Obituaries 10/28/21
Nancy Davis, 81
Nancy Beverly (Schwegler) Davis, age 81, of Cokato, Minnesota, passed away October 18, 2021.
She was born on August 13, 1939, in Dallas, Texas to Ralph and Judith (Snyder) Schwegler.
Nancy was raised in Delano and graduated from the Delano High School with the class of 1957. Not long after high school, she was joined in marriage to Donald Otten in 1958. Together, they raised five children.
In March of 1969, she was married to Charles Davis until his passing in 1995.
Nancy worked hard to obtain a nursing certificate, and worked in various medical facilities as an LPN. Eventually, she became a home health aide, and worked at Focus Homes and AIM. Nancy had a passion for caring for individuals who had disabilities. She was kind, had a warm and loving demeanor, and was dedicated to providing them with care and comfort. All of her patients and coworkers loved being around her pleasant personality.
Nancy loved spending time out on the open road riding her motorcycle. She spent many vacation days out in the woods camping, enjoying everything nature had to provide.
She was devoted to her family and faith most of all. She always made sure her family’s needs were always met and loved them unconditionally. In 1999, she became a Jehovah’s Witness, and joined the Annandale Kingdom Hall.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Davis; grandchildren, Jerad Otten and Caitlin Yonak; parents, Ralph and Judy; brother, Terrance Schwegler; and son-in-law, Butch Sparks.
Nancy is survived by her sons, David (Gail) Otten, of Coupville, WA, John (Debbie) Otten, of Tulare, CA, Patrick (Peggy) Otten, of Moose Lake, MN, and Jeff (Linda) Otten, of Cokato, MN; daughter, Rose Sparks, of Maple Grove, MN; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; siblings, Noel “Bill” Schwegler and Joel “Bob” Schwegler; and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Contact the family for more information.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Joyce Edwards, 92
In the early morning of October 21, 2021, Joyce Anita Edwards passed away peacefully in her home.
Joyce was born on February 18, 1929, to Peter and Mary Osness in Minneapolis, MN. The family moved out to “the farm” in Dassel, MN, where Joyce grew up. She attended school there, where her love of reading began and graduated in 1946.
After hitchhiking across the US in her teens, Joyce began her greatest adventure by eloping (on the first date!) with John Edwards. They went on to have four children and were married for 43 years before John passed away.
Joyce was a wonderful mother and wife; her caring nature and outgoing personality extended into her work at Buffalo schools and the Buffalo library. She was an active member of the community throughout her life and her social calendar was full of bridge, supper clubs, and volunteering. After her retirement, Joyce sold pull-tabs at the Mill Creek Inn to pay for her international travels that brought her to all seven continents and kept her busy until her late 80s.
She had friends all over the world and everyone could look forward to her annual Christmas card and poem.
She felt humble and grateful to God for a life so full of blessings and love. She would often say, “Isn’t it amazing, coming from a depression farm of the thirties, to have experienced such a wonderful life, even with the grief and fears that connect most families?”
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; and her five siblings.
She is survived by her children, Michael (Suzanne), Robert (Lucinda), Jeffrey (Robin), and Laura (Kevin). She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and four great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life is planned at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN, on Tuesday, November 2, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM, a service at 11:00 AM, and lunch immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a charity of your choice in her honor.
Genevieve Farniok, 91
Genevieve Farniok returned home to her Lord Jesus Christ on October 18, where she was reunited with the love of her life, husband, Bob, who preceded her in death on October 31, 2007. Genevieve “Jean” will forever be known for her unending and undeniable love for her family. We are comforted to know she is resting in peace. Surely the heavens are playing the polka music they enjoyed so much throughout their lives together – and they’re dancing the halls of heaven to the Lord’s delight!
She was born on March 3, 1930, to Anthony and Elizabeth (Pogreba) Schaust in Franklin Township, Minnesota, alongside her twin brother, George.
Jean was a graduate of the Delano class of 1948. She married Ambrose “Bob” Farniok in 1950, and they had 14 children. Jean was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother to 34, and great-grandmother to 23. She was a consummate homemaker, baker, and a faithful follower of the Catholic Church.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her daughter, Peggy; her grandchildren, Stacy Vanderlinde and John DeTrude; her son-in-law, Allen Swanson; her parents, Anthony and Elizabeth (Pogreba) Schaust; her siblings/their spouses, Matilda (John) Florek, Leona (George) Fake Sr., Anthony Schaust Jr., Betty (Rich) Gabrelcik, Loren (Dorothy) Schaust, Joe (Lorraine) Schaust, George (Joan) Schaust; Leonard (Maxine) Schaust; Matt Schaust; and brother-in-law, Glen Litfin.
