Obituaries 07/13/23
Bonnie Anderson, 95
Bonnie Jean Anderson, February 5, 1928 – July 1, 2023, Buffalo, Minnesota.
Bonnie Jean (Logan) Anderson passed away peacefully in hospice at Lake Ridge in Buffalo, Minnesota on July 1, 2023.
Bonnie was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to Hale Roberts Logan and Thirza Cecelia (Mason) Logan and raised in the home of her grandparents, Patrick William Mason and Eva Nellie (Huntington) Mason. Her only sibling, Robert Hale Logan, passed away in 1961. Her husband, Morris Edward “Ed” Anderson, preceded her in death in 2021, as did a son, Edward Robert Anderson, who died in 1966 at age two.
Surviving are two daughters, Erin Walsh, of Buffalo, and Elin (Dan) Zaccaro, of Cary, NC; five grandchildren, Cora Walsh (Luke Hollenkamp), of Minneapolis, Eva Walsh (Jon Dorn), of Fairhaven, MA, Logan Walsh, of Madison, WI, and Warren and Kevin Zaccaro, of Cary, NC; and three great-grandchildren who brought her much joy.
Bonnie attended the University of Missouri at Columbia, earning a BA degree in journalism. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority at the encouragement of her aunt, Evalyn (Mason) Dolph. Bonnie worked as a newspaperwoman in Springfield, Illinois, and Lafayette, Louisiana, before joining the US Navy and serving as a cryptographer at the Pentagon. At the WAVE officer training program in Rhode Island, she met naval officer Ed Anderson, and they were married in Harbert, Michigan, in 1955 before moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she was again a journalist. A few years later, they moved permanently to Kettering, Ohio, living there for 60 years before moving to Buffalo, MN, in 2018.
When her husband became a private pilot, Bonnie decided to earn her license too, completing her IFR rating with the Mound Flying Club near Dayton, Ohio. In 1977, Bonnie and Ed hosted an AFS exchange student from Finland, Päivi Leppänen Fonsén, currently of Helsinki, who remains close to the family. Through the years, their home was opened to many international visitors. Later, at an age when most people considered retirement, Bonnie enrolled in Wright State University, earning a BA in Spanish and a certificate to teach English as a Second Language. She spent many years as a volunteer ESL teacher in the Dayton area.
In Buffalo, Bonnie enjoyed accompanying Erin to music rehearsals and arts events and was affiliated with the Buffalo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Bonnie cherished “worthwhile” literature, NYT crossword puzzles, swimming, and spirited discussions on wide-ranging intellectual topics. Bonnie was a life-long feminist, lover of the arts, devoted “Mormor,” “G.G.,” and “Grammar Police,” an epic Bananagrams player, and respected matriarch of the family with whom she loved spending time.
A private family remembrance is planned at a future date to honor both Bonnie and Ed Anderson.
Margaret Barnard, 90
Margaret Pauline (Winner) Barnard, much beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died peacefully at home July 1 from complications with breast cancer. She was 90.
The second of seven children, she was born December 13, 1932, at home in rural Iowa to Ruth and Ralph Winner. She had fond memories of growing up, playing with her brothers on the farm, and appreciated her mom’s way of making life sweeter with little money or resources.
She attended country schools around Hedrick and Delta and graduated in 1950 from Fremont High School. She took a correspondence course, and with the help of her mom, rented a Smith & Corona typewriter for $7 a month. She eventually bought it and kept it her whole life.
Her first job was wrapping Christmas gifts at Kresge’s Five and Dime in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Upon graduation from high school, she was hired to do office work at Burlington Truck Lines in Ottumwa, Iowa.
It was while working there that she met the love of her life, Claire Barnard. They were married September 2, 1956, in the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa. Dad’s job with the Milwaukee Railroad entailed moving to numerous different locations. Over the course of their marriage, the couple moved nine times throughout the Midwest and Spokane, Wash. When Dad left the railroad in 1979, they settled in the Minneapolis area. Mom moved to Buffalo to be near family after Dad passed in 2001.
