Obituaries 10/02/25
Gary Chaffins, 78
Gary Stanley Chaffins, of Buffalo, 78, passed away peacefully at home on September 21, 2025. He was born on March 9, 1947, to Annabelle Chaffins. He married Robin Perisian on September 13, 1975, and they were lovingly married for 47 years, until Robin passed away in January 2023. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Annabelle and Ervin Duske; and his sister, Ruth Chock.
Gary is survived by his daughters, Michelle Chaffins and Carla (Chaffins) (son-in-law, Jim Giese); grandchildren, Brady, Brandy, Breck, Annika, and Roman; Annika and Roman’s dad, Tony Ertman; great-grandchildren, Amelia, Elijah, and Zoe; and many other family and friends.
He was a veteran of the United States Navy, where he served as an aviation mechanic. After his military discharge, he worked as an auto mechanic for Chrysler and then owned Gary’s Auto Service in Rockford, MN, for over 30 years. After selling his business to care for Robin while she was in poor health, he continued working as a small engine mechanic from home. Gary had a busy and brilliant mind with anything mechanical, a true wizard. He really could fix anything. Despite pain and physical limitations from a life of physical work, Gary never stopped moving, working, and tinkering. He loved to find a good deal that he could fix and resell. Gary loved snowmobiling and ATV trail riding with his family and friends. He was a valued member of the Rockford Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club for many years and spent many hours grooming and maintaining trails and teaching youth snowmobile safety training. He gave countless hours as a volunteer reserve deputy with the Wright County Sheriff’s Office. Gary loved his family dearly, and he was an amazing husband, Dad, and Papa. He was a generous soul and would help out anyone he could that was in need. Gary was a pillar of the Rockford community for over 50 years. He was known and loved by so many, and his absence is such a loss. Gary missed the love of his life, Robin, so much, and they are now reunited in Heaven, together again eternally.
A funeral service and celebration of life will be held at Our Father’s Lutheran Church in Rockford on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour before at the church. Military Honors will take place at the church at the end of the service.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Ruth Fischer, 83
Ruth Florence (Tolzman) Fischer, 83, passed away quietly on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the Park View Care Center in Buffalo, MN.
Ruth was born on April 19, 1942, in Montevideo, MN, to Hugo and Ella Tolzman. She was raised in Renville and was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church. She attended the public school in Renville and graduated with the class of 1960. After graduating, she worked at the Sacred Heart School as a secretary then later married Stanley Fischer of Danube, MN, on April 27, 1962, and became a member of St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Danube.
After their marriage, they moved to Blaine briefly but then returned to the Fischer Farm to make it their home and raise their children for 32 years. She spent most of her younger years raising her four children, who were her greatest joy. Later in life, she worked at Blackburn in Olivia, MN, and then the Southern MN Beet Sugar Cooperative in Renville, MN. When the children were grown, she moved on and went to work at Hutchinson Technology in Hutchinson, MN. She then decided to move to Buffalo where she found a place and made it her new home. She worked at Sil Pro in Delano during those years, and after her semi-retirement, she went to work as a greeter at Applebee’s in Buffalo. She had met and made many new friends in the Buffalo community and enjoyed attending the United Methodist Church in Buffalo.
In her younger years, Ruth enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, crafting, and sewing clothing for her children, and later for her grandchildren. One of her passions was collecting family history and putting together genealogy information for all the family members. She also enjoyed watching famous movie stars from the golden age and listening to early rock & roll and classic country music. She loved going to watch Elvis’s impersonators and listening to music from the 50s decade. Her biggest joy was going to see all her children’s and grandchildren’s events from concerts, plays, sports, and other activities.
She is survived by her children, David and Kari Fischer, of Danube, MN, John and Sue Boros, of Maple Lake, MN, Jean Fischer, of Litchfield, MN, and Martin and Nancy Matheny, of St. Croix Falls, WI; her eight grandchildren, Tyler and Emma Regnier, of Shakopee, MN, Aaron and Marissa Boros, of Coon Rapids, MN, Nick Fischer (Katie Wilke), of Sacred Heart, MN, Jill (Brandon Westerberg) Boros, of Cambridge, MN, Molly and Courtney Fischer, of Sauk Rapids, and Joseph and Jack Matheny, of St. Croix Falls, WI; also five (plus one any day) great-grandchildren, Lilly, Benjamin, Grace, and Noah Regnier, and Ava (and sister soon) Boros; her brother, Leslie Tolzman, of Deer River, MN; and two sisters-in-laws, Dolores Dougherty and Noreen Prunty; and also many nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by many friends and family; along with her parents, Hugo and Ella Tolzman; sister, Shirl Street; her nephews, Alan Street, Michael Dougherty, Lee Fischer; and her beloved son, Richard Fischer.
“You alone are the Holy One, you are mercy itself; by dying you unlocked the gates of life for those who believe in you. Grant Ruth a place of happiness, light, and peace in the kingdom of your glory forever.”
Memorial service for Ruth will be held Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at Buffalo United Methodist Church in Buffalo, MN. Officiating will be Pastor Amy Strom.
Luncheon at the church following the service.
Interment will be at a later date in the Renville City Cemetery in Renville, MN.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Delores Johnson, 87
Delores Marie (Lupke) Johnson, of Buffalo, MN, passed away with her husband by her side on September 20, 2025. Delores was born March 13, 1938, in St. James, MN to William and Fern Lupke.
Delores grew up with her family in St. James, and on the farms and homes of Watonwan County of her twelve aunts and uncles and 64 first cousins.