Survived by her children, Jane (Dennis) Sticha, Judy Farniok (Tom Swanson), Kathy Farniok (Erik Englebretson), Robert (Sharon) Farniok, Rita (Lance) DeTrude, Mark (Kay) Farniok, Wanda (Mike) Vanderlinde, Carmen (Ronald) Swartzer, Jean (Don) Romer, John (Kim) Farniok, Wendy (Ned) Schroeder, Dan (Traci) Farniok, Bill Farniok (Maren Bassett); 34 grandchildren, Carrie (Brian) Jacobs, Valerie Swanson, Charlie and Danny Englebretson, Nathan (Dana) Farniok, Laena (Tim) Gennrich, Johnelle (JD) Heitschmidt, Genevieve DeTrude, Marcia Farniok (Joe Ditsch), Travis (Chelsea) Farniok, Amanda (Tarun) Bhatia, Elizabeth (Kevin) Barlow, Tim (Heather) Vanderlinde, Michelle Vanderlinde, Danielle (Josh) Scanlon, Michael (Maggie) Vanderlinde, Chris (Allie) Swartzer, Jennifer (Josh) Converse, Nick and Mike Romer, Megan Stayley, Leah Romer, Andrew (Roxy) Farniok, Justin (Nicole) Farniok, Jacob Farniok, Ryan (Megan) Schroeder, Kyle (Ashley) Schroeder, Sydni and Aubri and Levi Farniok; Liam and Avery Farniok; 23 great-grandchildren, Mason and Sawyer Farniok, Otto Heitschmidt, Adalyn and Cora Ditsch, Eleanor and Caroline and Leona Farniok, Divya and Niam Bhatia, Claire Vanderlinde, Maverick Vanderlinde, Tyler and Emma and Jackson and Ava Swartzer, Nora Dubay and Ryker Converse, Anthony and William and Rachel Stayley, Amelia and Gavin Schroeder; son-in-law, David Romer; sister, Arlene Litfin; sisters-in-law, Delores Schaust and Estelle Schaust.
Mass of Christian Burial was at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 27, 2021, St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, St. Peter’s campus, Delano. Visitation was Tuesday, 4-8 p.m., with 3:30 p.m. rosary service in Martha’s Hall of St. Peter’s. Visitation continued on Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m., all in Martha’s Hall prior to the Mass. Interment Calvary Cemetery in Delano, Minnesota.
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano.
When Jean was asked, “How can you love that many children?” She replied, “With each one your heart just expands, getting a little bigger.”
~ Genevieve Farniok
Emily Hartman, 78
Emily “Red” Hartman, age 78, of Maple Lake, passed away Tuesday, October 19, 2021. She was born November 4, 1942, in Clinton, Iowa, the daughter of Kenneth and Irene Hartman.
Red was a dedicated “Mom” to many! At the age of 14, after her mother passed away, she helped raise her two brothers. She was the best Mom to her children and helped raise her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-nephews.
Red’s life revolved around her family, truly being the matriarch of the family. She had a spitfire personality, who was also a little stubborn. She always had a story to tell, remembering so many stories throughout her life.
She enjoyed playing bingo, going to the casino, playing slot machines on the computer, watching TV. Her greatest enjoyment and passion were spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Irene Hartman; son, Darryl Hartman; and brothers, Roger and Jake.
Red is survived by her children, Craig Hartman, of Sioux Falls, SD, Cindy Hier, of Maple Lake; daughter-in-law, Marsha Hartman, of Clinton, IA; grandchildren, Kerrina, of Maple Lake, Josh, of Dassel, Shannon, of FL, Shaun, of Clinton, IA, Shane, of Fulton IL, Jennifer, of Tulsa, OK, Paul, of Sioux Falls, SD; many great-grandchildren; brothers, Jeff Oderwald Sr., Rick Hartman; close great-nephews, Jeff, Shawn, John; and many more great-nieces and great-nephews; and other family and friends.
