Obituaries 2/6/20
Loretta Bengtson, 91
Loretta Jean Bengtson, age 91, of Annandale, and formerly of Buffalo, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2020. She was born May 25, 1928 in Marysville Township, the daughter of Mike and Della (Jones) Meehan.
Jean was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Waverly. She enjoyed working in the town of Buffalo at the cleaners, bakery, Esau’s Grocery, and the Buffalo Hospital.
On May 13, 1948, Irwin “Carl” Bengtson and Loretta “Jean” Meehan were united in marriage. The two were blessed with a daughter, Bonita “Bonnie.”
Jean was a member of the Buffalo Women’s Club and faithful member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. She enjoyed knitting, playing cards, fishing, flowers and tending to her flower gardens, spending time with her family, and going to social events with her husband, Carl.
Jean truly had a heart of gold. She was a good listener and was easy to love and loved you back. She never had a bad thing to say about anyone.
She is preceded in death by: her husband, Carl Bengtson; parents, Mike and Della Meehan; sister and brother-in-law, Lois and Marvin Warzeha; brother-in-law, Paul Bengtson; and niece, Linda Bailey.
Jean is survived by: her daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie and Tom Ponsford; sister and brother-in-law, Geraldine and Don Smith; sister-in-law, Mary Bengtson; nieces and nephews, Mike (Cheryl) Warzeha, Bradley (Pam) Smith, Eileen Smith, Laurie Smith, Pamela Bengtson; and other loving family and friends.
Visitation was held Monday, February 3, 2020 from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Burial followed at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Buffalo.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Serving the family was The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.
Gordon Duncombe, 75
Gordon Duncombe, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully after a long battle of Polycythemia Vera, Pulmonary Hypertension, Kidney Failure, Heart Failure, and a severe brain bleed on February 2, 2020. When he passed, he was surrounded by his family on both sides of the veil and embraced into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father. He fought a courageous battle and never lost his desire to live, work, spend time with his family, and serve others. He was a strong man to the end.
He was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. He grew up playing basketball, riding horses, and helping at his grandparents’ farm. When he was 19 years old, he served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Zealand. During his mission, he served the people of New Zealand and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. When he returned, he worked in the Northwest Territories driving heavy machinery through swamps and rugged lands. He also worked on the Northern Pacific Railroad as a brakeman to support himself through college. He graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Gordon married Mary Pat Hogan on August 28, 1969 in the Idaho Falls Temple in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They began married life in Texas, while Gordon finished his degree. Then, they moved to Lethbridge Alberta, Canada, where they welcomed their first child. They lived in multiple areas of Canada (Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario, and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan), where Gordon worked as an Economist for the Canadian Government. While in Canada, they welcomed six more children, and Gordon held many callings in their church, including Bishop for five years.
They moved to Saint Michael, Minnesota (United States) in 1982, where they had three more children, and Gordon started his own tax consulting business. Gordon was a man of extraordinary integrity and developed many strong friendships through his years of business expertise. He was a generous man, who was interested in helping others.
He was a valiant member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served faithfully as a Bishop, Temple Worker, Teacher, and more. He lived his life through faith and service.
Gordon had a passion for life. He loved the outdoors and was always dreaming of his next adventure. He traveled to many places, including all throughout the United States, Mexico, Belize, China, British Columbia, England, Scotland, Greece, Israel, Turkey, Italy, Egypt, and more. He lived his life by the motto, “Work hard, play hard.” When it was time to play, Gordon loved to take his children horse-riding, motorcycle riding, boating at the lake, and camping. He took his family on many fun trips, including horse riding and motorcycle trips through the Black Hills, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and British Columbia. In 2016, Gordon took his ENTIRE family to Disney World, a trip that everyone still talks about.
He is predeceased by: his parents, Udine Sabey Duncombe and Lawrence Lowell Duncombe; his sister, Carol Wimmers; and his grandson, Daniel Gordon Duncombe.
He is survived by: his wife, Mary; their ten children and their spouses, Gina (Cameron Kemp), Mitchel (Mary E), Amy (Robert Mercado), Paul (Tessa), Daniel (Stephany), Michael (Shannon), Jonathan (Michelle), Katharine (Matthew Pearson), Thomas (Stacy), Kristina (Brandon Lowe); and 38 grandchildren and their spouses, Miranda, Morgan, Mackenzie, Maggie, Peter, Nora, Cole, William, Edward (Sofia), Alysa (Taylor), Jared, Aryn, Alice, Porter, Emily, Skyler, Cailyn, Sawyer, Jessica, Hailey, Allie, Samantha, Ethan, Isabella, Ava, Odin, Lydia, Blair, Emma, Jane, Sarah, Thomas, David, Ruth, Timothy, Brooks, and Elyse.
