Obituaries 02/06/25
Carmen Adams, 85
Carmen Faye Adams, age 85, of Buffalo, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 31, 2025.
She was born on August 5, 1939, in Minneapolis, MN, to Alden and Ora (Phyle) Nyberg. She graduated with the class of 1957 from Minneapolis Vocational High School. She worked at Zion Baptist Church in Minneapolis at the Nursery School/Daycare where she made many lifetime friends. Carmen’s calling to care for young hearts continued throughout her life in various roles.
In 1976, Carmen’s family moved to Rockford, MN. She worked at Target at Ridgedale for many years before transferring to the Buffalo store where she worked into her 80s. She was a social butterfly who delighted in connecting with customers, always eager for a friendly conversation, whether long or brief. Her warmth and genuine nature made her a friend to all and an easy person to talk to.
Carmen enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as playing Bingo, participating in group activities at Park View, and treasure hunting at thrift stores and antique shops. Her faith, optimism, and resilience shone brightly, even through life’s struggles.
Above all, Carmen was a devoted mother and grandmother whose family meant the world to her. Her boundless love, care, and dedication to family were unwavering. Her genuine kindness and positivity were gifts she generously shared with all who knew her.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nursing staff at Park View Care Center for the exceptional care and kindness they provided to Carmen in her final years. Your compassion and support made a meaningful difference to her and her family, and it will always be remembered with gratitude.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Adams; infant son, Donald Varney; parents, Alden and Ora Nyberg; special aunt and uncle, Orville and Fern Phyle; son-in-law, Gordy Lynch, and many other aunts, uncles and cousins.
Survived by children, Debbie (Don) Balfanz, Mike (Kathy) Varney, David (Brenda) Varney, Linda Lynch, Angie Reyna, and four step-children; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation beginning one hour prior at the Park View Care Center Chapel, 200 Park Lane, Buffalo. MN. Inurnment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Thomas Burchett, 77
Thomas W. “Bird” Burchett, of Buffalo, MN, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on February 2, 2025, at Abbott Hospital.
Tom was born the son of Donald and Clarice Burchett on March 18, 1947, in St. Cloud, MN, and graduated from Maple Lake High School in 1965. Residing in Buffalo for the majority of his life, Tom married Renee in 1995 and was a loyal member of the Local 49’ers for over 40 years; nothing made Tom happier than playing in the dirt.
Tom was a generous, hard-working man known for his iconic Harley Davidson chopper, quick laugh, and mischievous sense of humor. He was a friend to everyone and made sure to stop in at his favorite establishments to grab a pop and a quick visit since “an hour is too long.” The stories of his youth will live on forever. He wanted everyone to make the most of the day as “Mornin’s Comin’,” even if the kids didn’t appreciate the 10 p.m. quiet time (regardless of their age). Tom was loved deeply by his family and would happily give a whisker rub to create some laughs, and enjoyed nothing more than riding his bikes, spending time with his dogs, four wheeling up north with family and friends, and spending time with his grandkids and watching them at their activities.
Preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jerry; step-son, Tronn Paulson; mother-in-law, Lucille Ordorff; and father-in-law, Ralph Ordorff; as well as brothers-in-law, Kevin and Dwayne Ordorff.
Survived by his wife, Renee; children, Robert (Naomi) Burchett, Cari (Inge) Knutsen, Kristeen (Ricky) Young, Tash (Jesse) Laudenbach, Amanda (Nick) Kolasa, Sarah (Scott) Brady, Tom (Jen) LaPlant, and Tony (Lisa) LaPlant, as well as grandchildren, Jack, Luke, Elke, Amalie, Anna, Laney, Jadde, Logan, Ava, Isabella, Justin, TJ, Jackie, Tristan, Carly; his sister, Sally Nyholm; as well as brother and sisters in-law, Richie (Linda) Ordorff, Dode (Cindy) Ordorff, Gayle Ordorff, Linda Ordorff, Caroline Burchett, Sharon Beuchamp, Shelley Fadden, and Rita Harris.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the Maple Lake Legion from 1-4 p.m.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Karen Duske, 85
Karen Joanne Duske, age 85, of Montrose, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side early Saturday morning, February 1, 2025.
She was born on September 8, 1939, in Franklin Township, Wright County, Minnesota, to Edward “Henry” and Gladys (Topel) Ramthun.
Karen was baptized on October 1, 1939, by Pastor Alvin Leersen.
