Obituaries 12/09/21
David Bohnen, 56
David Lee Bohnen, age 56, of Rockford, Minnesota, passed away December 1, 2021.
He was born on December 19, 1964, in St. Paul, Minnesota – the son of Robert and Judith (Fraber) Bohnen. He and his family lived on Martin Lake, and then around 1971, they resided on a farm in Forest Lake.
David started working at the early age of 18 and became an over-the-road truck driver, just like his father. He put on thousands of miles on the open road driving for Loadstar Trucking, Martin Trucking, and Herd Transportation. Not only did he spend time on the road in his trucks, he also put many miles on his motorcycle. He’d take trips to Wisconsin and around Lake Superior to enjoy the scenery and all that the northern country had to offer.
He was joined in marriage on April 23, 2005, to Ann Winterhalter at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Together, they raised two children. David was a family man through and through. He loved cooking and hosting get-togethers at his house with all his friends and family. He was a grill master and wanted everyone to experience the final product of his hard work he put into barbeque and smoked meats. He was always researching the latest recipes and was never hesitant to try new techniques.
David was a teddy bear type of a person; he was warm, caring and made you feel at ease being around him. His family was his pride and joy. He made sure to take the time to create special memories with all of them, and he especially loved being a grandpa. He would give the shirt off his back and help out any time his friends or family needed him.
David could talk to anyone and easily hold long conversations, which is why he knew so many people. He was a member of the Hamel VFW Post 5903 and helped volunteer at the Hamel Rodeo. He will be missed by so many.
He was preceded in death by his step-son, Josh Childers; parents, Bob and Judith; father-in-law, Ronald Winterhalter; and god-parents, Marge and Jim Hannah.
David is survived by his wife of 16 years, Ann; children, Katherine (Hans) Simonson, Brett Bohnen, and Daniel Bohnen; step-son, Jeremy Childers; grandchildren, Bailee, Keegan, and Sawyer; siblings, Richard (Brenda) Bohnen, Denise (Kevin Westburg) Bohnen, and Timothy (Cheryl) Bohnen; aunt, Sandy Ellingson; mother-in-law, Rose Winterhalter; brothers-in-law, Erwin (LuAnn) Winterhalter and William (Melissa) Winterhalter; sister-in-law, Angela (Kevin Dick) Winterhalter; and many other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held April 23, 2022, at the American Legion in Delano, MN, from 1:00 – 4:00 P.M.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Alvin Elfmann, 82
Alvin John Elfmann, age 82, of Buffalo, MN, formerly of Annandale, MN (Albion Center), died Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at his home in Buffalo, MN. He was born January 16, 1939, at home on his family’s farm on Rock Lake south of Maple Lake, MN, the son of Edwin and Olga (Bartels) Elfmann.
He was baptized on February 6, 1939, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Middleville Township south of Annandale, MN. Alvin attended Bethlehem Lutheran Parochial School for eight years and graduated from Maple Lake High School with the class of 1956.
On September 26, 1959, Alvin was united in marriage to Bonnie Jean Marquette at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Buffalo, MN, with Pastor E.R. Berwald officiating. A month after their wedding, they moved to their farm south of Albion Center where they lived for 52 years. As a lifetime farmer, Alvin’s happy place was the farm. He milked cows for 41 years.
Alvin and Bonnie had three children, eight grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. His greatest joy was his family. He loved to tease and play with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Alvin enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, fishing and visiting the casino. He was able to travel with Bonnie and many times with relatives and friends. They visited all the states of the Union, except two, and especially enjoyed Alaska and Hawaii.
Alvin is survived by his wife, Bonnie of 62 years; three children, Angela (Ted) Pribyl, of Maple Lake, MN, John (Lisa) Elfmann, of Annandale, MN, and Chris (Mary) Elfmann, of Annandale, MN; eight grandchildren, Jennifer (Phil) Rasset, of Maple Lake, MN, Mary (Greg) Horsch, of Clearwater, MN, Edwin (Christine) Elfmann, of Northfield, IL, Tony (Jessica) Elfmann, of Annandale, MN, Joe (Jessica) Elfmann, of Minneapolis, MN, Scott (Nicole) Elfmann, of Annandale, MN, Jacob (fiancée, Rachel) Elfmann, of Annandale, MN, and Ben Elfmann of Annandale, MN; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Martha Paumen, of Maple Lake, MN, Edgar Elfmann, of Maple Lake, MN, Linda (Joe) Hruby, of Maple Lake, MN, and LeRoy (Mary) Elfmann, of Maple Lake, MN; brothers-in-law, Richard (Mary) Marquette, of Buffalo, MN, and Don (Ginny) Marquette Jr., of Buffalo, MN. Also left behind are many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Olga (Bartels) Elfmann; sister-in-law, Mary Ann (Flynn) Elfmann; brother-in-law, Russell Paumen; father-in-law, Donald Marquette Sr. and mother-in-law, Kathleen (Quade) Marquette.