Visitation and brunch will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Funeral Services will begin at 1:30 p.m. All services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: 9474 Naber Ave NE, Otsego.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home, 763-497-5362, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Harvey Foss, 83
Harvey Merle Foss, age 83, passed away peacefully February 1, 2020, at his home in Waverly.
He was born June 25, 1936 in Morrill, Minnesota.
Throughout Harvey’s young life, he worked hard at various jobs and was proprietor of several small businesses before he went on to start Midland Nursery around 1960. Harvey took great pride in the family business and loved working closely with his children and grandchildren. He was a talented, persuasive businessman with a passion for sales and an approach to customer service that was all his own.
In both personal and professional settings, Harvey was known for his great sense of humor and love for weaving elaborate tales that some might even refer to as “B.S.” His love for music, singing and telling tales was often expressed through silly made-up songs that often times weren’t actually all that bad!
Harvey will be remembered as a man of great strength and generosity and for his dedication to his friends and family.
He was preceded in death by: parents, Merle and Margaret Foss.
Harvey is survived by: his beloved wife, Bonnie; his children, Greg Foss (Carol), Brad Foss (Sharon), Heather Foss (Tom), Ryan Foss (Rachel), Nick Foss (Angie), and step-daughter Christina (Carey); grandchildren, Nate, Kyle, Thomas, Robert, Chase, Sierra, Parker, Nick, Gracie, Jacob, Lindy, Dylan, Mason, Mikayla and Connor; and siblings, Darlene, Mike “Herbie” (Barb), Midge (Bill), Elaine (Jerry), Merx, Merlin (Pete), Tibby (Ronnie), Doug (Kris), Dale (Denise) and Debbie (Jack); other relatives and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Harvey M. Foss will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly. Father Kenneth O’Hotto will be the Celebrant. A time of gathering will be held on Saturday, February 8 from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass at the Church.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Donald Kienitz, 96
Donald Kienitz, age 96, of Corcoran, passed away peacefully at home on January 25, 2020.
Donald was preceded in death by: parents, Benjamin and Christina; and six siblings. Survived by: wife, Joyce; children, Connie (Frank), Carol (Bob), Coreen (Billie), Robert (Lesa); grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nephew, Ralph (Judy) and many other family members and friends.
Don farmed crops and raised animals all his life. He was a faithful servant of Jehovah God and was baptized in 1942. His hope is to be resurrected and live on this beautiful Earth that our Creator made for us.
Memorial service at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, (6250 County Hwy. 10) Rockford, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2020.
Darwin Kuehn, 79
Darwin E. Kuehn, age 79, of South Haven, formerly of Maple Grove, died Saturday, February 1, 2020 at his home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 6, 2020 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Annandale with Fr. Andrew Stueve as Celebrant. Burial will be held 2:00 p.m. on Thursday at St. Patrick Cemetery, Maple Grove. Visitation was held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. A prayer service was held at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Darwin Edward Kuehn was born December 25, 1940, along with his twin sister, Darlene, in Loretto, to Paul and Clara (Eull) Kuehn. Darwin grew up in Corcoran and attended school in St. Michael, where he graduated with the Class of 1958. Following his graduation, Darwin entered the United States Navy, where he honorably served his country. Upon his discharge, Darwin worked on the family farm and for the railroad.
On September 9, 1967, he was united in marriage to Cathleen T. Ruths at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Corcoran. Darwin worked as a welder for much of his career, working for various companies before his retirement in 2002.
Upon his retirement, Darwin relocated to South Haven. He was active with a number of A.A. groups. In his spare time, Darwin enjoyed gardening, playing the violin, guitar, and harmonica, collecting and admiring antique tractors, and he always enjoyed grabbing a bite to eat and visiting at the local cafes. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing and snowmobiling.
