Obituaries 11/14/24
Edward Erickson, 82
Edward Jens Erickson, of Houston, Texas, died Sunday, November 3, 2024, in Bayou Vista Hospice at Eagles Trace Senior Living. He was born December 15, 1941, in Alden, Minnesota. Graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1959 and went on to Kansas City Missouri for railroad training. He worked as a depot agent for a short time before being drafted into the armed forces. He served as a radio operator in Korea. Upon returning, the railroad gave him credit for his service and promoted him to Train Dispatcher for the Illinois Central railroad. He moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he met his wife, Barbara J. Hayward. They were married on November 30, 1976. He had previously moved to Houston, Texas, and worked as Train Dispatcher for Southern Pacific out of Houston, Texas, and, ultimately, worked for the Union Pacific and retired in 2002.
His beloved wife, Barbara, preceded him in death on September 13, 2024.
He is survived by his sister, Marie E. Sunlitis; three nieces, Nancy Kalke (Sally Witham), Charlene (Tom) McDonnell, Karen (Russell) Point; and many grand- and great-grandnieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Sharon Hayward; and special friend, Christine Crahan.
His memory will always be cherished by his loving family.
Sidney Hurley, 89
Sidney Kermit Hurley, formerly of Montrose, MN, born on December 27, 1934, was called home on November 6, 2024, with his loving wife, Rosella, at his side.
Technically two months shy of 90 years but never admitted to being older than 16.
Sidney and Rosella shared 65 wonderful years together. She said, “Thanks for the memories!”
He proudly served in the US Air Force, stationed in Greenland, Africa, and Mountain Home, ID.
Sidney loved watching sports and westerns – the TV was always on.
His first retirement was from FMC after 30 years and four months of service. He took several other part-time jobs and kept retiring. We just think he liked cake!
A man of faith and love of family, which was good. He needed his faith to put up with his family of eight children.
Survived by his loving wife, Rosella; children, Jane (Gail) Hurley, Thomas (BK) Hurley, Sandy (Dale) Foede, Doug Hurley, Judi Heider, Stephen (Katie) Hurley, Mark (Mary) Hurley, and Juli (Pete) Zielsdorf; many grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
We welcome all who knew Sidney to join us in celebrating the life of a man who was loved deeply and will be missed. Visitation took place on Monday, November 11, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
A Private inurnment will take place at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN, assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Dean Jorgenson, 63
July 3, 1961 – October 30, 2024
Dean Scott Jorgenson (Butch), of Montrose, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, October 30. He was born on July 3, 1961, in Minneapolis, MN, to parents Kenneth and Geneva Jorgenson. Later, the family moved to the Rockford/Buffalo area. Dean was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover and graduated from Rockford High School. He spent four years in the Marines.
After returning from his Marine duty, he worked at maintenance jobs. He had the ability to repair anything. He was very active in AA and NA for over 30 years. He helped many others to find their way.
He is survived by his wife, Kristi; children, Kayla, Robert, Hannah, and Isabella; and four grandchildren, Noah, Eli, Silas, and Mateo.
Also survived by parents, Kenneth and Geneva Jorgenson; sister, Lori Torgerson; brother-in -law, Ron Torgerson; nieces, nephews, and many, many friends; and special friend, Asher.
There will be a celebration of his life in the spring.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN, assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Robert Kruck, 95
Robert Rudolph Kruck, age 95, of Buffalo, MN, went to be with His Lord and Savior on November 11, 2024.
Bob was born on May 27, 1929, to Ethel and Rudy Kruck in Sioux City, Iowa. On August 21, 1948, he married Dolores Herbst in Minneapolis, MN. God blessed them with three sons. Bob and Dolores were married for 75 years.
There was a time in Bob’s life when he did not think he was a sinner, he thought he was alright. But, on November 3, 1959, he found what he was missing, it was Jesus. Bob prayed and asked Jesus to come into his heart. For 65 years, Bob shared his testimony with all who would listen, family, friends, co-workers, strangers and people in other parts of the world. He never missed an opportunity to share the gospel, and many lives have been forever changed because of his willingness to share the love of Jesus everywhere he went.
