Obituaries 06/20/24
Elmer Abbas, 80
Elmer Dean Abbas passed away on June 13, 2024, at his home in Buffalo, Minnesota, sitting next to his wife of 38 years, Carole. Elmer was born the ninth of ten children on July 30, 1943, in Titonka, Iowa, to Ted and Lena (Hundt) Abbas. He grew up in rural Iowa where he helped with his older brother’s trucking business. He washed trucks as a young boy, and in later years drove trucks to help pay for his undergraduate degree in Business Education. In 1976, Elmer and his first wife moved to Buffalo, Minnesota, with their two children, Chris and Jen. During that time, he pursued his master’s in special education. After his relationship with his first wife ended, Elmer reconnected with his faith and deepened his personal relationship with Jesus. Elmer met Carole at a church group in 1983. They developed a friendship, fell in love, and were married on June 14, 1986. Together, they had Liz, and Elmer adopted Carisa. He also gained two stepchildren, John and Jacob, to add to their blended family.
Elmer taught at Hopkins School District for 28 years. He finished his teaching career at the Buffalo Alternative Learning Center and worked at Functional Industries helping people with disabilities find employment.
In 1991, Elmer started Buffalo Golfmaster’s Driving Range. The driving range started out as a business to fill his summers, and it turned into a place where people came to relax and often would sit at the picnic table for hours sharing and praying with Elmer.
As Elmer’s beard turned white, many started to refer to him as Santa. For over 20 years, Elmer was a well-loved Santa throughout Minnesota, and had a national story feature on Good Morning America. He was uniquely equipped with his gentle spirit and twinkling eyes to comfort children of all abilities so that they could experience the spirit of Christmas and the celebration of Christ’s birth.
In 2014, Elmer and Carole’s home in Buffalo was lost in a house fire, and the community rallied around them. Instead of rebuilding a house, they transformed the existing red brick barn into their home, finding beauty from ashes.
Elmer saw beauty in things and people that others may have passed by. Elmer was an artist, he created wire masterpieces, most notably, he crafted Jesus pins, cursive pins with the name of Jesus. Elmer made thousands of Jesus pins, he often would carry wire and pliers in his pocket so he could make pins wherever he went, gifting them along the way. Elmer was a collector of many things, including books. Above all other hobbies, Elmer’s passion was reading scripture daily. During his 47 years as a Christian, Elmer read through the entire Bible each year. It is from Scripture he learned to love unconditionally, to forgive freely, and to have a peace that passes all understanding. Elmer’s greatest desire was for those around him to feel known and loved, and his ultimate goal was to show us God’s love and point us in the direction of Jesus.
Elmer is survived by his wife, Carole Abbas; his children, Chris (Kelly) Abbas, Jen (Niels) de Jong, John (Mary) Schulke, Jacob (Meghan Casey) Schulke, Carisa (Andy) Rasmussen, Liz (Chris) Burd; plus 10 grandchildren. Elmer is survived by one brother, Ted (Sandy) Abbas; and one sister, Margery Asche; and sisters-in-law, Mary and Janice Abbas; and brother-in-law, Greg Arrowood.
Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Lena Abbas; siblings, Harold (Louise) Abbas, Arlene (Robert) Pate, Christina (Robert) Christen, John Abbas, Delbert Abbas Derold (Ruby) Abbas, Judy Abbas Arrowood; and brother-in-law, Faye Asche.
Services will be held at Buffalo Covenant Church on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Visitation at 1 p.m., funeral at 2 p.m., burial and reception to follow. We invite you to wear your Jesus pin, if you have one, a Hawaiian shirt, as Elmer often wore, or a joyful color.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Timothy Davenport, 61
Wednesday, June 13, 2024, Tim moved on from this life to his next exciting journey. He was surrounded by his family at NCH Baker Hospital in Naples, FL, after fighting for 71 days in the CVICU to regain the strength of his lungs from several viral and bacterial infections, which led to ARDS.
Timothy “Tim” Davenport, 61, born May 17, 1963, grew up and raised his family in Buffalo, MN. He was currently residing in Chaska, MN, to be closer to his grandchildren. He married his high school sweetheart, Shari (Peterson) Davenport on October 20, 1984.
