Obituaries 05/04/23
Lilias Asfeld, 88
Lilias Elsie Asfeld, age 88, passed away on April 25, 2023, surrounded by her family at The Annandale Care Center.
She was born on August 17, 1934, on a farm in Meeker County to Henry and Emma (Ross) Zempel. They lived on the farm in Forest City, MN, until her high school years when they moved to the city of Litchfield, MN.
She graduated from Litchfield High School in 1952.
On May 2, 1953, she was united in marriage to George Asfeld. They made their home in Watkins until 1957, when they moved to Buffalo where they attended St. Francis Xavier Church. While attending and enrolling the children in Catechism classes, she converted and became Catholic. To date, she is still a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
Lilias worked several different jobs. She worked in a dental office in Litchfield, was an aide at Park View Care Center, and cooked and cleaned at the King’s House in Buffalo.
She also worked for The Buffalo School District as the Head Custodian at the Primary Elementary School, where she retired after 26 years.
She was known for her involvement with the Christian Women’s Club (now known as The After 5 Club). She was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Francis Xavier.
Lilias loved to cook, clean, play cards, and host family get-togethers. She never missed a birthday, anniversary, wedding, first communion, or graduation without sending a special kind of card. She enjoyed shopping and getting her hair done, as she took pride in her appearance. She loved taking care of her indoor plants and outside garden flowers. She was especially proud of her Precious Moments collection.
While her husband, George, was still alive, they enjoyed traveling to Australia, Hawaii, and Mexico. They also enjoyed cruising and spending time wintering in Texas.
Lilias is survived by her five of six children, Glenn (Beatrice), of San Antonio, TX, Keith “Skip” (Arlene), of Cokato, MN, Gordan, of Watertown, MN, Pamela Mooney, of Maple Lake, MN, and Laurie (Dan) McConnell, of Becker, MN; 13 grandchildren; one step-granddaughter, 37 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death is her husband, George; infant son, Steven; her parents; and a brother, Leo Zempel, and his wife, Nona; her sister, Hazel McCarty; and her husband, Harold; her daughter-in-law, Diane; and son-in-law, Stephen Mooney.
Pallbearers, Jeremy Asfeld, Gordan Michael Asfeld, Shawn Asfeld, Zechariah McConnell, Nicholas Mooney, and Eric Asfeld.
Honorary Pallbearers, Benjamin Asfeld, Shanda Hubbell, Lisa Van Delden, Brandy Asfeld, Wendy Pool, Ventia Webber, and Natalie Dornan.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 4, 2023, 4:00-8:00 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN, with prayer service at 7:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Buffalo, MN, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023, with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass.
The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Gerald Borrell, 93
Gerald Paul Borrell, age 93, peacefully passed away while surrounded by his family on April 28, 2023, in Brooklyn Park, MN, (formerly of Waverly and Delano). Gerald was born on June 8, 1929, to Joseph and Emily (Coyea) Borrell and raised on the family farm south of Waverly, with his five siblings.
While growing up on the family farm he worked alongside his father, siblings, Uncle Fritz, and his grandfather George. He graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Waverly in 1948 and enlisted in the Army in January 1949, served active duty until 1950, and then remained in the Army Reserves until September 1954.
On July 9, 1955, he was united in marriage, to Therese Ditty, of Delano, MN, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Delano. They made their first home in West St. Paul, where Gerald was a monument salesperson and began their family. After a few years, they moved to Delano and continued adding to their family, raising six children, and he began working as a plumber for Ditty Plumbing and Heating in Delano. He also spent time working for Hennepin County as a Deputy Sheriff and was a member of the Delano Fire Department. After moving to the City of Independence, he worked part-time as a police officer, while remaining a full-time plumber. He eventually took a position as the Supervisor of Facility Management for the Delano School District in 1975, retiring after 20 years in 1995.
After retirement, Gerald and Therese built a new home on the north shore of Waverly Lake in 1998. At the lake, Gerald enjoyed water skiing, hosting family events, pontoon rides, bonfires, gardening, and time spent with his grandchildren. In 2014, they returned to Delano and enjoyed townhome living for a few years until a final move to senior living at St. Therese Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park.
Gerald was preceded in death by Therese, his wife of 66 years; his parents; daughter, Nanette Blanchette; son, Dennis Borrell; brothers, Donald, Marion, Danny; and sister, Lou Jandro; brothers in-law, John Jandro, Rich, Paul, and Tom Ditty, Dick Hemberger, and Jim Stevens; sisters-in-law, Donna Ditty, Marcella Borrell, Marie Borrell, Sherry Borrell, and Mary Jane Borrell.
