Obituaries 10/21/21

Richard Balzum, 56

Richard Allen Balzum, age 56, of Buffalo, passed away Sunday, October 10, 2021. He was born November 14, 1964, in Ada, MN, the son of Ronald and Florence (Arestad) Balzum.

Rick graduated from Ada High School with the class of 1983. He furthered his education at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Rick worked IT Security with Qwest Communications for many years.

On June 26, 2005, Richard Balzum and Scott Eastvold were united in marriage.

He enjoyed anything and everything about computers, he was great at fixing them and building them from the ground up. Rick also enjoyed working on his motorhome, Star Trek and Dr. Who, traveling and camping.

Rick was a very kind and caring individual. He had a generous heart helping others, making delicious meals for his neighbors and fixing anything that needed to be done for them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Florence Balzum; and sister, Shirley Riley.

Rick is survived by his husband, Scott Eastvold; brother, Stacey Balzum; sister, Tami (Bruce) Sargent; beloved cat, Ole; and many other family and friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 23, 2021, at 1:00 PM, with visitation one hour prior, at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN. 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


Jerome Borrell, 61

Jerome Paul Borrell, “Jerry,” age 61, of South Haven, formerly of Waverly, passed away suddenly due to an automobile accident on Thursday, October 14, 2021. He was born April 11, 1960 to Francis “Fritz” and Dorothy (Claessens) Borrell in Cokato, Minnesota.

Jerry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He loved to spend time in the outdoors (all types of hunting and fishing). He was a charter member of the Waverly Lions. Anyone that knew Jerry knew that he liked to talk. He liked to discuss things thoroughly, but he truly loved to “debate.” Jerry was beloved for his spirit, generosity, honesty, helpful nature, and thoughtfulness.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Dorothy Borrell; brothers, David, Bernie, and Mike; father-in-law, Norbert Schermann.

He is survived by his wife, Kay; son, Jacob (Augusta) Thrift; step-children, Jason, Jeremy, Nick (Shawn), Chelsea (Shawn); grandchildren, Haley, Hilary, James, Henry, and Raegan; siblings and spouses, Janet Sherman, Rose Marie (Michael) Monahan, Ken (Karen) Borrell, Pat Borrell, Dick (Patty) Borrell, Charlie (Lynn) Borrell, Gene Borrell, Ginny Borrell; mother-in-law, Marlene Schermann; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; Jean Borrell, Kevin (Bonnie Ardolf) Schermann, Shari (Dale) Rannow, Bruce (Ann) Schermann, Mike (Lois) Schermann, Duane (Joanne) Schermann, Loren Schermann, Sue Alberts (Kevin Latzig), Gary (Robyn) Schermann, and Steve (Tammy) Schermann; as well as many nieces, nephews cousins and friends. 

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 22, 2021, at the Church of St. Mary in Waverly, Minnesota. Gathering of family and friends will be held in the St. Mary’s Parish Center on Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. and will continue on Friday from 9 to 10:45 a.m. prior to mass. Inurnment will be at the church cemetery following mass.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.

 


Pamela Danielson, 70

Pamela Kay Danielson, age 70, of Buffalo, passed away Sunday, October 3, 2021. She was born April 6, 1951, in Benson, MN, the daughter of Gerald and Theresa (Hoefer) Morton.

Pam graduated from Litchfield High School with the class of 1969. She dedicatedly worked with Tennant Company as a Production Planner for 30 years.

Pam was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN.

On January 2, 1971, Pamela Morton and Brian Danielson were united in marriage in Litchfield, MN.

Pam had an outgoing personality, she loved talking to people and knew a lot of topics to talk about. She enjoyed reading, quilting, collecting old dolls, her Scottie dogs, and staying in touch with old friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Theresa Morton; parents-in-law, Donald and Adeline Danielson; and brother-in-law, Steven Danielson.

Pam will be dearly missed by her husband of 50 years, Brian Danielson; sons, Chris (Mary) Danielson and Jeff Danielson; grandchildren, Alyssa, Patrick, Aaron, Luke, Andrew; siblings, Sherry Morton, Tim (Lynn) Morton, Ken (Cindi) Morton, Deb (Mike) Cronen, Susan (Gary) Kolker, Kathy Friedrickson, Jerry (Tiereny) Morton, Danny Morton; sisters-in-law, Kathleen (Jerry) Johnson, Cheryl Danielson; and many nieces, nephews, other family, and numerous friends.