Tim followed his childhood dream of becoming a pilot. He has done it all: small airplane, flying drag racer Tom Hoover, judges, and attorneys on their dream hunting and fishing adventures, running the Flight Department for Tri-State Drilling in Hamel, MN. While flying for Champion Air, he piloted 727s where he flew basketball teams, prisoners, the Department of Energy, John Edwards when he was campaigning, as well as thousands of passengers - just to mention a few. With Sun Country Airlines he flew 737s. Around the world for Southern Air Transport, he saw and experienced more than most will in a lifetime while piloting 747s & 777s. Tim retired from flying to run Satellite Engineering, his father’s precision sheet metal shop in Maple Grove, MN, with his wife, Shari; son, Jeff; and daughter, Patti. His final job was picking his grandkids up from St. John Christian School, spoiling them, and spending the winter in Florida with his wife, Shari.
He loved family, people, friends, travel, speed, and excitement. He loved snowmobiling, the water, and boating (lake or ocean). He took his motorhome (his granddaughter called “big boy”) traveling the country. He loved to show his grandchildren the country.
His love, laughter, and humor will forever be missed by those he leaves behind, his wife Shari; son, Jeffery “Jeff” Davenport; daughter, Patricia “Patti” Davenport; granddaughter, Hannah; and grandson, Jacob Davenport; mother, Patricia “Pat” Davenport; sister, Tammy Aldrich; brother, Chris Davenport; step-mother-in-law, Margie Peterson; brother-in-law, Russ (Terry) Peterson; sisters-in-law, Cyndi Dickson and Jenny (Benjy) Versteeg; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gary Davenport; infant brother, Scott Davenport; father-in-law, Edwin “Ed” Peterson; mother-in-law, Patricia (Shull) Peterson; and nephew, Tanner Dickson.
Tim, our precious “pilot”, a man whose wings of humor and love embraced all who knew him. His laughter filled the skies, just as his generosity warmed the hearts of his family and grandkids. In his presence, joy was a constant companion, and his spirit soared higher than any plane he piloted. The memories of his infectious humor and boundless love will bring comfort to all who knew him.
Evening visitation will be held Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. with brief prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN.
Funeral service will be held the following day on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN. Interment to follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Darlene Martin, 87
Darlene Kay (Wilken) Martin, age 87, of Monticello, passed away peacefully on her four-season porch June 10, 2024, while holding her husband’s hand.
Darlene was born December 13, 1936, at the family farm in Monticello to George Wilken and Gertrude (Stevers) Wilken. She grew up in Monticello where she was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Darlene graduated from Monticello High School in 1955.
After graduating, she moved to the cities to work for Honeywell and the airport. She met Melroy Robert Martin, the love of her life, and married him in 1958 at St. Peter’s Parsonage. She and Melroy had three sons then moved back to Monticello.
She enjoyed a big circle of friends, traveling, fishing, camping, playing board games, and fixing puzzles. Darlene and Melroy were founding members of Life in Christ Lutheran Church in Albertville, MN.
Darlene loved playing countless card games with her sisters. The four girls shared an inseparable bond and were affectionately known as “The Wilken Girls.”
Darlene was a loving mother and grandmother. She will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her husband, Melroy; sons, Greg (Karen), Bryon (Monica), and Daryl (Maria); grandchildren, Zachary, Sarah, Vanessa, Desiree, and Brianna; and sister, Donna (Larry) Anderson.
Darlene is preceded in death by her parents, George and Gertrude Wilken; twin, Delores; sisters, Joyce (Gene) Fyle, Sondra (Perry) Walters.
Visitation was held from 4-7 P.M., Sunday, June 16, 2024, at Life in Christ Lutheran Church, 5015 Main Avenue NE, Albertville, MN, and one hour prior to service. Funeral was Monday at 11 A.M., Monday, June 17, 2024, at church. A luncheon will follow the service. Interment after the luncheon at Riverside Cemetery in Monticello, MN.
Arrangements entrusted to Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel ~ Monticello, 763-295-2918, www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com.
