Larry DeMars, 74

Larry J. DeMars, age 74, passed away on July 31, 2024. He died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Maple Lake with Fr. Kevin Magner as Celebrant. Burial followed at St. Charles Cemetery, Maple Lake. Visitation was held 4-7 p.m. on Monday and from 9-10 a.m. on Tuesday, both at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Maple Lake. There was a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

Larry John DeMars was born on October 22, 1949, to Gerald and Florence (Zachman) DeMars and was the sixth of 11 children in the family. As he weighed over 11 pounds at birth, the doctor said “Gerry, you’ll need to butcher another side of beef now.”

Larry started school at St Mary’s in Waverly. Catholic school and church were a big part of life. His youth was spent doing chores on the family farm in Montrose, participating in much loved sports, and spending several weeks in the summer at the Zachman farm. He spent his last two years of high school at Buffalo and graduated with the class of 1967. 

He was drafted into the Army and sent to Vietnam in 1970. During his tour, he earned a purple heart and bronze star. He was honorably discharged in March of 1971 and ended his service with many lifelong friends and experiences.

When returning home, he knew he wanted a career and was ready to pursue one. As a 22-year-old freshman, he started St. Cloud State University in the fall of 1971 and met Kathy Lewandowski during the dance at freshman orientation. Larry and Kathy were married on October 28, 1972. As he had a growing family, he completed his bachelor’s degree in accounting in three years.

Larry loved to compete in and follow sports. While in college, he was on football and basketball teams through the Saint Cloud Vet’s Club. After college, he continued to be a member of many softball and basketball teams into his forties.

Larry started at the Wright County Courthouse as an accounting manager in 1979 where he worked until his retirement in 2013. During this time, he mentored many people, professionally and personally, and was known as a much-respected boss. His second “job” was working on his 40-acre farm that his family moved to in 1981. He taught his children and grandchildren how to bale hay, take care of animals, and most of all, to work hard. He still had time for fun with his family on out-of-state road trips and “boys” outings. Neither of which slowed down in retirement.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathy; daughter, Kori (Dave) Johnson; sons, Ryan (Kristin) DeMars and Aaron (Jill) DeMars; grandchildren, Abbey, Adam, Cole (Rachel), Lauren, Reid, Mirielle, Ben, and Teddy; siblings, Frank (Lana), Phil (Kim), Catherine (David) Jeanne, Neal (Sue), Victoria (Bob), and Annette (Ken); and sisters-in-law, Judy and Sheri. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Florence; brothers, Vince, Cyril, and Ray; brother-in-law, Conrad; and his son, Michael.

The casket bearers will be Anjanet Kalinowski, Brian McQueen, Michael Odenthal, Brett Lindberg, Kirby Moynagh, Raymond DeMars, and Adam Johnson. Krista Elsenpeter and Anne Pribyl will provide the music for the service. Arrangements were entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.

Obituary, Guestbook, Tribute Video, and Service webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com

LaVonne Hegland, 65

LaVonne Marie Hegland, age 65, of Saint Michael, Minnesota, formerly of Stacyville, Iowa, passed peacefully Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at her home in Saint Michael, Minnesota, with her loving family by her side.

LaVonne was born on March 30, 1959, in Osage, Iowa, to Bernard and Rita Smith. LaVonne grew up on the family farm in Stacyville, Iowa, where she learned many lessons that shaped her into the strong, thoughtful, and selfless woman that she was. LaVonne graduated from St. Ansgar High School in St. Ansgar, Iowa, in 1977. LaVonne went on the beauty school in Calmer, Iowa, where she learned the craft that gave her so much joy throughout her life.

LaVonne married Tim Hegland on June 9, 1979, in Meyer, Iowa, and they enjoyed 45 special years of marriage. To this loving union, three children were born. LaVonne was proud of the three boys she raised with Tim and would often refer to them as her greatest accomplishment.

LaVonne was a hairdresser for 45 years with the majority of her career spent in Buffalo, Minnesota, at Freiberg Hair Salon. LaVonne never felt like she worked a day in her life, because she loved what she did. She loved her coworkers and clients like family and felt so grateful to build connections with each of them throughout the years.

LaVonne loved cooking/baking, gardening, and spending time with her family. She adored her grandchildren, and “grandma” was one of her favorite roles. She was very involved with her grandchildren from going to their events, to having cookie decorating parties, to making each one an extravagant birthday cake each year, and much more.

LaVonne is survived by her husband, Tim; three children, Bryan (Megan) Hegland, Marcus (Anna) Hegland, and Lucas (Kayla) Hegland; six beautiful grandchildren, Willow and Brynn Hegland-Dooly, Landon Mavencamp and Kenric Hegland, Grayson and Slade Hegland; siblings, Judy (Mike) Horras, Ronald (Jennifer) Smith, Duane (Barb) Smith, Charles Smith, Janet (Mike) Krause, Ruth Anders, and Steve (Pam) Smith.

