Obituaries 09/12/24
Linda Duffy, 75
Linda Carol Duffy
August 5, 1949 to August 30, 2024
Linda Duffy, of Grove City, MN, formerly of Waverly, MN, passed away peacefully at Hilltop Health Care Center in Watkins, MN, on August 30, 2024.
Linda was born to Robert LeRoy and Barbara LaVerne (Babb) Duffy in Minneapolis, MN. She attended school at the Basilica of St. Mary’s until the family moved to Waverly, MN, in 1961. There, she attended and graduated (1969) from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Waverly. She was a member of the last graduating class before the school closed.
Linda was particularly fond of animals. She had horses and sheep and fowl of all kinds, as well as rabbits. She was an outdoors girl, loving to garden, and nurture her animals.
She moved to Grove City and her little farm in 1999. No longer having horses, she continued with all the other animals she loved. Her garden was huge (50X100 ft), and she sold or gave away all the produce. If someone wanted her to grow something specific, they just needed to get her the seed, and she would grow it for them.
She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and moved to Hilltop Care Center in January of 2024. She became quite the social butterfly there. Helping with any folding of towels she could, nicknaming some of the staff, and enjoying the comradery and care she received there. She began to deteriorate on August 14, with a trip to the ER on August 16, and released back to Hilltop Care Center on August 19. She deteriorated quickly until her passing on August 30, 2024.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Barbara; along with her stepfather, Richard Gunderson; and her sister, Ruth Duffy.
Linda is survived by her siblings, Michael (Dana) Duffy, Kathleen (Ed) Maas, James (Delila) Duffy, Patricia (Curt) Sandquist, Karla (Dan) Farrier, Allan (Shelley) Duffy, Susan (Larry) Hudson, Donald (Brenda) Duffy; Aunt Pat Plochocki; Uncle John Duffy; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life for Linda’s family and friends will be held at The Hilltop Care Center, 410 Luella St., in Watkins MN, on Thursday, September 12, from 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Funeral will be held at Willmar Kingdom Hall, 1017 County Road 9 NE, Willmar, MN, on September 14, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
Eileen Ellingson, 87
Eileen (Griffin) Ellingson, age 87, a beloved sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a friend to many passed away on September 4, 2024, surrounded by her family at the Buffalo Hospital.
She was born on October 23, 1936, to Abe and Erma (Hahn) Griffin in Josephine, ND.
She attended grade school in Benson County until starting fourth grade in Oberon, ND. Eileen graduated from Oberon High School in 1954.
She was baptized and confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church in Oberon, ND.
Eileen started work at Central Telephone Company as a telephone operator in New Rockford, ND, from June 1954 to January 1956.
On December 17, 1955, she was united in marriage to Francis “Frank” Ellingson in Minot, ND. Following their marriage, the couple made their home in Minot.
Eileen started work as a telephone operator at NW Bell Company in 1958 and retired from there in 1978.
Eileen was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church and the Veterans of Foreign War Auxiliary both in Minot, ND.
Eileen can be described as a strong-willed, at times stubborn, and independent woman who was a hard worker, wonderful cook, and had a steadfast faith.
She enjoyed spending time with her poodles and later her cats throughout the years, attending her grandchildren’s activities and spending time with her sisters.
Those that shared in her life, a sister, Shirley Nelson; son, Steve (Vickie) Ellingson; a daughter, Lisa (Mike) Kaveny; grandchildren, Lindsey (Joe) Goldade, David (Marci) Ellingson, Brock (Sami) Grigas, Cheyanne (Cole) Lovitt, Michelle Wilson, Andrew (Mac) Kaveny; great-grandchildren, Hadley Grigas, Parker and Lyla Lovitt, Hattie, Henry and Harvey Goldade, Riley and Blake Ellingson, Olive and Jack Wilson, Evie Kaveny, and Elliott Brandt; residents and staff of Park Terrace Assisted Living; and other friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank; brothers, Abie and Stan Griffin; infant brother, Gordon; and sisters, Darla Carlson and Kay Griffin.
Special furry friends, MiMi, Chelsea, Charley, Corbyn, Petey, Maddie, Milo, and Libby.
A Memorial Service for Eileen Ellingson was held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at Park Terrace Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
The family would like to thank the staff at Park Terrace and the Buffalo Hospital for the loving care Eileen received.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN, is serving the family.
Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Ione Hagen, 99
Ione Hagen was born November 19, 1924, to Peter and Ida (Kittelson) Wennes in Spring Grove, Minnesota. She grew up enjoying the chores and joys of the farm life alongside her dad, mom, and older brother, Leslie. She finished country school in the 8th grade at Highland Township in Winneshiek County of Iowa in 1936 and graduated from High School in Decorah, Iowa, in 1941. She later attended Luther College (also in Decorah) for two years, then began her love of teaching for two years in the country school she attended as a child. She went back to Luther College and graduated with high honors earning a BA Degree with Certification to teach Music! She left home for Glenwood, Minnesota, and began her first professional job as a Parish Secretary at Glenwood Lutheran Church. It was in the neighboring town of Starbuck, Minnesota, that she would meet her future husband, Dean LeRoy Hagen, after he returned from World War II. They married in 1954 in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, at the Trinity Lutheran Church where she took a position as Parish Worker. From there, Minneapolis, Minnesota, was home until 1963, then moved to the farm in Buffalo, Minnesota, to raise her family of five children, Steven Dean, David Lee, Deone Marie, Susan Ilene, and Daniel Paul. Her wisdom and kindness as a mother will be cherished always. She taught an adult “Bethel Bible Series” at Zion Lutheran during this time also.
After raising her five children on the farm, she resided in the city of Buffalo for the remaining 40 years of life. Her last three teaching positions included Christian Schools, Rivercrest of Monticello, New Life, and Community Christian of Buffalo. Homeschooling her grandchildren was her final form of teaching.
Retirement revolved around her home, church, government, and her growing family. Her home was warm and peaceful to all who entered! Many Sundays after church, she would invite people and graciously serve a nice meal. The missions committee and music were other ministries she was involved in. At age 98, she served on the “election committee” at the Hope Community! Holidays for family were spectacular too! Preschool grandchildren came for a season for Grandma’s love and care!
“The greatest joy of living for me has been the knowledge that I am just a vessel - a pitcher with a handle and spout - filled with the results of my choices and the choices of everyone who has touched my life, sanctified by Jesus Christ and poured out wherever He chooses.” Quote from Ione in “Who’s Who in Religion.”
In conclusion, we realized this doesn’t begin to touch her attributes such as how warm, kind, tough yet gentle, devoted, unselfish, servant, counselor, witty, grateful, and generous she was! She never spoke a harsh or mean word and never complained about ANYTHING.
Ione is survived by her five children, Steve Hagen, Dave (Susan) Hagen, Deone (Brian) Bayliss, Susie (Rick) Czanstkowski, Daniel (Jan) Hagen. She is also survived by grandchildren, Paul (Tammy) and Eric Hagen, Edelweise Hagen, Jacob Hagen, Matthew Hagen, Joshua (Erin) Young, Amber (Eric) Johnson, David Young, Cortney (Justin) Happe, Darren Czanstkowski (Sherrie Smith), Brooke Oelfke-Hagen (Grant Overland), Erica Czanstkowski (Garrett Hackworth), Brianna (Scott) Ricenbaw, Griffin (Elsie) LeClair, Taralyn Hagen; and great- grandchildren, Justin, Ryan and Darren Hagen, Nicolas and Alexander Hagen, Bryson, Kinsley and Kyla Young, Makenna Weege, Ryder Johnson, Austin, Kiley, Emily Happe, Brynlie Czanstkowski, Caidy Hughes, Elliott and Tate Overland, baby Hackworth on the way, Kaleigh Rae and Rylee Kate Ricenbaw, and Saige Juniper LeClair; nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by Peter (Ida) Wennes, Leslie (Gladys) Wennes; former husband, Dean Hagen; grandson, Brandon Czanstkowski; granddaughter, Evergreen Hagen; and great-grandson, Drake Johnson.
Ione Carolyn Eloise Hagen went to be with Jesus peacefully on August 24, 2024, in the presence of her five children at home. Ione was buried at Swedish Mission Cemetery at her graveside service with family and friends on August 26, 2024. All who knew and loved Ione were welcome to attend her Celebration of Life (99+ years) at Hope Community Church, 206 2nd Avenue NE, Buffalo, MN 55313 at 5:00 pm on September 6, 2024. There was food and fellowship after the service downstairs.
