Obituaries 02/22/24
Marlys Gillund, 90
Marlys Mathilda (Swanson) Gillund was born in Vasa, MN, on January 28, 1934, and died on February 16, 2024, at the age of 90 years.
Marlys grew up in Cannon Falls, MN on the family farm with her parents, Henry and Lillian (Anderson) Swanson and brothers, Kenneth, Harlan, John.
She was baptized in Vasa, MN, and confirmed at St. Ansgars in Cannon Falls MN.
Marlys was a proud graduate of the Cannon Falls class of 1951.
She moved to Minneapolis, MN, after graduation and worked at Bituminous Insurance company for five years.
Marlys met her spouse, Melvin, through friends of the Dunwoody Girls Club, and they were married on June 18, 1955. Having lived in Minneapolis, Anoka, Moorhead, they settled in Buffalo in 1964 where they raised their three daughters, Karen, Diane, and Judy.
Marlys was a skilled homemaker and a forty-year employee of the Kings House Retreat Center.
She was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church - active in women’s circle, quilting, Harvest of Hands, and senior activities.
Marlys was an excellent cook and baker and known for her many Scandinavian treats, especially her beautiful Christmas cookie trays. She loved all things Scandinavian – Dala horses, Rosemaling, Hardanger, and Swedish music. She enjoyed needlework, completing hundreds of pieces of hardanger embroidery. She enjoyed playing games and deciphering the daily crypto quip. Her love of travel took her to all 50 states, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Australia. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, spending many hours at activities and traveling with them.
She is survived by daughters, Karen Gillund, Diane Kruse, and Judy (Mark) Bay; grandchildren, Amy Jo (Nate) Mattison, Timothy Kruse, Grace (Tyler) Gustafson, and Jeffrey (Kelsie) Kuderer; great-grandchildren, Ava and Elizabeth Mattison, and Jack Gustafson.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Gillund; her parents, Henry and Lillian Swanson; brothers, Kenneth (Evelyn), Harlan, John Swanson; and a great-granddaughter, Priscilla Gustafson.
Funeral services for Marlys Gillund will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Pastor Trevor Skorburg will officiate.
Private interment will follow after the lunch at Zion Lutheran Cemetery.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, one hour prior to services AT THE CHURCH.
Casket Bearers will be Amy Jo Mattison, Nathan Mattison, Timothy Kruse, Grace Gustafson, Tyler Gustafson, and Jeffrey Kuderer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Zion Lutheran Church or American Swedish Institute.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Thomas Hopkins, 85
Thomas Leo Hopkins was born on April 17, 1938, in Buffalo, MN, to Hazel Dechaine and Thomas George Hopkins. He left us on Feb. 6, 2024. Tom attended St. Francis Catholic School through 8th grade and graduated Buffalo High School in 1955. Tom immediately joined the US Navy and was stationed in the Great Lakes, White Sands, and Guam. Tom credited the Navy with giving him a life-long career in electronics. After the Navy, Tom spent most of his life in Southern California where he worked for HUGHES Corp. After 35 years, Tom retired and returned to his roots in Buffalo, MN, where he lived for the last 30 years. Tom’s hobbies were gardening, birds, sunsets, travel, and his home in Buffalo. He also loved the yearly reunions of his 1955 BHS class.
Tom leaves behind long-time partner, Barbara; his two children, son, Thomas Garrett Hopkins, MD (Joanne) and daughter, Denise Blakesley (Gary); six grandchildren, Brittany, Kendra, Garrett, Lauren, Brent, Brianna; step-grandchildren, Nicole and Gabrielle; great-granddaughter, Aurora; sister, Mary Bruns; nephew, nieces, cousins, and very close friends.
Tom was preceded in death by spouse, Connie Taggart Hopkins; and ex-spouse, Connie H. Hopkins.
Services were provided by Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, on Feb. 18, 2024.
Catherine Jorgenson, 69
Catherine Ann “Cathy” Jorgenson, age 69, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on February 16, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Cathy was born June 4, 1954, to Francis and Elnor (Eggersgluss) Doherty, in Buffalo, where she lived her entire life.
Cathy attended St. Francis Catholic School and graduated from Buffalo High School. On July 1, 1972, she married Tom Jorgenson at St. Francis Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN. Their union was blessed with a son, Darby Thomas; and daughter, Kari Jolene.
