Obituaries 10/16/25
Maurice Bowers, 90
Maurice Munro Bowers, age 90, of Buffalo, MN, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. He was born on February 15, 1935, in Beulah, Michigan, the son of Earl Sr. and Grace (Reed) Bowers.
Maurice spent his childhood growing up on the family farm in Benzie County, located near Interlochen, MI. After graduating from Honor High School, he worked for the Benzie County Road Commission for four years, where his father, brother (Earl Jr.), and several other family members also worked over many years.
Maurice was introduced to his future wife, LaVonne “Bonnie” Kercher (also of Michigan), by his sister Ida Bowers during their college years. Maurice and Bonnie were united in marriage in Honor, Michigan, on June 16, 1962.
He received his Bachelor and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan College of Mining and Technology (now known as Michigan Technological University). Maurice then pursued a doctoral degree at Purdue University over the next several years, with the intent to become a university professor, but later stopped just short of his doctoral degree to change career paths.
He brought his now family of five to Bloomington, MN, to work as an engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in St. Paul (in a civilian role). Several years later, the family moved to a home near Chisago City, MN, as he continued to work for the Corps. Much of his time there involved working on several locks and dams located on the Mississippi River, as well as periodic onsite flood engineer work during river flooding events, often in the Red River Valley and in Minot, ND.
After retiring from the Corps in 1995, Maurice and Bonnie continued to live at their Chisago City home for almost 25 more years before moving to Buffalo.
Born during the Great Depression, Maurice learned the value of hard work and perseverance on the family farm, values which he employed throughout his life and passed on to his children. If something needed doing, he simply buckled down and did what was needed to get it done.
He was often a man of few words but could easily drop the perfectly timed dry comment to bring the house down with laughter. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and camping throughout his life, along with family card games of Whist, Euchre, and Poker.
After the kids left home, Maurice and Bonnie made frequent trips to the casino (ostensibly under the guise of great buffets), later downgrading to a hand-held electronic poker machine that could always be found by his living room chair, becoming well-worn as the years went by. He loved good food and good whisky (or in the reverse order if the occasion called for it) and loved his family most of all.
He is preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne “Bonnie” Bowers; father and mother, Earl Sr. and Grace Bowers; brother, Earl Bowers Jr.; and brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Delores “Em” Bowers.
Maurice is survived by his children, Steven (Starr) Bowers, Matthew (Peggy) Bowers, Anne (Michael) Zell; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Ida (Jim) Bales; sister-in-law, Jean Bowers; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life was held Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Peterson Chapel (119 Central Ave., Buffalo, MN).
Rodney Cusey, 96
Rodney Cusey, 96, passed away peacefully at home on October 11, 2025. Rodney was born on February 5, 1929, in Detroit Lakes Minnesota to Parents Raymond and Hazel (Hancock) Cusey. He was the third of eleven Siblings and preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Jean Joslin, Lois Nelson, and Althea Thiessen; brothers; Herbert (Red) Cusey, Howard Cusey; and infant brother, Spencer Cusey.
In 1955, he married Mary (Vorwerk) Cusey in Milbank, South Dakota and began his family in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. He moved the family in 1966 to Coon Rapids, Minnesota, where they raised two sons and lived for 46 years. They moved to Buffalo, MN, in 2012 and to their final destination of St. Michael, MN, in 2024.
Affectionately nicknamed “Hot Rod,” he enjoyed going to the drag races, fishing, gardening, dancing with Mary to classic country music and spending time with family. Being quite the joke teller, he always kept people around him laughing with his great sense of humor!
He is survived by his siblings, Ralph Cusey, Phyllis Schmidt, Darrell Cusey, and Bill Cusey; his three sons, (stepson) Gene (Sherry) Vorwerk, Lynn (Donna) Cusey, Scott Cusey (Leeann Hoffstrom); seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; also, many nieces and nephews and families across the Nation!