A visitation was held Monday, October 25, 2021, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with a time of sharing at 12:00 PM at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
A second visitation will be held Saturday, November 6, 2021, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with a time of sharing at 4:00 PM at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Marilyn Hegle, 84
Marilyn D. Hegle, age 84, of Buffalo, died Friday, October 22, 2021, at Haven Homes in Maple Plain.
Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Maple Lake with Pastor Culynn Curtis officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral chapel. Family requests that all guests wear a mask while in attendance.
Marilyn Diane VanTassel was born January 24, 1937, in Willmar, to George and Lois (Gunderson) VanTassel. She grew up in the Breckenridge area, graduating from Breckenridge High School with the Class of 1955.
On October 20, 1956, she was united in marriage to Ronald Hegle at Zion Lutheran Church in Breckenridge. They lived in Breckenridge and Ortonville, prior to moving to Maple Lake in 1969. Marilyn worked at 55 East in Buffalo and Country Lane in Buffalo, prior to working, owning, and operating Ronson Door Sales in Fridley alongside her husband, Ron.
She retired at the age of 79, and they moved to Buffalo shortly after. Marilyn and Ron were former members of Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo and charter members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Maple Lake. Marilyn enjoyed bowling, floral gardening, watching old western movies, cooking, and baking. She was a caregiver, always placing the needs of others before her own. She loved the time she spent with family, especially with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Ron; children, Barry (Rita), of Annandale, Tim (Lorie), of Annandale, Bryan (Marie), of Buffalo, and Trisha (Dan) Larson, of Golden Valley; 10 grandchildren, Kristin (Darren) Glur, Jessica (Chad) Luebker, Ashley (Loren) Cook, Lisa Hegle (Jen Luchsinger), Aaron (Melanie) Hegle, Brienna Morey, Brittany Arnold (Tim Hanes), Lindsey Arnold (Josh Varner), Elin Larson and Gavin Larson; and 15 great-grandchildren, Jackson, Lilly, Landon, Blake, Addison, Boston, Cullen, Colton, Madelyn, Brantley, Crosby, Austin, Eli, Bentley, and Easton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Ron VanTassel and Renae VanTassel.
Obituary, Tribute Wall, Video Tribute and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Karen Horsch, 59
Karen Rose Horsch, age 59, of Buffalo, passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at her residence.
She was born on June 13, 1962, in Wadena, Minnesota the daughter of Edwin and Stella (Kirckof) Pikal.
Karen was employed at The Wright County DMV for many years.
She enjoyed her grandchildren! Karen also liked gardening and visiting Duluth.
Karen is survived by her loving daughter, Leah Deckert, of Sauk Rapids; three grandchildren, Dexter, Elise and Dominik; many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sara Deckert; a brother, Douglas Pikal; her husband, Alan Horsch; and by her parents.
A Memorial Service for Karen Horsch was held on Wednesday, October 27, at 1:00 P.M. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Pastor Ryan Clark will officiate. Inurnment will be held at Henning, Minnesota-Grace Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Anita Knese, 94
Anita Maria Knese (Lieser) passed away peacefully on Oct. 15, 2021, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House, St. Augusta, MN, surrounded by her family.
Renita (Anita) was born Sept. 20, 1927, to Charles and Margaret (Fuchs) Lieser, in Spring Hill, MN. She was united in marriage to Robert John Knese May 1, 1950, and they were blessed with eight children.
She was kind, caring, and a loving woman who walked with great faith in Jesus. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.
When not caring for others, you could find her in the fishing boat with her beloved husband, Bob, one of their favorite pastimes was fish frys with family and friends. She retired at the age of 84 after managing Yorktown Continental Apartments in Edina, MN.
She is survived by children, Lynne DiStefano, Charles (Laurie) Knese, David (Christine) Knese, Mary (Kent) Bishop, Karen (Tom) Mills, Margaret Link (Russ Peil), Douglas (Elizabeth) Knese, Michael (Patricia) Knese; many grandchildren; nieces and nephews; as well as siblings, Bernadette Haines, Duane, and Wallace Lieser; and sister-in-law, Mary Zirbes.
Anita is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert; parents; brothers, Laverne, and Harold Lieser; sister, Mary Jane Hubred; and son-in-law, Dr. John DiStefano.
Anita will be remembered for her deep Catholic faith and positive outlook on life. She was a very social and adventurous person who was always ready to visit, play cards, and loved to travel and see new places.
