Obituaries 4/14/22
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 is 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 Saturday, 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.
Richard Estes, 62
Richard Joel Estes, aka Joel, 62, passed away March 25, 2022, in Waverly, MN. He was born and lived childhood years in Saranac Lake, New York, in the Adirondack Mountains, a place he always called home regardless of his mailing address. In grade school, Joel’s family moved to North Dakota where he grew up in the Red River Valley, his second home.
Joel was a sci-fi nerd, a lover of Star Wars, Star Trek, and the odd, quirky characters like Gizmo (the good Gremlin). He was quick with a gratitude, a bear hug and an “I love you.” His love of music ran from hard rock to jazz to country to blues. He and YouTube were on very personal terms, and he often sent music videos to friends, along with gifs and meme that he thought were funny. He had a wicked sense of humor, erring on the naughty side.
He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, where he worked with heavy equipment. After sustaining an injury, he was discharged, but he took on his next adventure, owning a gas station in Texas. He missed the Red River Valley and returned to enter an associates’ program for graphic arts/printing at a time when we actually printed stuff. He worked for The Daily News in Wahpeton, ND, for a number of years shooting photography, among a number of other roles. He made lifelong friends working at the paper.
Later, Joel enrolled in college again for broadcast television production. He never finished college, but he was damn close. Instead, he opted to apply his creativity to building things. He became a general contractor, getting his boiler license, managing and renovating older Brownstone apartments in south Minneapolis. And, for some time, Joel lived in one of these small old apartments with a large husky named Thor.
Joel’s had an extensive tool collection that would put ACE Hardware to shame; some power gadgets had no obvious function, but surely, they were critically essential for some handyman tasks. Building and creating brought him joy.
He had a strange fondness for Holiday stores, that gas station/grocery combo and an even stranger fondness for their prepared food. He preferred real maple syrup from Vermont. He hated gift opening at Christmas with everyone watching him. His favorite gift was a gray tee-shirt. He only liked Lee Rider jeans, not those swanky Gap ones. He liked off beat, crude and socially inappropriate jokes and loved to giggle. If he’d had his way, his car would have ginormous speakers with surround sound that could make a nearby car quake. As it was, he had ginormous speakers in the four corners of his living room. He had a kindness that’s rare and a stubbornness that could be annoying.
Joel had a plan for a summer road trip to Saranac Lake, NY, with his kids. He had countless childhood memories of cousins, grandparents, uncles and aunts, Lake Flower, the July 4th Parade, Mount Baker, his cousins’ frozen ice cream stand, the Mountain Mist, the family cabin on the lower lake, his uncle’s marina, his great grandmother’s motel and his grandfather’s and uncle’s funeral home, where no doubt Joel got into mischief. (His grandfather made him paint the exterior as a lesson learned.) While many of his childhood landmarks changed through the years, Joel wanted to pass this legacy onto his children. His two eldest children made the journey to Saranac Lake, NY, with his ashes; Joel is finally home. A memorial service will be held in Saranac Lake in summer 2022.
Richard Joel Estes is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Eugene and Mildred Keough (Saranac Lake, NY). He is survived by his mother, Patricia Keough Wilson and stepfather, Ken Wilson (Florida); Richard Estes (his father); his brother, John (North Dakota); sisters, Jo-Anne (Bryan) Ebensteiner (California) and Jeanne-Marie Garay (Minnesota); and his beloved children, Eden Estes (23), Elijah Estes (21), Ezra Estes and Eva Estes; as well as his nieces, Tracy, Amelia, Josie and Raye; his nephew, Jack; his maternal Keough family, uncle, aunt and cousins of Saranac Lake, NY; former spouses Dr. Lynn Estes, Melanie Estes-Proulx; and his many, many friends from places everywhere.
Louise Hennen, 87
Louise Frances Hennen, age 87, died on February 20, 2022, peacefully at home with family present.
On Nov. 23, 1934, at University Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, Louise Frances Seifert was born to Alexander Seifert and Bernice Josephine Donahue Seifert. She was baptized by Rev. H.C. Nitz on January 6, 1935, at Cross Lutheran Church, Rockford, MN. Her sponsors were Gustave and Iva Seifert.