A private funeral service will be held.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Carla Ecklund, 58
Carla Rae Ecklund
1967 – 2025
Carla Rae Ecklund, 58, passed away unexpectedly on September 28, 2025, at Hutchinson Hospital due to complications from an allergic reaction. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
Carla was born on October 6, 1967, in Tallahassee, Florida, to Robert and Corinne Ecklund. From a young age, she was full of energy, curiosity, and creativity. She had a love for gymnastics and a flair for beauty that later led her to pursue a career in cosmetology. On May 25, 1996, Carla gave birth to her only child, Cassie, who remained her greatest source of joy. She later found immense joy in becoming a grandmother to Austyn.
Carla found happiness in life’s simple pleasures: watching “The Price Is Right,” watching NASCAR, fishing on quiet evenings, car rides, coloring intricate designs, bargain-hunting for clothes and good deals, enjoying Mexican food. An animal lover at heart, she adored her two cats, Sissy and Baby, who remained by her side until the end. Carla loved to make people laugh and would give the shirt off her back to someone in need. Her lighthearted, silly personality could brighten most rooms. She will be remembered for her beautiful handwriting, sense of (dark) humor, and unique spirit that touched many lives.
Carla was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Corinne Ecklund, as well as other loved ones who went before her.
She is survived by her daughter, Cassie Sawatzke; granddaughter, Austyn; and brother, Craig Ecklund. She also leaves behind many cherished friends and neighbors in Hutchinson, including Donna from her apartment complex; Mike, her partner; and numerous others who never gave up on her.
Though Carla faced struggles and challenges throughout her life that sometimes affected those she loved in ways she never intended, her heart was always good—kind, generous, and humble. She was deeply loved and will be remembered for her big heart, her sense of humor, and her infectious laughter.
May she rest in peace, surrounded by the same love she gave so freely in life.
Mary Ann Uecker, 79
Mary Ann Uecker (née Karels), age 79, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025.
Mary Ann was born on October 31, 1945, to Hugo and Alma Karels on the family farm in Waverly, MN. Rooted in the values of hard work, compassion, and faith, she carried these traits throughout her life.
In 1965, Mary Ann married Joseph Glunz, and together they raised four children. After Joe’s unexpected passing in 1980, she found love again with Duane Pylka, who had three children of his own. Mary embraced Duane’s children with an open heart and raised all seven as one family – creating a home filled with love, resilience, and deep connection.
During this time, Mary Ann returned to school to earn her nursing degree. Though her nursing career was brief, it was deeply fulfilling – reflecting her natural ability to care for others and her determination to grow through life’s challenges.
After Duane’s passing in 1998, Mary Ann found joy again when she married George Uecker. Together, they built their “dream” home in Wright, MN, where she enjoyed peace, comfort, and the beauty of rural life.
Mary was an avid and talented crafter. She found joy in sewing, knitting, quilting, scrapbooking, and stamping – often creating handmade gifts that became treasured keepsakes. She loved hosting family gatherings, and her home was always filled with comforting smells of homecooked meals, baked goods, and her delicious desserts.
Born on Halloween, Mary embraced her birth date with pride and a playful spirit – dressing up and celebrating every year. She often referred to herself as a “true witch,” bringing laughter and joy to those around her. It was just one of the many ways her personality shone through, full of life, humor, and heart.
Mary is survived by her husband, George Uecker; children, Trish (Mike) Oliver, Gina Pylka, Joel (Diane) Glunz, Chris (Rachelle) Glunz, Janelle (Troy) Gregg, and Jason (Tonya) Pylka; 22 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Mark (Ginny) Karels; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Hugo and Alma; first husband, Joseph; second husband, Duane; siblings, Geraldine Janson, Loraine Zachman, Florance Marketon, and George Karels; stepson, Travis Pylka; and grandson, Ben Foede.
Mary Ann’s life was a testament to resilience, creativity, and quiet strength. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and stepmother, and cherished grandmother and friend. Her kindness, grace, and unwavering support left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 21, at 10 A.M. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cromwell, MN, until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 A.M. Luncheon to follow.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Care.