Mom made every move an adventure for daughters, Kathy, Kris, Karen, Kim, and Kelly, helping ease any fears by talking about the new friends they would make and planning how to decorate their rooms, etc.
Loving and caring for her family was Mom’s life work. She forged a special relationship with every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild - really with everyone she met. She was an amazing listener and paid close attention to the needs, hopes, and dreams of everyone. She could cure any ill with a puffy pancake, a cup of hot tea, or a warm, wet washcloth. She had a great sense of humor and laughed easily. She was a devout Christian, who lived her faith daily.
Mom loved babies, flowers, traveling, Anne Murray music, and garage sales, where she delighted in finding treasures for family members. She enjoyed playing board games, but especially playing cards. SkipBo, Smear, and Five Crowns were among her favorites. She was sneaky and masterful, quietly winning with a “Well, look at that.” and a smile.
She loved to cook and eat. She often said that good food is one of life’s greatest joys. Fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy or chicken and dumplings were her favorites. She baked hundreds of pies in her lifetime - rhubarb, apple, cherry, Bob Andy custard, and pecan.
Mom crocheted more than 50 afghans for family and friends. She said she thought about the person she was making it for the whole time she worked on it. Every afghan she made was like the love she put into it - warm, comforting, durable, and beautiful.
She had a natural curiosity that never left her and would say “How cool is that?” when she encountered a new technology or something she didn’t know about. She loved having one of us Google everything from recipes and the weather to when “her” Minnesota Twins were going to play their next game. She also loved looking at the pictures family posted on Facebook.
Mom impressed upon all of her daughters that they are part of a long line of strong, loving women. In a letter to her family, she wrote, “Keep the love going; pass it on to the next generation as it has been in the past. Carry on; do all the good you can, for all the people you can, for as long as you can.”
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers and a sister; husband Claire; daughter, Kim; and son-in-law, Greg Walls; and grandson-in-law, Tony Swanson.
Survivors include, daughters, Kathy and her husband Tom La Pointe, of Moscow, Idaho; Kris and her husband, Jim Bressler, of Maple Lake, Minn., Karen Barnard, of Sauk Rapids, Minn.; and Kelly and her husband, Jon Rygiel, of Buffalo, Minn.; 11 grandchildren, Michael (Megan) Bressler, Matt Bressler, Elizabeth (Bryce) Gill, Dani Swanson, Anne (Jeremy) Boldt, Marc La Pointe, Mykenna (Mike) Bressler, Amy (Mark) Trehey, Levi (Cassidy) Walls, Maggie Seaton and Sirena Rygiel; and 12 great-grandchildren; son-in-law. Fred Pawelk; sister, Linda Hutchison; and brother, Steve Winner; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.
Memorial service was held Tuesday, July 11, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service all at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Officiating was Pastor Dean Brown.
Casket Bearers were all of Margaret’s grandchildren and their spouses.
Interment was at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo, MN.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Bryan John “BJ” Brengman, 60
Bryan John “BJ” Brengman, age 60, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away July 3, 2023.
I was the proud owner of BJ’s Deli in Buffalo, MN for 23 years. After 48 years in the restaurant industry, I’ve put away my soup kettle, pie plates, and pasta bowls. God has called me Home. I’ve been honored to be part of many celebrations on my beautiful corner in downtown Buffalo.
Preceded in death by my mother and father, Rick and Patricia Brengman; my brothers, Michael and Gerald; and nephew, John Wyatt.
Survived by my siblings, Paul Koscielski, James (Jennell) Brengman, Lawrence Brengman, Patricia (Edward) Hayford, Lawrence (Lisa) Spratt, and Robert (Tarah) Spratt; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends--especially Lisa, Brion, Kurt, Kay, Terry, and Susan. And of course, my baby boy, Niko.
I also want to thank my primary care physician, Jackie Couette, and hospice nurse, Madi, for the wonderful care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to be directed to family.
Visitation was held on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN (119 Central Ave.) from 4:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. A brief prayer service and time for sharing memories or stories began at 7:30 PM.