The Peterson Chapel assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Dale Kasper, 61
Dale Francis Kasper, age 61, of St. Michael, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 2, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids. His family is deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death.
Dale was born on August 29, 1963, in Monticello, the son of Andrew M. and Stella M. (Hartung) Kasper. Dale graduated from St. Michael- Albertville High School in 1981. On February 20, 1993, Dale F. Kasper and Joyce A. Friedrich were joined in holy matrimony at the St. Michael Historic Catholic Church. God blessed their marriage with three children, Joseph, Joshua, and Jackie.
Dale engaged in farming on the Kasper homestead, living in the same house, his entire life. He and his brother, Larry, were the last dairy farmers in St. Michael, retiring from milking jersey cows in November of 2023, but continuing crop and beef farming.
Dale also worked with Tim Barthel Masonry. He was an extremely hard worker who lived his life serving others. From plowing snow for the neighbors, helping family and friends on various projects, or just giving a helping hand, typically without being asked, Dale found meaning in making a difference for others. He loved fishing, playing cards, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Dale and his wife, Joyce, enjoyed time together, on their 4-wheeler or side by side, checking out crops and visiting people. Dale had a large group of friends, many of whom were classmates from grade school, that still called him “Daisy,” a childhood nickname.
Dale will be remembered for his big, infectious smile, twinkle in his eye, and kind heart. He was a faithful, lifelong member of the St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael. His Catholic faith was very important to him, and he was a witness to others in how he lived his life and set his priorities. His legacy will carry on forever reminding us to choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service, like Christ modeled for us.
Dale is survived, and missed, by his wife of thirty-one years, Joyce A. Kasper; his children, Joseph (Hannah) Kasper and Joshua (Karli) Kasper, all of Annandale, and Jackie Kasper of St. Michael; grandchildren, Addison Kasper and Drew Kasper; siblings, Linda (Michael) Valerius, Dolores (Robert) Helgeson and David (Ann) Kasper, all of St. Michael, Paul Kasper, of Buffalo, Ronald (Shelly) Kasper, of Big Lake, Larry (Kelly) Kasper, and Cinthia (John) Woitalla, all of St. Michael; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Vernon and Leona Friedrich, of Otsego; sister-in-law, Susan (Mark) Pope, of Elk River; brother-in-law, Shaun (Kimberly) Friedrich, of Owatonna; four godchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Stella Kasper; and by his brother-in-law, Jim Friedrich.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 6, at the St. Michael Catholic Church, St. Michael, MN. Visitation was held, at church, on Thursday, September 5, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Further visitation occurred beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday morning, prior to Mass. Father Brian Park was the Celebrant and Deacon Steve Dupay vesting. Interment was at St. Michael Cemetery.
Casket Bearers will be nephews, Nathaniel Helgeson, Daniel Kasper, Jason Kasper, Adam Valerius, Andrew Valerius, and Jack Woitalla.
The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home served the family. Online condolences may be made to https://www.thepetersonchapel.com/dale-francis-kasper/
The Mass was live streamed via the link: https://www.youtube.com/c/StMichaelCatholicChurchStMichaelMN
Warren Moline, 73
Warren D. Moline, 73, died on Saturday morning, August 31, 2024, at the Park View Care Center in Buffalo, Minnesota. Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson. Visitation continued Monday, September 9, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church followed by the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Burial was in the Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Warren Douglas Moline was born on May 23, 1951, in Benson, Minnesota. The son of Ralph and Joyce Moline (Ashburn). He was Baptized at six-mile grove and confirmed at Our Redeemers Church in Benson, MN. He grew up in Cashel Township, south of Benson on a family farm for many years. He attended country school there as well and finished high school in Benson, graduating in 1969. He attended culinary school in Minneapolis.
On July 16, 1977, Warren was united in marriage to Nancy Lee Fredine at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church in Benson, MN. This union was blessed with five children. They raised their family in Buffalo, MN. He worked in construction for many years and was a member of the Carpenters Union. He finished his career in lawn care until retirement.
