Obituaries 10/26/23
Marijane Bistodeau, 55
Marijane Bistodeau, age 55, of Albertville, MN, passed away at her residence on October 14, 2023. She was born on May 27, 1968, in Robbinsdale, MN. Marijane worked for many years at North Memorial Hospital, where she cared for tens of thousands of patients on various floors. She was known for her compassionate nature and dedication to her profession.
Outside of work, Marijane had a deep love for animals and spent much of her time caring for her beloved cats. She also enjoyed tending to her flower garden and taking leisurely walks around town. Marijane had a special fondness for holidays and took pleasure in decorating her home and spending time with friends and family and getting gifts for those she loved.
Marijane is survived by her loving husband, John; her son, Keith (Candace); her stepsons, Michael (Monika) and Steven (Melissa); her father, Larry; her brother, Wayne (Michelle); her sister, Nancy (Tim); as well as her grandchildren, Charles, Katarina and Theodore; and step-grandchildren, Cody, Haylee, Kylee, Taylor, and Tyler.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Janet, as well as John’s father, Cyril, and mother, Rita.
A funeral mass will be held in Marijane’s honor on Saturday, November 4, at 12 p.m. at Church of St. Andrew in Elk River, MN. Prior to the mass, there will be a one-hour visitation, and a luncheon will follow.
Those wishing to send flowers to the family may send them to the Church of St. Andrew in Elk River, MN.
Marijane will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched with her kindness and care. Her memory will forever live on in their hearts.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael/Albertville, MN.
Debra Eckblad, 66
Debra Ann (Burkstrand) Eckblad, born on July 12, 1957, in Cokato, Minnesota, passed away on September 26, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones. Debra was the cherished daughter of Clifford and Eleanor (Johnson) Burkstrand and grew up on her family farm in Stockholm Township.
Her life was marked by an unwavering love for her family and friends. She found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life, cherishing every moment spent in the company of loved ones. One of her favorite pastimes was having conversations on the phone, connecting with those near and far. She relished the opportunity to gather with friends and family over delicious meals and drinks, fostering cherished memories of togetherness.
Debra had an adventurous spirit and had a passion for travel; a shared enthusiasm with her beloved husband, Greg and friends. Together, they embarked on countless journeys, exploring the beauty of the world. From the sandy beaches of Jamaica to adventures in Central America, they reveled in warm destinations that offered respite from the cold Minnesota winters. Their passports bore the stamps of Honduras, Belize, Costa Rica, and many other destinations, all of which they explored hand in hand.
Kind, considerate, and ever-helpful, Debra was a beacon of light to those around her. Her willingness to lend a helping hand and her thoughtful nature left a mark on everyone she encountered. She had a unique ability to make others feel valued and loved; a quality that endeared her to all.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Eleanor; brothers, Darrel and Duane; and sister, Diane Nichols.
Debra is survived by her husband, Greg; brothers, Richard (Gail) and Dennis (Barb); sisters-in-law, Nancy and Darlene; brother-in-law, Charles Nichols; many other relatives and friends; and her beloved pets, Rosie, Lucky and O.B.
The memorial gathering for Debra will be at the Rockford Township Hall, 3039 Dague Ave SE, Buffalo, MN 55313, on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 1-4 p.m. There will be hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy, as we share our memories of Debra.
Earl Graham, 82
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Earl Gene Graham. Earl was born on January 8, 1941, in Morris, Minnesota, to Verle and Fern Graham. He passed away peacefully on October 20, 2023, in Buffalo, Minnesota. Preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Allen, Muriel, Larry, and infant sister, Janette.
Earl was a hardworking and loving man who was devoted to his family. On March 11, 1961, he married Luella Irene Pasche and had 62 beautiful years together. He attended Morris High School and then went on to spend the majority of his career working in the snowmobile industry; proudly representing Arctic Cat.
In his free time, Earl enjoyed gardening, cooking, Twins baseball, and raising chickens “Earl’s Girls.” He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and enjoyed spending time with members.
Earl is survived by his beloved wife, Luella Graham; and his sons, Gregory and Celeste (Happe) Graham and Tony and Sara (Miller) Graham; his seven grandchildren, April, Olivia, Sullivan, Mollie, Frank, Margaret, and Katherine; as well as great grandchildren, Luke and Brad. Earl is also survived by siblings, Rosella, June, Roy, and Charlotte; and loving extended family and friends.