Funeral service was held Monday, July 10, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation one hour prior at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN (1200 Hwy 25 South). Interment took place at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo, MN. The service was livestreamed via https://youtube.com/live/W28dDxsXfsA.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Janette Didier, 82
Janette Rae Didier, age 82, of Albertville, passed away peacefully in the presence of her beloved family on July 4, 2023.
She was born on September 13, 1940, in Ord, Nebraska, the daughter of George and Dorothy (Prien) Chipps. On September 16, 1961, Janette and Jerome Didier were joined in holy marriage in Ord, Nebraska, and were blessed with four children.
Janette was employed as a secretary for St.Michael/Albertville High School from 1971 until 1996. Jan was an avid gardener, enjoyed sewing, and walked three miles every day into her late 70’s.
For many years, Jan and Jerry wintered in Indian Harbour Beach, FL, and spent summers at their home on Lake Sylvia where Jan enjoyed socializing with their many friends. She loved to be with people and always showed a genuine interest in the well-being of others.
Jan is survived by her loving husband, Jerry Didier; children, Kathryn Didier (Bruce) Carlson, Teresa (Pat) Adamski, Richard (Julie) Didier, and Thomas Didier; grandchildren, Nicholas, Danielle, Alexander, Christina, and Zachary; great-grandchildren, Skyler, Raena and Jack; siblings, Roger and Robert Chipps.
Memorial Service for Janette will be held on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 5 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel St. Michel-Albertville Funeral Home-St. Michael, MN. Pastor Dean Brown will officiate. Visitation will begin at 3 pm till time of service. www.thepetersonchapel.com
Naomi Fobbe, 91
Naomi A. Fobbe, age 91, of Maple Lake, died on Thursday, July 6, 2023, after a stoic 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 14, 2023, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Maple Lake with Fr. John Meyer as Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m., Thursday, and 9-10 a.m. on Friday, both at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Maple Lake. A prayer service will be held 7 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral chapel.
Naomi Ann Stuhr was born December 13, 1931, in rural Maple Lake, to Harry and Mabel (Smith) Stuhr. Even though she was the only girl of six, her brothers knew who was in charge. Naomi graduated from Maple Lake High School with the Class of 1949. She was united in marriage to Donald Fobbe on November 16, 1949, at St. Timothy Catholic Church. To this union, eight magnificent children were born. Naomi ran her large household with competency, efficiency, unconditional love, and “The Look.” She loved the title “The Boss,” and that she was! The phrase “because I said so” was never questioned. Rolling your eyes would guarantee an extra chore, and fighting with your siblings got a chore list.
Naomi was born a few generations before her time as she had the organization and management skills to run a company. She put those skills to good use as a superb wife and mother. She loved to sew, calling it her “time to relax.” She sewed everything from adult clothing to teeny-tiny Barbie doll outfits. When the kids were all in school, Naomi worked cleaning houses in the Plymouth area. She used this pocket money on a variety of things, including Bingo, the Claw Machine, and pull-tabs. Quilting became a passion when the kids were grown.
Naomi was a lifetime member of The Church of St. Timothy, where she enjoyed being part of the National Catholic Society of Foresters and the S.A.M.s Quilters. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary.
She is survived by her children, Betty Veches, of Buffalo, Diane (Joe) Cassellius, of Annandale, Susan Johnson, of Maple Grove, Anne (Joe) Hollencamp, of Maple Lake, Timothy, of Annandale, Kimberly (Bill) Ziegler, of Alexandria, and Kenneth, of Maple Lake; 12 grandchildren, April, Abby, Jill, Jodi, Nicole, Jerry, Kent, Samantha, Rachel, Julia, Emma, and Preston; 14 great-grandchildren, Jordan, Calvin, Kainen, Suede, Brindle, Madison, Lily, Faith, Hailey, Brody, Nolan, Addison, Keegan, and Jackson; two great-great-grandchildren, Isabel and Elijah; brother, Harry Jr. (Judy) Stuhr, of Maple Lake; sister-in-law, Consuelo Stuhr, of Arizona; and many nieces, nephews, other family, and friends.
