Obituaries 7/30/20

Helen Beckius, 75

Helen Adeline Beckius, age 75, of rural Buffalo, died on Friday, July 24, 2020 at her residence unexpectedly.  She was born on February 11, 1945 in Eden Valley, Minnesota the daughter of Ervin and Johanna (Sullivan) Becker.

On November 23, 1963, Helen A. Becker and Kenneth G. Beckius were joined in holy marriage in Taylor, Michigan. God blessed their marriage with six children. Helen and Ken owned and operated Beckius Enterprises. She enjoyed her many flowers, gardening, feeding birds, baking dad’s favorite cookies, not only for him but for many others, and watching polka dancing on TV. Helen especially loved her grandchildren!! She overcame many medical obstacles in her life and was one of the toughest women we knew!   She will be missed by many!

Survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Kenneth G. Beckius; children, Sandra Stark and fiancée Dave Adams, Kimberly (Scott) Youngren, Brian (Becky) Beckius, Kenneth Beckius Jr., Charles (Julie) Beckius and Risa (John) Truenow; granddaughters, Sarah Stark, Alyssa (Adam) Farrell, Emily, Anah, Madison, Ellen Beckius, Olivia and Isabelle Truenow; grandsons, David, Derek (Emily), Dylan Youngren, Alex Stark, Victor, Brandon Beckius and Austin Truenow; great-grandchildren, Kayden, Grayson and Haylen Farrell, Theodore “Teddy” Youngren; friendly dog, “Barnie”; siblings, Kathy Egan, Louise (Leon) Daniels, Ervin (Kathy) Becker Jr., Joyce (Frank) Freund, Marietta (Don) Becker, Mike (Nora) Becker and Gary (Jeanette) Becker;  other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by her father, Ervin Becker; mother and step-father, Johanna & Everette Barker; father-in-law & mother-in-law, Victor and Hilda Beckius; sisters, Joan Lindgren and Darlene Kerzman; and by a sister-in-law, Marlois Geislinger, and brothers-in-law, Gordy Lindgren and James Egan.

A Celebration of Life for Helen Beckius will be held at the family residence on Saturday, August 8, 2020 beginning at 12 noon. Burial will be at a later date, with close family members.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family.   Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


Robert Besky, 84

Robert “Bob” Besky, 84, of Buffalo, entered eternal rest June 17, 2020.

Bob was born Aug. 31, 1935, to Nicholas and Leah (Wittkowski) Besky in St. Paul.

Bob served four years in the Army.

He married Roselyn “Rose Bud” Rudolph Nov. 29, 1958.

They were blessed with three children. They spent many years living in Pine City on the Snake River, then moved to Lake Mary in Howard Lake, and spent the last few years in Buffalo. He enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who called him “Papa.”

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Rose; his three children, Deb (Del) VanSickle, of Buffalo, Bobby (Kim) Besky, of Hopkins, and Denise (Mark) Saunders, of Buffalo; brother, Donald (Caroline) Besky, of St. Paul; sister-in-law, Joanne (Tom) Timm, of Peoria, AZ; grandchildren, Tracy Stankey, April Born, Jill Stankey, Zach Besky, Connor Besky, Jennifer Saunders, Sarah (Gabe) Licht, Alyson (Noel ) Gilder, Ryan Saunders; great-grandchildren, Jake, Kaleigh, Kate, Brooke, RJ, Aleah, Amanda, Lydia, Abby, Ethan, Isaac, Gavin, Spencer;  and many friends.

A private family memorial service will be held, with military honors at Fort Snelling.

The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, is serving the family.  www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


Todd Bursch, 56

Todd H. Bursch, age 56, of Annandale, died Sunday, July 26, 2020 at his home after a hard-fought battle with kidney cancer, surrounded by the love and care of his family.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2020 at Silver Creek Community Church with Pastor Zach Pryor officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday and one hour prior to the service on Friday, both at the church. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the church. Face coverings are required, and physical distancing should be maintained during the visitation and funeral.

Todd Harvey Bursch was born January 1, 1964 in Buffalo, Minnesota, to Harvey and Sharon (Ende) Bursch. He grew up on the family farm near Hanover, which cultivated a lifetime love of farming. He attended school in Elk River, graduating with the Class of 1982. Following his graduation, Todd worked as a farmer for some neighbors.

As a young adult, a trip out west fostered a love of big-game hunting for years to come. Trips to Idaho and Montana became a highlight over the years for Todd and something he looked forward to sharing with his family.

On October 24, 1987, Todd was united in marriage to Colleen John at Salem Church in Hanover. They were blessed with four children. Todd worked for JB Group in St. Michael for the past 23 years. In 1993, they moved to Maple Lake, before moving to their current home in rural Annandale. Todd was a member of the Granite City Gunslingers, served on the church council, as well as an Allis-Chalmers group and his casual coffee groups. He was a history buff, and no historical marker or landmark was going to be passed up, if Todd had a say.