She was instructed in the Lutheran Catechism and confirmed in the Christian faith on July 6, 1952, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church-Crawford Lake by Pastor Marvin Hanke. Her confirmation memory verse was John 15: 5 “I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
On February 20, 1957, Karen J. Ramthun and Stanley Duske were joined in holy marriage at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church-Crawford Lake by Pastor Alvin Schulz.
Karen and Stanley engaged in farming east of Montrose where she helped on the farm. She later worked for Butterfield Flowers and The Flower Farm for nearly forty years. Karen also worked at Delano Public School in the lunchroom as a cook and server.
As a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church-Crawford Lake, Karen taught Sunday School and also Vacation Bible School, she sang in the choir, and belonged to Young Peoples Society.
Following her marriage, she became a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Montrose. She was a faithful member and played church organ for many years, taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and also sang and played for the choir.
Survived by her loving children, Scott (Peggy) Duske, Wendy (Brian) Manson, and Curt (Kari) Duske; grandchildren, Christopher Lund (Wendy Wells), Amanda (Jesse) Shank, Jennifer (Joel) Lorentz, Jessica (Matt) Halderson, Mariah (Curt) Donner, Jacob (Miranda) Duske, Aaron (Jami) Duske, and Nicole (Kody) O’Neill; 12 great-grandchildren; siblings, Bert (Marlene) Ramthun, Gerald Ramthun, and Diane (Larry) Hance; a brother-in-law, Jim Ramthun; sister-in-law, Joel Duske; brothers-in-law, Clifford (Wendy) Duske, and Keith (Kathy) Duske; many other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Duske on September 25, 2018; her parents; sisters-in-law, Muriel Ramthun, Barb Ramthun, Carol (Orville) Horsch, and Ardis (Ellsworth) Mauk; brothers-in-law, Woody Lange and Norman Duske.
Funeral Services for Karen J. Duske will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Montrose. Pastor James Grabitske will officiate.
Inurnment St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 6, from 4-8 P.M. AT THE CHURCH. Prayer service will be held at 7:00 P.M. Further visitation will be held on Friday morning, February 7, one hour prior to services.
Honorary Casket Bearers will be her granddaughters and great-grandchildren.
Casket Bearers will be grandsons, Chrisopher Lund, Jesse Shank, Joel Lorentz, Matt Halderson, Curt Donner, Jacob Duske, Aaron Duske, and Kody O’Neill.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The American Cancer Society.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Kathleen Hafften, 83
On January 31, 2024, Kathleen Elda Hafften, age 83, passed away quietly at home, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous multi-year battle with cancer.
Kathleen was born on August 3, 1941, to Gerald and Elda Schleif, of Greenfield. She was baptized and confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church in Greenfield, where she remained a faithful member throughout her life. Kathleen attended grade school at Salem Lutheran School and later graduated from Rockford High School.
On November 25, 1961, Kathleen married Lauren Hafften, of Independence. They were blessed with one son, Michael. Kathleen and Lauren were lifelong residents of Greenfield, where they created countless cherished memories.
Kathleen will be deeply missed by her husband of 63 years, Lauren; her son, Michael; and her beloved grandchildren, Heather (Isaac) Haag, Ryan (Libby) Hafften; and great-grandchild, Jace. She is also survived by her sisters, Dorothy Leaf and Gloria (Howard) Marschel; her brother, Paul (Sue) Schleif; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A private family service will be held.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Cathleen Hutchcraft, 74
Cathleen Faye (Smith) Hutchcraft, 74, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away Friday, the 31st of January 2025 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. She was born on the 5th of January 1951 to Claude Aaron Smith and Betty Lou (Like) Smith in Slayton, Minnesota. She was a graduate of Slayton Public High School.
On the 12th of June 1971, Cathy F. Smith and Dale R. Hutchcraft were married at the Methodist Church in Slayton, Minnesota. God blessed their marriage with two sons, Matthew and Joshua.
Her primary employment outside the home involved bookkeeping and accounting, especially in the area payroll for various organizations over a span of 45 years.
She loved being part of children’s ministries, such as children’s church, Sunday school, and Awana. She was known as the team mom for several traveling baseball, basketball, and soccer teams. She was also noted for her mission’s involvement and mission support.
The last 20 years she’s been a faithful member of Buffalo Evangelical Free Church.
Cathy’s primary hobbies involve gardening, reading, traveling and, after her first grandchild was born, being a grandma.
