Obituaries 12/05/24

Thomas Bartz, 55

Thomas Carl Bartz, age 55, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on November 24, 2024.

Tom was born the son of LaVerne and Dorothy (Aspinwall) Bartz on February 24, 1969, in Monticello, MN. Born with a spirited heart and an ever-present grin, Tom brought joy to everyone lucky enough to know him.

Tom was a fan of the Minnesota Vikings and NASCAR; he cheered passionately for his favorite teams and drivers. Bowling alleys often echoed with his laughter, as Tom had a knack for turning even gutter balls into reasons to celebrate.

A true adventurer at heart, Tom never shied away from a thrill. He was a daredevil who loved roller coasters, embracing the twists and turns with a fearless smile. He loved to travel, and one of his favorite destinations was Delaware, where he created cherished memories with his brother, Ray.

Family and friends were the center of Tom’s world. He was a master of Uno and a Bingo enthusiast, always ready to play with anyone willing to join. His quick wit and playful teasing made him the jokester of any gathering. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, LaVerne and Dorothy Bartz; niece, Rachel Bartz.

Tom is survived by his siblings, Ray (Veronique) Bartz, Cathy (Roger) Krueger, Angie (Scott) Peterson, Tony (Kim) Bartz, and Lorrie Drahota; nieces and nephews, Jeremy (Kaylee) Dircks, Eric (Melissa) Dircks, Andy (Aleisha) Drahota, Nick Berglund, Rebecca Bartz, and Allison Drahota; also, many great-nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorial service for Tom will be held Saturday, December 14, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.

Officiating will be Deacon Paul Buck.

Luncheon to be at the chapel following the service.

Interment will be in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Buffalo, MN.

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

James Dalbec, 78

James Russell Dalbec, 78, of Mesa, AZ, passed away Monday, October 28, 2024, at Banner Gateway Medical Center in Gilbert, AZ.

He was born October 16, 1946, in Delano, MN, to Russell and Dorothy (Schaust) Dalbec. 

Jim is survived by his wife of 28 years, Phylis Dalbec, of Mesa, AZ; his three children with Nancy Choban (Bukowski), Rhonda Dalbec (Adam), of Rockford, Troy Dalbec (Kristy), of Plymouth, and Leah Hawley (Raymond), of Kimball; six grandchildren, Jeni, Nathan, Krista, Megan, Madison, and Olivia; great grandchild, Jaylan; brother, John Dalbec, of Long Lake; and uncle, Marvin Schaust (Pat Galinat), of Lakewood, OH. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Dorothy Dalbec, of Delano.

Burial service and Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2025 in Delano.

Robert Hageman, 83

Robert “Bob” Hageman, 83, of Monticello, MN, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2024, surrounded by family. Born in Warren, MN, to Raymond and Velma (Haupt) Hageman, Bob’s life was built on the foundation of faith, family and friendship.

Growing up in humble beginnings, he quickly learned the importance of having a strong work ethic and the ability to persevere through life’s difficulties. After graduating high school in Foley, MN, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 24, 1959, serving his country with honor until his discharge on June 22, 1962. His military experience instilled in him discipline and respect, both values he carried throughout his life.

In 1964, Bob met the love of his life, Colleen Mehl. Their connection was immediate, and after just four months of courtship, they eloped knowing Colleen’s parents would not have approved. Through their loving union, they were blessed with two children, Lori and Mike, and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Bob’s professional journey began at John Morrell and Co., a meat-packing company where he spent 16 years. While there, he completed the Dale Carnegie Course, which equipped Bob with the confidence and courage to grow his career. Having started in the beef department, he rose to roles in sales and management, gaining the skills and experience that would eventually inspire his business journey. Upon the sale of his employer to Chiquita Brands, Bob experienced how quickly a great company could deteriorate, which eventually motivated him to venture out on his own.

In 1979, Bob’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to strike a partnership with Joe Dehmer to found J & B Wholesale. From a practical business perspective, it was a venture that never should have made it. However, defying all odds, Bob’s passion propelled this small, start-up operation into a thriving enterprise. His simple recipe for success: believe in people, deliver extraordinary service, offer exceptional products, and above all, place your faith in God.

