Obituaries 11/07/24
Anthony Lenneman, 86
Anthony “Tony” Henry Lenneman, of Albany, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany, MN, on October 31, 2024, at the age of 86.
Tony was born on January 22, 1938, to Adolph and Marie (Marx) Lenneman and grew up on the family farm in St. Michael, MN. He was a 1956 graduate of St. Michael High School. He briefly served in the Army Reserves before working various jobs including a 20+ year career at Dayton’s. He was formerly a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael, MN and currently a member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany, MN. He was actively involved in both parishes in various roles. He was a Third-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the American Legion Post.
Tony enjoyed playing baseball, gardening, bowling, polka music, and square dancing. He was a master at the BBQ grill (and much loved by his family for this delicious set of skills!). He loved to visit with people and could strike up a conversation with a complete stranger and walk away as friends. He was a world class hugger with a twinkle in his eye and known by many as the “The Candyman” for his sweet gesture of handing out peppermint starlight mints to people he encountered on a day-to-day basis. By his living example, he taught his family the value of hard work and the importance of treating others how you would like to be treated. He will be remembered with love and deeply missed every single day.
Tony is survived by his wife, Geri (Rakotz) Lenneman; children, Larry Lenneman, Monica (Jeff) Stangler, and Mindy (Peter) McKenna; granddaughter, Kassie Lenneman; sisters, Betty Kobienia, and Sr. Virgene Lenneman; brother, Robert (Patty) Lenneman; stepchildren, Nancy (Dave) Wieling, Mark (Mary) Rakotz, Bruce Rakotz (Julie Preusser), Bonnie (Scott) Devitt, Barbara McIntosh, Michael (Tracy) Hinkemeyer, Michele Hinkemeyer, Stacy Hinkemeyer, Patricia Hinkemeyer; first wife, Judith “Judy” (Latterell) Lenneman; several step-grandchildren/great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; extended family and lifelong loving friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Marie Lenneman; brother, Joseph Lenneman; sister, Virginia Lenneman; brother-in-law, Quentin Kobienia; second wife, Elizabeth “Betty Lou” (Hinkemeyer) Lenneman; stepson, William “Bill” Hinkemeyer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society and/or Moments Hospice.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael, MN with visitation at the church one hour prior to Mass.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael-Albertville. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Linda Thibodeau, 73
Linda Marie Thibodeau, age 73, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on October 29, 2024.
Linda was born the daughter of Herbert and Muriel (Lindenfelser) Finneman on March 18, 1951, in the village of Monticello, MN.
She attended the St. Michael Catholic School through the eleventh grade and then attended and graduated as the first graduating class from the new St. Michael Public School in 1969.
Linda was united in marriage to Bruce Thibodeau on March 2, 1989, in Reno, NV.
Linda was employed by Dahlberg Electronics, the maker of Miracle Ear hearing aids, for forty-two years. For the past eight years, she worked for Trelleborg Manufacturing and also spent many years selling Avon products to friends and family.
For enjoyment Linda liked to go bowling, even winning some championships. She loved camping with Bruce all over the country, but her favorite was Country Camping in Isanti, MN. Linda also enjoyed a good party, hosting numerous celebrations at their home. The parties included family and friends, some friends that she had known since the first grade.
Above all things she loved the time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The memories made are ones that will be treasured by all who were a part of them and last a lifetime.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Sharon Nowak and Paticia Ebert; brother, Kevin Finneman.
Linda is survived by her husband of 35 years, Bruce; sons, Brandon (Karina) Thibodeau and Brooke (Jennifer) Thibodeau; grandchildren, Briana (Xavier) Zayas, Carson Thibodeau, and Teagan Thibodeau; great-grandchildren, Xander and Zayn Thibodeau; sister, Kathy (Don) Siebert; brother, Bruce Finneman; also, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation for Linda will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. with a parish prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation continuing one hour prior to the service at St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael, MN.
Celebrant will be Father Brian Park.
Luncheon at the church will follow the service.
Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN.
Gerald Townsend, 86
Gerald Townsend, age 86, of Maple Lake, formerly of Avon and Minneapolis, died on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at CURA of Monticello.
Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 11, 2024, at Bridgeview Church, Big Lake, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Steve Royalty will officiate. Private burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Minneapolis.
Gerald Townsend was born May 17, 1938, in Minneapolis, to Christopher and Helen (Skaja) Townsend. He grew up in NE Minneapolis. On July 13, 1966, he was united in marriage to Susan Borries. Together, they raised four children in a loving and welcoming home. Jerry worked in numerous fields, including construction, sanitation, and sales. His final and most rewarding work came from owning and managing a group home alongside his wife, Sue. Since retiring, he devoted his free time volunteering with Lutheran Social Services and leading a fellowship group for seniors.
Jerry found immense joy in supporting his children’s sports endeavors and crafting art through his passion for painting. He also enjoyed firearms and shooting. He had an appreciation for art and loved to paint. Jerry’s strong faith and involvement in his church defined the core of his being. His kindness, wisdom, and generosity touched the lives of many, making a lasting impact on many.
He is survived by his children, Donald Townsend, of Phoenix, AZ, David Townsend, of Minneapolis, Jennifer (John) Raisanen, of Buffalo, and Brian Townsend, of Rosemount; seven grandchildren, Willian, Carolyn, Ellayna, Grant, Zachary, and Ashley Townsend, and Niklas Raisanen; siblings-in-law, Gene Gieseke, Stephen Borries, Stanley (Cathy) Borries, Sheila Borries, and Stuart Borries; special friend, Dori Allgood; and other family members and friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Susan; grandson, Evan Townsend; and siblings, Barbara Gieseke, Richard Townsend, and Emily (Clifford) Labelle.