In 1941, her family bought a dairy farm, and they moved to Greenwood Township, Hennepin County where she was raised with six other siblings. She loved animals, especially cats, and growing up with gardens and spending time outside with nature in the country. She attended the Greenwood District 74 public one-room school grades 1-6, and Salem Lutheran Parochial school grades 7-8. Louise was confirmed on March 21, 1948, by Pastor William Haar Jr.
She attended Buffalo High School grades 9-12 and graduated in 1952. Her yearbook said, “smiling comes easy to Louise, she always had fun dancing and roller skating. Her school activities included: F.H.A., the yearbook Tatanka, band, the school newspaper Bison, and chorus.” The business education classes, which she attended, helped her to become an efficient and well-paid stenographer.
Immediately after graduating from HS, she moved to the cities and was employed at Quaker Oats Company offices. On Sept. 3, 1955, she married Donald Gene Hennen at Salem Lutheran Church. For her wedding, her dad cured hams for the banquet at the church and had a special dance floor built on the family yard. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Lisa, Suzette, and William. They divorced in 1970. Louise worked two jobs and went to night school, while raising children. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from Metropolitan State University, April 1974. Louise proceeded to become a Certified Rehabilitation Consultant. She was employed by the State of Minnesota. Later, she became self-employed and got the majority of her referrals from law firms who represented injured workers.
Louise was more concerned about helping the injured worker than she was about getting referrals from insurance companies. She had a genuine concern and passion for seeing to it that injured workers got a fair shake in the Minnesota workers compensation system. Throughout her career, Louise had a positive impact on the lives of the people she knew. Lawyers felt privileged to have known and worked with Louise. She was a well-established CRC with an excellent reputation.
In 1999, she moved to Ft. Myers, Florida to care for her daughter, Lisa Gilbertson with cancer. Lisa died on March 23, 2001. Louise moved to Mt. Dora, Fl. and later to Eustis, Fl. near son, Bill, and worked for the State of Florida. She worked until age 80. The thing Louise loved most in her life was her family. Her other loves were for gardening, sewing, Neil Diamond, and her dog, Neilie. She was a very devoted daughter, sister, mother, aunt and friend.
She is survived by her beloved daughter, Sue (Dave) Bauman, of Inver Groves Heights, MN; and son, Bill Hennen (Kris Bosard), of Eustis, Fl, Tammy Hennen; son-in-law, Scott Gilbertson; six grandchildren, Jay Gilbertson, Adam (Maria) Bauman, Sarah (Reid) Peloquins and Jacob Bauman, Matthew (Kaice) Hennen and Kirsten (Chris )Lucas; nine dearly-loved great-grandchildren, Amber, Aiden, and April Gilbertson, Gabrial and Lilliana Bauman, Fiona Peloquins, Aiden and Wyatt Hennen, Grayson Lucas; brother, Ken (Marilyn) Seifert; and her loving sister, Carolyn Levin; brother-in-law, Ted Van Decar; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa; parents, Alex and Bernice; sisters, Phyllis Quittem, Sylvia Pettit-Fox, Eileen Van Decar, and infant, Barbara Jean Seifert; brothers-in-law, Melvin Quittem, James Pettit, Fred Fox, and Sheldon Levin; and nephews, Brad Seifert, Justin Quittem, and Eddie Pettit.
In April 2021, Louise in failing health moved back to MN residing with Sue and then living at Lexington Pointe, Eagan. There will be a celebration of life for Louise at a later date.
Derek Jost, 37
Derek Werner Jost, age 37, of Denver, CO, passed away peacefully at his home on March 13, 2022.
He was born on July 26, 1984, in Buffalo, MN to Troy and Barbara (Voss) Jost. He graduated from Buffalo High School with the class of 2002 and attended post-secondary education in MN and CO. Derek made his career in construction and restoration where he held a vast number of certifications becoming a subject matter expert in the fields. He worked as a Casualty Loss Specialist and Estimator, a Project Manager, a Director of Marketing, a V.P. of Business Development, and, most recently, the Manager of Maintenance Operations and Training at the Denver Housing Authority.
Derek loved the outdoors, his family and friends, and would help in any way he could. His spirits were highest when he was on the water, snowboarding, hiking, biking, traveling, or sharing time with friends and family. Derek had dear relationships and always had a way to make you smile. He will be forever loved and fondly remembered.
Derek was preceded in death by his father, Troy Jost; his paternal grandfather, Jon Jost; and his maternal grandparents, Werner and Hazel Voss.