Preceded in death by his parents, Ethel and Rudy; wife, Dolores; sister, Norma; son, Randy Kruck; daughters-in-law, Beverly Kruck and Susan Kruck; great grandson, Henry Kruck.
Survived by sons, Larry Kruck and Robert (Kristine) Kruck; 13 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; nieces, nephews, other relatives, neighbors, and friends.
Memorial service for Bob will be held Monday, November 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Buffalo Ev. Covenant Church in Buffalo, MN.
Private family interment at the Swedish Mission Cemetery in Buffalo, MN.
Luncheon to follow the service at church.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Joyce Nelson, 90
Joyce P. Nelson, age 90, of Annandale, died peacefully on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Augusta.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 15, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church, Annandale, with Rev. Ken Tatkenhorst officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Annandale. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday and from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, both at the church.
Joyce Pauline Marschel was born on July 25, 1934, in Buffalo, Minnesota, to William and Frieda (Kiphuth) Marschel. Joyce grew up in Annandale. On September 27, 1952, Joyce married Donald L. Nelson at Zion Lutheran Church in Annandale. Together, they made their home in Annandale and raised their five children, until Don’s death on March 24, 1980. On September 12, 1980, Joyce married Earl Nelson at Zion Lutheran Church, Annandale, and they continued to make their home in Annandale.
Joyce led a life filled with love, warmth, and joy. Throughout her life, Joyce embodied the values of family, faith, and community. With her unwavering devotion to her family, Joyce dedicated her life to creating a warm and loving home as a dedicated homemaker. Her kindness, compassion, and selflessness touched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her family was her greatest pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
Joyce found solace and strength in her faith and was a committed member of Zion Lutheran Church. She started every day with a daily devotion to her Savior.
Joyce found joy in camping, traveling, playing cards and bingo with friends, or fishing by the lake. Her love for life was infectious, and she enjoyed having a cold beer with those she held dear.
She is survived by her children, Jean (Charlie) Wanha, of Elk River, Kenny Nelson, Lee (Cindy) Nelson and Jeff Nelson, all of Annandale, and Amy (Geoffrey) Bryant, of Maple Lake; 11 grandchildren, Jill (Mike) Charboneau, Ashley Loucks, Jordan (Jennica) Wanha, Donny Nelson (Emma), Kayla Nelson, Nicole Nelson, Jacob Wanha, Hayden (Brittany) Bryant, Emalee Bryant, Alainna (Dan) Gapinski, and Rylee Nelson (Tyler); nine great-grandchildren with four] more great-grandchildren on the way; sister, Arliene Huikko, of Annandale; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Frieda Marschel; husbands, Donald and Earl Nelson; brothers, Roy, Arnold, Ben, Vernon, and Delbert Marschel; sister, Lillian Walters; and daughter-in-law, Terri Nelson.
Donny, Nicole and Tucker Nelson, Jordan and Jacob Wanha, Hayden Bryant, and Tyler Charboneau will serve as casket bearers. Honorary bearers will be Joyce’s godchildren, Vicki Green, Eino Nelson, John Marschel, David Wies, and Wade Michelson.
Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com
Olin Renfroe, 92
Olin Dean Renfroe, 92, passed away on October 29 in Buffalo, MN.
Son of William and Georgiann Renfroe, he was born October 9, 1932, in Lumber City. GA. He graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1950 and entered the Army shortly after, serving proudly for 12 years. He received his Divinity Degree from Southwestern Seminary in 1972 and served as a pastor in Christian ministry for the next 15 years. He also worked in electronics at Honeywell before and after his time as a pastor. He retired from Honeywell.
He was preceded to heaven by his mother and father; his brothers, Howard, Eddie, and Bobby; and his daughter, Debbie; and granddaughter, Melissa.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his sons, Jeff (Ann) and Duane; his grandchildren, Sara, Matthew, Adam, and Abby; his great-grandchildren, Harvey and Calvin; and his brother, Stewart; and sister, Hilda.
Dean died peacefully in his sleep. While we lost our dad, many have lost a friend and loved one in him. He was always ready to lend a hand and loved building and repairing projects; Dad was extremely handy. Dad also loved to study the Bible and write his insights. He was a very good writer but was shy about sharing his works. His greatest love was for his Lord and Savior Jesus.