She will be remembered for her love of family, home, her doggies, and friends. She had a green thumb which showed in her lifelong gardens. Although she loved home and gardening best, she and Roger enjoyed traveling the western mountains by motorcycle. On their first date, Roger picked up Delores on his Harley. When they traded motorcycle for car travel, they explored New Mexico and then established a winter home in Mesa, Arizona. The warm desert air, the mountain trails, and their many new friends in Arizona were highlights of their retirement years.
Delores was preceded in death by her father; mother; and brother, Roger Lupke.
Delores is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Roger Johnson; son, Craig Johnson, son Kelly Johnson; daughter, Julie Johnson (Jack Honeywell); and her grandchildren, Alex Johnson, Mya Honeywell (Eric Ruhland), Cedar (Brent) Kirtley, Mo Honeywell (Dora Kaufman); and seven great-grandchildren. She is missed by many.
There will be a private family burial.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Timothy Pribyl, 70
Timothy L. Pribyl, age 70, of Maple Lake, died peacefully at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids on September 25, 2025, from recent lung complications after a long fight with Multiple Sclerosis.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, October 2, 2025, with Fr. Kevin Magner as the Celebrant. Inurnment will follow at the Columbarium at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery, Maple Lake. Visitation was held from 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday, and then 9-10 a.m. on Thursday, both at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Maple Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to a local charity of the donor’s choice.
Timothy Lee Pribyl was born on February 11, 1955, in Buffalo to Leo and Cecelia (Davis) Pribyl. He grew up and lived his entire life in Maple Lake, graduating with the Class of 1973 from Maple Lake High School. On June 19, 1976, Tim was united in marriage to Pamela Starry at St. Timothy Catholic Church, where they were both lifelong members.
Tim devoted himself to his community and his family. He was a founding employee and a former owner of MP Nexlevel. Known for his determination, he was the kind of guy who could solve the “unsolvable” and never shied away from hard work. His legacy as a mentor and friend to his employees will be remembered fondly as he led by example, embodying respect and dignity in all he did.
Outside of his professional life, Tim was a man of many passions. Whether he was water skiing, boating, or simply soaking up the sun on Maple Lake, he cherished every moment spent on the water. He loved playing golf, cheering passionately for the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, and enjoying a good game of cribbage or poker. But above all, his heart was truly happiest when surrounded by family, especially when supporting his grandkids in their sporting endeavors.
We will forever hold dear the countless memories that have been created with Tim. His legacy will live on in the love he gave and the lives he touched.
Tim is survived by his loving wife, Pam Pribyl; children, Robbi (Kelly) Pribyl, of Maple Lake, Staci (Josh) Wurm, of Buffalo, and Tanya (DJ) Manthie, of Buffalo; grandchildren, Olivia Wolff-Herda, Maxx (Amber), Sophia and Tessa Pribyl, Wyatt and Kash Wurm, Gavin, Brogan and Sawyer Manthie; great-grandchildren, Quinn Matthees and Lucille Pribyl; siblings, Larry (Karen) Pribyl and Bonnie (Richard) Erdahl, all of Maple Lake; brothers-in-law, Daniel Wurm and Gary Carlson, both of Maple Lake; and many other relatives and friends.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Cecelia; and sisters, Lois Carlson and Jackie Wurm.
Maxx Pribyl, Wyatt Wurm, Kash Wurm, Gavin Mathie, Brogan Manthie, and Sawyer Manthie will serve as urn bearers, and Olivia Wolff-Herda, Sophia Pribyl, and Tessa Pribyl will serve as honorary urn bearers. Krista Elsenpeter and Sarah Goelz will provide the music for the service. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute and Service Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Thomas Sleypen, 80
Thomas J. “Tom” Sleypen, age 80, of rural Buffalo, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025, at his residence.
A full obituary will appear in next week’s paper.
Arrangements are pending at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Gaylin Vergin, 77
Gaylin R. Vergin, age 77, of Grand Ronde, Oregon, and formerly of Rockford, Minnesota. He was born on May 7, 1948, and passed away on September 20, 2025.
Survived by wife of 59 years, Sharon; children, Carla (Jim) Chandler and Carrie, and by a son, Zachary; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his mother, Jean Vergin; brothers, Paul (Cheryl) Vergin and Les (Robin) Vergin; many other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his father, Ervin Vergin; his parents-in-law, John and Rose Sherva; and by a brother-in-law, Ron (Sharon) Sherva.
A Celebration of Life for Gaylin Vergin will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at The Red Vest, 8210 Bridge Street in Rockford from 2-5 P.M.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Debra Woelber, 72
Debra Kay Woelber, age 72, of Buffalo, MN, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born on August 22, 1953, in Pipestone, MN, to Leonard “Red” and Helen (Huens) Hollingsworth. She attended Pipestone High School and graduated with the Class of 1971.
Debra dedicated her life to helping others. She worked at Allina Clinic in Buffalo for 46 years and also at the Hallmark store in Buffalo for more than 25 years. Working was her passion, and she never slowed down—her strong will, independence, and caring nature touched countless lives.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Dale Hollingsworth.
Debra is survived by her children, Kelly (Kris) Woelber, Jackie (Ed Schimdt) Woelber, and Katie (Kurt) Segner; grandchildren, DJ, Gavin, Dale, Greta, and Levi; siblings, Alan (Linda) Hollingsworth, Doug (Cathy) Hollingsworth, Judy Hollingsworth-Graves, and Gail (Dan) Knutson; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel, 119 Central Avenue, Buffalo, MN.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