Naomi was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Mabel; husband, Donald in 2014; daughter, Ellen; grandson, Scott Hollencamp; great-grandson, baby George; son-in-law, George Veches; and brothers, Russell, Jack, Gerald, and Ken.
Joe Cassellius, Joe Hollencamp, Bill Ziegler, and Preston Fobbe will serve as urn bearers. Krista Elsenpeter and Shannon Paumen will provide the music for the service. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com
Kenneth Habisch, 84
Kenneth Raymond Habisch, age 84, of Waverly, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at his home.
He was born on March 22, 1939, in Winsted, the son of Henry “Hank” and Evelyn (Deidrick) Habisch.
Ken was baptized on March 26, 1939, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Winsted.
Before Ken graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1957, he had enlisted in the Army Reserves. Upon high school graduation, he immediately left for boot camp in California and honorably served his Country.
In 1965, Ken built his home on Little Waverly Lake and made plans to stay there until the day he died.
On January 28, 1967, Kenneth R. Habisch and Frances M. Mau were joined in holy marriage at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Winsted.
God blessed their marriage with two daughters, Annette (Wally “Pete”) Peterson, of Waverly, and Susan (Steve) Bakeberg, of Buffalo.
On June 30, 1974, Ken became a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he was a faithful member and served as the church treasurer for more than thirty years.
Throughout Ken’s life, he worked as a professional welder and pipe fitter at Sterner Industries in Winsted and later retired from Sentry Fire Protection in Waverly. Many have said that there hasn’t been a better welder around.
Until Ken’s illness slowed him down, he enjoyed fishing off his dock and took several fishing trips up to Canada. Ken was the fish fillet master. Never a bone was to be found!
He also was an avid deer hunter and hunted grouse and bear near Two Harbors. He looked forward to the hunting season where he’d travel up to stay at ‘the shack.’ Whether he was successful in the hunt or not, he looked forward to helping whoever the lucky hunter was with dragging the game out of the woods and processing it as well.
Ken loved nature and did his best to pass this passion along to his daughters and grandchildren.
Ken was a person who could fix anything. Anytime his daughters or sons-in-law needed help with any project, he was there to help. He was someone we could always depend on for great advice.
Ken really enjoyed working in his yard, too. Before his illness, his yard was immaculate, and the lawn was lush and always green.
Ken’s pride and joys were to watch and hear about his grandchildren’s activities. He loved going to all their sporting events and watching them play basketball or shoot trap. He’d always search for their names in the newspaper to see if they were mentioned, and especially searched in the Honor Roll reports to find them. He loved sending them little cartoons and jokes with lots of emojis, which always included the cowboy emoji.
Along with Ken’s wife and daughters, Ken will be missed by his five treasured grandchildren, Spencer, McKenna and Coltonn Peterson and Nicholas and Jacob Bakeberg; siblings, Carol Miskovsky and Henry “Hank” (Shell) Habisch; a brother-in-law, George Foede; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Donald Miskovsky, Joe (Joanne) Mau, and Erwin (Peggy) Mau; sisters-in-law, Betty (Gerald) Johnson and Karen Foede.
A visitation was held on Saturday, July 8, from noon to 2 P.M. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Montrose.
The Memorial Service immediately followed visitation at 2 P.M. at the church. Pastor James Grabitske officiated.
Inurnment with military rites were at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Montrose.
Urn Bearers were his five grandchildren.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Darrell Hicks, 92 
Darrell Elmer Hicks, age 92, passed away peacefully in Brainerd, MN, on June 28, 2023. He was born in Winnebago, MN on October 28, 1930. He was the son of Charles and Florence (Tyrrell) Hicks. The fourth son of 12 siblings growing up during the Depression, he left home after the eighth grade to seek his fortune. He headed cross-country, working any job he could. Darrell spent a lot of time working in the oil industry, picking potatoes, road construction, and many others before returning home to join the Army. He fought in the Korean War conflict and was seriously wounded. He was transported to a MASH unit, patched together, and sent to Tokyo and Tripler Army Hospital in Hawaii for recovery. He returned to the West Coast, where he was discharged and left to find his way home.
