Obituaries 10/13/22
James Armstrong Sr., 69
James Craig Armstrong “Jim Sr.,” age 69, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, October 7, 2022, in his home with his family by his side. He was born December 19, 1952, to James and Evelyn (Langford) Armstrong in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Jim grew up in Deephaven and graduated from Minnetonka High School. He was a business owner in autobody for both cars and airplanes, painting and brokering airplanes, and eventually worked as an insurance adjuster/appraiser.
Shortly after high school, Jim met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Bartholow, “Patti,” and they have been together for the past 51 years. Jim loved to spend time working on classic cars, racing, and spending time with his family. He was hard-working, loved laughing, and was known for his loyalty to his family and friends, and his willingness to always lend a hand.
Jim was preceded in death by his son, Jim Jr.; parents, James and Evelyn Armstrong; and sister, Kathy Steffey Bonner.
He is survived by his soulmate, Patti; children, Krystal (Paul) Saletel, Jerry (Maria) Armstrong; grandchildren, Ava Saletel, Vincent Saletel, JC Armstrong, Eban Armstrong; sisters, Grace Armstrong, Sarah (Paul) Gelineau; nephew and best friend, Steve Root; and many other nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m. followed by the service at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Minnesota. Food and beverages will be served after the service. Inurnment for family will be in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Buffalo, Minnesota.
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.
Kathleen Hofman, 87
Kathleen “Katie” Hofman, age 87, of Maple Lake, died on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at Park View Care Center in Buffalo, Minnesota.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 10, 2022, at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake with Fr. Kevin Magner as the Celebrant. Burial took place at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery in Maple Lake. Visitation was held from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday and 9-10 a.m. on Monday, both at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Maple Lake. A prayer service was held at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Kathleen Ann Provo was born July 10, 1935, in Maple Lake, to Emery and Evelyn (Geyen) Provo. She lived her entire life in Maple Lake. Katie graduated with the Class of 1953 from Maple Lake High School. On May 11, 1957, she was united in marriage to Roger Hofman at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church. Katie dedicated her life to raising her family with Roger. She was a member of the Maple Lake American Legion Auxiliary and a lifelong member of St. Timothy’s Catholic Church. Katie enjoyed playing bingo and cards, watching game shows and the Minnesota Twins, going for walks, and spending time with her grandkids. Katie’s sass and her laughter will be missed.
Katie is survived by her three children, Lorie (Tim) Hegle, of Annandale, Katherine (Paul) Decker, of Buffalo, and Joseph (Kim) Hofman, of Buffalo; six grandchildren, Lisa (Jen) Hegle, Aaron (Melanie) Hegle, Tyler Decker, Darin Decker, Nathan Maas and Maddi Maas; six great-grandchildren, Austin and Eli Hegle, Grayden, Karson, Maelyn and Hayven Decker; siblings, Betty Huncha, of Delano, Karen Provo, of Monticello, Al (Evie) Provo, of Maple Grove, and Gary Provo, of Apple Valley; and brother-in-law, Milton (Faith) Hofman.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Hofman; daughter, Patty Hofman; parents, Emery and Evelyn Provo; siblings, Don, Mike, and David Provo; and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Peter and Vivian Hofman.
Katie’s grandchildren served as casket bearers and her great-grandchildren served as honorary casket bearers. Krista Elsenpeter and Shannon Paumen provided the music for the service. Arrangements were entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
Obituary, Tribute Wall, Video Tribute and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Leo Larson, 90
Leo L. Larson, age 90, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully at The Glenn Memory Care in Buffalo early Tuesday, October 4, 2022. He was a dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to many.
Leo, the oldest of 13, was born July 8, 1932, to the late Carl and Gladys (DesMarais) Larson, in rural Buffalo, MN. He attended Enfield Country School through 8th grade. At a young age, Leo, living in Monticello, went to work mastering multiple skills in the field of agriculture, until he was drafted into the Army to serve in the Korean War, until cease-fire in 1953.
Shortly after returning home, he met his loving wife of 57 years, Bernadine C. Kasper. Leo and Bernie were joined in holy matrimony at St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael, MN, on August 3, 1955. The two continued to reside in Monticello, where they owned and operated Larson Mobil, until 1961, when they moved to rural Buffalo.
They opened a new chapter of their lives, working together on the farm raising their seven children, Aggie, Bertha, Cathy, Denise, Evelyn, Florence, and Gerry (also known as the “ABC Kids”). They were devoted members of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. In 1978, they sold the dairy cows, but continued to crop farm. Leo also took a job with Maus Tire in Monticello, where he found his new passion, “TIRES.” He remained in the tire business until 1985, when Leo and Bernie resumed the dairy on the home farm.