Jacqueline Morrill, 71
Jacqueline “Jackie” Morrill, age 71, of Buffalo, died Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at her home surrounded by the love and care of her family.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Bison Creek Event Center, Buffalo, with a 4:30 p.m. Remembrance Service. A private committal service will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to American Cancer Society.
“It pains me to admit it, but apparently I passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at the age of 71, in my home, being held and loved by family and friends. This is my story and I’m sticking to it.
On October 21, 1952, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, my parents, Chester and Shirley (Fieldseth) Schmidt, and my sister, celebrated my birth. I was introduced as Jacqueline Yvonne Schmidt. I grew up in Kimball and was baptized at Concordia Lutheran Church in Fairhaven and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kimball. Following my graduation in 1970 from Kimball High School, I went on to be a Certified Dental Assistant.
I married Dave Kuechle on October 23, 1971, and we had a son, Chad Eric, on May 6, 1973. During this time, I lived in Long Lake, MN and became a Flight Attendant for Northwest Airlines where I loved traveling to different cities and countries.
On October 7, 1995, I married the love of my life, Gordon Morrill, while managing a real estate company in Walker, MN. We made our home together there until 2014. While living up north, I often drove to the cities to work at the Liten Hus in the Mall of America. After, Gordy and I travelled to Arizona for the cold winters, the warmth brought us to build a home in Cottonwood, which we enjoyed for a couple of years. In 2016, we bought a home in Buffalo to be closer to our grandchildren but continued to enjoy winters in Arizona. Retirement took me to Huddle’s Resort on Leech Lake for many years.
Growing up, I loved spending time with grandparents, friends, and cousins. My favorite things included my She-Shed, the 300+ hostas in my yard, and, most importantly, my husband and sweet grandchildren, Sunny, Annie, and Odin.
Cooking, baking, entertaining, and giving to my neighbors is what I loved most. My passion was always “give to others,” and I was fond of donating money to charities.” - Jackie Morrill
As you can see, Jackie’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of love and kindness, with a side dish of humor and spunk. She was a woman of grace and found joy in the simple pleasures of life - from her cherished hikes in Sedona to quiet walks with her golden retrievers faithfully by her side. With family being at the core of her existence, she cherished capturing moments with her grandchildren through the lens of her camera, creating memories for generations to come. Together with Gordy, with whom she shared a life of love, laughter, and companionship, they created a home filled with warmth and hospitality, where friends and family were always welcomed with open arms.
She is survived by her husband, Gordy, of Buffalo; children, Chad (Nichi) Kuechle, of Long Lake, Katie Morrill (Jesse Clarin), of Chicago, and Greg Morrill, of Minneapolis; her beloved grandchildren, Sunny, Annie, and Odin Kuechle; sister, Sharon (Brad) Bouska, of Clear Lake; and other dear family members and friends.
Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Shirley Schmidt.
Jackie’s granddaughters will serve as urn bearers. Pastor Ken Nyhusmoen will officiate at the remembrance service.
Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and Service Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Derrick Sartwell, 44
Derrick R. Sartwell, age 44, of St. Cloud, accidentally on June 11, 2024. Derrick loved spending time with his two daughters. He also enjoyed cooking and bead work.
Survived by wife, Katelyn Luhman-Sartwell; daughters, Angelica and Audriana; his father, George A. Sartwell; sisters, Adrienne (Derek) Gall, Brenna Pearson and fiancé, Brian, Dana Pearson and significant other, Dylan; mother-in-law, Joleen Luhman; brothers-in-law, Brandon Luhman and Eric Luhman; former wife, April Sartwell; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his mother, Denise G. (nee Amundson).
Funeral services for Derrick R. Sartwell were held on Monday, June 17, 2:00 P.M. St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Montrose. Visitation AT THE CHURCH one hour prior to services. Casket Bearers were Eric Luhman, Brandon Luhman, Derek Gall, Dylan Kleinsasser, Brad Clift, and Brian Hoeft.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Brady Wagner, 34
Brady Scott Wagner, born August 7, 1989, in Buffalo, MN, passed away unexpectedly on June 13, 2024, after a brief illness. Brady was the beloved son of Scott and Corinne (Light) Wagner.
