Obituaries 08/01/24
Harvey Dahl, 83
Harvey O. Dahl, age 83, of Annandale, died July 25, 2024, at Cokato Manor in Cokato.
Funeral Services were held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Annandale with Pastor Alex Becker officiating. Burial followed at St. John’s Cemetery. Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale and from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. Memorials are preferred to St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Harvey Ormenso Dahl was born in Veblen, SD, on September 27, 1940, to Arthur and Minnie (Beistad) Dahl. He grew up in Victor, SD, and graduated with a class of 18 kids in the year of 1958 from Rosholt High School. Shortly after graduating, he was united in marriage to Joyce Lavae Wickander at St. Joseph Lutheran Church in Rosholt, SD. Harvey attended Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, SD for one year, he then transferred to Dunwoody Industrial Institute in Minneapolis where he graduated with the Class of 1962.
For ten years, Harvey honed his skills as an electrician working for various companies in the metro area. Joyce and Harvey decided to establish their own enterprise, Medina Electric, Inc., which thrived under their leadership from 1973 to 2000. They took on a business partner, Roger Georges, who continued the business after Harvey and Joyce retired. Known for his dedication and expertise in the electrical industry, Harvey’s legacy continues through the contributions he made to numerous projects over the years.
Throughout his journey, Harvey found joy in being a charter member of the Lions Club in Loretto and a member of Ducks Unlimited and the Lions Club in Annandale. He was also a member of the IBEW 292, NECA, Trail Dusters Saddle Club of Hamel, Cabaleros del Norte, SnoBirds, and served on an advisory board at Dunwoody. His love for the outdoors led him to enjoy fishing, hunting, and golfing, pursuits that brought him peace and contentment amidst life’s busyness.
Harvey will be remembered as a beloved husband, devoted father, caring grandfather, and a valued member of the community. He led a fulfilling life guided by his love of God and family. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce, of Annandale; daughter and son-in-law, Deann and Jack Gleason, of South Haven; grandchildren, Mikel Pool, Matthew (Sarah) Gleason, and Christie (Drew) Lewandoski; great-grandchildren, Ava, Faith, and Shelby Pool, Sawyer and August Gleason, and one more on the way; sisters, Ellen (Curtis) Nelson, of Fairmont and Linda Moore, of Cokato; and many other relatives and friends. Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Minnie Dahl; daughter, Denise Pool; grandson, Russel Pool; brother, Eugene Dahl; brother-in-law, Ronald Moore; and parents-in-law, Lawrence and Lucille Wickander.
The casket bearers were Mikel Pool, Matthew Gleason, Christie Lewandoski, Drew Lewandoski, Ava Pool, Faith Pool, and Shelby Pool. Arrangements were entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com
Joanne Florin, 89
Joanne Carol Florin (Posthumus), age 89, passed away peacefully with family at her side on June 2, 2024. Born in Buffalo, Minnesota, she lived a life full of love, music, and community service.
She is survived by her children, Carole Florin-Newberry, Beth Florin (Jeffrey Parker), Brad (Lisa) Florin, Amy Florin; and former husband, Rodney Florin; as well as her grandchildren, Chris (Ana) Florin, Jon Florin, Anika Florin, Jackson Florin, Alex Rich, Zoe Rich; and her sister, Arlene Nelson.
Joanne was preceded in death by her loving parents, Albert and Hazel (Posthumus); siblings, Edna Heales, Beatrice Pfeniger, and Clifford, Eugene, and Douglas Posthumus.
An exceptionally talented pianist and organist, music was her greatest joy. Joanne shared her passion for music with many. She served as the Church organist and chorale director in both Minnesota and Florida, taught piano lessons, was the musical director and piano accompanist for the Lakeshore Playhouse, founded and led the Seminole Community Chorus, and loved entertaining at Nursing Homes, bringing people together through the joy of song. She played until she was 88, at home or in the social room of her building.
Her leadership extended beyond music. She has served the community throughout her life. A few of her many accomplishments include President and Executive Vice President of the Mrs. Jaycees, Chairman of Seminole Middle School Advisory Board, Chairman of Bauder Elementary School Advisory Board, Member of the Coalition for Responsible Funding for Education, Member of the Seminole YMCA Board, and Education Chairman for the Seminole Chamber of Commerce. She also held Officer Positions for multiple Republican Clubs and Organizations over the years. She once had the honor of picking up George H.W. Bush at the airport for a rally in St. Petersburg, and also attended Ronald Reagan’s inaugural ball. Joanne had a deep love for our country and showed a great spirit of patriotism. Her dedication to the community earned her numerous awards and recognition, including the Merit Award from the Seminole Chamber of Commerce.