A memorial service for Pam Danielson will be held Monday, November 1, 2021, at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Lacy’s Legacy, a Scottie and Westie Rescue. Memorials in Pam’s name may be mailed to: Lacy’s Legacy, 506 Lake Blvd., Buffalo, MN 55313. www.lacyslegacyrescue.org.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


William Erickson, 82

William A. “Bill” Erickson, 82, of Slater, Missouri, died Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Big Bend Retreat in Slater, Missouri.

Graveside services with military honors will be Saturday, October 23, 2021, at 2:00 P.M. at Slater City Cemetery, with Rev. Paul List officiating. Memorials are suggested to Big Bend Retreat or Marshall Animal Shelter in care of Weiker Funeral Home.

Born April 5, 1939, in Waverly, Minnesota, he was the son of the late Helmer H. and Mervina Schirmens Erickson. He graduated from Buffalo High School in the class of 1957. On September 18, 1965, in Glacier Park, Montana, he married Carolyn Rank, and she survives of the home.

Also surviving is a son, William “Billy” Erickson and his wife, Amber, of Seattle, Washington; a grandson, Cooper Grady Erickson; a brother, Daniel Erickson and his wife, Jeannie, of Itasca, Illinois; and a sister, Judith Beecher, of Riverside, California.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Arnold Erickson; and a sister, Louise Erickson.

Mr. Erickson was a U.S. Army veteran and graduated from the College of Great Falls in Great Falls, Montana. He taught Special Education in the Great Falls, Montana School System for thirty years until his retirement. He was a member of the 401 Couples Club, and he and his wife enjoyed many summers at their home in Glacier Park, Montana. He moved to Slater, Missouri in 2000 from Great Falls.

 


Genevieve Farniok, 91

Genevieve Emily Farniok, “Jean,” age 91, of Delano, passed away on Monday, October 18, 2021. She was born March 3, 1930, to Anthony and Elizabeth (Pogreba) Schaust in Franklin Township, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at 11 a.m., at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, St. Peter’s campus. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, from 4 to 8 p.m., with a 3:30 p.m. rosary service in Martha’s Hall of St. Peter’s. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, from 10 to 11 a.m., in Martha’s Hall prior to the Mass. Interment will be in Calvary cemetery.

A complete obituary will appear next week.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.

 


Sandra Kespohl, 80

Sandra Kespohl, of Delano, formerly Montrose and Norfolk, Virginia, passed away on Friday, October 15, 2021, one day after her 80th birthday. A woman of strong faith in the Lord, Sandy was generous, caring, brave, and sassy with a good sense of humor. Guests to her home always felt warmly welcomed and were treated to her art of storytelling.

Sandy is survived by her daughter, Mindy Kespohl (Rick Sandin), and grandchildren, Andrew “Kasey” Knoth, and Paul Knoth.

She was loved and will be missed by “her people” – her close family, friends, and neighbors.

Private family services will be held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.

 


Mark Lee, Sr., 98

Mark W. Lee, Sr. went home to Jesus on October 14, 2021, at 98 years of age. Mark was born to Lura and Mark Lee on January 23, 1923, in Akron, Ohio. He was active in school activities and did well academically. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior as a senior in high school, and it changed the direction of his life.

Mark met his wife, Fern, while students at Nyack College (NY) in 1942. They married in September 1943 and went on to have four children, Sharon, Mark Jr., David, and Jody. Mark was ordained in the Christian & Missionary Alliance denomination following the receipt of his bible college degree. After a year serving as an associate pastor in Nebraska, they moved to Chicago where Mark completed B.A. and master’s degrees at Wheaton College (1944-48). He also taught as an instructor during the last two years at Wheaton.

Mark was invited by Billy Graham, then president of Northwestern Schools (currently University of Northwestern in St. Paul MN) to teach speech and theatre, which he did from 1948-57. Mark started his Ph.D. in speech-communication at the U of MN and subsequently completed his doctorate at the U of WA. In 1957, Mark was invited to Whitworth College (Spokane WA), and the family moved there during the summer. He chaired the Speech-Communication/Theatre Arts department and taught at Whitworth until 1970. During his last year, he also served as Academic Dean. During his years at Whitworth, he spent several summers and a sabbatical year at the U of WA to complete his Ph.D.

In 1970, Dr. Lee was invited to take the presidency of Simpson College in San Francisco (currently Simpson University in Redding, CA). He did so and served for 17 years as Simpson’s president. Subsequently, he was asked to serve as chancellor for an additional 10 years.