He is survived by his loving daughters, Jenine Johnson, Julie (Tony) Van Beusekom, Paula (Stuart) Pysick; son, George (Mary) Borrell; sons-in-law, Tom (Angie) Blanchette, David Larson; 15 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; brother, Clayton (Geraldine) Borrell; in-laws, Mary Grengs, Carol Hemberger, Nancy Stevens, Catherine (George) Kraemer, Ardella Ditty, and Barb Ditty.
Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Waverly. Inurnment will be at a later date in the church cemetery. Mass will be livestreamed. Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano.
Stanley Carlson, 69
Stanley Edward Carlson, age 69, of Buffalo, MN, died peacefully in his sleep on April 26, 2023.
He as born on November 15, 1953, in Minneapolis, MN, the oldest son of Stanley A. and Gladys E. (Bloom) Carlson.
Stanley attended Edison High School in Minneapolis. From a young age, he had a keen interest in sports. He excelled in softball and baseball. He loved watching all of his hometown teams: Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, Wild, etc. Stan worked as a chef, he loved cooking, especially for his family and friends. He enjoyed spending time with his family and always made time for anyone who needed or wanted his company. He had a great sense of humor and could make anyone laugh with his witty jokes and his infectious smile. Stan will be deeply missed by his family and friends, as well as others with which he met throughout his lifetime.
Stan is survived by his four sisters and a brother, Lynda Carlson-Hall, of Tucson, AZ, Vicky (Tom) LaPlant, of Buffalo, MN, Debra Lee, of Tucson, AZ, Scott (Lori) Carlson, of Brooklyn Park, MN, and Theresa Maire, of Monticello, MN; seven nieces and a nephew; other relatives and friends.
Memorial service for Stanley Carlson were held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN. Pastor Dean Brown officiated.
Visitation took place one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN, assisted the family with funeral services. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Nicole Conrady, 50
Nicole Catherine Conrady, age 50, of Buffalo, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at her residence.
She was born in August 1972 in Shakopee, Minnesota, to Burdette and Sharon (Alexander) Wodtke. After graduating from Jordan High School, she married Adam Conrady and joined him in various corners of the country when he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. During this time, she was a mother, while volunteering extensively with the local PTO and Girl Scouts.
Later, they would divorce, and she would return to Minnesota. There, she would work at Washburn Computer Group in Monticello as an office clerk. While working full-time, she obtained a degree in Accounting from North Hennepin Community College with a 4.0 GPA as a member of Phi Theta Kappa.
She loved to go dancing in the Twin Cities with friends, visiting state parks with her family, and attending the annual Kite Festival in Buffalo.
She faced good and bad times in life with nothing but love, strength, and unmatched positivity.
Survived by her loving children, Allison, Brandon, and Caleb; her mother, Sharon Wodtke; siblings, Brian Wodtke, Claudette Hathaway, Brad Wodtke, and Julie Wheelis; other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by her father, Burt; and sister, Michelle Wodtke.
Inurnment at Lake Benton, Minnesota.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Carl Johnson, 87
Carl Frederick Johnson was born on September 20, 1935, in LaBolt, South Dakota. He was born on the kitchen table at the family homestead, one of three children, to Carl and Augusta Johnson. He never knew his father, who died the day he was baptized. He attended high school at Strandburg and transferred to Millbank due to his athletic exploits, where he set records in basketball, football, and track. Of all his success in sports, his lifelong love was playing town baseball at LaBolt. Carl dazzled the crowds as he set records that made history books across the plains of South Dakota. If you have heard of the story “Hoosiers,” you can most certainly relate to Millbank’s 1953 Class “A” South Dakota State Basketball Tournament championship team. It was there that Carl shined with his jump shot and set the 96-point tournament record that stood for over 40 years.
Carl attended the University of South Dakota (Class of 1957) as the beneficiary of football, track, and basketball scholarships. He was a proud ’Yote who concentrated on football, where his success led to a tryout contract with the Detroit Lions over two seasons. A knee injury affected his possible NFL career, so instead he played Canadian Football at Kitchener, where he was part of the Canadian Football League championship in 1958 as a halfback with the Hamilton Tiger Cats.
