Obituaries 5/12/22

 Susan Bye-Elyea and Leo Elyea

Leo and Sue both passed away earlier in April 2022, as a result of a car crash in Backus, MN. Prior to their marriage, they both had full lives. Leo’s career in the Airforce took him around the world. When he retired, he returned to Backus where he had grown up. Susan had taught 33 years at Cooper High School. She was vice president of Robbinsdale Federation of Teachers and voted “Favorite Teacher” by students for 21 years. After being widowed, she spent much of her time in Hackensack and Backus at the lake where she met Leo.

They were together over 30 years and active in the Backus and Hackensack Legion Posts, doing parades and poppies, among other things: We Fest, fundraising for Cass County 4-H, participating in the county fair, reading, fishing, gardening, golfing, coffee club, entertaining and traveling south for the winter and many great trips to Canada. They had Gopher Football tickets over 30 years. They cared for veterans in area nursing homes and delivered cookies at Christmas throughout the community over two decades, one year making 36 different kinds of cookies for the trays.

Celebration of Life is May 22, 2022, 1:00 p.m., Church of the Nazarine in Backus, internment at the Backus Cemetery with military honors, lunch at the Backus Legion.

Memorials can be sent to the Backus or Hackensack Legion and will be used to support their passions within the communities.

 


James and Mary Huch

James W. Huch, born in 1929. Survived by his bride, Mary; children, Daniel, Joseph, Jane Ellen; and grandsons, Samuel and Benjamin. Jim was known for his sharp wit, sentimental heart, and fierce independence. Lake Pulaski was his Heaven on Earth. Hunting, fishing, golf, birds, nature, gospel music on Sundays, fires, and family brought him joy. His honesty and loyalty were bestowed on those he loved and loved him in return.

Mary Elizabeth (Larsen) Huch, was born in 1930. She went to the Lord lovingly to be with her Jimmers. She is survived by her children, Daniel, Joseph, Jane Ellen; and grandsons (who she always said were “devilishly handsome”), Samuel and Benjamin. Mary was known for her baked cookies, love of the Twins, book reading, and favorite Manhattans. She was feisty until the end and is now wrapped up in the arms of her beloved husband of 62 years and with the Lord.

A service was held for James and Mary at The Peterson Chapel on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 3:00 P.M. Burial followed at St. Francis Cemetery in Buffalo.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


Marcella LePage, 87

Marcella E. “Marcy” LePage, age 87, of Howard Lake, passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at her residence.

She was born on June 10, 1934, in Buffalo, the daughter of Claude and Esther (Blake) Marquette.

Marcy graduated from Buffalo High School in 1952.

On June 11, 1955, Marcella “Marcy” Marquette and Allan “Al” LePage were joined in holy marriage at St. Francis Catholic Church in Buffalo. God blessed their marriage with two sons. Al LePage preceded his wife in death on September 23, 1998. Marcy was formerly employed as a legal secretary at Paschke Law Firm in Howard Lake. She was also a long-time loyal member of the Howard Lake Lioness Club and a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly.

In her spare time, Marcy liked to read, play crossword puzzles, and watch her beloved Minnesota Twins on TV.

Marcy is survived by her sons, Steven (Malissa) LePage and Greg LePage; grandchildren, Danielle N. LePage and Jacques S.N. LePage; sisters and a brother, Berneal (Romey) Decker, Mary (Bob) Wurm, Roger (Mary) Marquette and Jody (Ron) Rassat; many other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband, Marcy was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Shirley Fouquette; and by brothers, Lauren and Gordon “Gordy” Marquette.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Marcella “Marcy” LePage will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly. Father Kenneth O’ Hotto will be the Celebrant. Inurnment St. Mary’s Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday, May 16, from 4-8 P.M. at the church. Further visitation will be held on Tuesday morning, May 17, from 9:15 A.M. - 10:15 A.M.

The Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.chilsonfuneralhome.com.

 


Eugene Nelson, 87

Eugene Joseph Nelson, age 87, of Corcoran (Rogers), MN, passed away on January 30, 2022, in Port Charlotte, FL.

He was born on May 28, 1934, in Barnum, MN, the son of Carl and Orpha (Webber) Nelson. Eugene enlisted in the US army as a teenager and honorably served his country from 1951-1954, in combat infantry in the thick of the Korean War. He was always proud to have served.

After discharge, Eugene began working for farmers in the area, finally ending up working for Gerhardt Tessmer and his brothers in the Loretto, MN, area. Gerhardt and Irene became his family. He loved working the soil and working with farm animals, continuing to work for Gerhardt for 17 years until he married.

He was united in marriage on July 28, 1972, to Janice Schlomer at St. Jacobi Lutheran Church in Glenham, SD. Following marriage, they started their home on land given them by Gerhardt and Irene as a wedding present, around the corner from the farm. Eugene began working as a mechanic for Caterpillar Paving Products in Osseo, building heavy road equipment for over 20 years, until health issues caused early retirement in 1996.

In 2008, he and Janice became “snow birds” and began spending parts of their winters in Punta Gorda, FL. The time spent there continued to increase from one month to seven months. He loved being where it was warm and enjoyed all their adventures over the years.

He and Janice have been members of Salem Lutheran Church in Greenfield their entire married life. It was here where Eugene was baptized and confirmed. Faith, family, and friends were his priorities. Key words to describe Eugene would be: strong, quiet, hard-working, and loving.