Joanne graduated from Buffalo High School in 1953 and attended Hamline University and the University of Minnesota. Her other hobbies included bridge and poker, and she was quite the card shark.
She was a force of nature, embracing all her passions with great vigor. When we think of Joanne, we will remember her love of music and her tireless efforts to invest in the community. Her legacy of service and love will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Services will be held at noon on August 10, 2024, at Peterson Chapel, 119 Central Avenue North, Buffalo, Minnesota, followed by a reception at the Wild Marsh Golf Club, 1710 Montrose Blvd., Buffalo, MN.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo MN served the family. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Dwight Hall, 96
Dwight Chalmers Hall of Buffalo, Minnesota passed away on July 27, 2024 at the age of 96 years, surrounded by his wife and all his children. He was born in Washington D.C. on August 10, 1927, son of Charles & Mary (Sims) Hall, Sr. Dwight attended school in Mount Rainier, Maryland until he was 14 years old, and then Minneapolis, Minnesota when his family moved there in 1941. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in south Minneapolis in 1945.
Visiting his grandparents and relatives in North Carolina during holidays and summer vacations was a special time for his family. In Dwight’s early years, they rode the train, and later traveled by car or bus.
Dwight was drafted into the U.S. military twice. Soon after his 18th birthday, he served in the U.S. Navy on a light cruiser, the U.S.S. Dayton, with stops in Hawaii, Panama, Cuba, Trinidad, and other places. After his discharge from the navy in August, 1946, he attended the University of Minnesota and also Minnesota School of Business. In October, 1950, he was drafted again for military service, this time serving in the U.S. Army with the 461st Ordnance Ammunition Company 8th Army which was stationed in Korea. After two years of service, he was discharged in October 1952 and returned to Minneapolis at 25 years old.
Dwight married Barbara Watkins on August 20, 1955; they were both employed at IDS and were introduced to each other when she joined his carpool through work. They made their home in Golden Valley, Minnesota until 1964 when they built a house on Magnolia Lane in Plymouth and moved there. In that home, they raised their six children.
His hobbies included playing tennis, gardening, rocking his grandbabies, boating, and visiting with family and friends.
At 60 years old, Dwight retired after working 35 years at IDS. Dwight & Barbara bought a lake house and lived part of each year on the lake and spent winters in Phoenix. After 18 years of living on the lake, they sold the house and moved into a townhouse in Buffalo.
Dwight is survived by his wife, Barbara of 68 years; children Tom (Pauline), Steve (Sandra), Jean (Neal) Halonen, Julie (Doug) Keskey, Mary (Keith) Hillukka, Martha (Doug) Forstie; 63 grandchildren and 140 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by three grandchildren, Marissa Hillukka, Benjamin Hall, and Jocelyn Forstie; his parents, Charles and Mary; brother, Charles, Jr.; and sister-in-law, Elsie.
Funeral service will be held Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 3:00 PM with visitation beginning one hour prior at the Cokato Laestadian Lutheran Church (16144 20th Street SW, Cokato, MN). Interment with military honors to follow at the Cokato Finnish Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com
Delores Hance
Delores A. “Dee” Hance, of Buffalo, passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 27, 2024. She was surrounded by her children and grandchildren, while spending her last days at the family’s beloved lake cabin in Ottertail County.
Dee, daughter of Paul and Ida Broll, was born in 1938 in Waverly, MN, and enjoyed many lifelong friendships that came from growing up in such a tight-knit community. She attended St. Catherine University to obtain her degree in Nursing and later continued her education to become an administrator at Buffalo Hospital where she worked for over 40 years. Between the hospital and her involvement in her church and the community, it seemed like Dee knew just about everyone in Wright County. There was rarely an outing where Dee didn’t stop to talk with someone she knew.
Preceded in death by her devoted husband, Jerome (Jerry) Hance, after 62 years of marriage, together they raised five children, built their dream log home overlooking a lake, and traveled the world. They visited Spain, China, and Great Britain, to name a few, but truly found a second community with their annual trips to Ixtapa / Zihuantanejo, where they went for over 30 years to escape the cold Minnesota winters. Even in Mexico, Dee couldn’t go out without encountering another friend she had made during their visits.
