Obituaries 07/25/24
Sylvia Diem, 81
Sylvia Corinne Diem, age 81, of Delano, passed away on July 12, 2024, after a lengthy illness. She was born on December 17, 1942, the oldest child of Carl and Valeria (Farniok) Topel in Delano, Minnesota. She graduated Valedictorian of her 1960 DHS class, and married her high school sweetheart, Bill Diem on October 3, 1964. They were blessed with four children, Brian, Kris, Tim, and Natalie, and later nine grandchildren.
While Bill owned and operated Heinen Hardware in Delano, Sylvia worked as a legal secretary at Johnson, Larson & Peterson Law Firm in Buffalo, Minnesota. She then went on to work as a legal secretary at Prudential in Plymouth, Minnesota. After retirement, never one to sit still, Sylvia worked as a bank teller at Crow River Bank in Delano. She also worked for several years at the Delano Theater to stay busy.
Sylvia was active in her church of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Delano where she was a long-time member. Sylvia helped with religious education classes, and she was a volunteer with the weekly Sunday night bingo at St. Peter’s.
Other hobbies Sylvia enjoyed were reading, with a special fondness for murder mysteries along with a variety of newspapers. She loved doing crosswords, puzzles, and watching her favorite tv shows “Murder She Wrote,” “Matlock,” and “Columbo.”
The roles she cherished most were the title of mother and grandmother. Sylvia always loved being with her family and spending time watching them do all the things they loved. She loved going to concerts, recitals, sporting events, holiday gatherings, and she particularly loved going out to eat, whether it was brunch with Bill, lunch with her sisters, special holiday dinners with her family, or out to a local restaurant with her children and grandchildren, she would always say “it was such a treat!”
Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Valeria Topel; husband, Bill Diem; daughter-in-law, Antoinette “Toni” (Tim) Diem; and brother-in-law, Bill (Audrey) Nowak.
She is survived by her children, Brian (Pam) Diem, Kris (Thom) Howden, Tim Diem, and Natalie (Steve) Diem Lewis; grandchildren, Britta Diem, Jenna and Ian Howden, Billy, Paul and John Diem, Zaida, Hadley and Willa Diem Lewis; siblings, Darryl (Mara May) Topel, Audrey Novak, and Julianne (Paul) Kittel; nieces and nephews, Jackie Jasperson, Ann Otto, Jon and Jeff Nowak, and Darin Topel, and many loving neighbors and friends.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 A.M. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Parish, St. Peter campus in Delano, Minnesota. A gathering was held prior from 10-11 A.M. Inurnment in Calvary Cemetery.
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.
Dennis Heidelberger, 82
Dennis LeRoy Heidelberger, age 82, of Buffalo, MN, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
He was born on February 1, 1942, in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Chester A. and Elizabeth (Mayzel) Heidelberger.
On January 16, 1965, Dennis married Rita Margaret Watkins in Comfrey, MN. God blessed their marriage with seven children.
Mr. Heidelberger honorably served in the United States Navy, three years of active duty and nineteen years in the Naval Reserve.
He was a Parts Manager for an Implement Company for thirty-one years. He retired from Titan Machinery in Fergus Falls, MN, in 2007. Dennis also worked as a custodian for six years.
Dennis enjoyed working on cars, making models of cars and airplanes. He loved movies, classic cars, the Library, ice cream, National and State Parks, spending time on Lake Waukenabo, and was a foster grandparent for the second grade students. His favorite thing was taking the scenic route when traveling.
Survived by his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Rita M. Heidelberger; children, Kenneth Heidelberger; Norman (Sarah) Heidelberger and their children, Kaitlin, James, Gabrielle, Christina, and Ciaran; Rebecca (Kevin) Kolle and their children, Jared, Tanner and Easton; Teresa (Christopher) Meyers and their children, Kiersten, Matthew and Nicholas; Kevin (Lori) Heidelberger and their children, Garrett, Emily; Mark Heidelberger and his children, Jayden and Melayna; and Barbara Heidelberger; his sister, Dorothy (Heidelberger) Bergquist and families; other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Donald.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN. Father Austin Barnes will be the celebrant. Interment with military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, from 4-8 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel and one hour prior to Mass on Friday.
Casket bearers will be his grandsons, Jared Kolle, Tanner Kolle, Easton Kolle, Garrett Heidelberger, James Heidelberger, and Matthew Meyers.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN, assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
William Leeper, 67
William “Bill” John Leeper, age 67, of St. Cloud, MN, formerly Buffalo, MN, passed away July 22, 2024. Funeral service will be held Friday, July 26, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel - 119 Central Avenue, Buffalo, MN. Visitation will begin two hours prior to the service at the Chapel. Interment will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Buffalo, MN.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Allen Sullivan, 80
Allen Henry Sullivan, age 80, passed away peacefully on his birthday, July 20, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Buffalo, MN, on July 20, 1944, to Henry and Virginia (Hoffman) Sullivan.
Allen graduated from Orono High School with the class of 1962. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1969. After his military service, Allen was introduced to Pamela Weinmann by a friend, and the two were married on March 23, 1974, in Golden Valley, MN. Their loving partnership spanned over five decades.