Bob’s philosophical perspective on life was steadfast regardless of the audience he found himself in. The core pillars he operated from included: the power of positive thinking; live life by the Golden Rule; we are divinely guided…if we listen; are easy on mistakes, hard on the learnings; life is short, and have some fun along the way.

These simple life concepts converge into the greatest gift Bob offered: the ability to establish a special, unique and meaningful relationship with each person he met. He will be deeply missed by all.

Bob enjoyed time with family and friends, collecting agates, and gardening. He enjoyed the social aspect of bowling with the guys. He sat on a variety of for profit-not for profit Boards and advisory councils in the community. He had a passion for Christian education. To say the least, Bob had a charitable heart, giving time, talent, and financial resources.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Raymond and Velma Hageman; siblings, Kenny, Carol, and Mary. 

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Colleen; children, Lori (John) and Mike (Stacy); grandchildren, Peter, (Hannah), Anna (Joe), Tia (Mitch), Katy, Mary, Macy, Ellie; great-grandchildren, Addy, Nora, Halley; siblings, Sue (Butch), Donna, Paul, Cathy, Tom; and many other relatives, colleagues, and a host of friends.

The Hageman family had decided to have a private service. Due to the holiday season, a celebration of Bob’s life will be held later next spring. Details for this event will be forth coming. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Teen Challenge. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael-Albertville. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Jeffrey Schwietering, 78

Jeffrey “Jeff” Paul Schwietering, age 78, of Monticello, MN, passed away on November 28, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on September 3, 1946, in Buffalo, MN, to William and Audrey (Elletson) Schwietering.

Jeff graduated from Buffalo High School with the class of 1965 and soon after enlisted in the Navy, proudly serving during the Vietnam era. On Easter Sunday in 1967, he married his high school sweetheart, Judith Doherty, at St. Francis Xavier Church in Buffalo. After his military service, Jeff returned to his hometown and then attended Dunwoody College in Minneapolis.

He pursued a career as a baker, working for several organizations that included Holmquist IGA, SuperValu in Elk River, the first Cub Foods in Brooklyn Center, Pillsbury, and General Mills. He then finally retired from Gregory Foods after many years of dedicated service. 

Jeff was especially known for his breads and donuts, which became favorites among family and friends. His contributions to the profession were recognized when he was inducted into the Baker’s Hall of Fame in 2012.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was known for his caring, thoughtful, and sensitive nature. His sense of humor, strong work ethic, and drive made him a beloved figure in his family and community. Jeff had a wide range of hobbies, including woodworking, building intricate model train sets, downhill skiing, and camping with his family.

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, William and Audrey; and his sisters, Kaye and Roxanna.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judy; children, Jody, Josh (Jolene), and Jake; grandchildren, Wyatt, Luke, Nick, Chloe, Nadia, Will, and Nate; brothers, Bill Jr., Korb (Cheryl), and Tim (Jill); and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. with visitation beginning one hour prior at the Buffalo United Methodist Church, Buffalo, MN. Inurnment will be held in June of 2025 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Sheridan Skeen, 77

Sheridan Ray Skeen, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024, at the age of 77.  

Born on March 9, 1947, he received the nickname “Peanut” by his family since he arrived prematurely and was such a small baby. Sheridan grew up on a farm near Kankakee, Illinois, where he was raised by his grandmother, Lena, along with Myron and Charlotte Skeen who instilled in him the values of hard work and compassion that shaped his life’s path. A strong athlete and scholar, he attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where he played football and cultivated a lifelong love of learning. Sheridan went on to earn his master’s degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, setting the foundation for a career devoted to service and advocacy.

From 1971 through the late 1990s, Sheridan dedicated himself to a career in social work, focusing on adoptions, child protection services, and supporting teen parents. His passion for making a difference extended to serving on the Minnesota Board on Aging, where he worked to enhance the lives of seniors, and to the College of St. Benedict, where he taught classes in social work, inspiring the next generation of professionals.