LaVonne was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Rita Smith; in-laws, Bill (Dorothy) Hegland; and sister in-law, Rebecca Hegland.

A Mass of Christian Celebration will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Saint Michael Catholic Church located at 11300 Frankfort Pkwy. NE, St. Michael, MN 55376, with Fr. Brian Park officiating. 

Visitation will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Saint Michael Catholic Church prior to Mass.

The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Harriet Holmquist, 95

Harriet M. Holmquist, age 95, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on July 31, 2024.

Harriet was born April 15, 1929, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Harry and Effie Oien. They attended Central Free Church in Minneapolis, and Harriet graduated from Roosevelt High School. 

In 1951, she married Bruce Holmquist; they raised five children in Buffalo. Harriet and Bruce were faithful members of Buffalo Covenant Church. 

Harriet’s family was precious to her. One of her favorite things was when the whole family got together. Whether it be a holiday, special occasion, or just a regular afternoon, she enjoyed every minute and made each gathering memorable for all of them. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren each hold special memories of her and will carry on her legacy of faith in Jesus Christ because of the example she set for them throughout her life. She always said that knowing of Jesus was one thing, but to know him as your Lord and Savior is the most important thing. 

Preceded in death by her husband, Bruce; daughter, Carol Bennett; son-in-law, Barry Bennett; daughter-in-law, Barbara Holmquist; and granddaughter, Gina Holmquist. 

Harriet is survived by John (Andrea) Holmquist, Rand (Colleen) Holmquist, Kristine (Robert) Kruck, Sandra (Dennis) Druar; 19 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and many other family and friends.

Memorial service for Harriet was held Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at Buffalo Ev. Covenant Church in Buffalo. 

Officiating was Pastor Reid Gilbert.

Luncheon at the church followed the service. 

Interment was held on Tuesday, August 6, at 9:00 a.m. at the Swedish Mission Cemetery in Buffalo.

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

Nancy Lambrecht, 76

Nancy D. Lambrecht, age 76, the wife of John W. Lambrecht, of Deer River and formerly of Buffalo, passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale.

A complete obituary will appear in next week’s paper.

Arrangements for Nancy D. Lambrecht are by The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Jaxon Zuelke, 21

Jaxon Andrew Zuelke, born on April 23, 2003, in Robbinsdale, MN, passed away on July 28, 2024, at the age of 21. Jaxon grew up in Buffalo and graduated from Maple Lake High School with the class of 2022.

He worked at St. Timothy in Maple Lake as the assistant lunch cook, a job he loved for the joy of cooking for the kids and the camaraderie with his coworkers. Jaxon had a passion for cooking, experimenting with new spices and ingredients from the farmer’s market to create delicious homemade meals, with spaghetti being his specialty. He had dreams of attending culinary school to become a head chef.

Jaxon was an avid gamer and found his true group of friends online through Xbox and Dungeons and Dragons. He connected deeply with his online community, and through these connections, Jaxon felt that he had “found his people.” He cherished his pets, especially his cats, earning him the affectionate title of “cat whisperer.” Jaxon also enjoyed riding his bike and spending time with his family. 

Jaxon was known for his quirky and fun personality, his sarcastic humor, and his kind and genuine heart. He will be remembered for his unique charm and the joy he brought to those around him.

He is preceded in death by his grandma, Barbara Wolner; great-grandparents, Marvin and Donna Zuelke and Bill and Vonnie Jacobson; and great-uncle, Dr. Paul Hiller. 

Jaxon is survived by his mother, Deb (Wolner) Zuelke; brother and best friend, Wesley; sister, Aurora; grandparents, Daryl and Angie Zuelke, and Herb Wolner; uncles and aunts, Danny Zuelke, Scott (Amalia) Wolner, Sara (Michael) Rydberg, Laura (Travis) Root, Cathy (Dave) Rowand, and Jennifer (Craig) Rose, and Rebecca (Greg) Arieta; and many other relatives and friends. 

Funeral service will be held Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. at Connection Pointe Church - 3477 10th Street NE, Buffalo, MN. Visitation will begin at 11:00 A.M. prior to the service at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made toward acts of kindness to pay it forward.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Celebration of Life

Patricia Swanson

A Celebration of Life for Patricia Swanson will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2024, with a time of gathering from 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. and a Celebration of Life at 3:00 P.M., followed by food at 4168 State Highway 25, Buffalo, MN. 

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN, assisted the family with services. www.thepetersonchapel.com