After returning home, he married the love of his life, Darlene Dietz, from Annandale, MN. They purchased a small resort on Lake Sylvia, west of Annandale. Darlene (mom) managed the resort, and Darrell (dad) took a road construction job with Barton Const. in Osseo, MN. They had two sons while living there, Charles and Greg. Being a long commute for Dad, they soon purchased a home in Buffalo, MN, as Mom had her hands full with the two boys. A little girl (Brenda) came along shortly after moving, making it three.
Tired of commuting and someone else telling him what to do, he started his own paving company in Buffalo with a couple of trucks and some paving equipment. He and partner John Danielson began to grow the company Buffalo Bituminous. Darla, the last child of the family, completed the foursome. John Danielson sold out to Duininck Bros., and the Company continued growing. Darrell was involved and owned several Buffalo businesses, Ben Franklin, The Buffalo Hotel, Hardee’s restaurant, Buffalo Chrysler/Plymouth, and Hals’ Club supper club, all as Buffalo Bituminous grew. Duininck’s eventually sold out their interest to Chuck Hicks, Greg Hicks, Paul Zumbusch, George McAlpine, Brad Arntson, and Leon Kelzenberg. Buffalo Bituminous was recognized with only a small group of pavers operating statewide in Minnesota. The company eventually sold out to MDU Resources Inc., and Darrell retired. He and Darlene moved to Crosslake, MN, to a cabin on Lake O’Brien.
Darrell was a great businessman and did things his way. He had a knack for making businesses successful and enjoyed it immensely. He was very generous to those who helped him along the way. He was a devoted family man, and his whole family contributed to many of his adventures and businesses. In addition, Darrell was a two-time commander of the Buffalo American Legion and was active in the local Buffalo post for many years.
Darrell and Darlene were avid travelers having many adventures. They drove a small travel trailer to Acapulco several times, traveled all through Mexico, and wintered in Mazatlán at the Hotel De Cima and El Cid Marina for numerous years. His passion for fishing took him to the Florida Keys, having a vacation home in Marathon, and eventually to Everglades City and Port of the Islands in Naples, Florida, where he was a guide caliber Ten Thousand Islands fisherman. He often fished six days a week (Mom wouldn’t let him fish on Sunday). He had to attend church at the Everglades Community Church, where they both were very active. He also enjoyed river fishing in Minnesota on the Mississippi, somehow increasing the smallmouth bass population in Lake O’Brien.
Survived by his children, Chuck (Denise) Hicks, Greg (Sue) Hicks, and Darla Hicks Larson (Jim Benson); grandchildren, Eric Hicks and Rachel Hicks, Andrew and Anthony Hicks, Nicholas Zumbusch and Breia Gaskill, Annukka Neumann and Mathew Larson; step- grandchildren, Eric Weller, Danielle Branson and Kristen Weller, Jolene Swenson, Jeri-Sue Lommen and Julie Bolton; great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Waylon Hicks, Alani Hicks, Sammy and Sophia Neumann, Casper and Leon Gaskill, Hadley, Briar and Paul II Zumbusch and Lennon and Lena Larson; step-great-grandchildren, Blake and Olivia Weller, Madeleine and Alexander Branson, Lilian , Pierce, Natalie and Penelope Swenson, Harrison and Holland Lommen; sisters and brothers, June Clausen, Kerry Hicks, Irvin Hicks, Janet Miller.
Preceded in death by his wife, Darlene Hicks, daughter, Brenda Hicks; his parents, Charles and Florence Hicks (Harold Nelson); and siblings, Neva Schermerhorn, Cecil Hicks, Lloyd Hicks, Jerry Hicks, Joan Jacobson, Larry Hicks, and Gordon Hicks.
Memorials will be sent to Disabled American Veterans in Darrell’s memory.
A visitation was held on Monday, July 10, 2023, AT THE CHURCH one hour prior to services.
A Memorial Service for Darrell Elmer Hicks was held on Monday, July 10, at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo.
Inurnment Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo.