Tom and Cathy, along with their son, went on to own Precision Prints in Buffalo, MN.
In 2001, Cathy and Tom purchased a lake home on Mille Lacs, and she spent 22 summers with family and friends at this lake home. Including her younger years, Cathy spent a total of 60 summers at Lake Mille Lacs. Nothing brought more joy to her than spending time with her six grandchildren at the lake. Many days at the lake you would find the six grandchildren and all the neighborhood kids swimming, fishing, and playing every game and sport you could think of in the backyard.
Cathy enjoyed cooking, baking, crafting, and decorating her home.
Preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Elnor Doherty; brother, Bill; aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends and relatives.
Cathy is survived by husband, Tom; son, Darby (Kari) Jorgenson; daughter, Kari (Todd) Peter; grandchildren, Taylor Peter, Julia Peter, Ella Jorgenson, Marlie Peter, Weston Jorgenson, and Reese Peter; and sister, Judy (Jeff) Schweitering.
Thanks to all for being a part of Cathy’s life!
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Catherine “Cathy” Jorgenson will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Father Nathaniel Meyers will be the Celebrant.
Entombment St. Francis Cemetery.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 22, AT THE CHURCH, from 9:30 A.M. until time of Mass.
Urn bearer will be granddaughter, Taylor Peter.
Honorary urn bearers will be grandchildren, Julia Peter, Ella Jorgenson, Marlie Peter, Weston Jorgenson, and Reese Peter.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Joyce Oberdeck, 83
Joyce Lenore Oberdeck, age 83, formerly of Rogers, MN, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2024, in Spooner, WI.
Joyce was born the daughter of Maurice and Gladys (Schultz) Freeman on August 12, 1940, in St. Paul, MN.
She found immense joy in the variety of trees, flowers, and garden vegetables. Her heart loved the melodies of the birds, whose songs brought her peace and serenity.
A dedicated member and volunteer at Word of Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers, MN, Joyce exemplified compassion and service. She touched countless lives through her thoughtful gestures, writing heartfelt cards to thousands of people in need. Joyce was also known as a proud second mother to many.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Gladys Freeman; and husband, Louis Oberdeck.
Joyce is survived by her children, Tyler (Darcy) Oberdeck, of Mound, MN, Amy (Jason) Chalupnik, of Buffalo, MN, Heather (Michael) Kistner, of Spooner, WI; her four beloved grandchildren, Thomas Chalupnik, Emily Oberdeck, Daniel Chalupnik, and Timothy Oberdeck; two step-grandchildren, Sarah (Mark) Johnson and Ryan (Courtney) Kistner; three step-great grandchildren, Lillian, Calvin, and Oliver Johnson; siblings, James (Paula) Freeman and Joan (Jeff) Hasslen; also several nephews, other relatives and friends.
A visitation will be held Friday, February 23, 2024, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Word of Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers, MN.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation continuing one hour prior to the service at Word of Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers, MN.
Luncheon to follow the service at church.
Interment at the Word of Peace Lutheran Cemetery in Rogers, MN.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in St. Michael, MN.
Merrilla Socher, 92
Merrilla Alvina Socher, age 92, of Buffalo, and formerly of Montrose, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Havenwood in Buffalo.
She was born on October 8, 1931, in Waverly, the daughter of Edward and Emma (Erickson) Kalstrom.
On December 27, 1954, Merrilla A. Kalstrom and Leo F. Socher were joined in holy marriage at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Minneapolis by Father Cowley. Leo Socher preceded his wife in death on August 24, 2008.
Merrilla accepted Jesus as her Savior in November of 1975.
She was a faithful member of Living Waters Church in Waverly. Through the years, Merrilla was involved in Women’s Aglow and Girl Scouts.
Survived by a son, Daniel (Jo) Socher; daughters, Debra (Jack) Wambeke and Carrie (Roger) Solien; grandchildren, Christy (Kurt) Van Orden, Shane (Mackenzie) Lobitz, Amber (Matt) Simon, Devin Socher and Chloe Solien; great-grandchildren, Ella, Mason, Autumn, Dawson, Brooks, Carson, Lila, and Macie; many other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband, Merrilla was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Socher; a grandson, Hayden Solien; her parents; brothers, Vincent, Lloyd, and Ed Kalstrom; and by sisters, Lorraine Janicula and Catherine Kalstrom.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 24, from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.
