Obituaries 5/7/20

Colleen DeMarais, 89

Colleen A. DeMarais, age 89, of Delano passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020. She was born October 20, 1930 to Chester and Gertrude (Luffey) Gardner in Franklin Township, Minnesota.

Colleen was united in marriage to Howard Joseph DeMarais, “Bud,” on March 8, 1947 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Delano, Minnesota and to this union six children were blessed. Colleen and Bud operated the Rainbow Inn for many years. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard “Bud”; daughter, LuAnn Anderson; as well as her parents, Chester and Gertrude Gardner. Colleen is survived by her children: Cherie (Everet) VanErp, Linda (Arny) Hausladen, Nettie (Jeff) Adickes, Cathy (Stuart) Marquette; Jon DeMarais; many grandchildren,  great-grandchildrenand one great-great-grandchild; son-in-law, Dan Anderson.

As per Colleen’s request, there will be no services. Interment was in the Calvary Cemetery in Delano, Minnesota.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.

 


Jean Diemert, 85

Jean Louise (Stewart) Diemert, age 85, of Rockford, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at North Memorial Hospital. 

Jean was born in Kansas City, MO on April 4, 1935, the daughter of Emerson and Ruby (Gill) Stewart.

She was formally employed with Upsher-Smith Labs as a mail clerk for many years.

Jean enjoyed gardening, spending time outdoors with her dog, Dixie Bell, and visiting with her neighbors.

Jean is survived by her sons, Pat Diemert and Joel (Sheila) Diemert; daughter, Lynnell (Mark) Lang; grandchildren Jeremy (Samantha) Diemert, Jessica (C.J.) Benson, Skylar Diemert, Nick Diemert, Samantha Lang and Ciera (Bobby) Phothirath; also many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marland M. Diemert – Air Force Veteran; parents, Emerson and Ruby Stewart; sons, Chris and Randy Diemert.

A Celebration of Life for Jean will be held at a later date.

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

 


Jan Donnelly, 65

Jan Carol was born on November 7, 1954, in Minneapolis and was blessed to be adopted as an infant by her loving parents, Kermit and Bernice (Wilkins) Holmquist. She grew up in Buffalo where she graduated from Buffalo High School in 1973.

She furthered her education at Northwestern Bible College in Roseville before attending cosmetology school.  Following her education, she worked as a hairdresser at Dayton’s in Southdale for many years.

Jan was united in marriage to Gregg Donnelly on January 15, 1983, at the Buffalo Covenant Church.  Following their marriage, she became a pastor’s wife and served alongside her husband in Fairmont, where she also worked as a hairdresser.  They moved to Fridley in 1987, Delano in 1998, and were at Maple Plain Community Church from January of 2000 until moving to Alexandria in 2019.

Jan loved decorating and attended Dunwoody Institute to pursue a Degree in Interior Design. She enjoyed baking, cooking, working, and being near water especially swimming and kayaking.  Jan was always actively involved in many activities in the churches they served.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Terry Holmquist and David Holmquist.

Jan is survived by her husband of 37 years, Gregg; two sons, David (Danica) Donnelly, of Colorado Springs, Colorado and John (Kate) Donnelly, of Minneapolis; daughter, Natalie (Peter) Gess, of Maplewood; sister, Robin Martie, of Arizona; five grandchildren, Oliver, Amelia, Skyler, Eliana and Owen; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials in Jan’s name are preferred to Glenwood State Bank, 2221 S. Broadway St., Alexandria, Minnesota 56308.

Arrangements provided by Lind Family Funeral & Cremation Services, lindfamilyfh.com.

 


 

Benjamin Everett, 28

Benjamin Francis Everett went home to be with the Lord on April 25, 2020. He was 28 years old and resided in Maple Grove, MN.

Ben is survived by his son, Emery Justice Everett; Emery’s mother, Magdali Franco Perez, of Buffalo, MN; his parents, Bill and Tammy Everett, of Annandale, MN; and three brothers, Will, of Fort Collins, CO; Sam, of Sandpoint, ID; and Zech, of Annandale; and one grandparent, Elaine Compart, of New Ulm, MN; together with aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ben is preceded in death by his grandparents, Roger Compart, Mary Lou Ryan, Richard Ryan, and Richard and Janice Everett.