Lunch followed at Huikko’s Event Center in Buffalo.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Sharon Nelson-Diers, 82
When asked how she would like to be remembered, Sharon’s response was, “She was a great servant unto others.” Not only was she a great servant to others, but she was also a great servant for God.
Sharon LaVonne Nelson-Diers, age 82, joined her Lord and Savior in Heaven on July 3, 2023. She passed away peacefully at the home she shared with her husband, Stanley Diers, in Howard Lake, MN.
Sharon was born on September 10,1940, in Palmyra Township in Minnesota and was adopted by her loving parents, David and Mable Blad.
Sharon worked for 30 years as a nursing assistant at Ebenezer Covenant Nursing Home of Buffalo, MN. She married Lawrence (Larry) Nelson, of Cokato, on October 18, 1961. Together, they had four children, Jay (Carol) Nelson, of Cokato, Troy (Jane) Nelson, of Annandale, Melody Nelson, of St. Cloud, and Heath (Meghann) Nelson, of Becker. After the passing of her first husband Larry in 1994, she married Stanley Diers, of Howard Lake, on January 7, 2000, and lovingly embraced his four children, Julie (Mark) Berning, of St. Michael, Linda (Sean) Groos, of Howard Lake, Philip (Teresa) Diers, of Howard Lake, and Alan (Marietta) Diers, of Pine River.
Her eight grandchildren, fifteen step-grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren were asked to describe their grandmother and what they will miss about her. Words like joyful, talkative, genuine, intentional, kind, prayer warrior, wise, storyteller, hospitable, funny, encouraging, positive, and loving were just a few that they shared. Grandma Sharon always had ice cream available, was always smiling, was there for anyone, and was a calming presence for Grandpa (Stanley).
Sharon enjoyed traveling, spending time with friends and family, tending to her many flower gardens, and serving in the Buffalo Evangelical Free Church that she and Larry helped start, as well as serving in the church that she and Stan helped start, Harvest Community Church of Lester Prairie.
Sharon is preceded in death by her first husband, Larry; her five sisters; one brother; and her parents.
A visitation is scheduled for July 14 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at Chilson’s Funeral Chapel in Winsted, MN (200 Fairlawn Avenue West). The Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Harvest Community Church in Lester Prairie, MN (701 1st Ave North).
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Campus Crusade for Christ in care of Maureen Hornstein, whom the Nelsons and the Diers have supported over the years.
The Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.chilsonfuneralhome.com.
Dr. Roger Strand, 87
Dr. Roger Warren Strand passed away peacefully, on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Bethesda North Pointe, New London, Minnesota. Roger was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, March 23, 1936, and raised in Minneapolis. He spent summers at (in) Green Lake in Kandiyohi County. Roger graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1953 and was inducted into the Roosevelt Alumni Hall of Fame in 2022. He graduated from Macalester College in 1957 and was awarded a Distinguished Alumni Citation. After graduating from the University of Minnesota Medical School with an MD, he served his compulsory military service on the Rocky Boy Reservation in Montana as a medical doctor with the US Army. He continued his medical education at the University of Minnesota, becoming a surgeon, and later at Kleiner Kutz Hand Care Center in Louisville, Kentucky, receiving specialized training in hand surgery. Roger had a reputation of being a kind, compassionate, and skilled physician in his practice of medicine in Willmar for 30 years. Roger married Kay Lundsten, the love of his life, in Buffalo, Minnesota, in 1961, and raised his family in Plymouth, Willmar, and New London.
It is difficult to overstate Roger’s impact on the communities in which he lived, and on the lives of all those he touched, as well as his commitment to conservation, community foundations, progressive causes, medicine, as well as the many other noble causes he supported. In addition to being a major force advancing anything he put his mind to, Roger Strand was one of the most humble, kind, caring, intelligent, creative, generous, and talented people any of us will ever know.
Roger was a passionate duck/deer hunter, fly/bass fisherman, paddler of the lakes and rivers of the north (staunch supporter of protecting the BWCA!), a true legend of raising wood ducks in boxes (best practices), as well as a lover of music, art, and literature. What Roger, a born teacher, loved most was teaching children and young people about the importance of conserving our wildlife and wild places.