In the lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Quiet Oaks Hospice House.
Mass of Christian Burial was 11AM, Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Church of St. Henry, 1001 E 7th St., Monticello, MN. Interment to take place at St. Francis Cemetery in Buffalo, MN, in the spring of 2022.
Frank Korbel, 93
Frank “Frankie” Korbel, age 93, of Buffalo, MN, is rejoicing in Heaven with his Lord and Savior. Frankie passed away on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, surrounded by family while singing, “Today Your Mercy Calls Us.”
Frankie was born in Tiffany Township in Boyceville, WI, on January 6, 1928, to George and Mary (Gary) Korbel. He was baptized January 22, 1928, and reaffirmed his faith through confirmation on August 30, 1942, at the Trinity Lutheran Slovak Church.
Frankie attended the countryside schools from 1st to 8th grade.
Frankie was drafted into the United States Army on April 6, 1946. He took his basic training in Fort Knox, Kentucky, eventually going overseas, to serve in World War II, where he ended up in Kumamoto, Japan. On October 28, 1947, he was honorably discharged.
In 1950, Frankie took on a job working at Honeywell in Golden Valley, MN, where he worked there for 38 years until he retired. During those years, Frankie also dependably served as a part-time custodian at St. John’s Lutheran church. After retirement, he and Marvel decided to take on the job of reading Meters together for Wright Hennepin Electric. Still not enough, Frankie drove truck for Dan and Jerry’s Greenhouse – a job that he richly enjoyed.
On September 14, 1951, Frank Korbel and Marvel Joyce Koolmo were united in marriage in the Trinity Lutheran Slovak Church of Boyceville, WI. Six children were born to this union.
Frank was a faithful servant of the Lord serving as an Elder, Trustee and Sunday School Teacher.
Throughout his years, Frankie remodeled five homes, re-roofed many homes, planted his fair share of trees, cut wood, tinkered, fixed, painted and helped wherever he was needed. Frankie was a man of God, going out and helping many families, friends, and those in need.
One of Frankies greatest joys was carrying the title of Grandpa. Frankie loved his grandchildren and spent a lot of time with them. He was extremely proud of each of his grandchildren and the people they are becoming
Frankie is survived by his loving wife, Marvel Joyce Korbel, of 70 years; son, David (Cynthia) Korbel, son, Daniel (Jackie) Korbel, daughter, Denise (Scott) Gertjejansen, son, Douglas Korbel, son, Dana (Suzanne) Korbel, and daughter, Darlene LaFave; 23 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren (plus two on the way); and two great-great-grandchildren (plus one on the way); sister, Mary Kuzmick; brother, Edward (Ann) Korbel; and beloved in-laws and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary (Gary) Korbel; brothers, George and John; and sister, Bessie. (Franks parents came to America from Czechoslovakia)
Visitation was held Monday, October 25, 2021, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, with a 7 PM prayer service, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Funeral services and luncheon were held at St. John’s Lutheran Church - 302 NE 2nd St. Buffalo, MN, on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior. A private family interment will be held at Camp Riley at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Frankie would like donations to go to: Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org, Veterans/Suicide Prevention, and or Noah’s Ark Preschool at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buffalo.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Darrell Lachermeier, 79
Darrell Joseph Lachermeier, age 79, of Howard Lake, passed away on Wednesday October 20, 2021, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia.
He was born on April 25, 1942, in Watertown, the son of Joseph and Catherine (Rogers) Lachermeier.
He graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Waverly.
Darrell J. Lachermeier and Gladys “Glady” Driver were joined in holy marriage Sept 14, 1963, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly. God blessed their marriage with four children, Natalie, Dean, Dennis, and Brian.
Faith and family were very important to Darrell!
He was employed for many years in construction and later started Lachermeier Tours. Darrell was a very hard worker!
Darrell was a Minnesota sports fan especially the Vikings and Twins. Though not a musician himself, he loved to watch and listen to music and various entertainers of all genres. He loved his news programs, watching and recording multiple each day. In earlier years, Glady and Darrell were in a doubles bowling league. Darrell was a faithful member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Winsted and an usher for many years.
