Obituaries 06/22/23

Phyllis Greninger, 91

Phyllis Mae Greninger, age 91, of Otsego, MN, passed away June 12, 2023.

Phyllis was born the daughter of Matthew and Cornelia (McNeil) Dahlheimer on December 6, 1931, in Otsego Township, MN.

Phyllis graduated from Elk River High School in 1950.

On September 6, 1952, Donald J. Greninger and Phyllis M. Dahlheimer were joined in holy matrimony at St. Albert’s Catholic Church in Albertville where she was a life-long member.

Phyllis was an active member of St. Albert’s where she served on the CCW, the Christian Women’s Society, and also spent many hours of perpetual adoration.

Phyllis was the strong, silent type but always made sure that her voice was heard when she had an opinion. Her greatest joy was found in the time that she spent with family. Phyllis loved her children dearly and loved her grandchildren even more. She had time for every one of them, spending time with them and making sure she remembered every birthday. Phyllis also sewed blankets for every baby that was born and even fixed the ones that had been worn out from years of use.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Diane (Duane) Nagel, Russell (Sheila) Greninger, Neil Greninger, Tim (Deanna) Greninger, Joan (Thomas) Gindele, Gene Greninger, Kris (Paul) Brandjord and Matt (Catharine) Greninger; daughter-in-law, Sandra Greninger; 29 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Muriel Tiernan, LaVonne Martinez, and Gwen Chamberlain; also many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by her husband, Donald; children, Leo Greninger, Ingrid (Roger) Manro, and Chuck Greninger; daughter-in-law, Marjorie Greninger; grandchildren, Morgan and Ellen; siblings, Arlene (Stuart) Hoglund, Irma (Donatus) Vetsch, Shirley Dahlheimer, Wilbur (Lucille) Dahlheimer, Merle (LaVerne) Dahlheimer; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Tiernan, Marty Martinez, and Donald Chamberlain.

Visitation for Phyllis was held Sunday, June 18, 2023, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., with a CCW Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at The Church of St. Albert in Albertville, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, June 19, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation that continued one hour prior to the mass at The Church of St. Albert in Albertville.

Celebrant was Father Joseph Zabinski.

Casket bearers were Phyllis’s grandsons, Jeff Greninger, Ryan Greninger, Max Greninger, Luke Gindele, Austin Brandjord, and Jason Manro.

Interment followed the mass at The Church of St. Albert Cemetery in Albertville.

Luncheon followed the burial in the church parish hall.

Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in St.Michael / Albertville, MN.

Laura Hills, 89

Laura Jane Hills, 89, formerly of Salina, Kansas, passed away on Monday, June 12, 2023, in Manhattan, Kansas.  She was born on March 9, 1934, in Buffalo, Minnesota, to David and Catherine Varner.

After graduating from Buffalo High School, Laura began her professional journey at Buffalo Hospital. Later, she relocated to Kansas City, where she attended Central Technical Institute before accepting a job at Trans World Airlines Central Reservations.

On November 15, 1957, Laura married Darrell Hills. Darrell and Laura formed an exceptional team, with Darrell’s imaginative ideas finding their foundation in Laura’s resourcefulness. This resulted in a life filled with exciting endeavors, including ventures in the automotive industry, commodity brokerage, farming, construction, real estate, and product development and manufacturing. Whenever Darrell made use of his pilot’s license, Laura was his steadfast co-pilot.

Darrell and Laura shared 58 wonderful years together and were blessed with two children, David and Jane. As a mother, Laura provided unwavering support and overflowing love. She was an avid reader, completed many needlework projects, enjoyed walks in nature, and fostered a variety of animals in her lifetime.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Darrell; and son, David.

She is survived by her daughter, Jane Estabrook; her brother, Norman; her sisters, Caroline and Nora; and her grandchildren, Stephen and Kathryn. Laura is also survived by nieces, nephews, and numerous other relatives who held a special place in her heart.

Finally, Darrell is soaring with his favorite co-pilot again. Laura’s family will hold a private graveside service in her honor, with arrangements entrusted to Ryan Mortuary, Salina. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be sent to Salina Family Healthcare or T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter, as a testament to Laura’s caring and giving spirit.

Online condolences at www.ryanmortuary.com.

Debra Lewerke, 66

Debra Lewerke, age 66, of Buffalo, passed away on June 19, 2023, in Buffalo.  Full obituary will appear next week.

The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN, is serving the family. 

Douglas Mosford, 53

Douglas John Mosford, “Mossy”, age 53, of Waverly, passed away on June 11, 2023, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born on August 21, 1969, to Thomas and JoNell (McClellan) Mosford.

Doug was employed at Herc-u-lift for 30+ years. Some things you should know about “Mossy.” He was a mighty man of God. He had a sensitive side, and you always knew where you stood with him. He left his mark on this world, truly making it a better place. He was wise, hardworking, honest, loyal, and loved his wife and kids. He was truly a man’s-man. He was matter of fact, Mr. Fix-it, a fabricator, a great provider, an honest friend, son, husband, brother, father, and family man. He was funny, selfless, a good mentor, and a great listener.

There is so much more to Doug’s life than just these few words. He was a man with a giant heart. Even in his final days, he would pray for all of us, and was worried about our wellbeing.

He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Mosford.

Doug is survived by his wife, Jennifer; sons, Drake, Daniel, and David; mother, JoNell; stepdaughters, Alice, Davina; siblings, Evan (Cab) Shira, Charles (Chuck); as well as many close friends (especially the Butcher and Miller families).

A celebration of life will be held at 11 A.M. on June 22, 2023, at the Watertown Evangelical Free Church. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10-11 A.M., all at the church. A luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.