Darwin is survived by: his sons, Rick (Sue) of Champlin, Randy (Shanna) of Albertville, Tony (Sandy) of Rogers, and Mark (Jackie) of St. Michael; eight grandchildren, Allison, Jeremy, Jordyn, Alex, Ashley, Brooke, Cheyenne, and Gretchen; siblings, twin sister, Darlene Lambrecht of Elk River, Judy Bermel of St. Michael, Bonnie Hagen of Loretto, Mary (Sam) Barnes of St. Michael, Jim Kuehn of Elbow Lake, and Terry Kuehn of Buffalo; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Cathleen; parents, Paul and Clara; sister, Lisa Harington; and brothers-in-law, Wallace Lambrecht, Larry Bermel, Dave Harington, and Greg Hagen.
Josh Kuehn, Shane Bermel, Chad Bermel, Travis Bermel, Brian Gronsberg, and Andy Gapinski will serve as pallbearers. St. Ignatius Music Ministry will provide music for the service.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale.
Obituary, Guestbook & Video Tribute online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Donald Mahler, 96
Donald Richard Mahler, life-long resident of Hanover, passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2020. Donald was born on March 24, 1923, in Hanover, to Richard and Marie (Strehler) Mahler.
He grew up and attended Hanover Grade School and graduated from Buffalo High School in 1941. Don attended the Hanover Zion EUB Church (later Hanover Zion United Methodist Church) and was confirmed in the Christian faith in 1937 by Rev. Ezra Budke. Don contributed to church life as a trustee, an usher, and on various committees.
Don had to assume many responsibilities as a 13-year-old when Richard, his father, passed away. He helped his cousin, Harold, on the farm with livestock and crops. After graduating, he had various jobs to help his family. He followed in his father’s footsteps and started a livestock trucking business. This was his career for several decades.
After meeting Lois Sandhoff, who became the love of his life, they married on October 24, 1952 at Parker’s Lake Methodist Church. After the couple married, they built a house and made their home in Hanover. During their marriage, in addition to trucking, Don and Lois purchased a farm where they both actively participated in the operation. After retiring from those occupations, Don enjoyed driving vehicles for an auto auction in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
Don was active in the Hanover community, serving on the city council, as a volunteer firefighter, and as a member of the Lions.
Don and Lois enjoyed traveling, taking many road trips. As a retired couple, they took a respite from the cold by traveling to Texas and Florida several times.
Don enjoyed his cabin on Big Pine Lake, fishing, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends.
Don is survived by: his loving wife of 67 years, Lois Mahler; sister-in-law, Elaine Olson; nieces and nephews, Bryon Gustafson, Claire Saatela, Marion (Steve) Conwell, Craig (Janis) Wokson and Gail Wokson; great-nieces and nephews, Jared, Erin, Aaron, Holly, Logan, David, Daniel, Michelle, Jenna, Diana and additional extended family. Further survived by close family friends, the Kiphuth’s, Karl, Sue, Angela, Brooks, Sophia, Steven (Brianna) Sydney and Macie.
Don was preceded in death by: his parents, Richard and Marie; sisters and brothers in-law, Ruth (Byron) Gustafson and Nadine (Charles) Wokson, and Robert Olson; nephew, Gary Wokson and a great nephew, Douglas Wokson.
Funeral Services for Donald Mahler were held on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 12 Noon at the Buffalo United Methodist Church in Buffalo. Pastor Bill Reinhart officiated. Interment followed at The Hanover United Methodist Cemetery. A visitation was held on Saturday, February 1 one hour prior to services at the church.
Honorary Casket Bearer was Brooks McNelis.
Casket Bearers were Bryon Gustafson, Steve Kiphuth, Loren Mahler, William Mahler, Craig Wokson and Daniel Wokson.
The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Everrett McKown, 91
Everrett Jean “Tim” McKown, 91, of Hamel, went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 1, 2020.
He was born July 12, 1928, in Springfield, Illinois to Ira and Virginia (Newport) McKown. He was the eldest of four children. The family moved several times during his childhood, including one move to a rural part of Illinois, where it was hoped he could recover from severe earaches. The family moved to Minnesota in 1939 to begin farming with a relative; finally moving to their family farm west of Highway 90 in Independence.
Tim attended school at the Armstrong school, Maple Plain, and Mound High School, where he graduated in 1946. After graduation, he worked as a plasterer for Eldon Anderson. From 1952 to 1954, he served during the Korean War Conflict. After missing deployment with his original troop due to a severe bout with poison ivy, he served with the military police from 1952 to 1954 in Berlin, Germany where talks concerning World War II occurred. He always said the experience in the Army offered him a new worldview and lessons that matured him.
