Obituaries 12/02/21

Karen Albrecht, 83

Karen Maureen Albrecht (Tobeck) (formerly Karen M. Vraspir), age 83, of Delano, MN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 25, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was born October 24, 1938, to Ervin and Doris (Swanson) Tobeck in Braham, Minnesota. Karen was a loving wife, daughter, mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Karen spent her younger years growing up in Braham and then moved to Hopkins, MN, where she graduated from Hopkins High School in 1956. She was united in marriage to Milton Dean Vraspir (May 30, 1937-July 30, 1982) on August 1, 1958, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hopkins. Karen and Milt were blessed with four children, Allison, Corinne, Dana, and Jess.

She held a variety of jobs, including a receptionist at Hopkins Dodge and Minnetonka Pools, assembler at Tonka Toys, a school lunch server at Rockford Elementary, and a baker’s assistant at Byerly’s Bakery in Rockford. Her number one “career” was always as our loving Mom and homemaker. She was later united in marriage to Arthur Albrecht on June 11, 1994.

Karen was always an active member of the churches wherever she made home, including Zion Lutheran Church of Hopkins, Christ Memorial Lutheran of Plymouth, Our Father’s Lutheran in Rockford, and Mt. Olive Lutheran in Delano, Minnesota.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin and Doris Tobeck; first husband, Milton Vraspir; step-son, Paul Albrecht.

She is survived by her husband, Arthur Albrecht; children, Allison (Mark) Roosevelt, Corinne (Keith) Marks, Dana (Tammy) Vraspir, Jess (Tricia) Vraspir, Dan (Karen) Albrecht, Melinda (Kevin) Ruprecht; grandchildren, Kayla Marks, Jacob Marks, Aaron (Katie) Vraspir, Isaac Vraspir, Leah Vraspir, Lauryn Vraspir, Samantha Vraspir, Chloe Vraspir, Dana (Amanda) Albrecht, Darla Albrecht, Kevin II (Alyssa) Ruprecht, Kelinda Ruprecht, Kyle Ruprecht, Kamrin Ruprecht, Nicholas Scharpe, Nathan Scharpe; great-grandchildren, Kayden, Logan, Hallie, Shelby; sister, Terese “Tess” (Jeff) Krulik; brother, Terry (Lin) Tobeck; former sister-in-law, Carol Tobeck; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, December 3, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Delano, Minnesota. Gathering of family and friends will take place in the church from 9 to 11 a.m. on that Friday, prior to the services.

In Karen’s giving spirit, memorials preferred to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church or a food shelf of your choice.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.

 


Emily Bailey, 81

Memorial Services will be at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, December 3, 2021, at Grace Lutheran Church in Becker for Emily Patricia Bailey “Pat,” age 81, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on November 24, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. Family and friends may call an hour before the service at the church in Becker. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Williams Dingmann Funeral Home in St. Cloud.

Pat was born April 21, 1940, to Emery and Iona (Littler) Bailey in Cooley, MN. She graduated from Hibbing High School in 1958. Pat’s greatest joy was found in time spent with her children, grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. Her many talents and hobbies included: playing the accordion, cooking, baking, crafts, gardening, travel, and meeting new people. Her sense of humor and compassion for others will be dearly missed. Once you met her, her bubbly personality and generous heart had you hooked for life.

Pat was known for being an incredibly strong person and gave credit to her love for God and personal relationship with her Lord Jesus, which carried her through the hardships in life.

Pat is survived by her children, Ruth (Carl) Peterson, of Beaufort, SC., Paul (Sveta) Sundstrom, of Afton, MN, Nora Lewandowski, of Big Lake, David Sundstrom, of Big Lake, and Amy Bailey, of St. Cloud. Grandchildren; Chase Lemmer, Camaron Lemmer, and Chelsey Hancock; and seven great-grandchildren. Brother and sister, Marvin Bailey, of Nipomo, CA, and Darlene Antinozzi, of Zimmerman, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Michael Lewandowski; and her sister, Evelyn Tenczar.

 


Richard Goodale, 86

Richard Sidney Goodale, “Dick,” age 86, of Delano, passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2021, peacefully with his family beside him. He was born December 3, 1934, to Bert and Virginia (Craighead) Goodale in Santiago, Minnesota.