She is survived by her husband of 53-1/2 years, Dale; her son, Matthew (wife, Jaci), of Buffalo, Minnesota; her son, Joshua, of Hutchison, Minnesota; and her former daughter-in-law, April, of Buffalo, Minnesota. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Caitlin, Dakota, Jordan, Stephanie, Jackson, Anya, Colton, David, Payton, John, Karrigan, Johanna, Cameron, and Ezekiel.
Her surviving siblings include Barbara Purdun (Wally), Larry (Cindy) Smith, Jim (Wanda) Smith, and youngest sister/daughter, Pam Williams.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and by a grandson, Boaz.
A funeral service for Cathleen Faye Hutchcraft will be held on Saturday, the 8th of February 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at The Buffalo Evangelical Free Church (2051 50th St. NE). A visitation will be held on Saturday morning, the 8th of February, from 11:00 A.M. until time of the service at the church.
Pallbearers, son, Joshua Hutchcraft; nephews, David Purdun, Rob Purdun, Travis Smith, Nathan Woods; and friend of the family, Phil Dirksen
Since Cathy was such an avid supporter of children’s ministries and missions, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Equip God’s People Inc. www.KozlakRadulovich.com, “A Celebration of Life,” 763-416-0016.
Wayne Malachek, 87
Wayne C. Malachek, age 87, of Maple Lake died Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Banner Ocotillo Medical Center in Chandler, Arizona.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 7, 2025, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Maple Lake with Fr. John Meyer as Celebrant. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday and 9-10 a.m. on Friday, both at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Maple Lake. A prayer service will be at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Burial will take place at Wildwood Cemetery in Beltrami County.
Wayne Carroll Malachek was born to Arnold and Dorothy (Isensee) Malachek on July 21, 1937, in Monticello, Minnesota. Wayne grew up in Maple Lake and was a 1955 graduate of Maple Lake High School. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Wayne served his country with honor. After his service, he embarked on a career as an operating engineer in the construction industry. He worked at Northern Contracting, Lunda Construction, Johnson Brothers, Truck Crane Service, and Spancrete Midwest. While working these full-time jobs, he also owned and operated Waynes Radiator Service for over twenty years. He was a member of the IUEO Local 49ers in Minneapolis. He was also a lifelong member of St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake and as an adult, became a member of the Parish Choir. On January 18, 1992, Wayne was married to Rose Goelz at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake.
Wayne was always tinkering on something and known for helping his neighbors in Minnesota and Arizona. He liked antiques and finding lonely figurines that needed a home and some love. Wayne loved working with his hands operating equipment on the farm, including his dump truck, track hoe, and bulldozer. He also loved classic cars and trucks, buying, selling, and working on well over 100 collector cars during his lifetime. Wayne still has the very first car purchased by the Malachek family in 1929; it is a Ford Model A that still runs and drives. He would often say that he doesn’t talk much, but those who knew him would tell you differently. He liked to joke with people, even when first meeting them. Wayne enjoyed country music; the neighbors around the farm could hear him singing while he was on the tractor in the fields. He loved watching Maple Lake Lakers baseball, especially when his grandson was pitching. Wayne spent his life embodying the values of hard work, dedication, and unwavering love for his Catholic Faith, family, and friends.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 33 years, Rose, of Maple Lake; children, Charles (Terri) Malachek, of Maple Lake, Todd (Judy) Malachek, of Maple Lake, and Lori (David) Hangsleben, of Solway; stepchildren, Tom (Kim) Goelz, of Buffalo, Debra (Mark) Miller, of Annandale, Mary Jo (Steve) Logeais, of Annandale, Michael (Kim) Goelz, of Annandale, and Patrick (Sheri) Goelz, of Annandale; 18 grandchildren, Hailee, Hunter, Joe (Beth), Jenny (Mark), Amanda (Nathan), Roy (April), Abbie (Barry), John (Daidre), Mitch (Meghan), Jared, Jordan (Lisa), Jade, Jillian, Holly (Jon), Tony (Jenny), Melanie (Aaron), Amanda (Shawn), and Erika (Jared); 22 great-grandchildren, Kiana, Kaylan, Austin, Eli, Landon, Aaron, Owen, Lily, Cora, Jack, Wyatt, Devin, Nora, Hank, Elsie, Brynlee, Teagan, Isabelle, Russell, Lydia, Harvey, and McKenna; brother, Richard (Mary) Malachek; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Labelle Zeller, Mary Grotz, and Jim Borell; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Joseph Malachek; siblings, Lois Malachek, Shirley (Glen) Stern; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gertrude (Paul) Donovan, Viola (Chuck) Asgian, Robert (Phyllis) Zeller, Ed Zeller, Walter Grotz, and Cathy Borell.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Floyd Nolan, 92
Floyd A. Nolan, “Iron Man,” age 92, of Annandale, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House.