In his college years, he worked at (and later generously contributed to) YMCA camp Menogyn, as a canoe guide, showing young people the majesty of the BWCA, and serving as a trusted mentor along the way. He was the recipient of countless awards for his work in conservation, and support for community foundations, from groups such as the Isaac Walton League, the Minnesota Waterfowl Association, the Willmar Area Community Foundation, as well as many others. One of Roger’s proudest accomplishments was the creation of Prairie Pothole Day, hosting it annually for 40 years.
Roger was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kay, in 2020, for whom he served as devoted caregiver for her last 10 years of life. Also preceding him in death were his father, Orrin Strand; mother, Eleanor (De La Hunt) Strand; brother, Richard Strand; and sister, Karen Westby.
He is survived by children, Mary Strand, Roger (Malcom) Strand (Jaime), Katherine Broze (David), and Robert Strand (partner Shannon Hess); grandchildren, Jayne Cole, Kayte Cole, and Christopher Broze; sister, Mary Davies; and brother-in-law, Loren Westby.
A community celebration of life for Roger will be held at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center on August 19, at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Prairie Woods ELC.
Norman Week, 79
Norman Week, age 79, of Montrose, MN, passed away peacefully with his children by his side on Saturday July 8, 2023, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.
Norman was born in Nore Township, MN, on August 6,1943, the son of Louis and Helen Week. He was the first born of seven siblings and was delivered by his Grandma Moon at home. He attended school in both Bergville and Blackduck, MN, before leaving to tend to the fields as a farmhand in North Dakota at the age of 17. After returning to Funkley, MN, he married his childhood sweetheart, Nita, on April 4, 1965. He was drafted into the Army in February 1966, serving as an SP/5 in artillery, which landed him in Frankfurt, Germany, until the time he was discharged in January 1968. Upon returning from the service, he made his home in Montrose, MN, and was employed at Eaton Corp in Eden Prairie for 35 years before retiring in 2005.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed exploring the country on his motorcycle, riding his RZR and 4-wheeler, along with many camping adventures in his motorhome with friends and family. He took pride in washing and polishing his vehicles, as well as maintaining a beautiful lawn. He loved to dance and was the first one on the dance floor and the last one to leave. He loved music and learned to play the accordion and keyboard by ear, not once taking a single lesson. He also enjoyed 52 years of marriage to his beloved wife before her passing in 2018.
Norman is survived by his children, Norm Week, of Kuna, ID, Brian (Mary) Week, of Kuna, ID ,and Stacy Week, of Otsego, MN; sisters, Katie (Ivan) Olson, of Tulsa, OK, Barbara Thompson, of Blackduck, MN; and a brother, Dan (Kim) Week, of Bemidji, MN; granddaughter, Shayla (Ryan) Nielsen, of Nampa, ID; and one great-grandson, Lucas Nielsen; many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Nita Week; parents, Louis and Helen Week; brothers, David and John Week; sister, Jennie Week.
Services will take place Saturday, July 15, at The Peterson Chapel (300 Main St. N) in St. Michael, MN. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, with service at 12:00 noon. Luncheon to follow at the Chapel.
The Peterson Chapel, St. Michael/Albertville Funeral Home served the family. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Marcia Williams, 63
Marcia Lynn Williams, July 02, 1960 - July 02, 2023, Montrose, MN
Marcia joined her faithful dog and companion, Sofie, in everlasting life on July 2, 2023, her 63rd birthday.
Marcia is preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Williams (nee Bates), and her father and step-mother, Robert and Bonnie Williams.
Marcia will be deeply missed by her life-long partner, Russ Sawatzke; her son, Shane (Sarah) Williams; her daughter, Aleasha Ryan (Greg); and her grandsons, Brody and Mason Williams, as well as other family and many friends.
Memorial services will be held at Buffalo United Methodist Church, 609 8th St. NW, Buffalo, MN 55313. A Celebration of Life Open House at the church will be on Friday, July 28, 2023, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Speeches at 5 p.m. (Please contact Aleasha if you wish to speak.)