Upon the conclusion of his athletic career, he turned to education as his vocation, where he prided himself on being an advocate for students. His first job was in Round Lake, MN, as a science teacher and football coach, and he also began the track program. It was there he met Mary Mitchell through a blind date in 1958. Their courtship at various VFWs — dancing the Lindy and Two-Step — resulted in a 1959 wedding in Round Lake. His next position took him to Rapid City, SD, as a biology teacher and assistant football coach. While Mary is still waiting for her honeymoon, Carl’s career did take them throughout South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota for teaching, administration, and coaching positions in Round Lake, MN; Rapid City and Groton, SD; Sibley and Estherville, IA; and finally, Andover, MN, with Anoka Ramsey Community College.
Throughout these moves, the family grew: twins, Eric and Mark born in Sibley; Tom in Estherville; and twins, Paul and Joanna in Anoka.
In 1977, the family bought a hobby farm in Monticello where Carl and Mary raised their children to be star athletes in their own regard. Upon his retirement, they moved to Lake Pulaski in Buffalo to live out his golden years tending to his grandchildren’s athletic exploits and perfecting his woodworking skills. The onset of Parkinson’s disease affected his later years, but it did not interfere with enjoying his pipe on the deck, fishing adventures, serenading family with piano chords, and being surrounded by his family.
Carl died on April 30, 2023, and was preceded in death by his mother (Augusta), father (Carl), brothers (Carl and Phillip), son (Eric), and grandson (James).
Carl is survived by Mary and their four surviving children, Mark (Leya), Tom (Jen), Paul (Christina), and Joanna (Chris); nine surviving grandchildren, Sam (Allie), Nick (Kenzie), Lily, Kailey (Josh), Harlan, Lucy, Stella, Louisa, and Mitchell; and one great-grandchild (Rosa) — with another great-grandchild on the way.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at The Buffalo United Methodist Church in Buffalo with a service at 4:30 p.m. and a social gathering and light dinner following.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Anna Schuler, 63
Anna Marie Schuler, age 63, of Buffalo, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at her residence.
She was born on February 8, 1960, in Minneapolis, the daughter of Roger and Joyce (Blewett) Forberg.
Anna was employed as Head Cashier at Walgreens.
She loved life and was very much a people person! She could strike up a conversation with anyone. Anna enjoyed laughing with friends, traveling, cribbage, and her pets. Anna had a large personality and an even bigger heart. She will be greatly missed.
Survived by her loving daughter, Molly Schuler; mother, Joyce Forberg; a sister, Kris (Mike) Vogel; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by her father, Roger Forberg; and by a brother, John Forberg.
A Celebration of Life for Anna Schuler will be held at a later date.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to wwwthepetersonchapel.com
Ronnie Sebek Jr., 57
Ronnie Ray Sebek Jr., age 57, of Buffalo, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023, at his residence.
He was born on February 23, 1966, in Buffalo, the son of Ronnie and Darlene (Kuchenmeister) Sebek.
Ronnie graduated from Buffalo High School in 1984.
Ronnie was formerly employed as a Process Tech at Aroplax in Monticello.
He enjoyed Bass fishing, golfing, and hanging out with his brother.
Survived by his life partner of thirty-six years, Lisa A. Krecklau; a son, Andrew J. Sebek; step-daughter, Ashley; grandchildren, Kashton, Jaicie, and Jayden; a sister, Rachael; other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents and by a brother.
A Memorial Service for Ronnie Sebek Jr. will be held on Saturday, May 6, at 1:00 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 6, one hour prior to services.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Diane Witherbee, 82
Diane Kay Witherbee, age 82, of Buffalo, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023.
She was born on December 27, 1940, in Burlington, Iowa, the daughter of Mark and Bernice (Fahlgren) Welch.
Diane was formerly employed at Medtronic.
She loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren!
Diane enjoyed spending winters in Florida, cheering on Minnesota sports teams, Elvis, shopping, and QVC.
Survived by her children, Jeff (Sherrie) Witherbee, Jill Scofield (Roger Byman), and Julie (Mike) Kalkman; eight grandchildren, Jake (Sarah) Witherbee, Matt (Jenna) Witherbee, and Megan (Rob) Smith; Sam (Kyle) Carlson and Emma (Patrick) Gordon; Sydney (Andy) Bleuer, Madeline, and Maria Kalkman; thirteen great-grandchildren; loving friend, Dick Alberico; other relatives and many friends.
Preceded in death by her husband, Stephen L. Witherbee; her parents; a brother; and three sisters.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, from 6-8 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