He was born on November 4, 1932, to Earl and Mary Nolan. He was married to Delores Olson on June 28, 1952. He was a lifelong resident of French Lake. He met many people after beginning French Lake Auto Parts in 1956. He loved to visit with everyone and share his love/knowledge for cars. He never complained about his complex health issues and kept on smiling. He loved to joke with everybody, right up until the end.
He is survived by his wife, Delores, and their seven children, Debbie (Daryl), Steve (Julie), Denise (Tim), Shawn (Shannon), Skip (Kerry), Sheldon, and Sterling. Also survived by sisters, Rosie Anderson, Ruth Oster, Betty Kelly, and Margie Alberg. He is also survived by ALL of his grandchildren/step grandchildren and his many great-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. The number of friends he left behind are far too many to ever count.
He was preceded in death by an infant son; his brothers, Allen and Harley; sister, Marlene; and his grandson, Daryk.
A private, family-only gathering will be held at a later date.
Please direct any memorials to: Quiet Oaks Hospice House, 5537 Galaxy Road, St. Cloud, MN 56301.
Arrangements handled by Swanson Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota, 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com.
Leola Plamann, 98
Leola “Lee” Marie Plamann, age 98, of Delano, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
She was born on April 16, 1926, on the Rusch farm in west Lynn Township, McLeod County, the daughter of Ludwig and Helen (Schmeling) Rusch.
Leola was baptized. She was also instructed in the Lutheran Catechism and confirmed in the Christian faith in 1939.
Leola “Lee” Rusch and Raymond A. Plamann were joined in holy marriage on March 8, 1947. God blessed their marriage with two daughters.
Lee and Ray farmed by Hutchinson NW of town.
She was a faithful and oldest member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Montrose.
Lee enjoyed gardening, flower gardening, camping, spending winters in Arizona with Ray, and their cabin on Lake Union near South Haven.
She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren!
Survived by two daughters, Mary Probst, of Delano, and Christine (Harold) Osterbauer, of Walker; grandchildren, Barb (Kevin) Zupan, Richard (Michelle) Probst, Robert (Jamie) Probst, Jeremy (Cindy) Osterbauer, and Justin (Cathy) Osterbauer; nine great-grandchildren; three great-great-granddaughters; a brother, Hugo “Butch” (Lois) Rusch; a sister-in-law, Lois Rusch; many other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by her loving husband, Raymond A. Plamann; parents; two brothers, Ludwig and Carl; sister-in-law, Ruth; son-in-law, Gary Probst.
Funeral Services for Leola “Lee” Plamann will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Montrose. Pastor James Grabitske will officiate. Interment follows at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 8, AT THE CHURCH from 9:00 A.M. until time of service.
Honorary Casket Bearers will be great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, Richard, Kayla, Alexis, Braden, Sophia, Riley, Isabelle, Kelsey, Wyatt, Willow, Cattleya, and Mariposa.
Casket Bearers will be Barb Zupan, Richard “Dick” Probst, Robert “Bob” Probst, Jeremy Osterbauer, Justin Osterbauer, and Kevin Zupan.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Eleanor Rux, 89
Eleanor “Ellie” Rose (Morin) Rux, age 89, of Buffalo, MN
March 4, 1935 – January 27, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our mother, Eleanor “Ellie” Rose (Morin) Rux. She passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025, at Park View Senior Living.
She was preceded in death by her high school sweetheart, Myron “Mike;” son, Rick Rux; parents, Virgil and Marie Morin; and siblings, Wally and Jean.
Ellie is survived by her children, Julie Patnode (Randy), Lonny Rux (Lene), and Sandy Scarnato (Bill); sisters, Joanne, Glady, Dolly, and Rosie; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
Ellie was a graduate of Rockford High School. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, gardening, and especially walking for miles, even if it was below zero. She will be greatly missed.
Visitation for both Ellie and Mike will be held Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. with prayer service at 1:30 P.M. and military honors for Mike at 2:00 P.M., all at The Peterson Chapel, 119 Central Avenue, Buffalo, MN. Interment to follow at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Loretto, MN.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
