Obituaries 7/14/22

Jean McDonnell, 89

Jean E. McDonnell, 89, longtime owner of the Wright County Journal-Press and The Drummer, passed away peacefully at Buffalo Hospital on June 30, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

A native of Buffalo, MN, Jean was born November 17, 1932, on the family farm on Dean Lake. She was the daughter of Louis and Anna Wandersee.

Jean enjoyed her years of being raised on the family farm, and always had a compassionate heart for animals. She had several pet animals on the farm, including a pig and leghorn rooster. Jean learned to drive a Farmall H tractor at age 10 to help with alfalfa haymaking for her brother, Harvey, who was 11.5 years older than her.

During her growing up years, Jean attended both the Crawford and Ilstrup Country Schoolhouses, of Buffalo, and graduated from Buffalo High School with the Class of 1950.

Jean remembered with fondness her first date with Jim McDonnell, Jr. (that did not happen) when he pulled up to the house with his 1947 Harley Davidson motorcycle. He had forgotten to ask his parents for the car. Jean’s father, Louie, heard the loud rumble of the Harley, and told Jim to turn around, go back down the steps, and never come back! Thankfully, two weeks later, Jim reserved the family car, and they went out on their first date to the very nice Muller Theatre in Maple Lake… and the rest is history.

On June 26, 1954, she married the love of her life, James P. McDonnell, Jr., her high school sweetheart and classmate. The couple lived in Buffalo briefly before leaving for Texas together when Jim entered the Air Force.

Jean and Jim were blessed with three children. Two of their children were born during their Air Force years. Daughter, Cathy, was born at Laredo, Texas in September 1955 and son, Jim III, at Altus, Oklahoma in November 1956. Their son, Tom, was born at Buffalo Hospital in November 1959, after the family returned home. 

By the time their kids were all in school, Jean began working regularly at the newspaper. She started by helping out with the weekly mailing when they were shorthanded, but before long was deeply involved full time in the day-to-day operations. Jean and Jim continued working together for more than five decades.

In November of 1971, Jim and Jean founded The Drummer, as a new shopping publication providing blanket coverage across the greater west metro trade area to better serve advertisers and readers.

Both Jean and Jim enjoyed traveling together whenever there was enough time to get away. She enjoyed riding motorcycle with Jim, as well as flying with him on fun trips. Decades later in their careers, they were thankful for the chance to load up the van in mid-January and drive the long road to Arizona for a couple of months of glorious sunshine to take the frost off their old Minnesota bones.   

Whether their path ahead seemed easy or difficult, they took each stride together and always remained soul-mates, even as their wedding anniversaries numbered into the 60s. 

Jean always had a smile when thinking back on time spent with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which included numerous trips to skating rinks, gymnasiums, concerts, and other school events, as well as quality time spent together.

Jean’s survivors include: daughter, Cathy (Frank) Schiefelbein III, of Kimball; son, Tom (Char) McDonnell, of Buffalo; and daughter-in-law, Kris McDonnell, formerly of Buffalo. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Jr.; son, Jim III; parents; sister, Marie (Doug) Madsen; brother, Harvey (Irene) Wandersee; and sister-in-law, Marilyn (Lloyd) Legacy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Jean on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at 11 a.m. with visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, with inurnment at St. Francis Cemetery.

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

 


John Bolduc, 59

A special man to all who knew him, John R. Bolduc, 59, of Greenfield, died unexpectedly from a tragic motorcycle accident.

John was the second oldest of four children and grew up in Crystal, MN. He was a 1980 graduate of Armstrong High School and attended Dunwoody Auto Body school in 1983-1984.

He loved to hunt, fish, coach Special Olympic sports, and spend time with family and friends.

John and Connie enjoyed their lives together. They met as teenagers and dated in their early 20’s. This past April, they celebrated their 34th year of marriage. They had two great sons, and they were looking forward to seeing their family grow. John was excited to see his oldest son, Bryce, marry Renee this August.

John had a special passion and talent for restoring classic cars. He owned many throughout his life.

John retired from the Loretto Post Office two years ago, after 28 years of service, as the rural area mail carrier. He made many friends on his route over the years. He was known to help anyone who needed it, and always had a story to tell.

John is survived by his wife, Connie Bolduc (Rhode); sons, Bryce (fiancé Renee Beacham) and Ryan; father, Richard Bolduc; siblings, Annette Kline, Steven Bolduc, and Julie Ness (Mark); mother-in-law, Lavern Rhode; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Jim (Delire) Rhode, Colleen (Randy) Heino, Kert (Kathy) Rhode, Marybeth (Jim) Collis, Tim (Brenda) Rhode; and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Bolduc; father-in-law, Tom Rhode; and his grandparents.

John will be greatly missed.