Upon returning home, Tim continued to work as a plasterer for several employers, including Bob Jacobson. Later, he started his own company, McKown Brothers Drywall with his brother Dave. The two worked in residential and commercial construction, built the Maple Plain Apartments, and grew soybeans at their family farm. They employed their sons, nephews, and others in their businesses cleaning the apartments, picking rocks from the field, sanding, and plastering.
As a young person, Tim attended Maple Plain Community Church where he met Ruth Hedin, and they became friends through the youth group. The two were married at MPCC on August 28, 1954 and went on a honeymoon to Mexico. They lived for a while in a home in Maple Plain before purchasing land in Hamel, where Tim lived until shortly before his death. Tim and Ruth celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary at their home this past August. The two had three children, Keith born in 1957, Kraig in 1961, and Kari in 1964.
Tim had many hobbies throughout his life: flying airplanes with Barney Hamilton, backpacking in the Canadian Rockies with his wife and children, riding pedal bicycles (including around Lake Superior with his two sons, and many trips in Minnesota and Michigan with his wife), fixing stuff, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, gardening, working on the computer, model airplane building, attending to church business as Church Chairman, member of the Trustees and Mission committees, babysitting his cherished grandchildren and attending their many events. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion.
He was preceded in death by: his son, Keith in 1981; his parents; his sister, Patricia Meyer in 2013; his son, Kraig in 2020; brothers-in-law; and many friends. He is survived by his wife, Ruth (Hedin) McKown; daughter, Kari (Brian) Borgman; daughter-in-law, Sandy McKown; grandchildren, Cody McKown, Callie (Kirk) Kenneally, Kira Borgman, Maija Borgman, Anders Borgman, and Risto Borgman; his sister, Nancy Nelson; his brother, Dave (Pris) McKown; his beloved nieces and nephews and their spouses who were always so kind and supportive; and many friends who lifted his spirits.
Everrett was a solid Christian man, a loyal husband, loving and kind to his friends and family, committed to his work life, and a perfectionist in his many hobbies.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 5, with a visitation one hour prior at Maple Plain Community Church, 1815 Budd Avenue North. Interment will follow at Lewis Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Missions Committee of Maple Plain Community Church.
Arrangements by David Lee Funeral Home.
William Piram, 66
William “Bill” Piram, age 66, of Annandale died Sunday, February 2, 2020 at the St. Cloud Hospital.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 8, 2020 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Annandale with Fr. Andrew Stueve as Celebrant. Burial will follow at North Corinna Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday.
William John Piram was born February 6, 1953 in Buffalo, to John and Marjorie (Lemieux) Piram. Bill grew up on the family farm outside of Buffalo. He graduated from Buffalo High School with the Class of 1971. Bill furthered his education at St. Cloud State University where he double majored in Physical Education and History. During his time at SCSU, Bill also played football for the Huskies.
On July 20, 1974, Bill was united in marriage to Cynthia K. Helwig at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Since 1978, Bill and Cindy made their home in Clearwater Township, where they raised their four children. Bill was employed by the St. Cloud Menard’s for the past 45 years. Bill was a handyman and liked to use his carpentry skills to build anything from his home to playgrounds and decks.
He liked to cheer on his children at their sporting events, to follow Minnesota sports teams, read books and watch sci-fi movies. Filled with knowledge, Bill was often his own Trivial Pursuit team. Of everything that brought Bill joy, being a grandpa to his six grandchildren was at the top of the list.
Bill is survived by: his wife of 45 years, Cindy of Annandale; children, Jacob (Shannon) of Annandale, Rachelle of Annandale, Stefanie (Tim) Haugen of Ortonville, and Matthew of Crestview, FL; six adoring grandchildren, Joshua, Danica, Aubrey, Ethan, Ella, and Victoria; sisters, Pam Stuhr and Carla Huro both of Maple Lake; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, friends, and colleagues. He was preceded in death by: his parents, John Piram and Marjorie Ottenstroer; baby sister, Cathy; and brothers-in-law, Curt Stuhr and Mike Huro.
Bill’s children will serve as urn bearers.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale.
Obituary, Guestbook & Video Tribute online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Robert Sanderson, 85
Robert “Sandy” Sanderson, age 85, of Buffalo, passed away on February 3, 2020.
Visitation for Sandy will be held Friday, February 7, from 3-7 p.m., at the Buffalo United Methodist Church of Buffalo. Memorial service will be Saturday, February 8 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at Buffalo United Methodist Church of Buffalo.
(Full notice to appear next week.)
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo.