Ben attended school in Howard Lake and Annandale. He was involved in sports, fell in love with music, and went on to record many songs. He filled our garage with his friends and their instruments, and our ears with their joyful noise. Ben was a big, tall man, and his heart filled the entirety of his chest. He came to this earth to give and receive love and to lift the rest of us up. He could effortlessly find the right words to bring joy and laughter to life’s tough circumstances. From an early age, Ben could see when others needed a kind word, a smile, or a hug, and he gave them freely. He treasured his brothers and parents, and they treasured him back. Ben’s friends have said he was a light to the world. He was.

The purpose of Ben’s earthly life was made evident to him in July 2015 with the birth of his son, Emery. Ben’s highest ambition was for his son to never doubt for a second that he was loved immeasurably. Ben took great joy in spending time with Emery, taking Emery on tractor rides, tossing him in the air, holding him, and making him “pizza eggs” and pancakes for breakfast.

Ben loved the Lord above all else. He was active in his recovery church in Crystal. Those of us he leaves behind give thanks to God for the gift of his life and the joy he brought to us. We are devastated by this loss. But we take comfort in the sure and certain hope that we will one day be reunited with him. A private family service was held on May 4, officiated by Pastor Max Frazier of Buffalo Covenant Church. Consideration of a larger service is pending our current pandemic situation.

The family asks that any memorials be sent to the Peterson Funeral Chapel in Buffalo, MN, for the benefit of Emery Everett.

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


Laura Jans, 37

On Thursday, April 23, 2020, Laura Renae (Peterson) Jans went to her Heavenly home after a long, hard battle with cancer.

She left behind her husband, Josh Jans and three precious children: Gwendolyn (5), Josephine (4) and William (2). Laura is further survived by her father, Paul (Flora) Peterson; mother, Wendy Peterson; parents-in-law, Brian and Kim Jans; siblings-in-law, Joey and Terri Peterson, Polly and Sean Edgett, Carrie and Ted Huebner, Miranda and Tony Krueger, Luke and Dani Jans, Zach Jans, Marissa Jans; step-sister, Gabby Peterson; grandmother-in-law, Ruth Jans; grandparents-in-law, Dennis and Sue Haven; also many, many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

On January 11, 2013, Laura Peterson and Josh Jans were united in marriage.

To say she was a beautiful person is an understatement.

She was thoughtful, kind, caring, creative, funny, could quote movies like nobody’s business, loved drinking Mt. Dew and eating cashews.  She loved digging through old junk at thrift stores, was patient and gentle with her kids and was always doing some sort of fun activity with them. 

She could strike up a conversation with pretty much anyone, went to visits the residents at her work at Park View Care Center, even on her off days, and was an eternal optimist, always trying to believe the best of everyone and hope for the best for everyone.

She loved gardening, going on walks and to the beach with her kids, as well as painting and puttering around outside doing any number of her “crafty” projects.

She was preceded in death by her oldest brother, David Peterson, and her niece, Gracie Huebner.

To know Laura, was to truly love her...her mother-in-law summed it up perfectly:

“Laura is irreplaceable and unforgettable!”

A private family burial has been held at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Buffalo. A public celebration of life and benefit for Laura will be held at a later date.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


Scott Lilja, 58

Scott David Lilja, age 58, of Knoxville, Maryland and formerly of Buffalo, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020 at The John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

A complete obituary will be forthcoming.

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

 


Nelson Schmidt, 42

Nelson Schmidt, 42, of St. Michael, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at his residence.

He was born on April 17, 1977 in Waconia, MN, the son of Randal and Cheryl Schmidt. He married Robin Lund of Delano, MN on September 5, 1997.

Surviving Nelson are: his wife, Robin; and their seven children, three sons, Mason, Nelson Jr. and Harrison, and four daughters, Sophia, Belle, Audrey, and Abigail, all at home; his parents, Randal and Cheryl Schmidt, of Rockford, MN; his sister, Susanah Schmidt, of Rockford, MN; his brother, Philip (Kristin) Schmidt, of Peoria, IL; his grandmother, Patricia Amidon, of Centennial, CO; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Nelson graduated from Rockford High School in 1995 and received his electrician’s diploma from Minneapolis Community and Technical College. He later obtained his journeyman’s license and then became a master electrician.