Throughout the decades, Rev. Dr. Mark Lee served churches as pastor, interim pastor, or guest preacher. His longest service as lead pastor was for the Buffalo, MN Covenant Church from 1952-57 while teaching at Northwestern. During subsequent years with other full-time duties, he served as a speaker for Christian conferences and retreat centers around the U.S. and Canada. He also spoke at Christian conferences and gatherings in South America and Asia.

Mark was also a writer. He wrote more than 10 books including So You Want to Speak, The Minister and His Ministry, Our Children Are Our Best Friends, Leadership/Followership and Finishing Well. In recent years, he developed a blog and access is available through Simpson University in CA.

Mark was a loving husband and father. Throughout his life from the age of 17, he held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those who surrounded him. He was dedicated to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and helping Christians develop greater depth and maturity in their faith.

Mark joins his wife, Fern, his parents, and his twin sisters in Heaven. He is survived by his children, Sharon (Gordon Davis), Jody (David McElrath), Mark Jr. (Helen) and David (Susan) as well as his grandchildren, Mark III, Nathan, Benjamin, Kyrsten, Amy, Jordan, Stephen, Frosty, Dyer, Curtis, Joy, Andrew, and Heidi. He is also survived by 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

From his children: “Praise the Lord! Dad is at home with Jesus and our Mom.”

The family requests that anyone wishing to make a memorial gift do so toward the Mark Lee Family Scholarship Fund at Simpson University, 2211 College View Drive, Redding CA 96003, Attention: Ray Van Gilst.

Funeral service for Mark will be Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service all at Buffalo Evangelical Covenant Church of Buffalo.

Casket bearers will be, Benjamin Lee, Heidi McElrath, Mark Lee, Nathan Lee, Stephen Lee and Beth Lee.

Reception to follow the service at church.  Interment at the Swedish Mission Cemetery of Buffalo.

Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family can be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


James Lemieux, 94

James Morris Lemieux, age 94, of Maple Lake, passed away on October 18, 2021.

Jim was born the son of Mose and Edna (Bakeberg) Lemieux on February 15, 1927, in Waverly, MN.

He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Jim then worked various jobs from farming, water and sewer, brick laying, butchering before spending 33 years at Honeywell, retiring at the age of 57.

Upon retirement, Jim enjoyed traveling with Mavis to Arizona and even Alaska.  He loved to go to garage sales and auctions and see what treasures he could find. But, he especially loved fishing, he would go out three to four times a day, if he could find someone to go with him.  The fish on Maple Lake can now rest a little easier.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; sons, Michael and Lester Lemieux; sisters, Marjorie Ottenstroer, Charlotte Lemieux and Beatrice Opat; brothers, Gordon, Basil, and Steven Lemieux; step-son, David Driggers; step daughter, Paula Bergquist.

He is survived by his wife, Mavis; son, Les (friend, Sharon) Lemieux; daughter, Katie Wittern; step-daughter, Jonae (Harlan) Zander; son-in-law, Ben Bergquist; grandchildren, Heather, Jason and Jamie Hagel; Jesse (Jessica), Shawn (Cassandra), Amber (Joe), Ryan (Krystal) Lemieux; Cory (Ellie) and Brett Wimmer; Ashley (Andy) Schwindel; 18 great-grandchildren; also many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorial service will be Friday, October 22, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service all at Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Maple Lake, MN. Officiating will be Pastor Culynn Curtis. Interment will be at Maple Lake Community Cemetery in Maple Lake, MN

Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN.

 


Elwyn Manthei, 90

Elwyn Elmer Manthei, age 90, of Loretto, MN, passed away on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

He was born on November 24, 1930, at home in Burschville, MN, the son of Elmer and Freida (Molls) Manthei. He was baptized on November 24, 1930, on the way to the hospital. Elwyn honorably served his Country in The United States Army.

On July 3, 1954, Elwyn E. Manthei and JoAnn M. Tiemann were joined in holy marriage at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Corcoran. God blessed their marriage with three children. Farming was Elwyn’s passion! He had a knack for business and owned many throughout the years, including Midwest Valley Irrigation.

He was a faithful member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Elwyn served for many years as a Trustee, Elder, Deacon and on the Cemetery Board. He was very involved with his community. Elwyn was involved up until the time of his death with the Burschville School and The Greenwood Methodist Cemetery.

Elwyn is survived by his loving wife of sixty-seven years, JoAnn; children, Douglas (Debbie) Manthei, of Elk River, and Deb Weinand, of Rogers; a daughter-in-law, Cindy Manthei, of Loretto; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Maxine Manthei; many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by a son, Randy Manthei on February 25, 2018; his parents and by two brothers, Donald Manthei and Howard Manthei.