Alvin’s eight grandchildren will serve as urn bearers.
A memorial service for Alvin Elfmann was held Monday, December 6, 2021, at 11:00 A.M., with visitation beginning at 9:00 A.M., at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN, with Pastor Ryan Clark officiating. Private Inurnment Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Randall Ernesti, 66
Randall Joseph Ernesti, age 66, of Buffalo, MN, passed away Monday, November 15, 2021, in Rincon, Puerto Rico. He was born July 11, 1955, in Buffalo, MN, the son of Kenneth and Rozella (Anderson) Ernesti.
He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith at St. Francis Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN.
Randy graduated from Buffalo High School with the class of 1973. He excelled at golf, cross country, band and basketball. He formed a brothership with his basketball teammates, and the team went to state, placing 19th in the region.
Randy was born into entrepreneurship with his parents owning the Buffalo Dry Cleaners. His first business he owned was a candy vending machine at the dry cleaners. In 1981, Randy began his search for the perfect family-owned car wash. In 1983, his dream came true, and he opened the doors to Buff N Glo Car Wash.
He was a member of the Paul Harris Fellows.
Randy was an honest and fair individual with great integrity. His strongest asset was his tenacity. He had an adventurous spirit and great personality, which made it easy for him to form many friendships throughout life. Family was Randy’s greatest joy, especially his grandsons! He also enjoyed golfing and taking many trips with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Rozella Ernesti.
Randy is survived by Colleen Ernesti; son, Zachary Ernesti; daughter, Jessica Ernesti; grandchildren, Royalty, Izaiah, Quartez, Cameron; siblings, Charlene (Jim) Jorgenson, Ronald Ernesti, Renee (Tom) Black; and many other loving family and friends.
Visitation was held Monday, December 6, 2021, from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M., at the church. A memorial service was held Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at 11:00 A.M., with visitation beginning at 9:00 A.M., at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN.
Honorary urn bearers are: Ronald Ernesti, Brian Elliott, Dan Christian, Brad Arntson, Joe Zink, Royalty, Izaiah, Quartez, Cameron.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN. 763-682-1363. www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Dale Grondahl, 91
Dale Grondahl, age 91, of Buffalo, passed away December 2, 2021, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Visitation was held Tuesday, December 7, 2021, from 4:00-8:00 P.M., with prayer service beginning 7:30 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel, 119 Central Avenue, Buffalo, MN. The prayer service was led by Pastor Reid Gilbert. Funeral service was held Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at 11 A.M. with visitation one hour prior at Zion Lutheran Church, 1200 Hwy. 25, Buffalo, MN. A luncheon followed the service. Pastor Kari Bahe officiated.
A second funeral service will take place Saturday, December 11, 2021, at 11 A.M. with visit one hour prior at Nazareth Lutheran Church, 202 Marshall Ave., Holt, MN. Interment will follow at Holt Cemetery, Holt, MN. A luncheon will be served after the interment. Pastor Reid Gilbert officiate.
Dale was born September 25, 1930, in Warren, Minnesota, to Oliver and Vienna Grondahl. He grew up on the Grondahl homestead, attended Ringbo Country School, and graduated from Newfolden High School, Newfolden, Minnesota, in 1948.
He began his career farming with his dad. He married Lorraine Russell on June 3, 1953. They continued to live on the family farm until they purchased a small dairy farm outside of Red Lake Falls, Minnesota. Along with farming, Dale became a trained AI technician. This led him to move to Buffalo, MN, to work full-time for American Breeders Service. It was during these years that his skill and expertise grew in solving animal health issues, particularly in the dairy industry. His work incorporated animals’ nutrition, farming practices, and improving the quality of the soil for his customers. He continued farming the family farm all throughout the time he spent on the road working with farmers across the country. Even after retiring from route sales, he continued to serve as a consultant, helping to solve problems well into his eighties. A highlight for him was when the Family Farm was recognized as a Century Farm at the 2021 Marshall County Fair.