A fierce advocate for education equity, Sheridan was the lead plaintiff in Skeen v. State of Minnesota, a case that challenged the state’s process in providing sufficient and equitable funding to public schools. His commitment to community was further exemplified by his service for many years on the Community Education Advisory Board and on the School Board from 1981 to 1993 in Buffalo, Minnesota.

Sheridan found peace and inspiration in nature. He treasured his trip to Denali National Park in Alaska and loved exploring the natural beauty around Mille Lacs, Minnesota. While he wouldn’t view himself as a true outdoorsman, he enjoyed dabbling in ice fishing and deer hunting but ultimately enjoyed the peace he seemed to obtain in the woods and near water.

Sheridan was a longtime member of the Lutheran church, where he could find some solace. He was also a passionate participant in local and state politics, serving frequently as a delegate to county and state DFL conventions, volunteering to door-knock for local candidates, and as a strong advocate for democratic ideals.

Sheridan was known for his intellectual curiosity, his love of reading, and his appreciation for the music of Bob Dylan and Kris Kristofferson, whose lyrics often mirrored his justice-oriented and rebellious spirit. 

Sheridan is survived by his loving family, who will cherish the memories of his wit, humor, and stubbornness, including his unwavering support of the Green Bay Packers. 

He is survived by daughter, Kari and husband, Jeff Lenzmeier, and their children, Jakob and Kori; daughter, Sarah and husband, Aaron Schnell, and their daughters, Harper and Charlotte; and son, Christopher Skeen and wife, Sara, and their children, Connor, Callan, and McKinley; his brothers, Vaughn (Bill) Patterson and John (Sue) Starasinich.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, Myron and Charlotte Skeen, and Lester Skeen and Wanda Starasinich.

A Celebration of Life for Sheridan Skeen will be held at The Peterson Chapel Funeral Home in Buffalo, MN, on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 6:30 PM. Pastor John Folkerds will officiate. Friends are invited to visit with family at the Funeral Home prior to the service from 4:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.  

Memorials may be made to District 877 Scholarship Foundation (Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools) or to Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities.

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

Darvin Weege, 68

Darvin “Tyke” Vernon Weege, age 68, of Rockford, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at his residence.

He was born on May 30, 1956, in Buffalo, the son of Edwin and Virginia (Batdorf) Weege.

On December 27, 1974, Darvin “Tyke” Weege and Darcee Marie Shurson were joined in marriage in Watertown, South Dakota. God blessed their marriage with three children.

He was employed in manufacturing for many years.

Tyke enjoyed hunting, gardening, cars, and he could fix anything. He liked getting together with family and loved to see his grandchildren and great-grand babies.

Survived by his loving wife of almost fifty years: Darcee M. Weege; children: Cassie (Scott) Vinson, Jen (Ryan) Welter and Dan (Heidi) Weege; seven grandchildren: Treyten, Jamalyn, Kendra (Tyler), Tori, Landon, Alanah and Blaze; four great grandchildren: Maizy, Callie, Azalea and Aria; mother-in-law, Marlene Rassatt; siblings, Kenny (Bonnie) Weege, Larry (Karen) Weege, Sandy Kottke, Barb (Dave) Yeager, Pat Weege, and Robin Kolterman; sister-in-law, Deloria Weege; brother-in-law, James Morrissette; sister-in-law, Denise Shurson; brother-in- law and sister-in-law, Douglas (Dorien) Shurson; many other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Virginia Weege; a sister, Cheryl Morrissette; a brother, Roger Weege; father-in-law, Neil Shurson; step-father-in-law, Larry Hertel; nephews and nieces, Douglas Weege, Justin Warnke, Charlie Pickens, Karissa Vieths, and Angelique Shurson.

Funeral services for Darvin “Tyke” Weege will be held on Tuesday, December 10, at 11:00 A.M. at Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rockford.

Interment Trinity Lutheran Cemetery-Crawford Lake.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 9, from 4-8 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.

Honorary Casket Bearers are Treyten Vinson, Landon Welter and Blaze Weege.

Casket Bearers will be Jeff Weege-nephew, Scott Vinson-son-in-law, Dale Weege-nephew, Steven Morrissette-nephew, Brandon Warnke-nephew, and Collin Vieths-nephew.

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