Celebration of Life, Friday, July 15, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. CDT, Hanover City Hall, 11250 5th St. NE, Hanover, MN 55341.

Event will be held Friday afternoon from 1:00-4:30. The family would like everyone to keep covid protocols in mind, so that our gathering doesn’t put others at risk. Please ensure you are healthy prior to arrival. The event will be indoors and outdoors (weather permitting). Light Lunch will be provided. Casual attire.

***We all know John loved cars. Please come with your favorite car, or one that John worked on! ***

CONDOLENCES: Epilogg.com.

 


Donald Horsch, 84

Donald Harlan Horsch went to be with the Lord, July 3, 2022, at the age of 84.

Donald was born Feb. 25, 1938, to Raymond and Lillie (Melinske) Horsch in Middleville Township. He was baptized at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Middleville Township, Wright County, and confirmed in his faith April 6, 1952, at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, MN.

He married LeAnn (Baird) Nov. 16, 1957, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Winsted, MN. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Steven and Bruce.

Donnie worked in the grocery business in the surrounding communities, then owning his own store in Howard Lake. He finished his career at Faribault Foods in Cokato.

In retirement, he worked at the Howard Lake Post Office. Donnie, a long-time member of St. James Lutheran Church, dedicated his time doing ground-keeping, snow removal, elder and usher.

Donnie known as the “Can Man” collected cans for over 20 years. Collecting cans was one way of showing his devotion to church and school. 

He was an avid RV enthusiast traveling around Minnesota and Texas.

He married Noreen (Hirsch) Horsch on Jan. 15, 2005 and inherited six daughters.

He loved all sports, especially the Minnesota Twins, and was a sports enthusiast. He enjoyed going up north relaxing, and playing cards. He also enjoyed his fellowship with his friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Lillie; late wife, LeAnn of 46 years; son, Bruce; brothers, Clayton, Gaylan, Burton; and sister, Margy.

Donnie is survived by his loving wife, Noreen; son, Steve; daughter-in-law, Barb Horsch; siblings, John (Chub) Horsch, Harlan Horsch, Pauline (Bob) Bella, Verla (Roger) Olson, Lisa (Dwane) Kotila, Denise (Steve) Virnala, Audrey (Dan) Kappel, Julie (Marc) Linder, Myra (Troy) Laway, Gwen (Rob) Kelsey; and many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

Donald’s funeral services took place at St. James Lutheran church in Howard Lake at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2022, with visitation one hour prior to funeral. Additional visitation on Friday, July 8, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m. with 6:30 p.m. prayer service at St. James Lutheran Church.

Arrangements by Swanson Peterson Funeral Home of Howard Lake, MN, www.swansonpeterson.com, 320-543-3401.

 


Clarion Kowalski, 89

Clarion Leonard Kowalski age 89, of Buffalo, formerly of Delano, passed away on Wednesday, July 6, 2022. He was born November 7, 1932, to Leo and Amelia (Osowski) Kowalski in Walsh County, North Dakota.

Clarion grew up on the family farm outside of Stephen, Minnesota, and graduated from Crookston AC. He enlisted in the Army and served in Korea, being Honorably Discharged at the rank of SP3 (T) on August 2, 1955. He met the love of his life at a dance, and six months later they were married. Clarion and Marie made their home in Delano and raised their three children.

Clarion was a skilled craftsman, building many homes in the Delano and surrounding areas. He was very proud of his work and continued to build and fix with his hands long after retirement. He was a sports fan, outdoorsman and helper by nature — especially on the farm. Clarion was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather who loved spending time with and cheering on “his kids.”

Clarion was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Amelia Kowalski; six sisters; one brother; and many beloved family members and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Marie; children, Brad (Mary) Kowalski, Debby Hughes, Jeff Kowalski; 10 grandchildren, Leslie (Derek) Swedberg, Alyssa (Mason) Markee, Laura (Eric) Rasmussen, Vanessa (Mad) Prendergast, Gared (Jenny) Twigg, Kristine Kowalski, Sheryl Kowalski, Chad (Ana) Kowalski, Taylar Skinrood, Olivia Kowalski; nine great-grandchildren, Blake, Brynn, Halle, Crew, Landon, Cameron, Maeve, Elliod, Finley; brothers, Francis (Shirley) Kowalski, Dennis (Marlys) Kowalski; sisters-in-law, Mary Kowalski and Patricia (Brian) Gruis.

Mass of Christian Burial took place at noon on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, St. Peter’s campus in Delano, Minnesota. Visitation took place from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday and continued from 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, all in St. Martha’s Hall of the St. Peter campus. There was a 7:30 p.m. prayer service on Monday evening. Interment with military honors was in the Calvary Cemetery in Delano, Minnesota.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.

 


Eldon Krause, 94

Eldon Carlyle Krause, 94, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 3, 2022.