Left to celebrate his memory are: daughters, Deb (Bill) Jordt, of Westfield, IA, Kathy Holen, of Clear Lake, SD, Kim (Richard) Paulson, of Maple Lake, MN; son, Loren Grondahl, of Buffalo; grandchildren, Allan (Krystal Joos) Paulson, of Moorhead, MN, Wyat (Alexis Stanlake) Grondahl, of Dassel, MN, and Chase Grondahl, of Buffalo; great-grandchildren, Jack and Maggie Paulson and Harper and Vienna Grondahl; sisters, Eleanor McMillian, Delphine Swan, and Sandy (Lynn) Underberg; sisters-in-law, Betty Larson and Sharon Russell; and many nieces and nephews, cousins and their families.
Dale was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine; granddaughter, Emily Jordt; son-in-law, Orvie Holen; and his parents.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo or Nazareth Lutheran in Holt, Minnesota.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Shirley Harff, 86
Shirley P. Harff, age 86, of Greenfield, MN, passed away December 2, 2021. She was born July 5, 1935, to Francis and Esther Pettit.
Shirley married Wilfred Harff on June 2, 1956. She worked for IDS in Minneapolis for 27 years. She enjoyed flower gardening, spending time with friends and cousins, and staying busy and “working.”
She is survived by children, Kim Harff and Chris Harff (Rick Marshall); grandchildren, Ann and Emma Motl, Vic, Fran and Patti Marshall; sister, Phillis Meister; nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Shirley was preceded in death by parents; husband, Wilfred; son-in-law, Mike Motl; and brother, Lawrence Pettit.
Visitation Friday, December 17, 2021, from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M., at The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, December 18, 2021, at 11:00 A.M., with visitation one hour prior, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Corcoran, MN.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home, 763-497-5362, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Varona Klugow-Seth, 91
Varona Marie Weller was born to Richard Sylvester Weller and LuElla Lenora Weller, nee Townsend, on February 2, 1930, in Hanover Twp., Minnesota. She was the fourth child of six. She was raised in the Hanover/Rockford area until at age 16, her family moved to a farm north of Howard Lake. She graduated from Howard Lake High School in 1948 and married Myron (Mike) Otto Klugow on May 31, 1948. They made their home on a farm north of Howard Lake and had seven children. They raised dairy cattle and farmed the fields until Mike’s death in 1979.
Varona enjoyed cooking and having the ladies over for coffee. There was always a house full of kids. She was always happier to spend time outside with the tractors than inside cleaning. She worked evenings in the 60s at The Lafayette Club and introduced her kids to leftover Canapes. In the evenings, you could find her laying on the bed reading a True Romance Magazine. Saturdays, she would join her sisters to get her hair done – more for company than style. She was always ready to play cards, Scrabble, or Yahtzee with anyone who wanted to play – no matter what age. Tuesday was ladies bowling league, which she was on for years. For extra money, she held Stanley Home products parties and waitressed at Sadie’s Café in Cokato. She worked at the bakery in Howard Lake for many years. Holidays were always a special time for her - especially Christmas. The Christmas tree was always a ‘Charlie Brown’ tree – specially decorated with love.
Grandchildren were very special to her and filled the house with ‘hubbub.’ Chris (Barb) Farrier, Molly Lanars, Katrina Mauk, Ben (Tiffany) Farrier, Bry Farrier, Adam Farrier, Mallory (Alex) Carlson, Brianna (Paul) Solberg, Rob Kobow, David Kobow, Wendy Gageby, Patrick Drum, Samantha (Chris) Choate and Varonica Klugow.
Varona was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; infant daughter, Myra Varona; son, Paul Richard Klugow; several nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her children, Michael Varon Klugow, Bonnie (Chuck) Kobow, Nancy (Joe) Kadlec, Betsy Farrier (Marty), Bill and daughter-in-law, Deb Klugow Zeestraten; 27 great-grandkids; and six great-great-grandkids.
A memorial service will be held at 2 P.M. on Thursday, December 16, 2021, with visitation one hour prior to services at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake.
Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, MN, 320-543-3401, www.swansonpeterson.com.
Gerald Knop, 87
Gerald “Jerry” Richard Knop was born July 5, 1934, to Richard and Mamie (Krause) Knop of Delano, Minn. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, at the Annandale Care Center.
Jerry graduated from Delano High School in 1952, and throughout his life loved playing and watching sports, especially baseball. In 1954, Jerry enlisted in the Army National Guard and was part of a tank battalion. He was never deployed but served on active duty for three years.
Jerry worked at Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association for several years trimming trees and eventually moved on to work for the Wright County highway maintenance department, until suffering a life-altering injury that rendered him with a permanently disabled foot.