Darrell is survived by his children, Natalie (Joe) Caouette, of Winsted, Dean (B.J.) Lachermeier, of Howard Lake, Dennis Lachermeier (Special friend Diane), of Waverly, Brian (Stacey) Lachermeier, of Watertown, and Colleen Trejo, of Saint Paul; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings, Joseph “Joe” Lachermeier Jr., Ron (Bernie) Lachermeier, Joni (Dale) Ingersoll, and Jim (Jeanette) Lachermeier; many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys “Glady” Lachermeier on September 15, 2015, and by his parents.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Darrell Lachermeier will be held on Friday, October 29, 2021, at 11:00 A.M., at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Winsted. Father Matthew Wiering will be the Celebrant. Inurnment to follow funeral mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Waverly. Lavon Kielkucki will be the organist for the Mass and Joe Neumann will be the soloist. A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 28, from 4-8 P.M., at The Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted. A Prayer service will be held at 7:30 P.M. Further visitation will be held on Friday, October 29, one hour prior to Mass at the church.
Urn Bearer will be Rhoda Atkins.
The Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.chilsonfuneralhome.com.
Lorraine Melcher, 94
Lorraine Yvonne Bigelow Melcher was born on July 1, 1927, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was third of seven children of her parents, Lucille and Laurence Bigelow. They lived at 55th and Lyndale in Minneapolis, walking distance to Annunciation Grade School, which Lorraine and her siblings attended. After a year of public high school, Lorraine chose to attend Holy Angels High School in Richfield, working as a grocery clerk to help pay tuition, paving the way for her younger sisters.
Lorraine attended the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology. She met a tall, young mechanical engineer, Bob Melcher, in the winter of her junior year. She thought he didn’t like her company because she didn’t hear from him for weeks after their first meeting. On Easter Sunday, he phoned the Bigelow house and asked Lorraine out again, explaining that he hadn’t called in the interim because he didn’t think she was the kind of girl who dates during Lent. During her senior year, Bob proposed marriage. Lorraine said, “Yes, but first, I need to complete my St. Catherine’s degree.” A week after graduation, they were married, June 11, 1949.
In 1950, while living in an apartment, their first child, John, was born. Soon afterward, they moved to their home on Hankerson Avenue in Edina. There, their family grew, with Kathy, Mary Kay, Greg, Anne, Steve, and Jim. Meanwhile, Bob and his friends, Wayne Riethmiller, Ralph Eisele and Clarence Berthiaume, founded Tri-State Drilling Company in Hamel. Lorraine and Bob decided to move the family to a larger house in a smaller town, Buffalo, where Charlie and Rich were born. That completed the family – nine children. Lorraine and Bob passed onto these nine children the values of faith in God, education, family, and generosity to others.
Surrounded by her children, Lorraine was a woman of projects– for the family, for the church, for the community, for the world. She did many large and small things with great love. Lorraine touched the lives of many children and families by serving on the school board. She wove her value of faith into years of teaching religion to young people. She opened her home to gatherings of her children’s friends, many of whom still recall these gatherings fondly. At St. Francis Parish, Lorraine started a ministry of making bedrolls for homeless people in Minneapolis. She gathered toiletries to stuff into each bedroll with warm socks, undershirts, and, in the winter, mittens and hats. Her constant question was, “who can I share this with?” Whether it was clothing from a 2nd hand store, recordings of retreats and workshops, or spiritual books she had discovered, Lorraine always asked the question “Who can I share this with?” Lorraine’s trademark smile and lively eyes confirmed the depth of her love, and her ability to laugh at herself.
Lorraine was born into eternal life on October 18, 2021.
She is survived by her children, John (Liz) Melcher, Kathy (Randy) Mummert, Mary Kay Mans, Greg (Kelle) Melcher, Anne (Jim Dyrud) Leuthner, Steve (Mary) Melcher, Jim (Ruth) Melcher, Charlie (Karen) Melcher, Rich (Sandra) Melcher; twenty grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Mary and Rose, and many nieces and nephews.
Lorraine was preceded in death on Easter 2019 by Bob, her husband of 69 years; her parents, Larry and Lucille; her brothers, Donald and John; her sisters, Pat and Ann; her son-in-law, Tom (Mary Kay); and grandson, Jesse.
Visitation was held Monday, October 25, 2021, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM, at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN. Mass of Christian Burial took place Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN. Interment followed at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Buffalo, MN.
