Thomas Demarais, 74

Thomas “Tommy” Demarais, age 74, of Chatham Township, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be held from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Maple Lake. The memorial service will be private. Tommy and his wife, Marjie, will be buried at a later date at Marysville Catholic Cemetery. In honor of Tommy, memorial contributions may be directed to cancer research or a support organization.

Thomas John Demarais was born on April 17, 1950, in Cokato, Minnesota, to Archie and Doris (Marquette) Demarais. Tommy grew up on a farm in Waverly, Minnesota, as the middle child of five. He graduated from Howard Lake High School and later settled in rural Chatham Township, where he worked in construction for 20 years in the 49ers union, and then he started Tom’s Backhoe Service in 1987. Tommy and Marjie first met 43 years ago while he was ice fishing on Buffalo Lake, and the rest is history.

Tommy and Marjie received their cancer diagnoses on the Monday after Labor Day weekend, which was a devastating blow to the family. Tommy chose to undergo chemotherapy, which he was told might extend his life. Throughout this process, he worked hard to finish his tasks, planned his headstone, and bravely supported his children as they cared for Marjie around the clock. The ten weeks leading up to his death were difficult for him and his family, especially after losing Marjie, his long-time friend, partner, and wife. Together, Tommy and Marjie leave a legacy of eight children, 32 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. They will always be cherished and never forgotten.

Tommy’s unwavering dedication to his business and integrity earned him respect as a legend in the industry. He participated in the annual softball game between Chatham Township and Albion Township, embodying community spirit. A chance encounter with him on the road would be met with a warm wave, showcasing his genuine kindness. Upon your visit, he would greet you by name, his voice filled with enthusiasm and his eyes sparkling with joy.

He and Marjie shared a love of gardening, finding beauty in their efforts despite challenges from the local deer population. Instead of feeling frustrated, they embraced the opportunity and began feeding the deer, cherishing their presence. Visitors were always met with a thoughtful reminder to drive carefully and not to hit the deer.

Tommy valued meaningful connections with his children, making special phone calls to them on their birthdays and relishing family gatherings. He meticulously prepared the shed for family events, demonstrating his commitment to their happiness. His joyous spirit shone brightly as he danced to The Beach Boys, Elvis, and Frank Sinatra’s music. He would dance with his grandchildren and at wedding events you would always find Tommy and Marjie on the dance floor, bringing joy to all who watched. Those lucky enough to witness Tommy and Marjie dancing at the shed felt special. He left a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. Tommy was always just a phone call away, ready to lend a helping hand or offer advice. His family took pride in cheering him on during local tractor pulls, celebrating the legacy of a remarkable man.

His surviving children will forever cherish Tommy’s beautiful life, Jacci (Mike) Grant, of Maple Lake, Jacalyn (Mark) Wurm, of Maple Lake, Arthur (Berenice) Jurgens, of Buffalo, Bret (Naomi) Jurgens, of Maple Lake, Chad (Megan) Jurgens, of Maple Lake, Holly (Scott) Latour, of Maple Lake, Shane (Karina) Jurgens, of Maple Lake, and Mindy (Brad) Latour, of Buffalo. His grandchildren include, Jordyn (Derek), Indy, Hazyl, Heather (Matt), Ashley (Mitch), Megan (Paul), Mitchell (Marissa), Deanna, Kristin, Matthew, Chantal, Tasha, Aaden, Anna, Millie, Bri, Taylor, Tristan, Spencer, Sawyer, Brittany, Brandon, Austin, Devin, Kora, Katelyn, Gabriel, Emily, Abigail, Cooper, Bentley, and Braelyn. His great-grandchildren are Jed, Mason, Ryder, Parker, Avery, Kinsley, Emmett, Evelyn, Barrett, Brianna, Maevyn, and Grayson. He is also survived by his siblings, Lee (Joni) Demarais, of Chatham Township, and Charlotte (Loren) Zimmerman, of Howard Lake; in-laws, Carol (George) Paur, of Bird Island, and Eileen Hurd, of Hector; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Tommy was preceded in death by his wife, Marjie June (Fenske) Demarais; his parents, Archie and Doris (Marquette) Demarais; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wilfred and Erna Fenske; siblings, Leonard Demarais and Archie Demarais Jr.; brothers-in-law, Elroy Groehler, Tom Hurd, Loren Fenske, and Duane Fenske; sisters-in-law, Carol Demarais and Eunice (Fenske) Groehler; nephew, Dale Demarais; as well as Sandra Wessling (mother of Jacci Grant); and several nieces, nephews, and friends (Bird).

Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.

Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute & Service Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com

John Heinecke, 81

John “Jack” E. Heinecke, 81, of Nisswa, formerly of Buffalo, passed away on February 1, 2025, at the St. Cloud Hospital surrounded by family. 

Jack was born on April 30, 1943, to parents Gretchen (McCready) and Walter Heinecke in Minneapolis, MN. He honorably served in Vietnam in the United States Army. 

Jack found enjoyment in the simple pleasures of hunting, fishing, and golfing. He also cherished moments spent with his family. His greatest joy was hitting the open road on his motorcycle, which his beloved dog, Lucy, got to enjoy, too. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gretchen and Walter. 

He is survived by his children, Wendy (Keith) LaPlant, of Buffalo, Scott (Kim), of Big Lake, Angie (Chris) Halverson, of Nisswa; his beloved dog, Lucy; seven grandchildren, Jake LaPlant, William LaPlant, Dareck Heinecke, Sara (Kevin) Heinecke, Meranda Heinecke, Madi Halverson, Reese Halverson; four great-grandchildren, Kinzlie, Fisher, Mila, Harper; brothers, Jim (Kate), Jay (Shelley); sister, Jill (Jeff) Anderson; and many nieces and nephews. 