As a farm kid at heart, Todd enjoyed working the fields and attending threshing shows. Todd’s talents carried over into the culinary field as a coffee roaster and was a meat master on the grill. Besides his hunting trips out west, Todd also enjoyed fishing and attending bluegrass festivals in his spare time. Characteristics that could easily describe Todd would be a peacekeeper, a man of grace, a hard worker, never one to complain, and a man full of wisdom. Todd’s faith and his family were at the center of his life. He relished in the time he was able to spend with his family, especially his three grandchildren.

Todd is survived by his wife of 32 years, Colleen, of Annandale; children, Haley (Terrell) Thomas, of Goose Creek, South Carolina, Zechariah (Krista) Bursch, of Maple Lake, Mikayla (Riley Decker) Bursch, of Maple Lake, and Faith (Nathan Noard) Bursch, of Maple Lake; adoring grandchildren, Linaya and Myles Thomas, and Declan Bursch; parents, Harvey and Sharon Bursch, of Faribault; siblings, Toni (Rodney) Duerr, of St. Michael, Larry (Heather) Bursch, of Buffalo, and Lori (TJ) Rodriguez, of Faribault; and nieces, nephews, other family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lawrence and Gladys Bursch, Norwin and Dorothy Ende; uncles, Wayne Ende, Ronald Ende, and Donny Bursch; aunt, Judy Bursch; and cousin, Clinton Hartkopf.

Riley Decker, Nathan Noard, Zech Bursch, Colton Bursch, Terrell Thomas, and AJ Rodriquez will serve as pallbearers.

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

Obituary, Guestbook, and Video Tribute online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.

 


Jennie Buttenhoff, 69

Jennie Marie (Holme) Buttenhoff, age 69, of Buffalo, passed away July 17, 2020.

She was born on July 12, 1951 in Minneapolis, MN to Robert and June (Granger) Holme. Though she was born in Minneapolis, she grew up in Minnetonka and attended Wayzata High School. She graduated with the class of 1969.

Jennie furthered her education by attending North Hennepin College for two years and then earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from St. Cloud State University in 1973. She met her future husband in 1975 while working together in Minneapolis.

In 1977, she was joined in marriage to Gregory Buttenhoff at St. Mary of the Lake Church in Minnetonka. The two made the move to their forever home in rural Buffalo, MN in 1981, where they happily raised their family.

Jennie owned and operated a daycare out of her home for many years, and then worked as a Para for the local school districts until her retirement in 2010. She was patient, caring, and loved taking care of children.

She was known for her oil paintings, and especially liked painting landscapes. You could often find Jennie tending her flower garden, watching the birds, and spending quality time with her beloved grandchildren. She was genuine and giving in nature and loved to help others. Jennie had a warm smile and a knack for making friends wherever she went. 

Jennie was a devout member of St. Francis Xavier Church of Buffalo and participated in Bible study groups, Adoration and sang in the church choir. She was active in many church functions and organizations.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and June; and very close and honorary parents, Robert and Marie Lee.

Jennie is survived by her husband, Gregory; children, Garrett (Jill) Buttenhoff, Maria (Jason) Simonson, Kevin Buttenhoff, and Serena (Scott) Lindell; seven grandchildren; mother-in-law, Virginia Buttenhoff; six younger siblings; close friend, Barbara Roesch; and many other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, July 31, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation and rosary one hour prior at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN. Interment will be private.

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

 


Jean Diemert, 85

Jean Louise (Stewart) Diemert, age 85, of Rockford, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at North Memorial Hospital.

Jean was born in Kansas City, MO on April 4, 1935 the daughter of Emerson & Ruby (Gill) Stewart.

She was formally employed with Upsher-Smith Labs as a mail clerk for many years.

Jean enjoyed gardening, spending time outdoors with her dog, Dixie Bell, and visiting with her neighbors.

Jean is survived by her sons, Pat Diemert and Joel (Sheila) Diemert; daughter, Lynnell (Mark) Lang; grandchildren Jeremy (Samantha) Diemert, Jessica (C.J.) Benson, Skylar Diemert, Nick Diemert, Samantha Lang and Ciera (Bobby) Phothirath; also many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marland M. Diemert – Air Force Veteran; parents, Emerson & Ruby Stewart; sons, Chris and Randy Diemert.

Memorial visitation for Jean will be held Saturday, August 15 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the United Presbyterian Church, 6301 Maple Street, Rockford, Minnesota.

Private family interment at a later date.

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

 


Diane Hoiland, 78

Diane Hoiland, 78, of Buffalo, passed away at home on April 3, 2020, surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday August 8, 2020 with a visitation from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. at Buffalo Covenant Church, Buffalo. The sanctuary will be set up to comply with social distancing practices. If unable to attend the live service, digital viewing will be available once service is recorded.