A funeral will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church located at 302 2nd Street Northeast in Buffalo, Minnesota, on November 1st, 2023. Visitation will start at 9 a.m., with a service following at 11 a.m. to honor Earl’s memory.
The world has lost an incredible man, but the memories of Earl Gene Graham will remain with us forever.
Betty Huncha, 91
Betty Marie Huncha, age 91, of Delano, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 20, 2023. She was born May 22, 1932, to Emery and Evelyn (Geyen) Provo in Maple Lake, Minnesota.
Betty grew up on a farm in rural Maple Lake and graduated from Maple Lake High School in 1950. She met and married the love of her life Ambrose Vincent Huncha, and they were united in marriage on May 8, 1954, at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake, Minnesota; four children were blessed to this union.
Betty and Rastus made their home in Delano in 1956, and she resided there until her death. Betty loved to play cards and sew. Annual trips to the State Fair were something to look forward to, as were the annual Fourth of July celebrations. Betty made her career as a homemaker until the children went to school, at which point she entered the retail sales force of various Delano businesses and through this new path of her life, she developed close lifelong friendships with a wide variety of people. Betty was known for her quick wit, big smile, and ability to make people laugh. “She truly was a joy to be around.”
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Ambrose “Rastus” Huncha on December 18, 1993; siblings, Donald Provo, David Provo, Michael Provo, Kate Hofman; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Kay Provo, Lorraine Provo, Kitty Provo, Catherine Hahnke, Gladys Hayes; Paul Huncha, Roland Hayes, and Joe Hahnke.
She is survived by her children, Diane (Brian) Durham, Mary (Gary) Fischbach, Thomas Huncha, and Nancy Drumsta, Michael (Kim) Huncha; three grandchildren, Peter Fischbach, Holly Durham, Ben Huncha; siblings Karen Provo, Al (Evie) Provo, Gary Provo; Aunt Dee Rohlin; granddog, Mikko.
Mass of Christian Burial was 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, St. Joseph Campus, Delano, Minnesota. Visitation was held on Tuesday, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Iten Funeral Home in Delano with a 7:30 p.m. prayer service. Visitation was from 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home prior to leaving for Mass. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery in Delano, Minnesota.
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.
Carol Kjesbo, 77
Carol Faye Kjesbo, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on October 19, 2023, at the age of 77. She was born on May 2, 1946, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, to her parents, Ole and Violet (Christopherson) Breivold.
Carol’s educational journey began at Oklee High School, where she graduated with the Class of 1964. She then pursued her love for music at Moorhead State College, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. She was also President of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Iota. During her college years, she met the love of her life, Lee Alan Kjesbo, and their beautiful love story unfolded. They were married on August 10, 1968, in Oklee, MN, and their union would become an enduring testament to love and partnership.
She began her teaching career in Hawley, MN, and her family journeyed to different places, including Moorhead, Littlefork-Big Falls, and Maple Lake, before settling down in Buffalo, Minnesota. She shared her love of music through, both her classroom teaching career as well as private piano lessons, leaving an indelible mark on countless students for over 40 years.
In addition to her teaching career, Carol also owned “Creations by Carol,” a floral and gift shop in Buffalo. Her incredible talent as a florist shone brightly, and her floral arrangements brought joy to many patrons who visited her shop.
Carol had a generous heart and a deep love for her community. She dedicated 12 years to volunteering at Lake Ridge, where she loved to play and sing for the residents. She was also an active member of the Maple Lake Jaycees and served as its President at one point. Carol shared her beautiful voice in the church choir at Zion, where she was a longtime member.
Her kindness and generosity knew no bounds. She was known for her baking, especially her holiday cookies. Carol and Lee spread joy through the town, delivering the cookies and other goodies to the police and fire departments, local businesses, and to many friends and family.
In her leisure time, Carol was an avid reader, a puzzle enthusiast, and enjoyed going on walks. Her social, warm personality made her the heart of every gathering. She touched the lives of many, leaving a mark on those fortunate enough to know her.
Carol cherished her roles as a devoted wife, a loving mother, and beloved grandmother. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. Her unwavering support and affection have had a tremendous impact on their lives.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Ole and Violet Breivold; and her beloved uncle, Albert ”Unkie” Breivold.