After working predominantly manual labor jobs most of his life, Jerry had to find a less physically demanding job after the accident, which led him to a career and a company that sparked his passion for selling promotional advertising products through Bankers Advertising Company (BAC). He often said his business was to sell things that tell people “who you are and what you do.” When Jerry’s health no longer allowed him to continue after a 37-year career, he continued to follow the business and his clients through his daughter, Sheila, who took over his business when he retired in 2018. Jerry was often referred to as the friendly “pen guy” or the “keychain guy” throughout the community, and no distance was too far to travel in visiting and serving his customers. Jerry’s business was personal to him because he considered each and every customer a friend. Jerry continued asking about them, and the people he worked with at BAC, right up until the last few days before his death.
When not working, Jerry enjoyed playing and listening to music, especially old-time classic music because he played accordion and piano for most of his life. He even played in three different bands of his own over the years, often playing at barn dances and other dance halls throughout the area, specializing in playing a variety of waltzes and polkas.
Other hobbies included: fishing, playing cribbage, and spending as much time as possible with family and many friends. In 1956, it was through a friend he played baseball with that he met the love of his life, Pearl Sandbakken, of Boyd, Minn. They were married on June 7, 1958, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boyd, and, together, they had six children: Kevin, Neil, Deb, Pam, Sheila, and Nancy. Jerry loved telling the story of how they named their children with the first letter of each child’s name representing a letter in the Knop name, with the “D” representing the “O” and when put together it spells “Knops,” but the “N” meant “no more (kids).”
Jerry was deeply devoted to God, his family, and especially Pearl, who he often referred to as “the gem of the family.” When his kids and eventually grandchildren were in sports, choir and band, Jerry would do his best to attend as many activities as possible, and he was as dedicated of a fan as they come.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Mamie.
He is survived by his wife, Pearl; sons, Kevin (Cheri) Knop, Neil Knop; daughters, Pam (Paul) Nemes, Deb (David) Sweeney, Sheila Knop LaPlant, Nancy (Brad) Eaddy; sister, Marlys (John) Eggen; grandchildren, Sandra (JD) Palm, Nathan (Melinda) Knop, Jonathon Knop, Jackie (Nate) Couette, Annie Knop, Katie (Todd) Durnin, Justin Sweeney, Chelsea Nieland, Ashley Nemes, Candice Nemes, Tristan (Rachel) LaPlant, Carly LaPlant; great-grandchildren, Simon and Clara Palm, Jonah and Selah Knop, Tucker, Cooper, and Graylie Couette, Addie Hunt, Louie Durnin, and Madilynn and Raiden Nieland; as well as a great many other extended relatives and friends.
A memorial service is pending at Zion Lutheran Church in Annandale.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, http://www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Jon Lambrecht, 59
IN MEMORIAM | Jon William Lambrecht, 59; Avid Outdoor Sportsman, Husband & Father
Jon William Lambrecht, 59, a loyal husband and loving father, peacefully passed away of natural causes on Friday, November 26, 2021, in Wright County, Minnesota, while doing what he loved – experiencing the great outdoors.
Jon was born on March 29, 1962, in Watertown, MN, the son of Anne (Salonek) and George Lambrecht. Growing up, he was an active member of the Watertown community. He graduated from Watertown Mayer High School in 1980, where he was captain for both the football and basketball teams, and was a friend to nearly everyone he met, many of whom affectionately referred to him by the nickname “Norm.”
Jon’s work ethic was indomitable; he was a loyal and valued employee of Pace Industries in Maple Lake for 24 years, where he made many great friends and met his wife, Sandra (Clausen) Lambrecht, who he married in 2016. A loving and trusting husband and Sandy’s best friend, Jon happily resided in Maple Lake with Sandy for many years.
Without a doubt, Jon had a lifetime love affair with the great outdoors, showing a deep appreciation for mother nature. He spent much of his time hunting, fishing, or simply admiring a flock passing by in the sky. He was an excellent cook and created delicious homemade recipes using whatever was in season. Jon was known for his humility and generosity, for constantly caring for those in need, and for never hesitating to lend a helping hand to family, friends, neighbors, or even strangers.
Jon was preceded in death by his sister, Ann Lambrecht; nephew, Bryce Lambrecht; and father-in-law, Harvey Engelman.