Funeral services for Elwyn Manthei will be held on Saturday, October 30, at 11:00 A.M., at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9141 County Road #101, in Corcoran. Pastor Matthew Johnson will officiate. Interment with military rites will follow at Greenwood Methodist Cemetery in Burschville. A visitation will be held at the church on Friday, October 29, 4-7 P.M. A Prayer service will be held at 7:00 P.M. Further visitation will be held on Saturday, October 30, one hour prior to services.

Casket bearers will be Mark Tiemann, Greig Manthei, Jim Keppel, Dale Keppel, David Manthei, and Kenny Weinand.

The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


Muriel Sielaff, 94

Muriel E. (nee Seashore) Sielaff, age 94, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2021, at the Villas of Canterfield in Cumming, GA.

She was pre-deceased by her loving husband of 60 years, Robert; and is survived by her son, Robert (Nancy); daughter, Jill Redmond (John); and three grandchildren, Cole, Jenny and Drew Redmond.

Muriel was born on a farm near Buffalo, Wright County, MN. She spent her early years there and always had fond memories of people and places in the Buffalo area. After graduating from Buffalo High School (Class of 1945), she moved to Minneapolis where she attended secretarial school. After secretarial school, she worked as a legal secretary for Archer Daniels Midland. It was at ADM that she met her future husband, Robert, through a friend. She was a full-time mom while her children were younger and in later years worked as an executive secretary for Rockwell, Unisys, and other companies.

Muriel enjoyed swimming and swam in the Aqua Follies for several summers. She also enjoyed water-skiing and downhill skiing. She loved singing and almost anything was a prompt to her to commence doing so. She liked playing cards and doing crossword puzzles, and she especially liked playing word games, such as Scrabble.

Raised in the Evangelical Free Church, her faith remained strong over the years. She was a kind, generous, and good Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Graveside service will be held on Sunday, October 24, 2021, at 1:00 PM at Swedish Mission Cemetery. Pastor Reid Gilbert will officiate.

The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN, assisted the family with arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


Kinsley Thompson, 77

Kinsley Parnell Thompson, age 77, of St. Michael, passed away Saturday, October 16, 2021. He was born November 18, 1943, the son of William and Agnes (Anfinson) Thompson.

Kinsley grew up on the family farm in Atwater and graduated from Atwater high school with the class of 1961. Kinsley furthered his education at St. Cloud State College obtaining his BS Degree; and University of Northern Iowa obtaining his MS Degree. He also attended Auctioneering School in Mankato.

Kinsley was a very dedicated teacher, becoming a favorite role-model amongst his students. He began teaching in Silver Lake MN, then taught in Germany for four years, where he began his love of all things German! After which, he taught in Canada for a year, before coming back to Minnesota to teach at St. Michael-Albertville Middle School until his retirement in 1999. After retirement, Kinsley continued to be a substitute teacher for 10 years. In 1993, Kinsley was awarded the Central Minnesota Leadership in Educational Excellence Award.

Kinsley’s spare time from teaching was spent as a Colonel Auctioneer with Thompson Auctioneering, a job he greatly enjoyed. Kinsley also enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and visiting with friends.

Kinsley was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover. He was involved in their choir, where he met his wife, Karan. On May 1, 1982, Kinsley and Karan Thompson were united in marriage at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Kinsley was also a board member of the St. Michael Senior Center, Hanover Area Food Shelf, and with Camp Onomia.

An extremely giving and caring man greatly defines who Kinsley was to family, friends, and even strangers! He always went that extra step to thank, say a kind word, and help others. He had a way of comforting others with his kind demeaner and sense of humor. He always had a good joke to tell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Agnes Thompson; infant brother, Oscar; and brothers, Ardell and Wesley.

Kinsley is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Karan Thompson; children, Mark Thompson (Victoria), Sara Thompson Vazquez (Richard); grandchildren, Elsa Fouquette, Garrett Vazquez; brother, Terry Thompson (Audrey); sister-in-law, Sylvia Thompson; and many nieces, nephews, other family, and numerous friends.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 21, 2021, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, at The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held Friday, October 22, 2021, at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover. Burial to follow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home, 763-497-5362, www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 

Publication: 

The Drummer and The Wright County Journal Press

PO Box 159
108 Central Ave.
Buffalo MN 55313

www.thedrummer.com

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