Growing up, Nelson loved duck hunting. He would always find time to go to the marsh or river just to watch ducks. It was one of his passions. He loved having a big family and had a sensitive and compassionate heart. Nelson was known for his uniquely-timed humor and funny insights. There are many memories of Nelson that bring great smiles and laughter. He attended Legacy Baptist Church with his family in Buffalo, MN. 

The family rejoices and believes according to the scriptures that at this present time, by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and not by works, that Nelson is alive with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and will be for all eternity.  

Due to COVID-19, Nelson’s memorial service will be held at a future date.

 


Roland Schumacher, 90

Schumacher, Roland, age 90, of Maple Lake, formerly of Buffalo, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 20, 2020. Rollie was married to Janet for 57 years. Preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Schumacher and Mildred Newman; sister Geraldine Schumacher; and brother Wayne Schumacher. Survived by his wife, Janet Schumacher; sister, Midge (Jerome) Niesen, Janice Stevens; children,  Marvin (Britta) Schumacher, Tammy (Jerry) Zumbusch; grandchildren, Dan Zumbusch, Laure Zumbusch, Krissy (Josh) Forness, Paige (Tyler) Bruns, and Carmen (Adam) Ziegler. Celebration of life to come at a later date.

 


Merline Swanson, 82

Merlin Edward Swanson, age 82, of rural Buffalo, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2020 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

He was born on January 21, 1938 on the family farm in Marysville Township, Wright County, the only son of Marvin D. and Lois E. (Anderson) Swanson.

Merlin was baptized on July 17, 1938 and confirmed on September 14, 1952 at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo.

He graduated from Buffalo High School in 1955.  Following graduation, Merlin served his Country in the United States Army for six months and Army Reserves for six years.

Merlin engaged in dairy farming on the family farm with his father and mother for many years.   After their passing, he continued to farm and later enjoyed driving truck for Fullerton Lumber in Buffalo and Mayer.

Merlin and Virginia Bengtson were united in marriage on August 28, 1959, their marriage was blessed with a son, Daniel and a daughter, Jean.

On August 9, 1985, Merlin E. Swanson was united in marriage to Ruth Wirtjes.

Merlin and Ruth enjoyed traveling, dancing, playing cards with friends and watching wildlife from the front windows of their home.   They also enjoyed spending their winters in Texas.

Merlin was a member of The United Methodist Church in Buffalo.

We have many great memories of Merlin as a great friend and neighbor to the Bonk families.

Merlin is survived by his wife, Ruth A. Swanson; a son, Daniel Swanson, of Alaska, and by a daughter, Jean (Ron) Corona, of Colorado; step-daughters, Renae (Jeff) Vetter, of Fairmont, and Rita (Dave) Sarvie, of Buffalo; grandchildren, Kajsa (Ed) Rossetto, Aaron (Bridget) Corona, Jessica Vetter, Joshua (Lacy) Vetter, Megan Sarvie and Dustin Sarvie; great-grandchild, Nora Rossetto; many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Lois Swanson.

Private inurnment will be held at a later date at Swedesburg Lutheran Cemetery Marysville Township, Wright County.

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


Duane Thorpe, 59

Duane R. “Dewey” Thorpe, age 59, of rural Montrose passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020 at his residence.

A Celebration of Life will be held a Duane’s home at a later date. Please contact family for details.

A complete obituary will appear in next week’s paper. 

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


Joanne Tolzmann, 82

Joanne P. Muehring Tolzmann, age 82, formerly of Rockford, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020 at Lake Ridge Care Center in Buffalo.

A Private family graveside will be held at Concordia Lutheran Cemetery in Fairhaven.

A complete obituary will appear in next week’s paper.

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

Publication: 

The Drummer and The Wright County Journal Press

PO Box 159
108 Central Ave.
Buffalo MN 55313

www.thedrummer.com

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