Professionally, he worked at Molded Products in Maple Plain before becoming Vice President of Manufacturing at Norwesco in St. Bonifacius, MN. He played a pivotal role in starting the company and dedicated 29 years to its success, retiring in 2009. His colleagues remember him as a determined and hardworking leader.
Allen was an active member of the Delano American Legion, a firearms safety instructor, and a member of the Sportsman’s Club. He had a passion for deer hunting on the family farm in Brooten, MN, and enjoyed taking fishing trips to Canada. Known for his fun sense of humor, Allen loved to joke around and bring smiles to those around him. He was always kind and considerate, putting others first.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Virginia; sister, Donna Rackliffe; brother, Ronald Sullivan; and infant brother, Kenneth Sullivan.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela; son, Shawn Sullivan; daughter, Kim Sullivan; grandson, Jackson Becker (partner Kyla Ness); a great-grandchild on the way; brother, Terry (Patricia) Sullivan; brother-in-law, Jerry Rackliffe; sister-in-law, Virginia Sullivan; and many cherished nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 1:00 P.M., with visitation beginning one hour prior, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 5460 63rd Street NW, Maple Lake, MN. Inurnment will follow with military honors at Albion Evangelical Cemetery in rural Maple Lake.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Patricia Swanson, 75
July 19, 2024, Patricia “Pat” Swanson, 75 years old, passed away peacefully in her sleep. Pat was born in Hopkins, MN, February 9, 1949.
She will be remembered for her unconditional love for her friends and family, her contagious smirk and smile.
Pat is survived by her High School Sweetheart of 58 Years, Ronald “Ron” James Swanson, of Buffalo, MN. Children, Kimberly (Tom), Kari (John), Michael (Amy), Beckie Jo (Matt). Siblings, Ky Pascuccui, Pega Johnson, and John Morse. Grandchildren (14), Christopher, Matthew, Andrew, Brian, Chelsea, Daniel, Michaela, Dylan, Teigan, Madigan, Rilyn, Oistin, Pieren, Finnen. Great-grandchildren (16)
Pat is preceded in death by her parents, Kyle and Helen Morse; siblings, Butch Morse, Dar Morse, and Gidge Youngblood.
Her signature quote: “Remember who loves you” will forever be imbedded in our hearts.
A celebration of life is being planned. The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, Minnesota, assisted the family with funeral arrangements.
Margaret Treptau, 91
Margaret Ann Treptau (Pettit), age 91, of Loretto, passed away on July 19, 2024. She was born on April 30, 1933, to Theodore and Annebelle (Patnode) Pettit.
Preceded in death by husband, Allan; children, Kenneth, Thomas, and Pamela; grandson, Jason Treptau; and a step-great-grandson, Casey Krogstad.
Survived by her children, Karen (Brad) Weidenfeller, Sandy (Rod) Pettit; 12 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Patty (Ken’s) Treptau and Patti (Tom’s) Treptau; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Corcoran, Minnesota. A gathering of family and friends will be held prior from 9-11 A.M. Private family inurnment at a later date in St. Jeanne de Chantel Catholic Cemetery in Corcoran, Minnesota.
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.
Marilyn Watson, 95
Marilyn Ada Watson passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Park View Care Center in Buffalo where she has resided for more than ten years.
She was just a few days shy of turning 96. She was born on July 30, 1928, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Oscar and Gladys Henninger.
However, she lived most of her youth with her grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa Adams.
After marrying Orville “Ray” Watson, they bought and lived on a farm outside of Waverly, MN, where they raised seven children.
Marilyn loved crafting. She made scrap books, photo albums, and loved painting rocks. She was an avid reader, loved to garden, can, bake, cook, and sew.
She was a stay-at-home mom until about 1964. She worked mostly in factories. She made many friends at Wonderalls in Buffalo and Litton Microwave Ovens in Plymouth. She also worked at Walmart in her later years.
At Park View Care Center, if there was an activity happening, she was there to join in. Once her feet hit the floor in the morning, she was off visiting with staff, getting her nails painted, her hair done, or doing a craft. She loved to string beads and do jigsaw puzzles and absolutely loved playing cards and bingo.
Sadly, she was afflicted by dementia in her late 80s and then Alzheimer’s in her 90s.
To know her was to love her!
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Orville “Ray” Watson; sisters, Joyce Hamilton, Norene Frederickson; a brother, David Von Doehren; her eldest son, Barrie Watson; and by a grandson, Brian Watson (son of Terry).
She is survived by her sister, Deborah Zorich (Bob); daughters, Dani Wells aka “Cindy” and Kay Watson; sons, Kerry, Terry, Jerry, and Tony Watson; 18 grandchildren; multiple great-grandchildren; and multiple nieces and nephews.
There will be no services.
There will be a celebration of life on Sunday, July 28, between 12:00-5:00 P.M. at The Buffalo Community Center, 206 Central Avenue, Buffalo, MN.
The family welcomes all who knew her to stop by and pay their respects.
No flowers or monetary donations are necessary.
Food, non-alcoholic beverages, and cake will be served.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