We would request that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the mission organization of your choice.
A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, November 23, at Buffalo Covenant Church, 1601 MN-25, Buffalo, MN 55313. Visitation at 12:00 p.m., service at 1:00 p.m. followed by lunch.
Sheridan Skeen, 77
Sheridan Ray Skeen, age 77, formerly of Buffalo, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024, at his daughter’s residence in Cologne.
A full obituary will appear in next week’s paper.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Dale Stueven, 96
Dale Glen Stueven, age 96, of Buffalo, passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Park View.
Dale was born on January 4, 1928, to Carl and Cora (née Fiedler) Stueven. He was baptized on February 19, 1928, at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, confirmed on April 6, 1941, at St. John’s Lutheran in Buffalo, and graduated from Buffalo High School on May 29, 1945. Dale married LaVonne Birkholz on October 23, 1948, at St. James Lutheran Church. Their union was blessed with three children.
Dale grew up farming with his parents north of Howard Lake. Shortly after getting married, they bought a farm south of town to start their own venture. They began by milking cows, then transitioned to cash crops, and eventually added selling Pioneer Seed Corn. Dale enjoyed playing cards with his card party group, and one of his favorite activities was picking rocks.
On March 26, 1993, Dale married Una Thoreson at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Montrose. Together, they embarked on many new adventures and activities, even learning to rollerblade in their seventies. Dale enjoyed spending winters in Arizona and traveling the world. When he was still farming, he often joked about needing a kangaroo to carry rocks in its pouch back to the pile. However, after traveling to Australia and seeing kangaroos in person, he decided he no longer needed one since he was retired. The Stueven family always had a love for cars, and Dale was no exception, even if he never kept them for too long. Una kept count and found that in their first twenty years of marriage, they had bought and sold over 40 cars.
Dale is survived by his wife, Una Stueven; his children, Lyle and Maxine Stueven, Pamela Heffern, Kimberly and Nathan Jopp; his grandchildren, Ashley and Justin (Stueven) Kamphenkel, Tyler and Ira Stueven, Teri and Eric (Sanden) Starkey, Jesse Sanden, Jeremy and Heather Sanden, Adler Jopp; and his great-grandchildren, Esther, Felix, and Gus Kamphenkel, Letty and Hank Stueven, Ariana and Jameson Starkey, Madison and Brooklynn Sanden, Taylor and Haylee Sanden.
He is also survived by Una’s daughter, Lynnette Smith, and her children, Tony and Carlene Nieman, Nick and Nina Nieman, Amy and Robb Mattila, and Alison and Mike Thiesfeld and their families; and Una’s son, Leslie Thoreson, and his son, Theron Thoreson.
Dale is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Cora Stueven; his sisters, Lois Elkin and Irma Wiley; and his brother, Neil Stueven, and their spouses.
Funeral services for Dale Stueven took take place on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 2 P.M. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Montrose with visitation one hour prior.
Inurnment St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Montrose.
Honorary Urn Bearers were his grandchildren, Ashley Kamphenkel, Tyler Stueven, Teri Starkey, Jesse Sanden, Jeremy Sanden, and Adler Jopp.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Bernice Ward, 98
Bernice Bertha Ward, age 98, of Buffalo, MN, was born on May 5, 1926, in Carver County, Minnesota, to parents Hattie (Hensel) and Otto Zellman.
She was united in marriage to William Ward Jr. on November 6, 1944, and they were blessed with four children, Dennis, Denise, David, and Douglas.
Bernice enjoyed baking, gardening, sewing, time with family, and spending time at their cabin. She was a wonderful loving grandma and created memories to last them a lifetime.
Bernice passed away November 8, 2024, at Park View Care Center.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude for the loving care given by the staff at Park View Care Center.
Preceded in death by husband, William Ward Jr.
Survived by children, Dennis (Carol) Ward, Denise (David) Torfin, David Ward and Douglas (Dawn) Ward; numerous grandchildren, great- and great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral service for Bernice will be November 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to service at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover, MN.
Luncheon to follow the service at church.
Interment at Elmwood Cemetery in Rockford, MN.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
