Obituaries 04/04/24
Edward Biegler, 70
Edward W. Biegler, age 70, of Maple Lake, was called home to be with the Lord on March 29, 2024. Ed passed away from an aggressive form of Leukemia. He died at home surrounded by his family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Maple Lake, with Fr. Mark Juettner as Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Timothy Catholic Church Columbarium. Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Maple Lake, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.
Edward Biegler was born September 15, 1953, to Richard and Ethel (Grenier) Biegler, of Buffalo, MN. Ed was baptized and confirmed at Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN. He went to Buffalo High School and graduated in 1971. Ed started working at Holiday Companies in 1972 and retired in 2015. He worked his way up from pump attendant all the way to Station Manager. He started his career at stations in Rockford, MN, and ended in Delano, MN. During Ed’s 42 years with Holiday, he made many friends and acquaintances. Ed was joined in marriage to Debbie (Nagorski) on September 18, 1982, at Saint Timothy’s Catholic Church, and the wedding was witnessed by Pastor Klemz of Saint John’s Lutheran Church. They have been married for 42 years. In 2004, Ed went through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) where he became Catholic and a member of Saint Timothy’s Church. Their marriage was blessed with two wonderful children. David was born in April 1985 and Stephanie in April 1989. Ed enjoyed being outdoors, working in the yard, and playing with his beloved dog, Sadie. He was an avid Minnesota sports fan and enjoyed attending games in person - especially with his children. Ed was a quiet and thoughtful man.
Ed is survived by his wife, Debbie, of Maple Lake; son, David, of St. Cloud; and daughter, Stephanie (Sarah), of Brooklyn Park; brother, Howard (Mary Kay), of Buffalo; brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws, Doris (George) Leach, of Sturgeon Lake, Lloyd Nagorski, of Plano, TX, Denise (Tom) Blizil, of Maple Lake; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Ethel; sister, Violet; and brother-in-law, Jim Reiberg; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Eleanor Nagorski.
David, Howard, Dan Biegler, and Michael Blizil will serve as urn bearers. Krista Elsenpeter, Sarah Goelz, and Anne Pribyl will provide music for the service. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
Clarence Hausladen, 86
Clarence “Clancy” Carl Hausladen, age 86, of Buffalo, MN, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2024.
He was born on the family farm in Waverly on January 3, 1938, to Joseph and Hildegard (Remer) Hausladen. He was the third of 15 children.
Clancy was baptized and confirmed in his Catholic faith at St. Mary’s, and he also received his education at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Waverly.
Clancy honorably served his country with the U.S. Army in Berlin, Germany, from November 5, 1957 to February 6, 1959.
Clancy was employed for many years by Robinson Rubber and was also a security guard for the Monticello Nuclear Plant. After years of working for others, Clancy became an owner and operator for Montgomery Ward and Sears Catalog Agencies in Monticello, MN. He retired from Maple Lake Lumber, where he worked in customer service.
In addition to working full-time and raising three girls, Clancy purchased a hobby farm in Annandale, where he raised pigs, ducks, turkeys, and beef cattle.
In his spare time, he enjoyed playing cards and participated in a monthly card club. Cribbage, euchre, and 500 were some of his favorite games. He also enjoyed casino trips. More than anything, Clancy loved visits from family and friends. He always had time to chat, and no visit was too long. He will be remembered for his impeccable style, particularly his trademark suspenders, which he wore so well.
Clancy is survived by daughters, Laurie (Ralph) Borell, Lana (Dave) Nelson, Lee Ann (Al) Puglisi; grandchildren, Brad (Jen) Borell, Bridget (Scott) Bruska, Katlyn (Ryan) Kosek, Kelsie Nelson, Paul Franke; great-grandchildren, Anna and Cody Bruska, Carly and Molly Borell, Kaia Kosek; former wife, Sharon; brothers, Kenneth, Robert (Mary Ann), Arnold (Linda), Larry; sisters, Ann Dahlheimer, Sue (Duane) Heimerl; and by sisters-in-law, Jane and Suzie Hausladen.
Clancy is preceded in death by infant daughter, Lynn; parents, Joseph and Hildegard; brothers, Marcel, Emmett and Conrad; sisters, Betty (Jerome) Kittock, Doris (James) Outly, Jean (Glen) Yager, Bonaventure, Mildred; brother-in-law, John Dahlheimer; and by a sister-in-law, Beatrice Hausladen.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Clancy Hausladen will be Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly, MN. Fr. Kenneth O’Hotto will be the Celebrant.
Inurnment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
A visitation will take place from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, at the church.