He was united in marriage to Carol Honebrink on January 16, 1954, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Delano, Minnesota. Dick attended Delano High School and went onto a career in quality control, retiring from Washington Scientific Industries.

Dick also known as “Papa” was a Faithful, Loving, Generous, Friendly, and Humorous individual. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, neighbor, and friend. You knew it by the way he lived out his life. He cherished time spent together with family and friends, especially his loving wife Carol of 67 years. Their commitment to one another was a symbol of their true love. Together, they enjoyed going to church, family gatherings, family trips / vacations (especially Florida). Together, they extended their love and generosity to many neighbors and friends.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Virginia Goodale; his brother, Wally; sisters, Phyllis and Janice.

Dick is survived by his loving wife, Carol; children, Michael “Mickey” (Shari) Goodale, Evon (Craig) Baldy, Audrey Plotnik (Michael Heinzen), Danny (Christine) Goodale; 11 grandchildren, Aimee Merten, John (Crystal) Goodale, Mary Jo (Brandon) Hanna, Crissy (Eric) Wassermann, Bob (Jen) Baldy, Lynn Baldy (Dave Hecksel), Mandi (Pat) Carlson, Travis (Katherine) Plotnik, Danielle (Tyrone) Hess, Whitney Goodale, Kelsey Goodale; 20 great-grandchildren; siblings, Kenny Goodale, Joan (Cal) Ladd, Dennis (Marcia) Goodale, Sandy (Harry) Cox.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 11 a.m., at Mt. Olive Church in Delano. Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. in the church prior to the services. Interment will be in the E. Mt. Olive Cemetery in Delano, Minnesota.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.

 


Heidi Hagstrom, 66

Heidi Jo Hagstrom was born Oct. 13, 1955, in Cokato, Minn., to Stan and Shirley Hagstrom. She died Nov. 26, 2021, in Buffalo, Minn.

Heidi was always proud and grateful to be the daughter of a grocer/butcher and an English teacher. She was baptized Dec. 10, 1955, at Cokato Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she was also confirmed, married, ordained and remembered at her funeral on Dec. 3.

Heidi graduated from Dassel-Cokato High School in 1974 and Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., in 1979 (major: music; minor: religion). Between her sophomore and junior years of college, she was chosen to be part of a Concordia outreach team that served six months in American and Western Samoa.

In 1980, she married Ken Hauan. Along with their beloved bulldogs, they lived in three Minnesota communities where Heidi served as parish worker/Christian education director: Trinity Lutheran in Montevideo 1979-82, Calvary Lutheran in Willmar 1982-84, and First Lutheran in Bemidji 1984-87.

Heidi and Ken moved to Bloomington, Ind., in 1987. He pursued graduate studies and she worked part time at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, the Indiana University Conference Bureau, and served as a board member of the Monroe County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

In 1992, she and Ken divorced, and she returned to Cokato to live with her family and help care for her mother, who Heidi credited with teaching her “the divine art of dying.” Also that year, Heidi moved to St. Cloud to work as director for educational conferences at the conference bureau of St. Cloud State University (SCSU). Toward the end of her tenure at SCSU, she and friends established The Odyssey Group, LLP, a full-service meeting management company.

In 1997, Heidi moved to Chicago to work as associate director, then director, of the ELCA Youth Gathering, shepherding gatherings in St. Louis (2000), Atlanta (2003), San Antonio (2006), New Orleans (2009 and 2012), and Detroit (2015). The ELCA Youth Gathering is the largest gathering of high school youth, and also the largest gathering of adults, in the ELCA. Under Heidi’s leadership, the gathering re-established itself as a premiere faith-forming event for high school-aged youth based on service learning.

During her years at the churchwide offices in Chicago, Heidi, a lifelong learner, earned a certificate as a spiritual director, and in her final years there she began her studies at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, graduating as part of the Theological Education for Emerging Ministries program in 2018.

Following her father’s advice to “invest in a place, give gifts to a place,” in 2015, she moved to the prairie of Southwest Minnesota to serve Fields of Grace Lutheran Parish, Lafayette. She was ordained Sept. 23, 2018.

This three-point parish made up of Swan Lake, First and Bernadotte Lutheran Churches is where she was able to enjoy country living that she cherished: open spaces and neighboring farms, her own chickens (and fresh eggs!), a bountiful garden, her cats, and people who share her Swedish heritage. At a benefit held after she retired in October 2021, parish representatives praised her preaching and her singing voice. That same month, she moved to Buffalo to live with her sister Tracy and family, and bring to completion two of her favorite roles: sister and auntie.