The service will be livestreamed and recorded. Viewers can access the service by clicking the link: www.perkinsmediagroup.com/melcher
Memorials in lieu of flowers to: Sharing and Caring Hands (525 N. 7th Street, Minneapolis, MN) or Red Cloud Indian School (100 Mission Drive, Pine Ridge, SD).
Arrangements entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Mark Miller, 61
Mark Miller passed away at his home on October 17, in Howard Lake, MN, at the age of 61, after a five-month battle with brain cancer.
Mark is survived by his wife, Gayle (Stocke) Miller, of Howard Lake, MN; daughters, Nathalie (Tayt) Rinehardt, Andrea Miller, Melisa (Matt) Hill; grandsons, Toren and Leif Rinehardt, Landon and Bodie Hill; siblings, Julie Miller, Jon (Pam) Miller, Sara (Tony) Graham; and many other friends and family.
He was preceded in death by infant daughter, Christine Miller; his parents, Darrell and Charlotte Miller.
Mark was born on Aug 11, 1960, in Minneapolis, MN. He graduated from Buffalo High School and went on to receive a degree in Accounting and Computer Science from the University of North Dakota in 1982. He and Gayle married, welcomed their three daughters, and settled in Buffalo. Mark’s career included working for Deloitte & Touche and Computer Network Technology. For the past 25 years, he held his most-fulfilling role at Room and Board where he thoroughly enjoyed his work with many talented colleagues.
Mark will be remembered for his wit and quiet, calm nature. His intelligence and thoughtfulness. He loved the outdoors and caring for his property at “The Ranch,” mowing and meticulously landscaping and gardening. His career allowed him to travel, and he would return with the latest restaurant recommendations from across the United States but was just as happy with a hamburger at the local Legion.
His interests varied from attending auctions so he could add to his collection of vintage advertising signs, reading (and Tweeting) on the latest news, giving gator rides to his grandsons, to not so begrudgingly allowing his two labs, Marlee and Libby, to live inside the house. He will be missed greatly. In an email he sent shortly after his diagnosis, he encouraged people “not to ignore simple, small changes in your health,” as he hoped this advice would help others.
A private gathering of his friends and family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the M. Darrell Miller Family Education Scholarship c/o of the 877 Foundation at PO Box 274, Buffalo, MN, 55313.
The family would like to thank the medical staff at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, particularly the Givens Brain Tumor Center, Allina Home Care and Hospice Services, and the wonderful caregivers with Providers Management who made it possible to fulfill Mark’s wishes to spend his last days at his home.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Ronald Peterson, 86
Ronald R. Peterson, age 86, of Annandale, died at his home on Monday October 18, 2021, with family at his side.
A memorial service in celebration of Ron’s life will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale.
Ronald Richard Peterson was born July 10, 1935, in Rockford to Arnold and Dorothy (White) Peterson. The family moved to Annandale, shortly after Ron was born. He graduated with the Class of 1953 from Annandale High School.
On March 3, 1956, Ron was united in marriage to Donna Mae Smith at Zion Lutheran Church in Annandale. They lived a short time in Minneapolis before returning to Annandale. Ron owned and operated Mobil & Texaco Service Station in Annandale for 18 years. He then worked in Real Estate for two years. The rest of Ron’s career was spent as a truck driver in road construction, working for Mid-Con Paving and Mid-Minnesota Hot Mix. Ron loved to drive truck, so he continued working until the age of 74.
Ron was a charter member and past president of the Annandale Lions Club. He also served on the Annandale City Council for 10 years and was elected to a two-year term as mayor; while a councilman, he was acting mayor for eight years during the winters. Ron enjoyed going for walks, going out for dinner, listening to classic country music, and watching football, especially his Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Golden Gophers.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Donna Peterson, of Annandale; three sons, Greg (Amy) Peterson, of Annandale, Jeff (Cindy) Peterson, of Little Falls, and Tom (Diane) Peterson, of Plymouth; four grandchildren, Ryan (Andrea) Peterson, Bobbie Jo (Brady) Kipka, Kylee (Grant) Mach, and Jacob Peterson; three great-grandchildren, Olivia Kipka, Darren Peterson, and Brooke Peterson; and four siblings, Joelle Waddle, of Annandale, Barb Peterson, of Annandale, Clarence Peterson, of New Smyrna, FL, and DeeDee Ferrell, of San Diego, CA.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Dorothy Peterson; and siblings, Marilyn Hayes, Sharon Holtz, and Stan Peterson.