A private graveside service was held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Fort Snelling Cemetery. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Funeral Home, St. Cloud, MN.

David Mattson, 88

David Clinton Mattson, age 88, of Buffalo, and formerly of rural Waverly (Marysville Township) passed away peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by family.

David was born on December 25, 1936, on the family farm in Marysville Township, Wright County, the son of Alice I. (Bakeberg) and Clinton B. Mattson.

After graduating from Buffalo High School in 1955, he worked on the family farm and honorably served his Country in the U.S. Army from 1957 until 1960. After returning from active-duty service, he met Rosemary Wurm at a dance in Maple Lake. On February 17, 1962, at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake, she became his loving wife. David and Rosemary raised their three children on a farm outside of Waverly where he farmed and drove bus for Mattson Bus Company. Rosemary preceded him in death on December 30, 2016.

David loved farming – being a farmer suited him with its variety and proximity to animals and nature. In addition to farming and driving school bus, he owned a laundromat, painted homes, and most recently worked at a golf course, and delivered food for Catholic Charities until he was 87 years old. He also enjoyed wood-working, golfing, bowling, playing cards, working in his yard, and especially gathering with family and friends. He loved to keep busy, enjoyed talking with people whenever he had a chance, and always had a funny story or joke to tell. His biggest joy in life was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his companion cat, Sasha. He was our biggest joy as well.

Survived by his children, Michelle “Shelli” Mattson, of Minneapolis, and Brandon (Jody) Mattson, of Waverly; five grandchildren, Amanda (Ben) Westlund, Dereck Mengelkoch, Maizie Mattson, Brett Mattson and Libbee Mattson; three great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Noah, and Natalie Westlund; and many other relatives and friends.

In addition to his loving wife, David was preceded in death by a daughter, Therese “Terri” Mengelkoch; his parents; a sister, Wanda Gilmer; and brothers, Clayton and Richard “Dick” Mattson.

A Memorial Service for David Mattson will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo. A visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to services. 

Private inurnment at Swedesburg Lutheran Cemetery in Marysville Township. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested for Wounded Warrior Project.

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

Rose Olson, 97

Rose Janet Olson left for her Heavenly Home on February 4, 2025, at Four Seasons Health Center. Rose was born October 24, 1927, to Carl and Clara Heys Bauman, and had four brothers and four sisters who worked their farm in Wheaton, Minnesota. 

After high school, Rose attended Teacher’s College for two years before teaching in a one-room schoolhouse. She taught in rural schools for the next 10 years, while earning her Bachelor of Science degree from St. Cloud State College. Rose was respected for her teaching skills and recognized as “Teacher of the Year” at Buffalo Elementary School in 1979. Rose retired after 39 years, leaving a legacy of excellence for her students and fellow educators.

Rose married Floyd Dornquast on December 28, 1947, and during their 25-year marriage, they welcomed son, Eugene Michael. Floyd passed away in 1969. 

On August 14, 1975, Rose married John Raynold Olson and was widowed after 31 years.

Rose led an active life; a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Minnesota, where she was one of the first two women ever on the Church Council, she was past President of the Ladies of Zion, member of Delta Kappa Gamma-Upsilon Chapter, member and past President (three times) of Buffalo Legion Auxiliary #270, and a lifetime member of both the MEA and NEA.

Rose relocated to Columbus, IN, in 2012 to be close to her family, and resided at Four Seasons Residential Community where she served on the Residents’ Council. Rose also enjoyed assisting as reader and greeter at Four Seasons Chapel worship services.

Rose was pre-deceased by her son, Eugene Michael, in 2015. 

Survivors include her daughter-in-love, Pam Dornquast Roth; grandson, Chad (Jayne) Dornquast; great-grandsons, Steven and Scott Dornquast; sister, Joyce Gimmestad; brother, Richard Bauman; stepdaughters, JoAnn Draper and Jodi Ditmore; step-grandchildren, Matthew Draper, and Conor and Olivia Ditmore.

There will be no calling hours. Memorial service will take place in Buffalo, Minnesota, in June. Inurnment will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Exact date to be determined.

Memorials may be made to Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. You are invited to light a virtual candle of remembrance and send a message of condolence to the Olson family via the funeral home website: www.jewellrittman.com

Ruth Vail, 91

Ruth Charlene Vail, 91, of Buffalo, MN, passed away January 20, 2025, surrounded by family and close friends.

Ruth graduated from Buffalo Senior High in 1951 and spent several years working for Wayzata Medical Center. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Buffalo.

She enjoyed the family farm, along with the wildlife and her love for birds. She enjoyed her flowers and craft shows, as well as many travels over the years.

She is proceeded in death by her husband, Everett Vail; son, Troy Vail; her parents, Clara (Schultz) and Harry Kreitlow; two sisters, Mary and Connie; and two brothers, Jack and Jim.

She is survived by sons, Todd (Erica) Vail, Travis Vail; grandchildren, Mik Pool, Tegan Vail, Tracen Vail, and Hailey Vail; along with several nieces and nephews.

The family will have a private service this spring.

Celebration of Life

Donna Hill

Donna Hill, 91, of Brooklyn Park, formerly lived by Deer Lake in Buffalo, passed away peacefully Jan. 30, 2025.  

Celebration of Life Mass at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 17, with visitation one hour prior at the Church of St. Gerard, 9600 Regent Avenue, Brooklyn Park. 

Washburn-McReavy Coon Rapids Chapel.