Obituaries 07/04/24

Gerald Aldrich, 85

Gerald Aldrich, age 85, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Arrangements are pending with The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN, www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Richard Borrell, 72

Richard Thomas Borrell, “Dick,” age 72, of Waverly, passed away suddenly on Sunday, June 23, 2024. He was born September 24, 1951, to Francis “Fritz” and Dorothy (Claessens) Borrell in Cokato, Minnesota.

Dick was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. He grew up in Waverly and graduated from St Mary’s Catholic High School in 1969. He went onto attend Minnesota State Mankato where he received his bachelor’s degrees in education and business.

Dick was united in marriage to Cynthia Bakko in 1975 and was blessed with five children.  After that marriage ended, Dick fell in love and married Patty Sibson of St. Cloud in 2006. 

He was a Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and former State Representative.

He made his career in direct mail, successfully running DB Direct for over 20 years and employing many local residents. Dick was a manager who never asked his employees to do something he himself wasn’t willing to do. He was often found working overtime or weekend shoulder to shoulder on the production lines with his employees.

Dick and Patty traveled the world, celebrated the weddings of their children and welcomed twenty grandchildren. When he wasn’t traveling, he spent lots of time sharing his passion for flying, supporting the EAA (chapter 878), as well as the Wright County Republicans.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Fritz and Dorothy; brothers, David, Bernie, Mike, and Jerry.

He is survived by his wife, Patty; children, Ben (Rochelle) Borrell, Tom (Sarah) Borrell, Kelly (Ben) Vogelpohl, Beth Borrell, Barb (Nick) Wegner; stepdaughter, Noel (Tom) Martin; grandchildren, Isabella Borrell, Emelia Borrell, Braxton Borrell, Alexandra Borrell, Lucas Borrell, Michael Garcia, Charlie Borrell, Isaac Borrell, Sophia Borrell, Dylan Borrell, Axel Vogelpohl, Reid Vogelpohl, Behr Vogelpohl, Rex Vogelpohl, Gideon Vogelpohl, Weston Wegner, Eve Wegner, Beau Wegner, Juliette Martin, Mallory Martin; siblings and spouses, Janet Sherman, Rosemarie (Mike) Monahan, Ken (Karen) Borrell, Pat Borrell, Charlie (Lynn) Borrell, Gene Borrell, Ginny Monk; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was 11 a.m., Saturday, June 29, 2024, Church of St. Mary, Waverly, MN. Visitation was 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, in the St. Mary’s Parish Center with a 3:30 p.m. rosary and a 7 p.m. prayer service. Visitation continued Saturday from 9 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the Mass.  Interment with military honors was in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota. 

Donna Christensen, 79 

Donna Mae (Peterson) Christensen of Kenmare, North Dakota, formerly of Howard Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on June 25, 2024, at the age of 79.

Donna was born on June 4, 1945, to Agnes (Hanson) and Leonard Peterson. When she was 14 years old, her mother passed away. She was taken in and raised, along with her twin brother, Donovan, by Carl and Lavina Sauer.

Donna was married to Kenneth Ray Christensen on July 19, 1963, at the Nazareth Lutheran Church of Kenmare. They were happily married for 61 years. 

Donna was always proud to be a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a hairdresser for many years, and even owned her own beauty salon, Shape and Style in Howard Lake, MN. Donna loved to volunteer and organize events. Her hobbies included volunteering at church, gardening, drinking coffee, crafting, putting on pageants, baking, and snowmobiling. Donna loved to travel, especially when it meant spending time with her family and friends. She was often laughing, goofing around, and always trying new things. Donna absolutely loved to take care of others and was constantly making any stranger a new friend.

Donna is survived by her husband, Kenny Christensen, of Kenmare, ND; sons, Robby (Theresa) Christensen, of Waverly, MN, and Gene (Pam) Christensen, of Duluth, MN; grandchildren, Miranda, Donevan, Trevor (Kayla), and Austin (Amelia); great-grandchild, Evelyn; as well as many more wonderful family members.

She was proceeded in death by her mother, Agnes (Hanson) and father, Leonard Peterson; adoptive parents, Lavina (Petersen) and Carl Sauer; siblings, Lois (Peterson) Christianson, Glenn Peterson, Loel Peterson, Jim Peterson, and Donovan Peterson; and many other loved ones we miss greatly. 

A memorial service was held Monday, July 1, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Elmdale Lutheran Church of Niobe. The service was livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com. 

A coffee and cookies for Donna Memorial will be held at a later date in Howard Lake, MN.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Elmdale Lutheran Church of Niobe. 

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Gerard Schneider, 80

Gerard “Buzz” Robert Schneider, age 80, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on June 26, 2024. He was born the son of Theordore and Loretta (Muellner) Schneider on February 16, 1944, in Little Falls, MN.

Buzz graduated from Little Falls High School in 1961. After high school, he served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was also a member of the American Legion for 50 consecutive years.

He worked for PPG Industries in various positions and ending as the glass manager for 30 plus years.

Buzz is survived by his wife, Linda “Lin” Schneider; step-daughter, Kelly (Mike Andor) Krogh; brother-in-law, Ralph Liebsch; nephews, Gary Liebsch and Gregory (Judith) Liebsch; also many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Patricia Liebsch.

Funeral service for Buzz will be held Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.

Buzz was a classic car enthusiast and a member of MSRA. Because of this love, the family would like you to drive your classic car to his funeral service in honor of him and for one last ride.

Casket bearers will be Jeffrey Krogh, Mike Andor, Wayne Gangl, Jim Huikko, Roger Yasgar, and Eugene “Yub” Yasgar.

Interment will be at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Buffalo, MN.

Luncheon at the Buffalo American Legion following the burial.

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