Always up for a laugh, a party, or a bit of culture, Dee spent her retirement years enjoying the theater, concerts, shopping trips, and lively lunches whether it was with her ladies of the Red Hat Society, her fellow nurses, multiple in-laws, or other dear friends. Dee loved her garden, reading, and hosting holidays and events, and she played a mean game of cribbage. But most of all, she loved her family.
Dee is survived by her children, Tim Hance, of Rockford, MN; Greg Hance, of Buffalo, MN; Sue (Dean) Piché, of Albertville, MN; Paul (Nicole) Hance, of Ft. Collins, CO; and Corey (Julie) Hance, of Dallas, TX. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Octavia, Claude, and Didier; as well as brother-in-law, Larry (Diane) Hance; sister-in-law, Erva Hance; and brother-in-law, Ralph Gnitka.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Veronica Herkenhoff; and many dear brothers and sisters-in-law. She will be forever loved and always missed.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Delores “Dee” Hance will be held on Friday, August 2, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo.
Celebrant will be Father Austin Barnes.
Visitation will also be held Friday, August 2, AT THE CHURCH from 9:00 A.M. until the time of Mass.
Interment will be in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Buffalo, MN.
Luncheon at the church following the interment.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Gordon Jacobson, 91
Gordon “Gordy” James Jacobson, age 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday July 25, 2024, at Good Samaritan Care Center in Howard Lake.
Gordy was born on May 26, 1933, in Union Grove Township, Meeker County, to Gertrude and Oluf Jacobson. After graduating from Paynesville High School, he served in the US Army. Gordy married Rosemary Topp on May 18, 1957. They were blessed with six children. They made Minneapolis their home until moving to Waverly in 1970. Gordy was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Waverly American Legion Post #305.
Gordy worked for Pako in Golden Valley for 29 years and Suburban Propane in Buffalo for 15 years. He loved to dance in his earlier years. Gordy was a very talented stained-glass artist. Many family and friends have special pieces that he made for them. Gordy loved to visit, play cards, shake dice, and would talk to anyone. His kind soul also enjoyed playing a few practical jokes.
Gordy is survived by his wife of 67 years, Rosemary; children, Mike {Nanette}, of Apple Valley, Deb Lauer {Leo} Kill, of Annandale, Don {Lynn}, of Deerwood, Bill, of Waverly, Rich {Robin}, of Howard Lake, and Ed {Mary}, of Waverly; sister, Liz Ablen, of Anoka; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, Oluf and Gertie; brother John; son in-law, Bill Lauer; grandsons, Joseph and James Jacobson; and great-granddaughter, Mille Jacobson.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of St. Mary in Waverly, Minnesota. Gathering of family and friends will take place on Friday, August 2, 2024, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the St. Mary’s Parish Center with a 7 p.m. prayer service. The gathering will continue on Saturday from 9 to 10:15 a.m. prior to the Mass. Inurnment with military honors will take place in the St. Mary’s church cemetery immediately following the Mass.
Gordy’s family wishes to thank you for your kind expression of sympathy and support. No acknowledgements will be sent.
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.
William Leeper, 67
William “Bill” John Leeper, age 67, of St. Cloud, MN, formerly Buffalo, MN, passed away on July 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 1, 1957, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Harry and Jane (Schmitt) Leeper.
Bill graduated from high school in Waterloo with the class of 1975. On June 24, 1978, he married the love of his life, Sandra Stocks, in Raymond, Iowa. Bill started his career as a draftsman and, through hard work and perseverance, taught himself to become a skilled software developer.
In 1985, Bill and Sandra moved their family to Park Rapids, MN. Three years later, in 1988, they relocated to Buffalo, MN, where they lived until 2011 before settling in St. Cloud, MN. No matter where they lived, Bill was known for his dedication to fixing up his yard. He was the neighborhood handyman, always ready with advice and assistance for any project. His meticulous attention to detail and a “get-it-done” attitude was evident in everything he did.
For a number of years, he did videography for not only many of his kids’ events (concerts, parades, plays, Josh’s wedding, etc.), but a number of other community items and would make the professionally put-together recordings available to anyone who was involved. (The video that was playing at the visitation was an example of some of his work).
