Obituaries 10/30/25
Nathan Paul, 51
Nathan Kenneth Paul was born on January 25, 1974, in Waconia, Minnesota. He lived with his family in Norwood, Minnesota, as a boy and later in Buffalo, Minnesota with his parents, Kenneth and Ellen Paul. After his parents passed, Nathan lived with his sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer and Nick Mancini, in Bayport, MN. He passed away at the age of 51 from complications related to a congenital heart defect.
Nate or Bear, as he was affectionately known, was beloved by his family, and many friends. He did not live a conventional life but rather a very special one. Though he relied on his family for care, he was not to be underestimated in his abilities. He had an incredible knack for remembering details about all kinds of things, but his main interest was people. He was a phenomenal listener and observer. He loved his family and friends and truly enjoyed every moment he had with them. He had a very wry sense of humor and loved to affectionately tease people.
Nathan found joy in music. He had a fairly narrow list of favorite artists, and as a result, his family knows the lyrics to all of John Denver’s songs. He also loved Anne Murray, Charlie Pride, and Dolly Parton. Members of his family and a few friends know that Nathan loved to use the telephone. At times, it could be challenging to receive so many calls over the course of the day, but now we would give anything to receive just one more. He had more obstacles in his life than the average person. He was brave, trusting, and full of love. He will live in our hearts forever.
Nathan is survived by his siblings, Elizabeth (James) Moline, Jennifer (Nick) Mancini, William (Sara Doherty) Paul, and Jane (Shawn) Engle; his nieces and nephews, Kit (Andrew) Haveles, Louisa (Adam Riley) Resner, Thomas Mitchell, Grant Mitchell, Claire (Hannah) Crain, Ryan Paul, Vera McMullen Paul, Will Engle, Madeline Engle, and Lucy Engle. He also leaves behind his special cousin, Lisa Neale; special aunt, Jean Woznak; and many aunts, an uncle, and cousins who loved him dearly. He had many friends, including his special friends, Julie and Shay Zehnder, Marlys and Phil Eng, Kim Frost, and Shannon and Terry O’Keeffe.
Nathan’s rock was his sister, Jennifer. She provided care for him that went above and beyond the role of a sister. The family is deeply grateful to Jennifer and her husband, Nick, for their incredible commitment to Nathan. He touched many lives, including his medical caregivers who loved and cared for him over the course of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Ellen Paul. They lived their life around Nathan endeavoring to give him the best life possible. He was so well loved, and it is our belief that they are reunited.
A special thank you to the Lakeview Hospital Hospice Program; their care and guidance were excellent and so appreciated.
A visitation was held on Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 A.M. until time of services at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.
Funeral Services for Nathan Kenneth Paul were held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Father Alex Rasset officiated.
Private interment St. Francis Cemetery in Buffalo.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue in Somerset, Wisconsin. Nathan had several dog friends across his life, and he loved them all.
Casket Bearers were Bill Paul, Grant Mitchell, Shawn Engle, Nick Mancini, Christopher Wagner, and James Moline.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Rozanne Peterson, 81
Rozanne Frances “Rosie” Peterson (nee Varner), age 81, of Buffalo died Sunday, October 12, at her residence.
She was born in Buffalo, MN, on August 19, 1944, the daughter of Glenn C. and Sylvia S. (Bonk) Varner.
Rosie was baptized on September 23, 1944. She was instructed in the Lutheran Catechism and confirmed in the Christian faith on June 8, 1958, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Buffalo.
She graduated from Buffalo High School in 1962. On August 10, 1968, Rosie married Dale D. Peterson at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Watertown, SD. Dale preceded his wife in death on September 17, 2011.
Rosie was employed in Child Protection by Hennepin County for more than thirty years. She enjoyed finding antiques, especially a lot of glassware. Rosie enjoyed embroidering, puzzles, and sent many birthday cards. She was a faithful member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Buffalo and formerly sang in its choir.