He is survived by his mother, Barbara Glunz; stepfather, Robert Glunz; brothers, Travis (Ingrid) Jost, Travis (Elizabeth) Glunz, Justin (Amanda) Glunz, Hunter (Carrie) Glunz; paternal grandmother, Beverly Derrick; and many beloved relatives and friends.
A visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN. Inurnment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery and a luncheon will be held at Deer Lake Orchard immediately following the burial.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN, assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Jeff Lind, 55
Jeff Donovan Lind, age 55, of Buffalo, passed away due to complications of a blood clot on January 2, 2022.
Jeff was born the middle son of Don and Joan (Luttring) Lind on June 4, 1966, in Monticello, MN.
Jeff graduated from Buffalo Senior High School in 1984 and then from St. Cloud State University. Shortly after graduating, he followed his passion for fitness and became certified as a personal trainer spending a few years in AZ working in that field. Upon returning to MN, Jeff trained and competed in Mr. Natural Minnesota, with dedicated discipline. He later joined his father’s business, Don Lind Construction, and started his own business, Junk 180. Jeff was a quality craftsman and took great pride in his work. He excelled at restoring items that others may not have seen the potential in. A part of him will live on in all of his work and in the treasures he created and shared.
Jeff was a sports fan and enjoyed fishing throughout his life. He appreciated the MN fishing seasons, especially ice fishing when he had more time to soak it all in.
Jeff was united in marriage to Bobbi Cohen, and to this union, he was blessed with the birth of his son, Cole. He was a loving, proud, hands-on father. Jeff’s kind heart will be missed. Cole expressed that his dad was overall a great person as a father, son, and friend for his entire life.
He is survived by his son, Cole; parents, Don and Joan Lind; brothers, Dan (Rhonda) Lind and Todd (Aimee) Lind; niece and nephews, Alyssa, Dain and Evan; also many other relatives, friends and neighbors.
Preceded in death by his grandparents, Waldemar and Jennie Lind, and Stanley and Alice Luttring; stillborn sister, Dana; nephew, Donnie Lind.
A Celebration of Jeff’s Life will be held Friday, April 22, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service all at Buffalo Evangelical Covenant Church in Buffalo, MN. Reception to follow the service at church. Private family interment at a later date.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Vernon Ostlund, 89
Vernon John Ostlund was born on July 25, 1932, to Francis and Ruth Ostlund in Tioga, ND. At age six, Vernon asked the Lord into his heart in a small Baptist Church. He remained STEADFAST and FAITHFUL to his Lord for the next 83 years, leading by example and leaving a GODLY legacy for his family.
He was HONEST and COMMITTED throughout his life in each endeavor he entered, whether it was playing basketball in high school, or potato farming, baking donuts at the bakery, delivering gas for Mobile Oil Company, owning and operating a plumbing company, the rigorous duties of maintenance at Camp Shamineau, caretaking at Woodmere Apts., or being a CONTENTED retiree. The FUN-LOVING side of Vern was seen in his love of fishing and maneuvering a golf cart full of grandkids around the five-acre yard.
Vern was a DEDICATED husband to the love of his life, Helen, for 65 years. He was a LOVING father to daughters, Shelrae (Marti), Sheryl (Gary), Shiann (Brent) and son, Jeremy (Sarah). ADORED by his grandchildren, Amber, Arianne (Matt), Jordan (Destiny), Katelyn (Cody), Aliya, Averie, Chantelle, Miranda, Liam, Tayea, and Tylo. He was BLESSED to have known his great-grandchildren, Josiah, Malachi, Isabella, Isaiah, Abigail, Ezra, Harper, Kamryn, Addilyn and Cooper.
Friends called him HONORABLE and COMPASSIONATE. He was a man of few words but when he spoke, they were words of wisdom.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; granddaughter, Vienna; parents, Francis and Ruth; sisters, Ruthie, Genevieve, Eunice; brothers, Francis, Franklyn and Sanford; other extended family members.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
William Praught Jr., 62
Funeral Mass will be at 4 PM on April 20th at St. Albert’s Church Albertville, MN for William James Praught Jr. (Billy), who died suddenly on February 10, 2022. Fr. Kevin Anderson will officiate. Burial in St. Albert’s Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass at the church.
Billy was born May 15, 1959 at St. Barnbas Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, to William James Praught Sr. and Beatrice (Walesch) Praught; he was the 12th child of a family of 13.