His funeral service was Thursday, July 7, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Delano. Visitation was at 12 p.m., service followed at 1 p.m.

Eldon was born July 28, 1927, at the family farm in Franklin Township, the fourth child of Carl and Mabel Krause. As was custom at their home, the older three kids were waiting in the bathtub to allow the doctor to deliver little Eldon. He was baptized November 13, 1927, and confirmed June 29, 1941.

Eldon’s early career was driving a milk truck and doing pick-ups from the local farmers for delivery at the creamery. It was during this work that he became smitten with one of the young ladies doing the milking, and thus it was that Leora Graunke would later become his wife. The two were wed on September 26, 1952.

Eldon and Leora farmed in the Montrose area and stayed in that same area for the rest of their working lives. They had six children, all of whom adopted their hard work ethic and values.

Along with farming, Eldon began doing farm implement work for Minneapolis Moline in the Twin Cities, rising early, and riding down with co- workers each day. He then went on to construction equipment manufacturer Telelect for the rest of his career. Both companies promised him a pension to take care of his family, but they failed to make good on those obligations, as regulations were non-existent in those days. Still, Eldon always had a positive attitude along with being a hard and dedicated worker.

Eldon absolutely loved to fish, play cards, and watch the Minnesota Twins. With Eldon looking down from Heaven, the Twins 2022 season might even get a little help down the home stretch. Eldon’s greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family. He was forever proud of the accomplishments of his grandchildren and would display picture after picture of them on his kitchen wall.

Eldon was preceded in deaths by his wife, Leora; parents, Carl and Mabel Krause; brother, Marvin (Virginia) Krause; along with sisters, Ione (Elmer) Kespohl, and Eldoris (Wally) Jaunich; brother-in-law, Roy Dalchow and son, Mark (Vicky) Krause; and son-in-law, Dale Beastrom.

Eldon is survived by his children, Jim (Sue) Krause, Peggy (Pat) Zumbusch, Vicki (Bob) DeVore, Gyen (Dave) Wilson, and Glen (Tammy) Krause, plus ‘bonus daughter’ Lori (Mark) Lindeman; along with 20 grandchildren; 23 great- grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Eldon is also survived by brother, Robert (Donna) Krause; and his sisters, Mildred (Vernon) Yager and Luella Dalchow.

May we all be as lucky to live such a long and wonderful life as our beloved Eldon.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.

 


Charles Pelzel, 87

Charles “Chuck” Pelzel, age 87, of Buffalo, died Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at The Glenn Memory Care Cottages in Buffalo.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 5, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Heron Lake, Minnesota, with burial following at the parish cemetery. The Celebrant will be Fr. Brad Pelzel, and the Concelebrant will be Bishop R. Walker Nickless. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. The service will be live-streamed on the Dingmann Funeral Care website. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Glenn of Buffalo.

Charles Henry Pelzel was born October 20, 1934, in Heron Lake to Otto and Julia (Wagner) Pelzel. He graduated from Heron Lake High School with the Class of 1952. On August 13, 1960, Chuck was united in marriage to Nancy Ann Shepherd in Milwaukee, WI. He served in the Army and was honorably discharged on February 28, 1962. Chuck worked in the Heating and Air Conditioning industry for many years, retiring in 2000. Charles and Nancy then moved to Annandale to enjoy their retirement. On September 1, 2002, Nancy preceded Chuck in death. Chuck was a member of numerous Catholic churches throughout the years, most recently at St. Francis Xavier in Buffalo. He was also a member of the Maple Lake American Legion, Heron Lake American Legion, Annandale and Maple Lake Fr. O’Brien Council of the Knights of Columbus, and the Wright County Serra Club. He was a huge sports fan who loved the Green Bay Packers. Above all, his faith and his family were what he held most sacred.

He is survived by his nine children, Fr. Bradley Pelzel, of Sioux City, IA, Amy (Robert) Ogram, of Maple Lake, Gregory Pelzel, of Minneapolis, Kenneth (Lori) Pelzel, of Lester Prairie, Heidi (Andrew) MacLachlan, of Fairfax Station, VA, Jane (Joel) Surprise, of Appleton, WI, Erika (Eric) Larson, of Minneapolis, Alexander (Kelly) Pelzel, of North Liberty, IA, and Nicholas (Pheadra) Pelzel, of Iwakuni, Japan; 24 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and brother, Leo Pelzel, of Sun City Center, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Julia; wife, Nancy; brothers, Sylvester, Ray, Alfred and Jerry; and sister, Eleanor Henry.

A special thank you to the staff at The Glenn Assisted Living and The Glenn Memory Care Cottages for their care for Chuck in his last years.

The urn bearers will be Joseph Ogram, Anthony MacLachlan, Graham Norberg, and Asa Pelzel. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.

Obituary, Tribute Wall, Video Tribute, and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.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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