 

 

 

 


Jeremy Johnson, 40

Jeremy Joe Johnson, age 40, of St. Michael, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2020. He was born September 26, 1979 in Robbinsdale.

Jeremy was a 1998 graduate of Maple Grove Senior High. He was a wonderful Chef at various restaurants over the last several years.

On May 28, 2005, Jeremy Johnson and Sarah Curtis were joined in marriage.

Jeremy enjoyed football and participating in fantasy football, fishing, playing video games, and spending time with his family and friends.

Everyone who met Jeremy instantly loved him. He had a heart of gold and was a great dad!

He is survived by his loving wife, Sarah; son, Xavier; father, Russell Johnson; mother, Shari Lynch; and many other family and numerous friends.

A celebration of Jeremy’s life will be held Saturday, August 1, 2020 at 4:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 2:30 p.m., at The Peterson Chapel, 300 Main Street North, St. Michael.

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

 


Ryan Ladda, 34

Ryan Michael Ladda, age 34, of Buffalo, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2020. He was born May 4, 1986 in Buffalo, the son of Mark and Rebecca (Utz) Ladda.

Ryan was a 2004 graduate from Buffalo High School. He was a crafted artist, excelling at writing, music, drawing and painting. Ryan enjoyed music, playing the guitar, fishing, hunting, camping, spending time with his family and friends, and he especially loved his dogs. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed telling jokes. Ryan’s greatest love was his daughter, Raegan. He was the best, and most loving, father to his little girl.

Ryan proudly served in the United States Air Force.

On August 21, 2010, Ryan Ladda and Christy Nelson were united in marriage at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover. They were blessed with their daughter, Raegan.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Warren and Lavaine Utz; grandfather, Herman Ladda; and cousin, Jessie Nelson.

Ryan is survived by his wife, Christy Ladda; daughter, Raegan Ladda; parents, Mark and Becky Ladda; sister, Dawn (Grant) Adrian; niece and nephews, Presley, Brody and Ryker Adrian; grandmother, Maxine Ladda; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, other family and numerous friends.

Visitation was held Sunday, July 26, 2020 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Funeral service was held Monday, July 27, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover with Pastor Luke Schmidt officiating.

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

 


Craig Linz, 47

Craig Michael Linz, age 47, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, July 23, 2020, surrounded by his wife and children.

Craig was born on December 24, 1972 to Donald and Patricia (Young) Linz. He graduated from Albany High School in 1991, and attended St. Cloud Technical College, earning a degree in Mechanical Design. He married Stacy Hoffarth on March 16, 1996, and they had two beautiful children, Averi and Conor.

Craig worked for Tetra Pak (formerly Scherping Systems and Carlisle Process Systems), for more than 26 years in Winsted, MN, serving most recently as Customer and Category Manager for Cheese and Whey. His contributions to Tetra Pak and the cheese and dairy industry are numerous and included recognition during his lifetime, recently receiving the 2020 Eggebrecht Award for his drive, good humor and generosity; being a valued member of the “B Team” for the U.S. Championship Cheese Contests; serving on several boards of directors of international, national and regional associations; and two posthumous honors. Craig loved his job, but, more importantly, he valued the friendships he developed with customers and colleagues.

More than his impressive professional career, Craig was a devoted husband, father, brother, son, uncle and friend. He was the family cook, spending time passing on many of his cooking secrets to his wife and children over the last several months. He was Averi and Conor’s biggest fan. Whether it was extracurricular activities, academic accomplishments, or everyday life moments, he never missed an important event in their lives. Even through treatment, he rarely wasn’t at a game, event, or ready to hear about their day. He recently told them, “The best job I ever had was being your dad.” Craig had a giving heart, calm manner, and a witty sense of humor. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially going on family vacations, cheering on the Vikings and Twins, annual family deer camp at the farm, fishing, as well as hanging out with friends while enjoying a Bud Light and sharing cheese from his cheese drawer, earning him the nickname “Cheese” in the neighborhood.

Craig is survived by his wife, Stacy; his children, Averi and Conor; the family dog, London; his mother, Patty; brothers and sister, Derrick (Lisa), Paul (Kara), Tresa (Troy) Ringwelski, and Brandon; father and mother-in-law, Marvin and Susan Hoffarth; brothers-in-law, Brad (Gina) and Travis (Molly); 15 nieces and nephews, and many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Linz; grandparents, Raymond and Catherine Linz and Leo and Tresa Young.

A public family and friend visitation was held Tuesday, July 28, 2020 followed by a private immediate family Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN.

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

 


Douglas Marquette, 84

Douglas R. Marquette, age 84, of Buffalo, died on Thursday, July 23, 2020. He was born September 24, 1935 in Buffalo to the late Ralph and Ida (Hoffman) Marquette.

