chancellor; also many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, Jerome and Kathleen Glunz; and brother, Jerry Glunz.
Mass of Christian Burial for Deb will be held Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m., all at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN.
Celebrant will be Father Nathaniel Meyers.
Reception to follow the mass at Huikko’s Bison Creek Event Center in Buffalo, MN
Private family interment at a later date.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Richard Mattson, 92
Richard “Dick” Mattson, May 21, 1931 - December 10, 2023
Dick passed away peacefully at Parkview Care Center in his sleep December 10, 2023.
He was born to Clinton and Alice Mattson of Waverly, Minnesota, and baptized at Marysville Swedesburg Lutheran Church. Dick grew up on the family farm. Dick met his wife, Renee, at a dance at The Waverly Village Hall, and they married in 1953. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past June. He loved life and worked hard, custom combining, running Mattson Bus Company, and serving 20 years as a Wright County Commissioner. Dick’s left-hand pitched baseball for the Montrose town team and horseshoes when he got a chance. But his true love was bowling. He bowled on scratch leagues, local tournaments, Central Bowlers Alliance scratch tournaments, and all over the USA in the ABC National Bowling tournaments. He coached youth bowling for many years. Besides his multiple 300 games and High series awards, his highest honor was being inducted into the Minnesota Bowling Hall of Fame. He would say his highest achievement was bowling on a team with his sons and grandson.
A lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, Dick served as the usher for Monday nights at Historic Marysville Church for years. Dick and the many neighbors and families that were descendants of the founders of Marysville Church and worked to restore the church, which is now used for Monday night services. His grandsons and great-grandsons were baptized in Marysville, and his granddaughter and nieces were married there.
Family meant the world to him, and he meant the world to us!
Dick was preceded in death by his son, Todd; parents, Clinton and Alice Mattson; and siblings, Clayton Mattson and Wanda Gilmer.
He is survived by his wife, Renee; sons, Scott Mattson and Jeff (Chris) Mattson; a daughter, Lisa (Don) Mills; grandchildren, Ryan, Cole (Mark), Eric (Caitlin), Mitchell (Monica), Samantha (Jack), Brett, Nick (Maddie), Allie and Brianna and Janelle; great-grandchildren, Alex, Peyton, Miles, Riley, Teagan, Ivy, Quinn, William, and “baby Mills;” sibling, David Mattson; other relatives and friends.
A Memorial Service for Richard “Dick” Mattson will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Lunch to follow.
A visitation will be held on Monday, December 18, one hour prior to services AT THE CHURCH.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Mary Sicora, 93
Mary Ann “Birdie” (Bernhardt) Sicora, age 93, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. She was born on February 11, 1930, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Joseph and Emilia (Gorski) Bernhardt. Mary Ann graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1948. She was introduced to Thomas Sicora on a blind date arranged by Thomas’ sister, Marge. Thomas and Birdie were married on January 20, 1951. Thomas and Birdie were blessed with eight children (“four of each kind,” as she would say). Birdie worked at Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Brown Photo, and Title Insurance before focusing her efforts at home to support her family.
Birdie enjoyed creating expansive gardens wherever she lived that brought so much joy to her family and neighbors. She loved traveling (especially to Hawaii to visit family), the color teal, red cardinals, music, and dancing (she was known to be the last to leave the dance floor). Birdie was a very creative soul who brought a special flair to everything she did and a limitless spirit of curiosity to the world. She always had a twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes, and a smile on her face. She fostered connection with others through her eagerness to start conversations with anyone and everyone. Birdie brought joy and humor into the lives of all she touched throughout her long and full life.
Birdie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas of 68 years; her parents, Joseph and Emilia; siblings, Barnaby, Henry, Margaret, and Irene; her son, Thomas M. Sicora; and granddaughters, Sarah Stradinger and Hannah Sicora.
Birdie is survived by her children, Dean Sicora, Mary (Warren White) Sicora, Diane Filibeck, Rita (David Riess) Sicora, Lynn (Charlie Mutch) Sicora, Robert Sicora, and Wayne (Kristina Halverson) Sicora; twelve grandchildren, James, Mary, Rachel, Wade, Kristen, Jennifer, Ryan, Carly, Michael, Britta, Luke and Leif; twelve great-grandchildren, Deymon, Emilia, Malia, Gavin, Ty, Ezra, Haddie, Kendra, Amalie, Talia, Esme, and Mila-Kim; cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Memorial Service - Tuesday, December 19, 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 300 1st Avenue NW, Buffalo, Minnesota. Visitation prior, 10 A.M.-11 A.M.
Laura Stoppelman, 71
Laura J. Stoppelman, age 71 of Buffalo MN, passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at St. Cloud Hospital, St. Cloud, Minnesota.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 16, AT THE CHURCH from 9:30 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.
A memorial service for Laura Stoppelman will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 10:30 A.M. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Minnesota.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, Minnesota, is serving the family. Online condolences can be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
FULL OBITUARY TO FOLLOW NEXT WEEKS PAPER.
Bruce Varner, 66
Bruce Allen Varner, age 66, of Buffalo, passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023.
He was born on February 6, 1957, in Buffalo, the son of Albert F. and Mercedes M. (Eull) Varner.
Bruce graduated in 1975 from Buffalo High School. He was formerly employed as a car salesman and also worked at Fleet Farm. Bruce enjoyed fishing, playing the guitar, The Beatles, snowmobiling, motorcycles, and was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan. Bruce also liked cats. He was a people-person and non-judgmental with good social skills. Bruce showed a lot of gratitude toward his family.
Survived by his brothers and a sister, A. Jerald (Helen) Varner, of Rockville, Maryland, Wayne Varner (Sue Johnson), of Woodbury, Sheila (Joe) Nadeau, of Oronoco, and Scott Varner (Martha Ebner), of Monticello; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Mercedes Varner; a niece, Kelly Varner; and by a sister-in-law, Sharon Varner.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Bruce Varner will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Inurnment Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo.
A visitation will be held AT THE CHURCH on Wednesday, December 20, beginning at 10:00 A.M. until time of Mass.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
