Obituaries 07/18/24
Joanne Hatcher, 85
Joanne “Jo” Margaret Hatcher, age 85, of Buffalo, MN, passed away at her home in Buffalo on July 10, 2024.
Joanne was born the daughter of Clarence and Eleanor (Brose) Westphal on May 31, 1939, in Buffalo, MN.
Jo was a woman of many facets, describing herself as loyal, lovable, stubborn, industrious, artsy, talented, and active. She embodied these qualities throughout her life and used them to serve her family and the Buffalo community
Joanne was a dedicated member of the Buffalo Lions and Lionesses, where her commitment and organizational skills helped her to serve as the gambling manager. Her role as office manager at the Buffalo Clinic also reflected her diligent work ethic and dedication to her community.
Known as a “night creature,” Joanne relished the quiet hours when creativity flowed freely. Jiggs would often wake up to the furniture in the house being completely re-arranged. Joanne loved a clean house but could never quite bring herself to organize the closets to her satisfaction.
Family meant the world to Joanne. She found that the time spent with them were some of her most treasured moments of her life. Joanne “Jo” Hatcher leaves behind many memories and a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Jo is survived by her husband of 65 years, Charles “Jiggs” Hatcher; children, Jill (Douglas) Mills and Jason Hatcher; grandchildren, Steven (Abbi) Mills and Anthony Mills; great-grandson, Jaxson Mills; also, many other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Lloyd Westphal.
Memorial service for Jo will be held Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Buffalo Presbyterian Church in Buffalo, MN.
Officiating will be Pastor Brian Entz.
Luncheon to be held at the church following the service.
Interment will be in the Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo, MN at a later date.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
David Johnson, 73
David Richard Johnson, age 73, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on July 4, 2024. Born on February 26, 1951, in Minneapolis, MN, David was the son of Evert and Evelyn (Berglund) Johnson.
He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1969 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Minnesota in 1973. His passion for helping others led him to pursue a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Mankato State University, which he completed in 1977 and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Administration from the University of Minnesota in 1987.
In 1980, he married Sharon Hill, in Crystal, MN. They eventually settled in Buffalo, MN, where they have resided for the past 24 years. Together, they cultivated a warm and loving home on their hobby farm, where David found joy in helping raise horses and dogs with Sharon and spending time outdoors.
David was a dedicated and highly respected professor at the University of Minnesota, where his commitment to teaching and mentoring students was unparalleled. He served as director of the Institute on Community Integration (ICI) for over 20 years — becoming a national authority in the field of disability services. Over his career, David published more than 100 book chapters and journal articles on topics concerning secondary education and special education. His research has been used by U.S. Congressional committees, state legislatures, state education agencies, and other organizations.
Above all else, it was David’s dedication to his family and tireless commitment to his career that left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Even as he faced illness, David continued to teach and mentor, exemplifying his passion for education and support for his students.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Evert and Evelyn; and brother, Vance Johnson.
Survived by his wife of 44 years, Sharon; children, Andrew (Andrea Armagost) Johnson and Travis Johnson (Theresa Dunnavant); granddaughters, Evelina and Louise “Lulu” Johnson; brother, Richard Johnson, of Seattle, WA; and many other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN. Online condolences may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Ralph Kasper, 88
Ralph Vernon Kasper, age 88, of St. Michael, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at The Buffalo Hospital.
He was born on May 17, 1936, in Frankfort Township, Wright County, the son of Leo and Rose (Barthel) Kasper.
On June 6, 1964, Ralph V. Kasper and Janice L. Barthel were joined in holy marriage at The St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael. Father Geisenkoetter performed the ceremony.
Ralph engaged in dairy, hog, and crop farming his entire life. He farmed on the original Kasper family farm.
He was a lifetime member of The St. Michael Parish.
Ralph also was a DeKalb Seed Dealer and belonged to The Wright County Pork Producers.
He enjoyed playing euchre, puzzles, fishing, visits with family and friends, and watching The Minnesota Twins on TV.
Survived by his loving wife, Janice L. Kasper; children, Cheryl (Brian) Bollin and Brenda (Paul) Lindenfelser, all of St. Michael, and Michael (Bobbi) Kasper, of Annandale; grandchildren, Andrew (Aryonna) Bollin, Daniel Bollin, Eva Bollin, Eric (Libby) Lindenfelser, Olivia (Zach) Kline, Adam Lindenfelser, Ryan Kasper, and Brady Kasper; sisters, Dolores Dietz, Arlene Van Risseghem, Rose Ann (David) Gindele, and Corrine (Jerry) Wachowiak; many other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by a stillborn daughter, Joan Kasper; his parents, Leo and Rose Kasper; and siblings, Bernice Lenneman, Malita Goeb, Mary Vetsch, Eldon Kasper, and Andrew Kasper.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Ralph Kasper was held on Thursday, July 11, at 11:00 A.M. at The St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael.
Interment St. Michael Cemetery.
A visitation was held on Wednesday, July 10, at The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home from 4-8 P.M. A Prayer service was held at 7:00 P.M. Further visitation was held on Thursday morning, July 11, one hour prior to Mass at the church.
William Murphy, 84
William “Bill” Robert Murphy, a gentle and playful man, joined his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven on July 11, 2024.
Born to Leonard and Ruth Murphy on October 5, 1939, Bill grew up in Graceville, Minnesota, where his family farmed.
He enlisted in the United States Navy in November 1958, at the age of 19, and served on the USS Coral Sea as a Navy Air Traffic Controller.
Bill worked as a supervisor at Tonka Toys and Wagner Spray Tech before retiring. Bill admired classic cars; his favorite was a 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk. He was most content doing just about anything with his best friend and love of his life, Wife Peggy Murphy. They loved traveling together and spending time with immediate and extended family.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Peggy; six children, [Shannon (Amy), Jeff (Sophia), Scott (Patti), Bobby (Lisa), Tracy (Mike), and Tara (Roger)]; 17 grandchildren (and four spouses); three great-grandchildren; sister, Gail Kehoe (Don); many nieces and nephews; and numerous other beloved family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sharon Vold (Kenny); and brother, Jerry Murphy (Donna).
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 21, 2024, beginning at 12:30 P.M. at the funeral home.
A Memorial Service for William “Bill” Murphy will be held on Sunday, July 21, 2024, 1:00 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Inurnment with military rites will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024, at 11:30 A.M. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