Honorary Urn Bearers will be grandchildren, Brad Borell, Bridget Bruska, Katlyn Kosek, Kelsie Nelson, and Paul Franke.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Lake Ridge Care Center Bus Fund in Buffalo, MN.
The Peterson Funeral Chapel in Buffalo, MN is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Catherine Lambert, 91
Catherine A. Lambert (Glunz), 91, of St. Louis Park, MN, formerly of Buffalo, MN. Passed April 1, 2024. Born January 14, 1933.
Preceded in death by her parents, George and Lillian (Jasmer) Glunz; one sister; five brothers, and spouses; and nieces and nephews; daughters, Mary Lambert, Susan Lambert-Smith (Edward), Sandra Nielsen (Mitchell); grandson, Gabriel Nielsen.
Survived by husband, Harold L. Lambert, of 74 years; children, Shirley Finical, Clifford (Karla), Joan Osburn (Alan), Judy Dvorak (Scott), Roger (Christine), Tony (Liz), Donald (Nita), Harold J. (Sue); 21 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
She was fiercely loyal, moderately stubborn, quietly courageous, and generous to a fault. She prided herself on her ability to make things run the right way – HERS. She knew well what it meant to love and be loved.
Services in Buffalo, MN. See full obituary at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Gerald Lawhon, 69
Gerald Germaine Lawhon, age 69, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 29, 2024. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and loved his family deeply.
He was born on May 30, 1954, in Florence, South Carolina, to Ira and Earlene (Bell) Lawhon.
He attended South Florence High School through the 10th grade and later got his GED.
He married his best friend and love of his life, Debra Menzel, on January 10, 2003, in Manning, South Carolina.
Gerald began his career in the carpet business as an installer and continued as an owner/manager of several carpet stores in South Carolina and Minnesota. He loved his job and his customers.
Gerald loved boating, fishing, deer hunting, golfing, and making furniture. He loved animals, especially the companionship of his dogs: Barney, Mae Mae, Sam, and Lucie.
He is survived by his loving wife, Deb; children, Tara Lawhon and Rebekah (Travis) Poston; grandchildren, Megan Lawhon, Blaikly Lawhon, and Nathan Poston; a brother, Steve Lawhon; brother-in-law, David (Lorie) Menzel; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ira and Earlene Lawhon; siblings, Dale and Larry Lawhon and Sylvia Hutchinson; parents-in-law, Floyd and Elaine Menzel; and by a brother-in-law, Thomas Menzel.
A Time of gathering for Gerald Lawhon will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, from 4-6 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN. A Prayer Service will be held at 5:30 P.M. Christine Jaeb-Williams will officiate.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Richard Liefert, 83
Richard John Liefert, age 83, of rural Buffalo, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024.
Born in Buffalo on December 31, 1940, Richard was the son of Edward and Edna (Mosher) Liefert. He was baptized on February 23, 1941, at Immanuel Lutheran Church and was confirmed at Immanuel in 1954. His Confirmation Memory verse was Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not want.”
Richard graduated from Buffalo High School in 1958 and proudly served his country in the US Army Reserves.
On May 29, 1965, Richard Liefert and Betty Ann Uecker were joined in holy matrimony at Immanuel Lutheran Church. God blessed their marriage with three children, John, James, and Lolene.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Richard continued running the family dairy, hog, and crop operations, which he ultimately handed off to his son, James. Although he never fully retired from farming, he went to work for Buffalo High School from 1995 – until 2011. He especially enjoyed working with the students teaching them to use the audio-visual equipment.
Throughout his life, Richard was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and served in various positions, including on the Church Council. He had a strong faith and loved the Lord Jesus with his whole heart.
For hobbies, Richard enjoyed traveling with his wife, hunting and fishing with his buddies and sons. His friends and family knew him to laugh often, tease and joke around.
Survived by his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Betty Liefert; son, John Liefert; daughter, Lolene Liefert-Trulson (Darrel); sister, Joan Barthel; sister-in-law, Lois Liefert; other treasured relatives and many friends.
Preceded in death by son, James Liefert; his parents, Edward and Edna Liefert; brothers, George and Arnold Liefert; brother-in-law, Rollie Barthel; sister-in-law, Mabel Liefert; nephew, Jerry Liefert; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Art and Viola Uecker; brother-in-law, Earl Uecker; sister-in-law, Karen Uecker; and by a great-niece, Lily Robbins.
Visitation will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church-Pelican Lake on Saturday, April 6, from 12 Noon until 2:00 P.M. The Funeral Service follows the Visitation with the Interment taking place at Immanuel Cemetery. A light lunch will be served at 3:00 P.M.