He is survived by his wife, Sandy; daughter, Chelsie (Matthew); step-children, Angie Arneson (Greg), and Ryan Clausen (Courtney); parents, Anne and George Lambrecht; brothers, Joe Lambrecht (Christa), Paul Lambrecht (Tracey), Mike Lambrecht (Maile Tolbert), and Nick Lambrecht (Jessica Boehm); mother-in-law, Shirley Engelman; step-grandchildren, Emma, Ryder, Breanna, Maggie; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held Wednesday, December 8, 2021, from 3:00 to 4:30 P.M., at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN. A private memorial service will be held.
Serving the family was The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
William Nord, 54
William “Bill” Jeffrey Nord, age 54, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away November 26, 2021.
He was born on March 13, 1967, in Golden Valley, Minnesota – the son of Donald and Jean (Cregan) Nord.
He grew up in Brooklyn Center and graduated from Park Center High School with the class of 1984. He briefly attended North Hennepin Community College following his high school graduation, and then transferred to Mankato State University to complete his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Economics.
Bill started working as a delivery driver for Len Busch Roses in Plymouth, and then began working in sales for Abe Tech. He was also a self-taught photographer, and that hobby turned into a profession on the side of his regular jobs. He was very talented at photography and had an eye for taking great shots.
He was known as a friendly, out-going person who could make friends with just about anybody. Bill could carry on conversations and get to know people very easily because of how laid back and kind he was. He liked to hang out at the airport just to converse with friends and learn about airplanes. Bill was always learning, and taught himself how to play the guitar. He also got into the sport of trap shooting.
His children were his pride and joy. Bill was a very devoted and caring father, and he made sure to support his daughters in their school activities and hobbies. The best was yet to come when he became a grandpa. He enjoyed spending as much time with Miles as he possibly could, and loved every moment of being a grandparent.
Bill was preceded in death by an infant granddaughter, Ruth; parents, Don and Jean; grandparents, Bill and Catherine Cregan and Herbert and Myrtle Nord.
He is survived by his children, Delaney (Michael) Stone and Marissa (Brian Perez) Nord; grandson, Miles Perez-Nord; siblings, Denise Nord and Mitchell (Beverly) Nord; former spouse, Traci; special friends, Fred Cox and Julie Zitzloff; and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service was held Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at 11:00 A.M., with visitation one hour prior at the Buffalo Evangelical 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.
Joel Nyquist, 76
Joel Victor Nyquist, aged 76, passed away in his home in Cokato, MN, on December 1st, 2021.
Joel was born on August 13th, 1945, in Hutchinson, MN, to Eugene and Martha (Gustafson) Nyquist. He grew up on a farm in Dassel, MN, where his family members were active in Lamson Evangelical Free Church. It was through the church that he met his future wife, Darlene Swedberg, when he was 17 years old. Joel graduated from Cokato High school and attended Augsburg College where he played football and graduated with a major in Biology.
On November 9, 1968, he married Darlene, and they lived for the first year in Germany while Joel served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war. After coming home, they settled in Cokato, MN, where Joel farmed for many years. He finished his career working as a Nursing Home Administrator. Joel was an active member of Elim Mission Church in Cokato, serving in many different roles throughout his years. Joel’s hobbies included: woodworking, gardening, and, most of all, spending time with his kids and grandkids.
Joel was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene Nyquist; parents, Eugene and Martha Nyquist; brother, Maurice Nyquist; sister, Sally Nyquist.
Joel is survived by his children, Darla Nyquist, Matthew (Jennifer) Nyquist, Joshua (Heidi) Nyquist, Benjamin (Kristina) Nyquist, Anjali Nyquist; his brother, Peter (Susan) Nyquist; grandchildren, Tyler, Megan, Chase, Zachary, Katie, Emma, Bennett, Caleb, Luke, Abigail, Olivia; and several nieces and nephews and their children.
A funeral service for Joel will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at Highland Community Church in Cokato with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. A time of gathering will also be held from 5-7 P.M. on Monday, December 6, 2021, at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato.
James Outly, 83
James Edward Outly, age 83, of Delano, passed away on Friday, December 3, 2021. He was born July 29, 1938, to William and Ida (Clark) Outly in Monticello, Minnesota.
Jim grew up on the family farm and graduated from Maple Lake High School. He was President of his FFA chapter, sang in choir, repaired farm equipment, and played accordion. He considered a life in the priesthood, but his love of music drew him to a Saturday-night dance where he met his future bride. He was united in marriage to Doris Hausladen on July 2, 1958, at St. Mary’s Church in Waverly. To this union, five children were blessed. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He spent as much time as possible outdoors: snowmobiling, hunting, camping and fishing – in a boat or on the ice. Jim was a member of the Delano Sportsman’s club for many years and believed deeply in their mission of responsible stewardship. He spent time and care passing his pursuits to his children and grandchildren, camping with extended family, and giving rides on the 4-wheeler to the great-grandchildren when the weather allowed. No matter how crazy the world around him became, he found inspiration, peace, and the Divine in the wilderness.
