Obituaries 06/27/24
Pamela Croft, 76
Pamela Jean (Wilson) Croft, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024, in Buffalo, MN, at the age of 76. Born on January 15, 1948, in Seattle, WA, Pamela was the daughter of Douglas Wilson and Jacqueline (Coleman) Swanson.
Her early years were marked by frequent moves with her family, eventually settling in Litchfield, MN, where she grew up and graduated with the class of 1966.
After high school, Pamela pursued her passion for beauty and style at Wanner’s School of Beauty Culture in Duluth, MN. In 1966, she met the love of her life, Dean Croft, when they worked together at Universal Fiberglass Corporation in Two Harbors, MN. They were married on August 16, 1969. Pamela also contributed her talents to beauty shops in Bayport, MN; Austin, TX; and Two Harbors, MN.
During Dean’s military service, the couple lived in Austin, TX, where Pamela provided support and filled their apartment with love and warmth. After Dean’s service, they returned to Two Harbors, where they raised their three children.
Pamela loved hosting and entertaining, filling her home with warmth and laughter. Her culinary skills, especially her baking, were renowned among family and friends. People never left hungry, and it brought her joy to watch those she loved gathered around the table enjoying her delicious meals.
She was a talented seamstress, enjoyed playing bridge, lived her life as a faithful Christian woman, and was often a guest speaker at Women’s Aglow and other Christian events. She had charisma; when she entered a room, or when speaking with her, you felt like you were in a safe place with someone you could trust and who truly cared about you. Her legacy of kindness, hospitality, and love will be cherished by all who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Douglas Wilson and Jacqueline Swanson; sister, Roxanne Wilson; and sister-in-law, Mary June Wilson.
Pamela is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Dean; children, Bryan Croft, Paul Croft, and Rebecca (Adam) McGrane; grandchildren, Brittan, Malia, Savanna, and Quinn; siblings, Douglas Wilson, Darrel (Diana) Wilson, and Jamie (Virgil) Wiechmann; and many other relatives and friends.
Memorial service will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 12 P.M. with visitation beginning one hour prior at Buffalo Covenant Church, Buffalo, MN.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Ryan Mull, 39
Ryan Zachary Mull, age 39, passed peacefully at his home with his family and his loyal dog lying by his side in Montrose, MN, on June 17, 2024, after his 2nd courageous battle of four years with cancer. He was born to Wendy and Paul Mull on March 20, 1985, in Minneapolis, MN. Ryan graduated from Kimball High School in 2003. He was employed at Archway Marketing as an Account Manager for 15 years. On October 3, 2009, Ryan married the love of his life, Nicole (Fadden) Mull. Ryan, known for his infectious laugh, positive personality, and love of fishing, golf, and cracking jokes, has reeled in his last big catch and sunk his final hole-in-one, but he will forever be remembered for his quick wit, warm smile, and unwavering loyalty to his family and friends.
Ryan was preceded in death by his father, Paul Mull; grandfather and grandmother, Jack and June Mull; grandfather, Wendel Skattum; and Grandma Babe.
He is survived by his wife, Nicole Mull; grandmother, Teddy Skattum; mother, Wendy Mull; brother, Jack Mull; loving in-laws, Dale and Rita Fadden; and sister-in-law, Rachael Fadden; godsons, MaCade Barbre and Colton Triplett; and many other loving friends, relatives, and his beloved pets.
Family would like to thank Grace Hospice for their compassionate end of life care.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 27, 1:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m. at Wild Marsh Golf Club, 1710 Montrose Blvd. Buffalo, MN 55313. Dress casual and comfortable. Jeans welcome! In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Nicole Mull at 422 Dillon Ave. N, Montrose, MN 55363. And remember, in Ryan’s memory, always take time to enjoy the good shots life sends your way and don’t pass up a chance to cast out a line. Rest in peace, Ryan, may your golf game be forever par and your fishing spots full of big ones. Cheers!
George Sawatzke, 92
George Edward Sawatzke, “Smokey”, age 92, of Rockford, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born February 22, 1932, to Edward and Laura (Baldus) Sawatzke in Delano, Minnesota.
George was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He grew up in Wright County with four sisters and five brothers. In 1951, George married Joanne (Harwood). They raised 11 children and made their family home in Greenfield, after losing his beloved wife of 49 years, George married Pat (Gulbrandson) in 2007 and eventually made his home in Rockford, where he lived up until his death.
George owned and operated Rockford Cabinet & Woodworking for over 40 years, where he worked alongside his eldest son, Richard. He was very active in the community including: having served 32 years as a volunteer firefighter for the Rockford Fire Department, retiring as a Captain; served 27 years on the Rockford School Board, without missing a meeting; represented Rockford as a delegate at the Minnesota School Board for five years; was an active member of the Loretto Lions Club; a Rockford Wright Technical Representative for Wright County Vo-Tech; and was Grand Marshal for the Rockford River Days parade in 2022. George was an active member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church where he served as an usher and was ardently involved in the Men’s club.
George loved his sports. He especially enjoyed watching the Vikings and Twins play and even volunteered as a security guard at the Met Stadium. George was one of the founders of the annual Rockford East and West softball game, which was held for over 50 years. He also enjoyed going to the casino, playing cribbage, dancing, and spending time with his family. George had the ability to make friends wherever he went. Anyone that knew George knows how much he enjoyed playing practical jokes, anything to get a good laugh.
George was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Joanne; son, Rodney Sawatzke; siblings, Marlan Sawatzke, Donald Sawatzke, Harvey Sawatzke, Joseph Sawatzke, and Doris Sawatzke.
He is survived by his wife, Pat; children, Richard (Roberta) Sawatzke, Ronald Sawatzke, Randall Sawatzke, Roger Sawatzke (Shari Atkins), Rocklyn (Joyce) Sawatzke, Robert Sawatzke, Russell Sawatzke, Renee (Ronnie) Bianchi, Rhonda (Bob) Rothstein, Ralph (Stacey) Sawatzke; 23 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; step-children, Todd (Marcy) Davidson, Sean (Rachel) Davidson, Stephanie (Randy) Cuka, Trent Schroeder; 13 step-grandchildren; six great-step grandchildren; siblings, Laura Mae Hoffman, Shirley Ponce, Carol (Dale) Sieg, Floyd Sawatzke; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Sawatzke, Darlene Sawatzke; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visitation took take place on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. prayer service. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 27, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Corcoran at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. Interment at church cemetery.
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.