Leo was a hard worker, and very proud of the fact that he taught all his kids to work and help on the farm. For the last several years of his farming career, he worked side-by-side with his son, until 2004, when he retired and moved to town with Bernie. Once in town, Leo led a very relaxing life. He enjoyed walks around the neighborhood with his wife, driving cars for local dealerships, helping out at J&L Wood Designs, and setting countless puzzles.
Unfortunately, Leo was diagnosed with dementia, which took him down the path of memory care. He was truly blessed with the numerous personal healthcare staff that he encountered while living at both, Park Terrace and the last four years at The Glenn with hospice assisting in his care. Leo’s unique sense of quick-witted humor/personality and ability to hold a person’s hand carried through until his last earthly breath.
He is survived by Agnes (Al) Bethke, of Greenfield, Bertha (Dan) Woehler, of Arlington, Catherine (Gary) Hedlof, of Spicer, Denise (Brad) Pietig, of Olivia, Evelyn (Paul) Wurm, of Monticello, Florence (Keith) Paumen, of Maple Lake and Gerald (Kimberly) Larson, of Buffalo; 20 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; 12 siblings, many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernadine; his parents, his mother-in-law and father in-law, and multiple brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Visitation was held Friday, October 7, from 9-11 A.M. with Mass of Christian Burial that followed at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Buffalo. Lunch, immediately followed Mass, at Bison Creek Event Center in Buffalo. Private family interment was at St. Francis Cemetery in Buffalo, MN, with full military rites.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Glenn Memory Care in Buffalo or Brighton Hospice in the name of Leo Larson.
The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo served the family. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
James Lindenfelser, 72
James “Jim” M. Lindenfelser, 72, of Erhard, died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, October 4, 2022.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Terry; his children, Kari Lindenfelser, Nicole (Ivan) Greenlund, Brent (Meghan) Lindenfelser; and his eight grandchildren, Madison, Karter, Finley, Claire, Annika, Gretta, Hawken, and Kasin; and four brothers, Jerome, Robert, William, and Thomas.
Visitation was held Monday, October 10, 2022, from 5 to 7 P.M. with a prayer service at 6:30 P.M. at the St. James Catholic Church in Maine Township and resumed for one hour prior to the service. Mass of Christian Burial took place Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at St. James Catholic Church. Burial took place a St. James Catholic Cemetery following the service.
Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls was in charge of arrangements for Jim Lindenfelser.
Duane Otness, 71
Duane “Ottie” Benard Otness, age 71, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at the St. Cloud Hospital from the progressive illness of pulmonary fibrosis.
He was born on June 7, 1951, in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Donald and Gladys (Hamilton) Otness.
On August 28, 1982, Duane Otness and Rita Varner were united in marriage on the Varner family farm in rural Buffalo. Ottie would say he was blessed with two beautiful daughters and six beloved grandchildren.
Ottie worked hard as an Independent Sales Representative and Pharmacy Designer, taking pride in his work. He owned his company, All-Med Systems and Design, until his retirement in 2016. Ottie was a faithful member of the Buffalo United Methodist Church, a leader of the Methodist Men’s Fellowship, and a committed confirmation Faith Partner. His faith was quiet and strong. It was the cornerstone of his life. It showed through every interaction at the front doors of his church where he served as a greeter for 25 years.
There was only one Ottie. To have met him once was to instantly love him. His smile brightened any room, and his laugh was unforgettable. Ottie was known to be genuine, supportive, servant-hearted, detailed, positive and as many would say, one-of-a-kind. He simply loved people. It didn’t matter who they were. He cared about them, he was interested in them, and he gave them his time and attention. Ottie did love to talk!
He was incredibly passionate about the sport of wrestling, having been a wrestler for Wayzata High School, where he graduated in 1969. He furthered that passion as the “voice” of Wright County Wrestling on KRWC radio for more than 25 years.
His training at Anoka Vo-tech in Small Engine Repair led him to an interest in cars and motors, and specifically a love of racecars. Whether it was Nascar or dirt track, or for the last seven years racing his own 1960 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite around a road course.
He didn’t mind getting his hands dirty. From working on projects in his shop, fixing his car, taking care of the farm he and Rita enjoyed living on, pulling fish off the line at the family cabin, or hunting in northern MN with his friends.
There was no doubt that aside from his faith and his passions in life, his number one love was that of his family. He faithfully supported the many endeavors of his wife, girls, and grandkids. He adored every moment he could with his family and never missed an opportunity to tell them how proud of them he was.
Duane is survived by his loving wife of forty years, Rita Varner-Otness; daughters, Sheila (Andrew) Smude, of Buffalo, and Gretchen Otness, of Willmar; grandchildren, Connor, Emma, Nathan, Malachi, Nova and Maya Smude; grand-pup, Gus; sister, Barbara (Rick) Karkhoff, of Ironton; brother, Preston (Lynne) Otness, of Brainerd; sister-in-law, Jan Otness, of Pine River; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Darrell Otness.