Eugene is survived by his wife of 49 years, Janice Nelson; children, Kari (Tim) Mika, Kristen (Eric) Elwood, Sara Wander, and Nathan Nelson; grandchildren, Megan, Michael, and Janell Ritari, Noah Ahmed, and Maximus, Lars and Emily Elwood; siblings, Gloria Gay, William Nelson, Martha Waletzko, and Richard Nelson; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marlyn and Gloria Rische; many nieces and nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Marvin, Loreen Hennager, Alice Nelson, Marjorie Romie and Mary Nelson.

Memorial service is planned for Saturday, May 21, 2022, at Salem Lutheran Church, Greenfield, MN, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation starting at 9 A.M. and lunch following the service. Inurnment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Monday, May 23.

The Peterson Chapel, St. Michael/Albertville Funeral Home assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


Rita Staloch, 97

Rita Kennedy Staloch, of Buffalo, died in faith on May 5, 2022. She was born 97 years earlier on February 8, 1925, to her parents, Walter and Bernetta (Huber) Kennedy near Rochester, MN. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary Kennedy-Lamb; brother, Thomas Kennedy; husband, Ray; and son, Matthew.

Rita is survived by her sons, John (Lynn) and Peter (Judith Heneghan); daughter, Sheila (Timothy) Nolan; daughter-in-law, Robin Staloch; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; also, many in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Rita attended Winona State University and graduated from St. Cloud University with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She taught at various Minnesota Public Schools, including Stewart, Blooming Prairie, and Mankato before coming to St. Francis Xavier School in Buffalo, MN. Rita taught school at St. Francis for 22 years and also taught religious education, served on the library board, was a lector and Eucharistic Minister, and served on the Pastoral Council and Liturgy Committee.

Rita was a life-long learner. Just a few days before her death, she was reciting from memory, scripture, poetry, Shakespeare, and Chaucer.

She was loved by many, educated many, and left us all a challenge to remain strong in Faith, Family, and Friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, May 10, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m., all at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 300 1st Ave. NW, Buffalo, MN. Celebrant was Father Nathaniel Meyers.

Casket Bearers were Tim Nolan, Evan Nolan, Zachary Staloch, Adam Sundsmo, Kris Growcott, and Tom Kuzma.

Entombment followed the mass at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Buffalo.

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

 


Paul Zumbusch, 62

Paul Vincent Zumbusch was born, raised, lived, laughed, loved, worked, and died much too soon in Buffalo on Sunday, May 8, 2022. 

Paul was born August 7, 1959, the fourth son of Casper and Muriel (Eull) Zumbusch.  Widely known to be Mom’s favorite as could be measured by the volumes of leftovers and goodies she delivered to his door well into adulthood; he was also the favorite storyteller, hunting partner, fishing buddy, coworker, brother, uncle and friend of many.  Like orange construction cones to a Buffalo Bituminous work site, old and young alike were drawn to him – and he to them. Handsome and kind, hardworking and loyal, Paul was the first to offer his help and quick to extend a sincere compliment. He loved old westerns, Johnny Cash, 20th century history, and solving all sorts of handyman problems with duct tape. He had a one-liner or quip for almost every situation, and some of his favorites included: clarifying, “Tar goes on a roof, blacktop goes on a road’; expressing his surprise or delight by saying, “I’m going to fold a rose in my diary”; punctuating a point by proclaiming he’s “Serious as a heart attack”; referring to someone or something as “Uglier than a mud fence”; and countless others that were equally entertaining and commonly irreverent. He leaves a million jokes and stories untold and us with broken hearts. Our worlds will never be the same nor our spirits as bright. 

Paul was united in marriage to Sara (née Epley) on April 8, 2006. Together, they enjoyed their blended family of Nick, Breia, Riley and Brandon. They traveled together and savored the company of their large families and groups of friends. 

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Casper.

He is survived by his loving and attentive wife, Sara; and by his adoring children, Nick (Liz) Zumbusch, Breia (Ryan) Gaskill, Riley (Dan) Holm and Brandon Fischer; five grandchildren, Hadley, Briar, Paul Vincent II, Casper and Leon; his mother, Muriel Zumbusch; six siblings and their spouses, Mike and Valerie Zumbusch, Pat and Peggy Zumbusch, Dave and Nancy Zumbusch, Anne and Jeff Johnson, Mary and Casey Schoen and Chuck and Tammy Zumbusch; along with many nieces and nephews, other relatives, hunting buddies and friends. 

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, Minnesota, at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, May 12, 2022. There will be a visitation at the church one hour before the funeral from 10:00-11:00 A.M. A celebration of Paul’s life will immediately follow the funeral at Huikko’s Entertainment Center located at 1207 MN Hwy. 25, Buffalo, Minnesota.

The family suggests memorials be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation or the Michael J. Fox Foundation. 

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


CELEBRATION OF LIFE

 

Peter Weise

  

Peter “Pete” Thomas Weise, age 83, of St. Michael, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 24, 2021, at the Glen Buffalo Memory Care, with his wife, Judy, by his side.

A Celebration of Pete’s Life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, May 20, 2022, at Zion Lutheran Church, with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M.

A more extensive obituary was published in January and may be viewed at www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363.

 

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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