He is survived by his 97 year old mother, Beatrice Praught; his sons, Jacob Triden Praught (Jake) and William James Praught III (Jimmy); ex-wife, Chrissy Patton; siblings, Peg (Brian) Van Beusekom, Victor (Lavonne) Praught, Cathy Kasper (Vern Chouinard), Sue Mizell Bower (Joe Bower), Mike (Donna) Praught, Barb (Phil) Pink, Deb (Bill) Brager, James Praught, Steve (Michelle) Praught, Chris (Jane) Praught, Alan (Heidi) Praught; and many nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his father, William James Praught Sr.; brother, Richard Praught; and several aunts and uncles.
Memorial contributions will be used for his sons’ education.
Theresa Ronayne, 88
Theresa Mae Ronayne passed peacefully in her home on April 5, 2022, at the age of 88.
Theresa was born on October 10, 1933, to Joseph Theodore and Anna Mary Tomasko (Bourbeau), the 12th of 13th children, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
She was united in marriage on April 28, 1956, to Gerald Joseph Ronayne. They were blessed with two children, Michael and Colleen.
Those who knew her would say she was the most thoughtful, selfless, and devout woman. She lived to care for others without any thought of reward. She was adored by her family.
Theresa was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Gertrude, Joseph, Gabriel, Rose, Jerome, Theodore, Thomas, Mary Ann, Betty, Sylvia, Clarence, and John; and by her husband, Gerald.
She is survived by her children, Michael (Mary), Colleen (David); her grandchildren, Jason (Desiree), Joe (Katelyn), Jackie (Brian), Kathleen (Paul), Eamon (Chanel), and Theresa (Jeramey); and by her great-grandchildren, Pearl, Katherine, Evelyn, Maxwell, Bennett, Dylan and Aaron.
Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Catholic Church was in Waverly on Saturday April 9, at 10:30 a.m., with visitation at 9 a.m. Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home, www.swansonpeterson.com, 320-543-3401.
Kevin Staskivige Sr., 71
Kevin Jeffrey Staskivige Sr., age 71, of rural Buffalo, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 3, 2022, after a long battle with MS.
He was born on July 15, 1950, in Grafton, North Dakota, the son of John F. and DeVonna J. (Tverberg) Staskivige.
Kevin was employed for many years as a rigger/truck driver hauling large machinery.
Kevin is survived by a son, Kevin (Maddie) Staskivige Jr.; siblings, Loyal (Nola) Staskivige, Melody Ann Staskivige and Walter Staskivige; sister in-law, Linda Staskivige.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Clayton.
Per Kevin Staskivige Sr., no services will be held.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Elma Stemper, 95
Elma Maxine Stemper, age 95, of Buffalo, passed away Thursday, April 7, 2022. She was born September 19, 1926, in Chelsea, SD, to Lawrence and Mamie (Foner) McCollom.
Elma Maxine Stemper was baptized on May 3, 1950, at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Minneapolis by Father George G. Garrelts. Her sponsor was Gladys Brusseau.
Maxine graduated from Cresbard High School in Cresbard, SD.
On May 20, 1950, Elma Maxine McCollom and James B. Stemper were united in Holy Matrimony at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Minneapolis. The two were blessed with two children, Gregory and Linda.
Maxine was a faithful member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. She was also a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
She enjoyed golfing, gardening, reading, traveling, and doing activities with her friends from Park Terrace. Maxine greatly enjoyed spending time with her family.
Maxine was a caring individual who was always happy and had a smile on her face that was contagious to those around her. She will be dearly missed.
She was preceded in death by husband, Jim Stemper; son, Greg Stemper; daughter, Linda Stemper; brothers, Herb McCollom, Ed McCollom; and sisters, Mae Connor, Lucille Fox, Florence Miller.
Maxine is survived by her grandson, Eric (Sara) Stemper; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Stemper; great-grandsons, Greg and Grady; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at 11:00 A.M., with visitation one hour prior, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo with Father Nathaniel Meyers as Celebrant. Burial followed at St. Francis Cemetery.
Serving the family was The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Joan Schmitz
Joan Celia (Leopold) Schmitz, age 78, of Monticello, MN, passed away December 3, 2020. A Celebration of Life – Open House will be held for Joan on Sunday, May 15, 2022, from 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. at the Bison Creek Event Center (Huikkos) in Buffalo, MN. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Online condolences may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