He was Baptized and Confirmed at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake.

On May 18, 1957, Douglas Marquette and Elaine Stumpf were joined in holy marriage. God blessed their marriage with three children.

Doug was employed in construction and worked the last 30 years for Mid-America Dairymen.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and visiting with friends and relatives. Family was very important!

Doug is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elaine Marquette; son, Mike (Karla) Marquette; daughters, Pam (Byron) Klitzke, Patty (Rick) Hausladen; grandchildren, Shayla (Greg) Eflering, Mat (Kristin) Hausladen, Joey (Abby) Klitzke, Kelly (Josh) Knott, Shannon (Lucas) Tussing; great-grandchildren, Cooper, Ayden, Emma, Ella, Ridley, Hunter, Chance, Brock; brothers, Ervin Marquette, Clark Marquette; and many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Ida Marquette; brothers, Gene, John, Clyde, Miles, Ben, Joey, Bud; and sister, Tootie and Maggie.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m., at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in Buffalo.

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

 


Brian Paumen, 62

Brian T. Paumen, age 62, of Maple Lake, died Friday, July 24, 2020 as the result of a corn bin accident.

A public graveside funeral will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 30, 2020 at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery on Hwy 55 in Maple Lake with Fr. John Meyer officiating. Public visitation took place from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday and then 9-10 a.m. Thursday, both at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Maple Lake. Visitation will also be available for those that do not wish to greet the family from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, also at the funeral chapel. Face coverings are required during the visitation and physical distancing should be maintained at the visitation and funeral.

Brian Thomas Paumen was born October 31, 1957, in St. Cloud, to Donald and Angela (Dearing) Paumen. He grew up in Albion Township on the same farm that he was still operating. He graduated from Maple Lake High School with the Class of 1976. Brian was a member of St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake. In addition to farming, he owned and operated Paumen Excavating and Septic. Brian was a busy man; if he was not working, he was spending time with family or friends. He loved the County Fair and all its activities; he even won a straw bale throwing and arm-wrestling competition at the Fair. His greatest joy was his family, especially watching his kid’s activities and sporting events. Brian was a man that knew how to lift the spirits of others and will be remembered for the way he made people smile.

He is survived by his children, Blake (fiance, Alana Lauer), of McGregor, Brynn, Brielle and Brock, all of Maple Lake; grandson, Callen; brothers, Wayne (Sue), of Maple Lake, Timothy (Mana Rei), of Silva, MO, and Bradley (Esther) of Maple Lake; aunts and uncles, Wayne, Marilyn and Irene Dearing, and Edna Knoblauch; nieces and nephews, Denver, Toban, Kyle, Candace, Tyrel, Clint, Tara, Jessica, Jamie, Andrea, Erik, Evan and Johnny; many great-nephews, great-nieces, other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

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

 


Kathryn Spike, 97

Kathryn “Kay” Sturges Little Spike, age 97, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully at the The Glenn Assisted Living in Buffalo on July 27, 2020.

She was born March 5, 1923 in Buffalo, Minnesota, the daughter of Ray James Little and Myra (Sturges) Little.

Walter Spike and Kathryn Sturges Little were joined in holy marriage August 27, 1948 at Buffalo Presbyterian Church in Buffalo.  God blessed their marriage with three children, Kevin, Kurt and Karla.

Kay was a lifelong, faithful member of The Buffalo Presbyterian Church.

Kay worked in Washington DC prior to marrying Walter.  In 1957, Walter and Kathryn opened Spike’s Locker Plant and then built the Buffalo House Restaurant in 1964.

Kay was a 75+ year member of Eastern Star Galilee Chapter #53 in Buffalo, Minnesota.

Kathryn is survived by her children, Kevin Spike (Angela), Kurt (Judy) Spike and Karla (Randal) Blade; grandchildren, Nanette (Tony) Welnitz, Jeremy (Laura) Spike, Kristopher (Destiny) Spike, Jonathan (Brandi) Spike, Danielle Blade and Evan Blade; great-grandchildren, Dillon, Kyle, Brandie, Milla, Jayden, Haley, Lily, Hunter, Kolby, Brennan, Milana, Jordan;  sister-in-law, Marlene (Ray) Little; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Myra Little; brothers, Jim Little and Ray Little; her husband of 68 years, Walter Spike; sister-in-law, Connie Little; and two nephews, Jeff Little and Todd Little.

A visitation for Kathryn “Kay” Spike will be held on Friday, July 31 from 6-8 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.

A Private Graveside Burial will be held on Saturday, August 1 at 11:00 a.m. at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo. Reverend Brian Entz will officiate. Casket Bearers will be Kristopher Spike, Jonathan Spike, Jeremy Spike, Scott Little, Ray Little Jr. and Dave Spike.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Glenn of Buffalo.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family.   Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.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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