Jerry’s family will serve as urn bearers. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
Obituary and Guestbook online at www.dingmannfuneral.com
LaDonna Wandersee, 77
LaDonna Mae Wandersee, age 77, of Buffalo, died on October 31, 2024, at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis.
Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale, with Rev. Alex Becker officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
LaDonna Mae Nowak was born December 3, 1946, in Winnebago, Minnesota, to Paul and Margaret (Dennis) Nowak. She grew up in Winnebago before the family moved to Big Lake. On Halloween of 1963, LaDonna met the love of her life, Frederick “Fritz” Wandersee. She graduated from Monticello High School with the Class of 1965. Later that year, on October 23, she was united in marriage to Fritz at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Delano. They made their home in Buffalo for over 20 years, before moving to South Haven. In 2018, they moved to their current home in Buffalo. LaDonna worked for Airtex in Cokato for 21 years, retiring in 2011.
LaDonna found joy in tending to her garden, creating beautiful crafts, casting a line while fishing, and amassing an impressive collection of unicorns. However, her greatest source of happiness was being surrounded by her beloved family.
LaDonna is survived by her husband of 59 years, Fritz, of Buffalo; daughter, Amy (Jeremy) Nissila, of Litchfield; daughter-in-law, Sherrie Wandersee; grandchildren, Dustin Hatton, Jacob (Sarah) Hatton, and Alysha Hatton; great-grandchildren, Liam and Tatum Hatton, and Wyatt Nissila; siblings, Gordon, Roger (Mary), Anne, and Carol; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Timothy Wandersee; great-grandchild, Cayden Hatton; and siblings, Louise Miller, Eugene Nowak, Gilbert Gorzaczkowski, and Gloria Perrizo.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute and Service Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Charlotte Wille, 62
Charlotte Ann Wille (Good), of Greenfield, MN, went to the Lord our Savior on October 27, 2024, at the young age of 62. Charlotte was born in Shakopee, Minnesota, on May 17, 1962, to James and Carol Good. Early Onset Alzheimer’s may have taken her from us but not her soul. A devoted wife, mother, sister, auntie, niece, and friend.
Char graduated from Buffalo High School in 1980. She then started college at St. Cloud State for a year before moving to Boulder where she attended University of Colorado and earned a bachelor’s degree in finance. After graduating, Char moved to Denver and pursued a career in accounting and bookkeeping in the oil and gas industries. After 14 years in Colorado, Charlotte decided to move back to her roots in Minnesota and accomplished a wonderful 17-year career with Norwest Equity Partners in downtown Minneapolis. The firm was first in the Piper Jaffray Tower and later moved into the IDS Center. As a member of the accounting team, she earned her way up to senior accountant.
A coworker introduced Char to Troy by setting up a double date at J Cousineau’s in Maple Grove, and they were then inseparable. On September 3, 2000, they were married outdoors at Judge Albertson’s Farm in Stillwater. The grand reception was on the St. Croix River aboard a paddlewheel boat. It was a celebration day with family and friends.
A beautiful family arose from the marriage. Dawson Wade was the first born and heartbreakingly went to heaven on the same day Oct 18, 2002. God willingly, then blessed Char and Troy with two daughters, Sienna and Sawyer. Charlotte loved being a momma; this was undoubtedly the most happy and cherished time in her life.
Char had a beautiful smile and would light up the room with her spunky personality. She was witty, fun, comedic, and loved pranks. She played with her girls as if she were a kid herself: hide and go seek in the dark, video blogs, sports, and crafts. She also enjoyed puzzles, reading, working out, and bicycling. Char gravitated towards scary movies and mystery crime shows and loved her coffee with lots of cream. She was strong-willed, independent, classy, beautiful, and magnetizing. You could not help but be drawn to her, there was something about her… she was Unique! She loved silver and turquoise jewelry with an Aztec feel.
Charlotte was a true animal lover. Through the years, she had goats, horses, dogs, fish, birds, and lots of cats. She had compassion for all animals and, literally, would not kill a spider or even a mouse. Often, she would stop the car or turn around to rescue animals that were on the road or attempting to cross.
Preceded in death by her mother, Carol Good (Monson); father, James Good; brother, Douglas Good; and infant son, Dawson Wade Wille.
Survived by her husband, Troy Wille; daughters, Sienna Marie Wille and Sawyer Elizabeth Wille; siblings, Wesley (Tara) Good, of Cross Lake, MN, and Amanda (Trent) Snyder, of Sturgeon Bay, WI; father and mother-in-law, Arlan and Mary Wille, of Buffalo, MN; brothers and sisters- in-law, Todd Wille, of Ham Lake, MN, Travis (Jessica) Wille, of Forest Lake, MN, and Tim (Paulina) Wille, of Princeton, MN; along with uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, and nieces.
A special thank you to the Char-Care team, especially her brother, Doug, who looked after his sister for a year. Her dear daughters, Sienna and Sawyer for taking such good care and being her champion. They sacrificed selflessly and are nothing short of awesome. Thank you to two upstanding boyfriends, Mitch and Bradley, who have stood close in support of Charlotte and the girls. And to a very special caretaker, Lorie, who greeted Char everyday with “Hey Beautiful!”
Memorial service for Charlotte will be held Friday, November 8, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN.
Officiating will be Pastor Kari Bahe.
Interment will immediately follow the service at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Buffalo, MN.
Luncheon will be held at church following the interment at the cemetery.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