Warren had a huge heart, putting everyone’s needs before his. He was a Craftsman, never able to sit still. His love for flowers and plants was shown from the many he had growing. He was always so excited and eager to get the flowers growing in the spring. Warren enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and especially his grandchildren. Grandpa was always ready to teach his grandchildren how to build something or watch them in their activities. His hobbies he enjoyed included gardening, hunting, mowing, and classic cars. He was always there to help with a project or give advice on something. His big smile, sense of humor, and contagious laugh will be missed by all.
Warren is survived by his lifelong partner, Nancy Moline, of Howard Lake; children, Casey (JoLene) Moline, of Maple Lake, Lisa (Tony) Moline, of Brooten, Ashley Moline, of Howard Lake, Chelsea (Travis) Moline, of Big Lake, Katelyn (Bryce) Zoellner, of Albertville; seven grandchildren, Tara (Max) Pawlyshyn, Adam (Molly) Holmgren, Emma Moline, Calin Moline, Carson Moline, Isabella Moline, Robert Zoellner; two great-grandchildren, Brody Pawlyshyn, Riley Pawlyshyn; mother, Joyce Moline; siblings, Jerry Moline, Mary (Ron) Claussen, Tom Moline, Brenda (Mark) Ring, Betty (Ed) McGeary, Chuck Moline; sisters-in-law, Polly McDermott and Lucy Trichel; and many special nieces and nephews.
He is preceded by father, Ralph Moline; mother-in-law, Virginia Fredine; sister-in-law, Barbara Vogstrom; brothers-in-law, John Vogstrom and Patrick McDermott.
Scott Thole, 53
Scott Jacob Thole
December 11, 1970 – August 23, 2024
Scott Jacob Thole, 53 years old, from Rogers, MN, passed away unexpectedly at home on August 23, 2024.
Scott was preceded in death by grandparents, George and Ramona Thole, Jacob and Viola Fast; aunts, Mavis Fast and Angie Thole; cousin, Curt Phelps; and numerous great aunts and uncles.
Scott is survived by his loving wife, Mia Thole; children, Nick (Hailee) Thole, Cecelia, Kaya, Poppy, and Mia’s two sons who Scott loved as his own, Kaison and Kyler Castillo; parents, George and Elaine Thole; brother, Dean (Lori) Thole; niece, Sara Trout. Scott is also survived by Jill Weyenberg, mother of Nick and Cecelia; lifelong friend, Dave Woyke; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Scott graduated in 1989 from Buffalo High School and subsequently earned a degree in Culinary Arts from Hennepin Technical College. He delighted people with his cooking for 20 years before transitioning to a new career as a Financial Advisor, while working as a lead at Particle Control in Albertville.
Scott enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling with his family. Scott also enjoyed drag racing at Brainerd International Raceway, working on cars, and gardening in his large garden.
Scott was a loving husband and father and was a hard worker who always got the job done. Scott was always the first person to crack a joke, and loved making people laugh.
Please join us in remembering Scott with a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Northridge Fellowship, 12522 Main Street in Rogers, MN 55374. Service at 12 p.m. with a two-hour visitation from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Luncheon to follow service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Scott Thole’s family.
Thomas Williamson, 82
Thomas Earl Williamson, age 82, passed away on September 2, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. He went to his heavenly home surrounded by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren in his home in Buffalo, Minnesota.
He was born to Willmar “Bud” and Gladyce (Belden) Williamson on June 20, 1942, in Deadwood, South Dakota. He graduated from Sturgis High School in 1960. Tom married his high school sweetheart Joyce (Nelson) on July 9, 1961, in Spearfish, South Dakota. They resided for many years in Black Hawk, SD, where they raised their five children and welcomed many friends and family into their home.
Tom worked as a Sales Representative for Metz Baking Company in Rapid City, SD, and retired after 28 years of service. Upon retirement, Tom and Joyce moved to the Minneapolis, MN, area. They resided in Champlin, Loretto, and finally, Buffalo, MN, where they have lived for the past nine years. While in Minnesota, he worked for Northwest/Delta Airlines and retired in 2005. The last nine years, Tom and Joyce wintered in Florida where they enjoyed the companionship of many Christian friends.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce, of 63 years; along with his five children, Dale (Julie) Williamson, of Pasco, WA; Patty (Warren) Lipe, of Mayer, MN; Jay (Donna) Williamson, of Loretto, MN; Gary (Shelly) Williamson of Loretto, MN; and Tami (Brad) Thomas, of Cokato, MN. Tom and Joyce were blessed with 28 grandchildren and 58 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his brothers, Max (Elvina) Williamson, of Spearfish, SD; and Don (DeAnna) Williamson, of Piedmont, SD. Also, his sisters-in-law, Cleo (Myrl) Williamson and Carol (Gaylord) Williamson, both of Spearfish, SD.
Preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Gladyce Williamson; and brothers, Myrl and Gaylord, along with his father and mother-in-law, Fred and Henrietta Nelson.
Tom was a lifelong member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church, and he and his wife, Joyce, held a firm belief in this living doctrine, setting a Christian example for their children and families.
Visitation was held Wednesday, September 4, 2024, from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church – 8741 County Road 13 SE, Delano, MN.
Funeral Service took place the following day on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at the church. Interment followed at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Cemetery, Delano, MN.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Harvey Zahler, 93
Harvey Zahler, of St. Michael, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2024, at the age of 93.
Harvey Erwin Zahler was born on January 23, 1931, to Robert and Edna (Jaeb) Zahler on the family homestead in St. Michael. His formal education ended at the age of 16 when he was pulled from school to work full-time on the farm. To help pay farm bills, he picked up extra work, which usually involved hauling something including lumber, grain, cattle, liquor, and coal. When his parents decided to retire from farming in 1954, Harvey chose not to farm, but instead took a job with Land O’ Lakes in St. Michael where he mostly delivered bottled milk to stores.
On September 1, 1956, he was united in marriage with his favorite dance partner, Betty Barthel, at St. Albert’s Catholic Church in Albertville. They made their home in St. Michael where they raised five children.
In 1959, Harvey went to work for Dick Distributing in St. Michael. He delivered Grain Belt beer across Wright and neighboring counties. He remained with Dick’s for 32 years. He retired from full-time work in 1991, and within a week after retirement, he started working part-time at the Marketplace and Cub Food stores in Buffalo and then in St. Michael. In 2014 at age 83, he finally retired from that position. In all his jobs, he was known for giving dedicated, friendly service and always whistling or humming while he worked. When not working, he enjoyed golfing and bicycling, both of which he did into his late 80s. His other favorite pastimes were dancing, playing keyboard, watching the Twins and Vikings, playing cards, and enjoying the fresh air on his front porch swing.
Throughout his entire adult life, Harvey was active in numerous service organizations including the St. Joseph’s and St. Michael’s Societies, the Knights of Columbus, and two terms on the St. Michael City Council. He was a founder and board member of the St. Michael Foundation, the St. Michael Historical Society, and the Coldwater Creek Homeowners’ Association. For ten years, he and Betty entertained the residents at The Wellstead in Rogers by playing the keyboard and leading them in song. Harvey believed that if you can serve, you should. Additionally at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, until his later years, Harvey mowed the cemetery, counted the Sunday collection, and served as an usher for over 60 years. Mass and daily prayer were an important part of his entire life.
To his family, he taught through his words and actions to make God and family a priority, to always work hard and use money wisely, to be honest and fair in all your dealings, to remember the past but plan for the future, to maintain things including friendships, to make room in life for laughter and music, to serve others whenever you are able, to be humble and show gratitude to those who give assistance, and to be accepting of all people because we are all children of God.
Harvey is survived by his wife, Betty, with whom he celebrated 68 years of marriage this past September 1; children, Doug (Bonnie), of New Richmond, Wisconsin; Dan (Kathy), of St. Michael; Rick (Shawna Schmitz), of Maple Grove; Renee (Eric) Hammer, of Torrington, Connecticut; and Bob, of St. Michael; a sister, Marlene Scherber, of Rogers; nine grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Verla Durant; and brothers-in-law, Dennis Durant and Dale Scherber.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Harvey Zahler will be held on Monday, September 16, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at The St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael, MN. Father Brian Park will be the Celebrant. Interment will follow at the St. Michael Cemetery in St. Michael, MN.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 15, from 4-8 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. Further visitation will be held Monday morning, September 16, at the church one hour prior to Mass.
Casket Bearers will be Doug Zahler, Dan Zahler, Rick Zahler, Bob Zahler, Jeff Zahler, and Will Hammer.
The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