Celebration of Life for Duane “Ottie” Otness will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022, at 2:00 P.M. at Buffalo United Methodist Church, Buffalo, MN. Private burial will take place at a later date. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2022, from 4-7 P.M. at Buffalo United Methodist Church. Further visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the 877 Scholarship Foundation in the name of the Ottie Otness Wrestling Scholarship or Buffalo United Methodist Church.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo assisted the family with arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
The Celebration of Life will be streamed at: www.youtube.com search “BUMC Celebrations.”
John Richardson, 71
John Elliot Richardson was born on April 13, 1951, in Minneapolis, MN, to Harold and Dorothy (McIntosh) Richardson.
John attended Robbinsdale High School and graduated in 1970. John then enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served his country during the Vietnam War, where he received a Bronze Star.
After John got out of the service, he was married to Teresa and had two wonderful children. He lived in the metro area, before meeting Kimberlee in 1993.
John, retired in 2016, from Wayzata High School as a custodian, but still continued working in his garage making agriculture screens for Westrup. John worked for Chaska Building Center (Chaska) and Gustafson (Shakopee) prior.
John was united in marriage to Kimberlee (Wittenberg) Richardson, of Buffalo, MN, in 1994. John and Kimberlee lived just south of Buffalo on 10 acres. John learned to love living in the country, when he met Kim. John loved woodworking, Ford Mustangs, bowling, his dogs and cats, watching Twins/Vikings/Gophers, golfing, gardening, riding 4-wheelers, going out to breakfast, going to casinos, pull tabs, scratch-off tickets (hoping to win big), BBQs with family, and putzing / napping in his shop.
John died on Monday, October 3, 2022, at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, MN, battling cancer for the second time.
He is survived by his wife, Kimberlee Richardson; son, Nick (Amanda) Richardson, of Anoka, MN; and daughter, Cheri Richardson, of Anoka, MN; stepson, Mike (Tara) Moy, of Waverly, MN; step-daughter, Melanie Moy (Tom Griffith), of Montrose, MN.
John had six grandchildren, Austin Richardson, of Anoka, MN, Lexi Richardson, of Anoka, MN, Jaxson Richardson, of Anoka, MN, Dylan Ellingboe (Linnea Bollum), of Apple Valley, MN, Brandon Ellingboe, of Chaska, MN, Kylen Ellingboe, of Chaska, MN; brother, Jerry (Sue) Richardson, of Mesa, AZ; sister-in-law, Sue (Doug) Johnson, of Owatonna, MN; brother-in-law, Jeff (Cindy) Beadell, of Hutchinson, MN, brother-in-law, Russ (Tess) Wittenberg, of Bremerton, WA; sister-in-law, Becky Wittenberg (Don Barber), of Lutz, FL, sister-in-law, Shelly (Bruce) Bersie, of Waverly, MN, sister-in-law, Lisa (Jeff) Johnson, of Hernando, FL; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Dorothy Richardson; brother, Jim Richardson; and father-in-law, Edward Wittenberg.
A Memorial Service for John Richardson will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Pastor Dean Brown will officiate. A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 15, from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at the funeral home.
A small gathering after the service at The Richardson residence just south of Buffalo.
Arrangements are by The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Lester Young, 92
Lester Jay Young, age 92, of Buffalo, and formerly of Rockford, passed away on October 5, 2022, at Parkview Care Center in Buffalo.
He was born on October 8, 1929, in Garden City, SD, the son of Vernon and Clara (Hartley) Young.
On July 26, 1949, Lester and Irene Alt were united in holy marriage in Waubay, SD. God blessed their marriage with four children. They farmed in South Dakota until moving to Maple Plain, MN, in 1957. He formerly worked 27 years for Hennepin County Park Reserves. Lester enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of The United Presbyterian Church in Rockford.
Lester is survived by his children, Dale “Bucky” Young, of Rockford, Doug (Teresa) Young, of Buffalo, David (Cheryl) Young and Lori (Gary) Kottke, all of St. Michael; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene M. Young on January 5, 2015; his parents; and by a brother, Lloyd Young.
Funeral service for Lester Young was held on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 1:00 P.M. at United Presbyterian Church, Rockford. Pastor Gale Reitan officiated. Interment was at Elmwood Cemetery, Rockford. A visitation was held Friday, October 7, at The Peterson Chapel, St. Michael/Albertville Funeral Home from 4-7 PM. Further visitation was held one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Saturday.
Honorary casket bearers were Dustin Kottke, Bridget Beran and Tabitha Phillips.
Casket bearers were Wayne Young, Justin Phillips, Cory Young, Tony Underwood, Michael Beran and Bob Strong.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