Although Heidi was featured soloist in many choirs, she described herself as a “blender” because she was often positioned in such a way as to temper two stronger voices. That same tempering characteristic was evident in her work as a leader. She always had a clear vision, but empowered others as she drew out and showcased their gifts. She took to heart the advice of a spiritual director who told her the job of a good leader is appreciation.

She spent a lifetime doing just that and advocating for others--in high school and college by sharing her musical talent in nursing homes, to those with disabilities and the incarcerated, and later in life as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, especially after Ken came out to her as gay. Heidi had a heart for those who were disenfranchised and misunderstood.

Heidi is survived by Tracy Hagstrom Durant (sister), Tom Durant (brother-in-law), Greta Dahl (niece), Elaina Beecher (great niece), Ken Hauan (former spouse), Dennis Dahl and Jenni Johnson (former brother-in-law and girlfriend), Danish exchange sister, Birthe Bjerge (Jens); Primus cousins--Patty Miller (Steve), Penny Pastornosro (Anthony), Jayme Sherman; Lois Jeanne Neubauer (aunt), and Neubauer cousins - Debbie Finley (Ed), Brad Neubauer (Sue), Bruce Neubauer (Carolyn), Brian Neubauer (Tami); adopted Larson/Landin family.

She was preceded in death by Stan and Shirley Hagstrom (parents), Frank and Clara Arndt (grandparents), Axel and Jenni Hagstrom (grandparents), Marge Rider (cousin) and Mary Wagner (cousin).

Memorials in Heidi’s name may be given:

•Underdog Rescue Minnesota (St. Louis Park) in honor of Toula

•tAble (formerly Definitely Abled Youth Leadership Event), ELCA.org/Gathering (Go to giving page)

•Cokato Evangelical Lutheran Church Stained Glass Window Restoration Fund

+ Rest eternal grant her, O Lord, and light perpetual shine upon her. +

Celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., December 3 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 280 3rd Street SW, Cokato, MN. Services will be live streamed. Visitation will be held at the same location December 2, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., and one hour prior to the service.

Full obituary with funeral live stream link can be found at Swanson Peterson Funeral Home: www.swansonpeterson.com and on Pastor Heidi’s CaringBridge.

 


Loren Holmberg, 56

Loren D. Holmberg, age 56 of Buffalo, passed away November 16, 2021.

Loren was born on August 12, 1965 and raised on a small family farm outside of Manannah, MN. He graduated from Litchfield High School in 1983 and attended technical college in St. Cloud MN. He met the love of his life Jocelyn Settel in 1996 and married on June 6 of 1998.

Loren was the type of man that can’t be explained with words. Though often quiet and reserved, his warm heart and personality would brighten any room he entered. He was the kind of man to put everyone else’s needs and wants before his own. He was a loving father, a devoted husband, a caring brother and son, and a role model of an uncle. He was a man that possessed a humble strength, generosity of spirit, and intense love for his wife, daughters, family, and his dog, Toby.

Loren was always a hard worker, stepping up when someone needed him, from folding laundry when his wife was tired from a long shift at work to doing the dishes after every meal. In the words of his three daughters, “Dad was the best listener in the world.” This was evident by the countless family suppers where he sat contently and ate, unable to get a word in, even if he wanted to. He never minded though, for he found joy in listening to how his wife and daughters’ day was and the stories they had to share.

His passions were fishing, hunting, woodwork, grilling, classic cars and just spending time with the ones he loved. Although his physical presence is no longer with us on earth, he will always be in the hearts of the ones he loved.

Loren is survived by his wife, Jocelyn; daughters, Elivia, Clara and Cecily; mother, Darlene Holmberg; siblings, Sandra Lindquist, Brian (Joan) Holmberg, Kent (Janet) Holmberg, Chad (Mary) Holmberg and Curt Holmberg; mother-in-law, Carol (Lowell) Hjelmstad; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Kevin (Dawn) Settel, Connie (David) Murphy, Jeffrey (Linda) Settel, Robert (Shikha) Settel, Matthew (Bridgette) Settel, Alexander (Kim) Settel, Gabriel (Jennifer) Settel, and Sarah (Joe) Vetsch; also many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Funeral service for Loren was Saturday, November 20, 2021, at 2:30 p.m., with visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m., all at Buffalo Evangelical Covenant Church of Buffalo, MN. Luncheon followed the service at church. Graveside service for Loren was Sunday, November 21, 2021, at 1:00 p.m., at Manannah Union Cemetery of Grove City, MN.

Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN.  Online condolences for the family can be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


Dennis Houser, 76

Dennis V. Houser, age 76, of Maple Lake, died Sunday, November 21, 2021, at his home in Silver Creek Township with family at his side.

A Remembrance Service with a time of sharing will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 2, 2021, at Huikko’s Bison Creek Event Center in Buffalo. A Celebration of Life reception will follow until 6:00 p.m. at the event center. Memorials are preferred to Virginia Piper Cancer Center in Buffalo.

Dennis Vane Houser was born September 7, 1945, in Ipswitch, SD, to Wesley and Gladys (Krambeal) Houser. He grew up in Iowa, Watertown, Montrose, and Buffalo. He graduated with the Class of 1964 from Buffalo High School and continued his trade education in plumbing. On May 8, 1965, he was united in marriage to Carol Huikko at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly. They lived a short time in Racine, WI, prior to moving to Silver Creek Township near Maple Lake where they have lived for almost 50 years.

Denny worked as a plumber with the UA Plumbers Local Union No. 15. He retired at the age of 62, earning his 50-year certificate prior to letting go of his plumber’s license at the age of 70. Denny was a past member of the Maple Lake J.C.’s and the Wright County Bowling Association.

He enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, hunting and anything else that could get him outside. He also enjoyed traveling, taking care of his family, and spending time with his grandchildren. Known by those who loved him as Dennis, Denny, Homer or Papa Smurf, he will be remembered as a social butterfly with a love of life.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Dawn (Dan) Carlson, of Faribault, Edward Houser (Karen Kerr), of Waseca, and Melissa Houser, of Montgomery; son-in-law, Dale Schoenbauer, of Gwinn, MI; ten grandchildren, Christopher, Curtis and Carolyn Kempenich, Ashley Houser, Cassandra, Brandy and Samantha Schoenbauer, Aaron Stolp, Colton Nelson, and Jeffrey Houser; twelve great-grandchildren; brother and sisters, Dean Houser, of Watertown, Susan Hausladen, of Lester Prairie, Linda (Dale) Schwerin, of Delano, and Candy Cardinal, of Hugo; uncle, Larry Krambeal, of Paynesville; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Gladys Houser; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Frances Huikko; daughter, Rebecca Schoenbauer; great-grandson, Logan Kempenich; nephews, Tony Huikko and Scott Capko; and brothers-in-law, Conrad Hausladen, Steve Cardinal, and Dean Baker.

Denny’s grandchildren will serve as honorary urn bearers. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Maple Lake.

Obituary, Tribute Wall, and Video Tribute online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.

 


Gerald Knop, 87

Gerald “Jerry” Richard Knop was born July 5, 1934, to Richard and Mamie Knop of Delano, Minn. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, at the Annandale Care Center.

Services are pending to a later date.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, Minnesota, is serving the family.

Full obituary to follow.

 


Merna Kramer, 94

Merna Lee Kramer, age 94, of Buffalo, Minnesota, went home to the Lord on Thursday, November 25, 2021, at Park View Care Center in Buffalo.

She was born on a farm near Marion, Iowa on August 24, 1927, to Harold and Winifred (Shaffer) Hemphill.

Following graduation from high school, Merna attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls and Coe College in Cedar Rapids. For several years, she taught in rural schools.

Merna Lee Hemphill and Donovan Dale Kramer were married on December 26, 1948, in Troy Mills, Iowa. God blessed their marriage with four children. Donovan Kramer preceded his wife in death on April 4, 2018.

She was an extraordinary seamstress who also enjoyed gardening.  Merna was an avid letter writer and was always genuinely interested in other people. Family was especially important to her.

Donovan and Merna helped plant churches in Dubuque, IA, Oconomowoc, WI, and Vilnius, Lithuania. The couple retired in Buffalo, MN, in 2002, to be near family.