Survived by her loving son, Keith (Kathy) Peterson, of Montrose; a sister, Sandy Jeske, of Buffalo; a brother, Jerry (Laura) Varner, of Walker; nieces and nephews further survive.
In addition to her husband, Rosie was preceded in death by her parents; by a sister, Judy Varner; and brother, Larry Varner; a brother-in-law, Eldon Jeske; and nephews, Pat and Rick Jeske.
Funeral services for Rosie Peterson were held on Saturday, October 25, at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Pastor Chris Ryan officiated. Interment followed at Swedish Mission Cemetery.
A Visitation was held at the church on Saturday, October 25, beginning at 9 A.M.
Casket Bearers were Mike Jeske, Jeremy Jeske, Chris Varner, Brandon Ordorff, Josh Ordorff, Matt Jeske, Pat Morton, and Jake Morton.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Kevin Yonak, 67
Kevin Lee Yonak
Kevin was born at Hart Hospital on West Broadway in Monticello, Minnesota, to Rose (Svoboda) and George Yonak Sr. He began his education at the Middagh One-Room Schoolhouse in Buffalo Township, MN, where he often joked he was the toughest kid in his class-since it was just him and his nephew! He continued on to Monticello High School, graduating with the Class of 1976.
Kevin spent many years working for Yonak Sanitation and was co-owner of FCR Landfill. After the landfill was sold, he continued his entrepreneurial path by founding and operating his roll-off business, Demcon Disposal Service Inc. (DBA: DDS Roll-offs) first alongside his brother, Rod, and later his wife, Linda. He also enjoyed driving for Kolles Sand and Gravel. Before retiring, Kevin worked for Monticello Township, where he handled snow plowing and road maintenance. He was an expert equipment operator. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t operate and made it look easy.
During his 67 years, Kevin lived his life to the fullest. He had a passion for Harley Davidson Motorcycles, hobby farming, raising cattle, tending horses, and harvesting hay. As a vintage car and truck enthusiast, Kevin especially loved anything International Harvester. He loved deer hunting, wrenching on his collection of classic vehicles, and took great pride in fully restoring his father’s beloved International dump truck.
Kevin was deeply interested in politics and never shied away from a spirited debate. A staunch conservative, he believed strongly in grassroots government and served on the Monticello Township Board for four years.
He was a Lifetime member of several organizations, including the National Rifle Association (NRA), American Truck Historical Society (ATHS), International Harvester Collectors Club (IHCC); and Minnesota Street Rod Association (MSRA).
Known for his love of good food – especially sweets - Kevin somehow managed to eat anything he wanted without gaining a single pound, earning him the nickname “String Bean.” He had a soft spot in his heart for animals and was never without a pet or two (oftentimes more). His dogs, Ranger and Mika, and, of course, his beloved cat, Butch, were always by his side.
Kevin faced Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) with courage and strength. Even in the toughest of times, he never lost his sense of humor. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
He is survived by his friend, caregiver, and wife of 26 years, Linda Yonak; father-in-law, Robert “Bob” Marquette; brothers-in-law, Greg Kjellberg, Gary (Barb) Kjellberg; sisters-in-law, Jan (Wayne) Yonak, Carla (Rodney) Yonak; nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews; as well as extended family and countless life-long friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters-in-law, Preston and Mayella Yonak, George Jr. “Georgie” and Margie Yonak, Russell and Betty Yonak; brothers, Wayne Yonak, Gary Yonak, and Rodney Yonak; mother-in-law, Joanne Marquette and father-in-law, Keith Kjellberg.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Charles “Chuck” Banks Jr., Chris Yonak, Ellie Yonak, Andrea Kjellberg, Cindi and Marty O’Neil; and Kevin’s care team-Lisa Gulbrud, Jace Kutzi, Allen Trepanier, and Jean Pankiewicz for helping fulfill his wish to spend his final days at home with his dogs, Ranger and Mika. Kevin’s warm smile and goofy sense of humor will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Celebration of Life to be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Monticello VFW Post 8731, 713 South Cedar Street, Monticello, MN 55362.
