Obituaries 4/2/20

Cecile Fessenden, 97

Cecile M. Fessenden, age 97, of Monticello, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 26, 2020.

Cecile was preceded in death by: her husband, Jared; sons, Larry Fessenden and Harry Fessenden; daughter, Connie Goetz (Dwayne); son-in-law, Roger Szarke; and granddaughter-in-law, Bonnie Fessenden.

She is survived by her children, Mary Ann Szarke, Carol Klatt (Roger) and Sherie Melchert (Steven Berry); daughter-in-law, Vicki Fessenden; 17 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren. 

The family will have a private interment ceremony and will announce a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.

Peterson-Grimsmo Chapel, 763-295-2918, www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com.

Lois Mahler, 88

Lois Mae (Sandhoff) Mahler, 88, of Hanover, Minnesota was born on July 7, 1931, in Wayzata, Minnesota, to Ted and Ruth (Hanson) Sandhoff, and passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at The Legacy in St. Michael, Minnesota.

Lois grew up with her parents and her sister, Elaine, on a farm in Plymouth Township, Minnesota and graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1949.

She met the love of her life, Donald Mahler, and they were married at Parker’s Lake Methodist Church on October 24, 1952. This love story continued for 67 years. They built a home in Hanover and loved their community.

Lois worked at Boise Cascade paper company for many years as a receptionist. She traded her heels for boots when she and Don bought a farm near Hanover, and they worked side by side farming for many years.

Lois was involved in her church, Hanover United Methodist, after she was married until it’s closing and was currently a member of the Buffalo United Methodist Church. The community of Hanover was lucky to have her serve as an election judge for over 30 years. She was a member of the Red Hats Club, the “Lois Club” and the Sr. Citizens Club.

She was a very accomplished knitter and loved to sew. She knit Barbie doll clothes, slippers, mittens, scarves and blankets and donated many items to the food shelf and her family and friends through the years. Her talents didn’t stop there; she was also a fantastic cook. Lois had a cookbook collection like no other. She read her cookbooks from cover to cover. She was always cutting recipes out of the paper or magazines to try. Her baked beans, potato salad and almond bars were her family favorites.

In 1968, Lois and Don bought a cabin on Big Pine Lake where they entertained family and friends for over 40 years. She loved fishing, summer and winter. Some of her favorite hobbies were playing cards, working on puzzles, gardening, traveling, enjoying old-time country music and playing Bingo. Her great laugh and many extra special events and thoughtful gifts will never be forgotten by her nieces and nephews, who loved her dearly.

Lois is survived by: her sister, Elaine Olson; her 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, Danny, Michelle, Jenna and Diana and her cousins. Further survived by close family friends and neighbors, the Kiphuths, Karl, Sue, Angela, Brooks, Sophia, Steven (Brianna), Sydney and Macie.

Lois was preceded in death by: her husband, Donald in January; parents, Ted and Ruth (Hanson) Sandhoff; brother-in-law, Robert Olson; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Byron and Ruth Gustafson, Charles and Nadine Wokson; nephew, Gary Wokson; great-nephew, Douglas Wokson, and great-great-niece, Bailey Kiefer.

No funeral will be held at this time, possible memorial service at a later date, burial will be private. She will be laid to rest in the Hanover United Methodist Church Cemetery. Rest in Peace.

The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home is serving the family.   Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Vicki Raedeke, 68

Vicki Linn Raedeke, age 68, of Buffalo, MN, passed into glory on March 24, 2020. She was born on May 15, 1951 in Willmar, MN to Harold and Elinor (Setrum) Fischer.

Vicki graduated from Willmar High School, and then furthered her education at Ridgewater College. There she received her nursing degree and worked as a nurse for 40 years, with 34 years as a psychiatric nurse at Willmar Regional Treatment Center.

On November 27, 1993, she was joined in marriage to her best friend, John Raedeke, at Assembly of God in Willmar, MN.

Vicki was known for her happy demeanor and infectious smile. Her outgoing and fun personality easily made her many special friendships throughout her life. She was a social butterfly and always would take the time to make other people feel loved and cared for. She also cared deeply for animals of all kinds; she had dogs, horses, goats, and other animals. She volunteered her time helping with various organizations like Meals on Wheels and caring for the children at Buffalo Covenant Church with their activities. Her involvement and dedication to the church showed her love for the Lord.

Vicki was preceded in death by: her parents, Harold and Elinor Fischer; and brother, Terry Fischer.

She is survived by her husband, John Raedeke, of Buffalo, MN; children, Rodney (Susan) Danielson, of Exeter, NH, Jonathan Germundson, of Big Lake, MN, Jenny (Paul) Mager, of St. Michael, MN, Alyson (Dan) Keenan, of New London, MN, John (Kathy Schmuck) Raedeke Jr., of Stacy, MN, and Alisha Ruud, of Minneapolis, MN; and eight grandchildren.

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

Vera Sjolin, 84

Vera Mae (Meagher) Sjolin, age 84, formally of Rockford, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2020. She was born on May 5, 1935 in Scotch Cap Township, Perkins, South Dakota to Albert and Vera (Erickson) Meagher.

The Family moved to Minnesota where she grew up.  Mae was joined in marriage to Robley (Bud) Emil Sjolin on June 20, 1953. They were blessed with four children.

Mae was a hard worker and worked several jobs to help support her family. She enjoyed being with her family and friends and helping in any way she could and creating special memories with them. She was a member of the Rockford Garden Club, Rockford Kitchen Band, Rockford Birthday Club, Rockford Snowmobile Club and other community organizations.

Vera is survived by: three children, one son-in-law and one daughter-in-law, Dennis Yonak, Karen Wronski, Patrick Sjolin and Edvin (Val) Sjolin; grandchildren, Michelle Wronski, Heather (Kelly) Tody, Bryan (Alexis) Yonak, Nathan Sjolin, Nicholas (Missy) Sjolin, Jennifer (Joe) Penney; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Shelby, Trey Tody, Latyana Schomer, Colt and Estella Sjolin, Kai, Quinn, Liam, Sawyer Penney; brothers and sisters-in-laws, Jim (Sandy) Meagher, Gordy (Cathy) Meagher and Larry (Pat) Meagher; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, Bud Sjolin; daughter, Nancy Yonak; father and mother, Albert and Vera Meagher; sister, Alice Sjolin; and brothers, Albert and LeRoy Hough.

A special thank you to The Glenn Assisted Living staff, Buffalo Hospital and Doctors and Fairview Hospice for the loving and wonderful care they had provided to Mae.

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a future date.

Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, 763-682-1363.