She is survived by her children, Donovan (Kathe) Kramer, Brian (Beth) Kramer and Brenda (Dave) Moses; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

In addition to her loving husband, Merna was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Pearl Kramer; her parents; sisters, Marian Louise and Norma June; and a brother, James Leland Hemphill.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 2, 2021, at 2:00 P.M., at Center Point Cemetery in Center Point, Iowa. A memorial service will be held at Buffalo Covenant Church in Buffalo, Minnesota, on Friday, December 10, at 1:00 P.M.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, Minnesota is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


William Nord, 54

William Jeffrey Nord, age 54, of Buffalo, passed away November 26, 2021.

Memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at 11:00 A.M., with visitation one hour prior at the Buffalo Free Church in Buffalo, MN.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Full obituary to follow.

 


Grant Packer, 37

Packer, Grant William, age 37, passed away suddenly on November 19, 2021, at home in Rockford, MN.

He was born July 9, 1984, in Minneapolis, MN, to Gary and Denise (Beck-Reents) Packer.

Grant was the most loving and protective person you could ever meet. He would do anything for anyone who needed him.

He was best of friends with Dan Schaper and his family, who he considered family. We, as parents, were so grateful for that friendship he had with the Schaper family.

Grant worked at Home Depot after his high school graduation in 2002. He developed many friendships at the Plymouth store and was always greeted by all. Grant changed locations and had worked for Home Depot in their specialty window and doors warehouse for the past few years.

Grant is survived by his parents; brother, Nathan; several aunts, uncles, and cousins,

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, an uncle and aunt.

Memorial service for Grant with be held Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m., all at The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo.

Private family interment at Toronto Cemetery in Toronto, SD.

Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN.

 


Debra Seth, 55

Debra Ann Seth, age 55, of Buffalo, passed away on Monday, November 15, 2021. She was a long-time resident of Buffalo who worked over 31 years at Functional Industries in Buffalo. Due to health issues, Debra moved to Savanna Prairie Assisted Living in Kimball in September 2020.

Debra enjoyed bowling, listening to Country music, traveling, and shopping. She loved eating at Taco Bell, A&W, Culvers, and McDonalds. Her greatest passion was watching all sports, especially the Vikings, MN Twins, and the MN Wild.

Debra was preceded in death by her mother, Nancy Seth; brother, Raymond Seth; and maternal grandparents, George and Mabel Dahlin.

A private interment took place on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Waverly.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano.

 


Elizabeth Vergin, 90

Elizabeth “Betsy” Margaret (Mitchell) Vergin, age 90 of Rockford, MN, after a good life filled with joy, left her earthly garden November 22, 2021. She now resides in the Promised Land.

Betsy’s journey in life began November 5, 1931, born to William “Syd” and Laura (Bokusky) Mitchell at the Buffalo Hospital. She grew up on the shores of Lake Sarah, where Syd and Laura owned and operated the Lake Sarah Ballroom from 1932 until 1967. Betsy was the “popcorn girl” at the ballroom dances until she married the love of her life, Lloyd Vergin on June 18, 1949. They were blessed with 10 children, 30 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren.

The dream of having a store began in 1957 on the farm in Hamel. An old chicken coop was converted into the first “Vergin Sales,” selling baler twine, small tools, and miscellaneous household items. In 1959, they purchased a house and small store building on Hwy. 55 in Rockford. Their “dream store” developed into a thriving business selling furniture, appliances, TVs, flooring, etc. Lloyd and Betsy both worked at the store along with their daughter Valerie and son, Reinhold. Their son Jeff opened a TV repair shop within the store. In 1991, Reinhold purchased Vergin Sales and continues to operate the family business.

Lloyd and Betsy were avid fisherman, keeping a journal of their fishing adventures for all the family to enjoy at their cabin in Annandale. They also loved playing Euchre with their card club friends. Betsy enjoyed her houseplant and birdwatching from her picture window.

Betsy was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd in 2017; daughter, Tammy Schellenberg; parents, Syd and Laura Mitchell; siblings, Sydney Mitchell, Jr and Margaret (Mitchell) Klaers.

She is survived by her children, Valerie (Jerry) Weyer, Vance (Laurie), Reinhold (Sharon), Jeff (Shelley), Veronica (Steve) Olson, Vicky (Dave) Knecht, Sandy (Travis) Kramer, Cheri (Darryl) Gullickson, and Stacie (Jeff) Beyer; 30 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Carol (Mitchell) McCann.