Bill’s love for his family was the cornerstone of his life; they were his greatest joy. He cherished every moment spent with them, finding immense pride in their accomplishments and growth. The best was yet to come when he earned the role of Papa. He adored his grandchildren and loved creating memories with them.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Jane Leeper; brother, Larry Leeper; and in-laws, Eugene and Mable Stocks.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Sandy; sons, Joshua (Cassie) Leeper, of Annandale, MN, and Justin Leeper (Brittany Young), of Schenectady, NY; grandchildren, Lucas and Madelynn; brother, Duane (Lynette), of Hudson, Iowa; sisters, Theresa Leeper, of St. Cloud, MN, and Cathy Van Hoozer, of Evansdale, Iowa; sister-in-law, Sharon Leeper, of Austin, TX; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Funeral service was held Friday, July 26, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel – 119 Central Avenue, Buffalo, MN. Visitation began two hours prior to the service at the Chapel. Interment followed at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Buffalo, MN.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Myron Solberg, 87
Myron William Solberg, age 87, of rural Buffalo passed away at the Buffalo Hospital on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, surrounded by family after a short battle with esophageal cancer.
He was born on April 12, 1937, in Marysville Township, Wright County, Minnesota, the son of William R. and Esther S. (Ordorff) Solberg.
Myron was instructed in the Lutheran Catechism and confirmed in the Christian faith at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Montrose.
He honorably served our country in the United States Army. Myron had boot camp in Texas and later was stationed in Germany two years. He also served in the Army Reserve, after discharge, for two years.
On April 19, 1968, Myron W. Solberg was joined in holy matrimony to Linda Kay Johnson at The United Methodist Church in Annandale. God blessed their marriage with a son, Corey. Linda preceded her husband in death on May 31, 2023.
Myron bought his farmstead in Marysville Township in 1967. He lived there the rest of his life.
Myron enjoyed going to thrashing, tractor, and plowing shows with his son, Corey. He was fond of fishing, farming, and liked to read.
Myron was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Montrose, MN.
Survived by his loving son, Corey Solberg, of Willmar, MN; brothers, Ted (Jean) Solberg, of Buffalo, MN and Leon Solberg, of Pompano Beach, FL; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
In addition to his wife, Linda, Myron was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Waldo Solberg; a sister, Eilene Solberg; and by a brother-in-law, Don Johnson.
Funeral services for Myron W. Solberg will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Montrose, MN. Pastor James Grabitske will officiate. Interment with military rites will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery.
A visitation will be held AT THE CHURCH one hour prior to the services on Saturday, August 3, 2024.
Thank you to the doctors and nurses from Buffalo hospital and to Pastor for all their kindness and concern for Myron and our family.
Casket Bearers will be Mike DesMarais, Ronald Dick, Justin Rentz, Garrett Samuelson, Todd Solberg, and Mark Walters.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN served the family. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Marilyn Sotebeer, 77
Marilyn Louise Sotebeer, born on February 22, 1947, in Appleton, MN, to Gerald and Lorraine (Tofte) Rau, passed away on July 23, 2024, in Buffalo, MN, at the age of 77. She spent her childhood in rural Minnesota, surrounded by the love of her family. Marilyn graduated from Appleton High School in 1965.
On November 2, 1968, she married the love of her life, Ralph “Ray” Sotebeer, at Grace Lutheran Church in Correll, Minnesota. Together, they initially settled in Minneapolis, where Marilyn worked downtown at Northwest National Bank for many years. Later, they moved to Buffalo, MN, where she found fulfillment in her role planning events at the local high school.
Marilyn had a passion for travel, often venturing with Ralph to destinations such as Montana, Wyoming, Branson, and Graceland. She enjoyed testing her luck at the casino and was always up for a good conversation. Marilyn was known for her outgoing personality, a heart of gold, and her generosity towards family and friends. She had a special place in her heart for her pets, especially her beloved dogs.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Ray; parents, Gerald and Lorraine Rau; in-laws, Ralph and Clara Sotebeer; and brother, Mark Rau.
Survived by her sisters, Geraldine Whittemore, Phyllis (Steve) Sauer, and Mary (Walter) Greene; sisters-in-law, Anita (Bill) Senne and Deb Rau; brother-in-law, Jerald Sotebeer; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation one hour prior at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church - 302 2nd Street NE, Buffalo, MN. Interment will be held at a later date at West Lake Amelia Cemetery in Villard, Minnesota.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