A graduate of Buffalo High School’s Class of 2008, Brady was known for his warm, outgoing personality and kind heart. He worked at McDonalds for many years, where he was a cherished colleague and friend to many.
Brady had a passion for fishing, particularly enjoying his time on the river. He loved gathering with friends and family, watching football, and engaging in good conversations. His sense of humor and sociable nature made him a joy to be around, and he formed countless friendships throughout his life.
He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Doug Wagner; step-grandfather, Walter Fields; cousin, Donnie Lind; sister-in-law, Angela Wagner; uncle, David Godfrey; and dog, Sophie.
Brady is survived by his parents, Scott and Corinne; brothers, Blake (Kelsey) Wagner and Joe (Katie) Wagner; grandparents, John and Mary Light, and Helene Fields; aunts and uncles, Sherry Light (Kenny), Jeff (Michelle) Light, Aimee (Todd) Lind, Danielle (Tim) Lee, Brenda Canning, and Dana Godfrey; cousins, Zoe, Jake, Hannah, Daniel, Jack, Maddie, Dain, Brett, Gannon, Darby, Shay, Camryn, August, and Thomas; numerous friends, including all his coworkers, neighbors, and best pals, RJ and Mikey, and all his fishing buddies.
A time of gathering will be held Sunday, June 23, 2024, at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN, from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Bonnie Wolf, 72
Bonnie Lou Wolf, 72, of Buffalo, Minnesota, completed her earthly journey on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Havenwood of Buffalo surrounded by her family, friends, and an immeasurable outpouring of love.
Bonnie was born on February 1, 1952, to Christian (Christ) and Elizabeth Kirschenman in Hettinger, ND, where she was raised on a farm with three older sisters.
Bonnie attended Regent Public School, graduating class of 1969 prior to her studies in psychology and chemical dependency at St. Cloud State University. She was united in marriage to Gerald (Jerry) Joseph Wolf of Mott, North Dakota, in 1969 and lived in Dickinson, North Dakota, for three years before moving to Minnesota.
Bonnie loved the Lord and loved life. Her faith was the anchor of her soul, and she always encouraged others to take the moral high ground in any situation. Words cannot adequately express how much she meant to so many people. She was colorful, vibrant, the life of the party and always lighting up the room. She loved lavishly, gave tirelessly to those in her care, and was a bundle of joy with boundless energy. She was up for any adventure from gathering plants and herbs with her summer nature group to taking in a play or musical, to boat excursions and apple orchards. She was a voracious reader, life-long learner, and conversationalist extraordinaire. She had a keen eye for affordable fashion and could fabulously accessorize even the most mundane ensembles. She was an amazing and creative cook who could not be stifled by the limitations of recipes. Above all, Bonnie deeply cherished the time she spent with her family and friends, creating countless special memories.
Bonnie will be greatly missed and assuredly remembered by her beloved children, Shanon Wolf (son) Storden, MN; Shariden R. Wolf-Gosselin (daughter) and husband, John, Russell, MN; Sheldon Wolf (son) and wife, Kari (Mandler), of Minnetonka, MN. Bonnie is also survived by two sisters, Eleanor McLaughlin, Davenport, IA; Martha Dilliard, of Woodland Park, CO; and eight treasured nieces and nephews.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her lifelong best friend, Jerry Wolf; parents, Christian (Christ) and Elizabeth Kirschenman; her sister, Irene King (Kirschenman); father- and mother-in-law, Joseph (Joe) and Monica Wolf; brothers-in-law, Don McLaughlin and Joe King; and nephews, Blyndon McLaughlin and Ron Allen King.
Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. followed by a 4:00 p.m. memorial service on Saturday, June 22, 2024, located at The Peterson Chapel, 300 North Main Street, St. Michael, MN 55376.
Our family would like to extend a special debt of gratitude to mom’s friends who diligently and compassionately included, cared for, and watched over her these past six months. She was eternally grateful for every home-cooked meal, every social outing and Bible study she was able to participate in, and all the assistance you provided with her physical mobility and transportation. Most of all, she treasured your company and felt loved. May God multiply these things, and more, back to you.
The Peterson Chapel in St. Michael, Minnesota is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