She is survived by the love of her life, Lee; children, Missy (Tim) Duffy, Mark (Lisa Janzen) Kjesbo, Molly (Omry) Ravid, and Melanie (Peter) Christmas; her cherished grandchildren, Noah, Cade, Keegan, Finnegan, Macgregor, Hugo, Theodore, and Violetta; brother, Ron (Christy) Breivold; and numerous nieces, nephews, and Friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 12:00 P.M., with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M., at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Arnold Lundberg, 81
Arnold Earl Lundberg, age 81, of Nevis, MN, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2023, at Haven Homes, Maple Plain, MN, with family by his side.
He was born on September 7, 1942, in Watertown, MN, the son of Earl and Velma Lundberg.
Arnie grew up in rural Buffalo, MN. He attended country school and continued his education at Buffalo High School. He started driving semi-truck for Howe, Inc. in Brooklyn Center, MN, at the age of 16. He worked for Howe, Inc. for many years. He transitioned to Garth Anderson Trucking and drove for many more years until he retired.
In October of 1964, Arnie met Jan LePage. They were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly, MN, on August 28, 1965. They lived in Brooklyn Center, MN, for four years, and then in 1969, they built a new home across from his childhood home in Buffalo, MN. Their son, Chad, was born in 1974. After Chad graduated from Dunwoody College, Arnie and Jan moved to their lake home in Nevis, MN. They lived at their lake home until the last two weeks of Arnie’s life.
Arnie was a dedicated, hard worker, who enjoyed his horses on the hobby farm in Buffalo, traveling with family and friends in campers, snowmobiling, and ATVing. He had many good friends in Buffalo and Nevis that he enjoyed spending time with, highlighted by spending time at the lake with his grandsons, Dillon and Colton.
Arnie is survived by his loving wife, Jan; son, Chad and his wife, Stacie; grandsons, Dillon and Colton; brother-in-law, Gerald LePage; sister-in-law Jan LePage; other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Velma Lundberg; Jan’s parents, Jerry and Adeline LePage; many friends and relatives.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 12:00 noon at Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church in Nevis. Father Duane J. Pribula was the Celebrant.
Visitation took place one hour prior to services at the church.
Honorary urn bearers were Dennis Dudley, Ray Kangas, Paul Chergosky, Chuck Davidson, Jamel Adams, and Doug Dahms.
Urn bearers were Chad and Stacie Lundberg.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN, assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Ruth Schmidt, 85
Ruth Emily (Granlund) Schmidt, age 85, of Buffalo, passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.
She was born on March 26, 1938, to Emily (Sandberg) and Bernard Granlund in a house in Maple Lake Township. She was baptized in Monticello, MN, on September 11, 1938, and confirmed on September 14, 1952, at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo.
Ruth lost her parents when she was very young and went to live with her aunt and uncle on the farm where she helped with milking the cows, cleaning the barns and whatever other chores needed to be done. She attended and graduated from Buffalo High School in 1955.
On June 9, 1956, she married Dixon Schmidt. Their marriage was blessed with four children.
Ruth loved to cook and bake for her family and friends. She loved making pies, cinnamon rolls, and Special K bars. Ruth worked at the Buffalo American Legion, Christ the King Retreat House, and J’s Restaurant as a cook. She also owned a catering business for many years. Ruth was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary #270, Immanuel Lutheran Ladies Aid. She was a faithful member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church – Pelican Lake, taught Sunday School and was a 4-H leader for many years. Ruth had a goal to make each of her nine grandchildren a tablecloth; she obtained that goal and gave them to the grandchildren as wedding gifts.
Preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and sister, Katherine Elsenpeter; and brother, John Granlund.
Survived by her children, Joyce (Steve) Dehmer, Bruce W. Schmidt, Jean Marie Boughten, and Bernard (Kimberley) Schmidt; nine grandchildren; six great-granddaughters, Kinsley, Peyton, Stella, Evelyn, Abigail, and Erin; sisters, Evelyn Sawatzke and Mary Cram; many other relatives and friends.
Honorary Casket bearers were her grandchildren, Bridget, Luke, Dixon, Grant, Sarah, Becky, Taylor, Brooke, and Hunter.
Casket bearers were her nephews, Jerry Elsenpeter, Rick Elsenpeter, Mike Elsenpeter, Kenny Elsenpeter, John Sawatzke, Jim Sawatzke, and Billy Cram.
Funeral for Ruth Schmidt was held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Christopher Oelke officiated. Interment followed at Immanual Lutheran Cemetery.
Visitation took place at the church, beginning at 1:00 P.M.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN, assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