Thank God for sending his host of Angels at The Legacy of St. Michael and the Metro Hospice Team for all the caring and support shown to our Mother and our family –especially her “Guardian Angels,” Naydeen and Marilyn.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at the Church of Maximilian Kolbe – St. Peter Campus (217 S. River Street, Delano, MN 55328). Interment was held at Elmwood Cemetery – Rockford, MN.

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.

 


Richard Wakeling, 89

Richard Wakeling, age 89, of Buffalo, MN, passed away Tuesday, November 23, 2021, after a brief illness.

He was born in Brockton, MA, the son of George and Mary Wakeling. Dick spent his childhood in Whitman, MA, and graduated from Whitman High School. He was a proud Air Force Veteran who served in Shreveport, LA as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist from 1952-1956.

Upon his discharge from the Air Force, he moved to Boston, MA and worked at Regal Shoes while attending Boston University. It was there he sold a pair of shoes to a lovely, young lady who would become his wife two years later. Richard and Carole were married in Whitman, MA, in 1958. After his graduation from college with a degree in accounting, he began his 28-year career with the Internal Revenue Service working in corporate collections. He was a long-time member of Community Covenant Church in E. Bridgewater, MA.

After his retirement, Dick and Carole enjoyed their winter home in Naples, FL, for 30 years. He loved nature and was an enthusiastic 25-year volunteer for the National Audubon Society at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples. Dick and Carole moved to Buffalo, MN, in 2007 to be closer to family. He enjoyed his friendships through Buffalo United Methodist Church, the St. Michael Senior Center, and the Roberts Ridge Neighborhood group. He had a spectacular sense of humor and could start a conversation with anyone, anywhere, at any time (and usually have them laughing). He was a prolific artist and took great joy in gifting his paintings to family and friends.

Dick loved his family deeply. He is survived by his wife, Carole; son David (Candee) Wakeling, of Portland, OR; daughter, Susan (Jonathan) Fenton, of Buffalo, MN; grandchildren, Kirsten (Michael), Matthew, Kurt (Jenelle), Eric, and Peter; brother, Stuart (Tricia); brother-in-law, Robert; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Frederick.

A private family service will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. An outdoor celebration of life will be held next spring or summer.

 


Marlys Wheeler, 77

Marlys A. Wheeler, age 77, of Delano, passed away on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, in Sun City, Arizona.

On June 16, 1944, she was born in Monticello, the daughter of Arthur and Mable (Schulberg) Post.

She graduated from Monticello High School in 1962.

On September 1, 1962, Marlys A. Post and William G. “Bill” Wheeler were joined in holy marriage in Silver Creek. God blessed their marriage with three children.

Marlys was a longtime 4-H Leader and a former Club Leader of The Mighty Crow 4-H Club.

She enjoyed ceramics, quilting, and embroidery. Marlys belonged to The Creative Quilting Club in Arizona.

Marlys loved her family, especially her grandchildren!

Marlys is survived by loving husband, William “Bill” Wheeler; children, Jeff (Sue) Wheeler, of Montrose, Jodi Stewart, of Rayville, Missouri, and Jeremy (Jenni) Wheeler, of Annandale; grandchildren, Karen (Mark) Askelson, Melanie Birkemeyer, Bryan (Maggie) Wheeler and Rebecca (Eric) Ash; Zach (Amber) Stewart and Ashley Stewart; Benjamin, Noah and Lukas Wheeler; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Gene (Judy) Post, of Clearwater; a sister-in-law, Harriet Haffner; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Ray Stewart; a daughter-in-law, Kathleen Wheeler; a sister, Ardis Hoffman; a brother, Jim Moody; and by other loving family members.

Memorials will be donated to Marlys’s favorite organizations.

Funeral Services for Marlys A. Wheeler will be held on Friday, December 3, 2021, at 11:00 A.M., at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Watertown. Pastor George W. Morris will officiate. Interment will follow at Delano Public Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the church on Friday, December 3, 2021, from 9:00 A.M., until time of service.

Casket Bearers will be Bryan Wheeler, Zach Stewart, Benjamin Wheeler, Tim Hoffman, Karen Askelson, and Ashley Stewart.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 

Publication: 

The Drummer and The Wright County Journal Press

PO Box 159
108 Central Ave.
Buffalo MN 55313

www.thedrummer.com

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