Christopher Oehlke will officiate. Karen Davis will be the organist.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Gerald Pitka, 76
Gerald James Pitka, 76, of Alexandria, passed away at his home at Bethany on the Lake on March 27, 2024. Memorial services will be held at the Bethany on the Lake Chapel on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 11:00 A.M., with a visitation one hour prior to services.
Gerald Pitka was born to Clarence and Laura (Koeck) Pitka on June 14, 1947, in New Ulm, Minnesota. He attended and graduated public school in New Ulm, and shortly after enlisted in the United States Navy. He was deployed and served in Vietnam and was eventually honorably discharged after finishing his first four years in the service.
After Gerald’s time of service, he worked for a trucking company in Buffalo, Minnesota, both driving and doing maintenance. He later transitioned to working maintenance at the Buffalo Hospital. During his life, Gerald was an avid gun enthusiast and champion shooter. He also enjoyed fishing and golf.
Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Laura; and his sister, Carol.
He is survived by several beloved cousins and friends.
Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria is in charge of arrangements for Gerald.
Bradley Streich, 68
Bradley Reuben Streich, age 68, of Maple Lake, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at his residence.
He was born on September 30, 1955, in Buffalo, the son of Reuben and Joan (Randel) Streich. He was the first grandchild born to grandparents, Adolph and Ella Streich, and also born on Grandpa Adolph Streich’s Birthday.
Bradley was baptized in October of 1955 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo. He was instructed in The Lutheran Catechism and confirmed in the Christian faith on May 18, 1969, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Fairhaven, Minnesota.
Bradley grew up helping on the family farm. He graduated from Mayer Lutheran High School in 1973. Bradley enjoyed milking cows, field work, and cutting meat for Locker Plants as a side job.
He was gifted at writing many poems for many relatives and friends, and also wrote the hymns and his friend, Sue Nelson, wrote the music and Brad’s sister Bonny produced the song book so many of us enjoyed.
One of Brad’s pastimes was to attend the International Drum and Bugle Corp competition wherever it was held that year. He traveled the USA to attend these several day competitions.
Survived by his siblings, Brian (Pam) Streich, Brenda (Kevin) Saxton, Bonny (Chris) Luthy, and Bruce (Angie) Streich; many nephews and a niece and twin great-nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Joan (Randel) Streich; grandparents, Fred and Mable Randel and Adolph and Ella Streich; aunts and uncles; and cousins, Steven Birkholz, Angela Wagner, and Patrick Randel.
Funeral Services for Bradley Streich will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Pastor David T. Mensing will officiate.
Interment will follow at The Maple Lake Community Cemetery.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 11, from 1:00 P.M. until time of services at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.
Casket Bearers will be his nephews and a niece, Joshua Saxton, Kyle Saxton, Tyler Streich, Caleb Streich, Nathan Streich, Joel Streich, Aaron Streich, and Danielle Streich.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Barbara Warner, 60
Barbara Ann (Thomas) Warner, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away on March 22, 2024, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love. Born on June 15, 1963, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Barb was the daughter of Martin and Marjorie (Timmers) Thomas.
She graduated from Saint Cloud Tech High School in 1981. She attended Normandale Community College and North Dakota State University studying child development and nutrition. She earned an Associate of Arts degree and graduated with honors and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society.
Barb and Jim met in Hopkins on October 25, 1985, and they were united in marriage on August 13, 1988, at Normandale Church in Edina.
Barb and Jim moved to Fargo, North Dakota, and later to Rapid City, South Dakota, where they supported each other through Jim’s schooling. They eventually made their forever home in Buffalo, MN, where they raised two children, Carl and Katie. She loved being a stay at mother and homemaker. She also worked at Black Hills Gold Company, Toro, the school district as a lunch lady, and had her own business as a home cleaner. She was also a frequent volunteer in Wright County, at Zion Lutheran church, and at the schools while the children were small.
Barb had a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. She found solace in walking through the woods, tending to her flower gardens, and creating warm and inviting spaces to host gatherings with loved ones. Her outgoing personality made her a natural host, and her parties were always filled with much laughter and joy.
She was very sociable and had a remarkable ability to brighten any room with her infectious smile. Her laughter, genuine kindness, and concern for others left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Barb had many friends, and she loved each one of them.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Marjorie Thomas; brother, Scott Thomas; and her brother-in-law, Gary Hinnenkamp.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jim; children, Carl (fiancée, Hailey) and Katie; sister, Laura Hinnenkamp; brother, Jeff (Rhonda) Thomas; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 5:00 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