A Memorial service for Merrilla Socher will be held on Saturday, February 24, at 11:00 A.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Pastor Joel Swedberg will officiate. Ella Van Orden will be the soloist.
Urn Bearer will be Devin Socher.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com
M. Marlene Stumpf, 84
M. Marlene Stumpf, age of 84, of Annandale, died Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at the Annandale Care Center surrounded by the love and care of her family.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Annandale, with Fr. John Meyer as Celebrant. Burial followed at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery, Maple Lake. Visitation was held 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.
Mary Marlene Pribyl was born on June 22, 1939, on her grandparents’ farm near Maple Lake, Minnesota, to Willmer and Kathlyn (Olson) Pribyl. She was baptized and confirmed in her faith at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake. Marlene was a 1957 graduate of Maple Lake High School. On November 16, 1957, she was united in marriage to James L. Stumpf at St. Timothy Catholic Church. They made their home in Buffalo. For over 25 years, Marlene worked as a librarian assistant for the Buffalo Hanover Montrose School District and was instrumental in starting the pre-school program in Buffalo. Marlene’s commitment to education inspired countless students throughout the years. She shared her passion for reading with students, nurturing their love for literature, and inspiring them to reach for knowledge. Marlene dedicated her life to her family. Her steadfast love and dedication to her family defined her life. As a devoted wife and mother, she created a beautiful and nurturing home where love and laughter filled the air.
Marlene had a deep appreciation for the simple joys in life. She found solace in the pages of a good book, delighted in exploring new destinations while traveling, and cultivated a beautiful garden that bloomed with vibrant colors. To her, the beauty and serenity of a garden reflected the tranquility of her soul, and she took great pride in cultivating her own piece of paradise. Her adventurous spirit led her to discover the wonders of camping and relishing nature’s embrace. Yet, it was her unwavering faith that guided her through life’s challenges and filled her heart with boundless love and compassion.
Marlene is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Jim, of Annandale; children, Julie (Dan) Lee, of Buffalo, Michelle (Don) Murzyn, of White Bear Lake, Christa (Jason) Aurentz, of Maple Lake, and James (Dawn), of South Haven; 11 grandchildren, Tara, Justin, Jason, Michaela, Andy, Caitlin, Hannah, Tony, Samantha, Tobias, and Talia; 13 great-grandchildren with one more expected soon; siblings, Carol (Melvin) Borell, Pam Lemieux, Bob (Mary Pat) Pribyl, and Sheila (Duane) Fobbe, all of Maple Lake; and nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Willmer and Kathlyn; daughter, Laurie; and brother-in-law, Steve Lemieux.
Marlene’s grandchildren served as urn bearers. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com
Delores Tonsberg, 86
Delores (Czech) Tonsberg, age 86, of Maple Plain, passed away February 14, 2024. She was born on July 5, 1937, to Valentine and Anne (Bronder) Czech in Delano, Minnesota.
Delores was raised on the family farm in Delano, near to St. Mary of Czestochowa church. Her elementary education was in Delano’s one-room schoolhouse, and she graduated from Delano High School. She began college at the University of MN intending to embark on a career as a phlebotomist and actually left to begin her path as a bookkeeper.
She kept the accounts for a haberdashery on Hennepin Ave. in Minneapolis for several years and after marriage became a stay-at-home mother to her three children. She did continue bookkeeping for her husband’s auto body repair shop. After moving to Maple Plain, Delores chose to work at the bank of Maple Plain as a teller and remained there for 26 years.
Delores met her husband through her aunt’s boarding house. After marriage, Delores and Marlyn moved to Plymouth to begin their family.
Delores loved watching the many bird feeders outside her windows and delighted in the myriad of visitors to them. Her favorites were, of course, the beautiful cardinals, as well as the pheasants and wild turkeys that were frequently seen. Over the years, she also enjoyed her knitting. She created a plethora of blankets, sweaters, and other pieces for loved ones. One very special project was the baptismal set for her granddaughters.
Preceded in death by her husband, Marlyn; children, Scott and Tamara; and sister, Shirley.
Survived by her son, Steven (Jennifer); grandchildren, Delilah and Moriah; as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Lyndale Lutheran Church in Lyndale, Minnesota. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30-10:45, all at the church. A luncheon will immediately follow. Interment in Lewis Cemetery, Independence, Minnesota.
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.