Jim was mechanically inclined and possessed the ability to create things with his hands. A skilled sheet metal fabricator, he worked with wood, cement, and metal, creating custom designs for private sale or the local sport shop. His creations include depth-finders, wood stoves, display racks, spice racks, bookshelves and more. He enjoyed the challenge of filling a need with a unique, custom-made creation, managing the process from concept sketching to fabrication, finishing and delivery.
He cultivated his passions for the outdoors, metal and woodworking, and accordion music until recently when his health diminished.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Doris; and son, Joe.
He is survived by his sister, Mary Johnson; children, Bill Outly, Theresa Vick, Rebecca (Laszlo) Nemesi, and Ben Outly; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 10, 2021, at 11 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, St. Peter’s campus. Visitation will take place on Thursday, December 9, 2021, from 4 to 8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service in St. Martha’s Hall of the St. Peter campus. Visitation will continue Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. in St. Martha’s Hall prior to the Mass. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Delano, Minnesota.
Thomas Rhode, 90
Thomas E. Rhode, 90, of Crystal, MN, passed away peacefully at home on November 28, 2021.
Tom was born on September 11, 1931, in Minneapolis, MN to Bernard “Ben” and Kathleen (Marshall) Rhode. Tom attended DeLaSalle High School and graduated (1948) with a trade in Sheet Metal Fabrication from Vocational School. Tom was a U.S. Navy Veteran serving 23 years as Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves until his retirement (1972).
He became partner in Plymouth Our Own Hardware store with his father (Ben) until 1971 and later founded the company, Rhode’s Lock and Glass (1972-Present). He was an active member for Northside Lions, Northside Business, American Legion Post 251, Knights of Columbus Council 3656, Minnesota, and National Chapters of Associated Locksmiths of America, and was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Community - Parish Center, New Hope.
Tom met the love of his life, Lavern (Fries), in 1954 at the Catholic Youth Center and married at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Minneapolis, MN, on July 9, 1955. They were blessed with 66 years of marriage and six children, resided in Crystal, MN, to raise their family. Tom will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all that knew him.
Tom is survived by his wife, Lavern Rhode; children, Jim (Delire) Rhode, of Buffalo, Connie (John) Bolduc, of Greenfield, Colleen (Randy) Heino, of Annandale, Kert (Kathy) Rhode, of Corcoran, Mary Beth (James) Collis, of Oakdale, and Tim (Brenda) Rhode, of Greenfield; 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; sister-in-laws, Sister Beverly Fries (School Sisters of Notre Dame) and Laurell (Fries) Ostrow; niece, Julie (Bill) Shea; and a great-niece and great-nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Kathleen Rhode; sister, Bonita (Rhode) Audibert; and brother-in-law, Alvin “Ozzie” Ostrow.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 17, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Community - Parish Center, New Hope. Service at 11:30 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to service (10:30am). Tom will be laid to rest at Gethsemane Cemetery.
Bonita Stevens, 71
Bonita “Bonnie” P. Stevens, age 71, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2021.
Bonnie was born the daughter of Edward and Esther (Dahl) Schmidt on January 27, 1950, in Minneapolis, MN.
She attended All Saints Catholic grade school and graduated from Minneapolis Vocational School in 1968. She met and married Bob in 1969. They lived in Coon Rapids, MN, and then Rockford, MN, spent 17 years in Hollister, CA and 15 years in Caldwell, ID, before moving back to Minnesota to be close to family and friends in 2018.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Julie Tysdal; brother, Robert Schmidt; and daughter-in-law, Dede Stevens.
Bonnie is survived by her husband, Robert; children, Edward (Annette) Stevens, Christopher Stevens and Chad Stevens; grandchildren, Tasha (Ben) Dunn-Myers, Danielle Dunn, Sid Wright, Dawson Enebak and Alex Enebak; great-grandchildren, Henry Myers, Esben Dunn-Myers, and Corbin Ellerbrock; brother-in-law, Ryan Tysdal; also, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial for Bonnie is Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service all at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church of Buffalo, MN. Luncheon to follow the service. Entombment will be in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery of Buffalo, MN.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
