Obituaries 10/19/23

Jeanette Buttenhoff, 100

Jeanette Anna Maria Buttenhoff, age 100, of Plymouth, MN (formerly of St. Louis Park, MN and Rockford, MN), passed away peacefully at home with family on October 15, 2023 (six days before her 101st birthday). She was born at home in Minneapolis, MN, on October 21, 1922.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Emil Buttenhoff; former husband, Victor Emmanuel Peterson; parents, John Erik Storm and Hilma Marie (Andersson) Storm; brothers, Anders, Axel, John Kenneth; sister, Bernice “Niecy” Blanchette; step-children, Richard Buttenhoff, Gene Buttenhoff.

Survived by children, Vernette “Lisa” (Howard) Sickle, Robert (Kris Zwicky) Peterson, Susan (David) Hansen, Gerald (Barb Matthews) Peterson, Teresa (Steven) Grandlund, Deanna “Pixie” (Joe Bissen) Peterson; step-children, Diane (Virgil) Rose, Joan Buttenhoff, Joan (Frank) Opay; 34 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Visitation will be held at The Peterson Chapel, 119 Central Avenue, in Buffalo, MN 55313, Phone 763-682-1363, on Friday, October 27, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Further Visitation will be held one hour prior to service on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the church, 3903 Gilbert Avenue SE, Rockford, MN  55373, Phone 763-477-6300.  

Funeral Services will be held at Our Father’s Lutheran Church, 3903 Gilbert Avenue SE, in Rockford, MN 55373, Phone 763-477-6300, on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.

Luncheon at church following service.

Interment will follow at Howard Lake Cemetery – 3:00 p.m.

If you wish, in lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Our Father’s Lutheran Church or your choice.

Serving the family, The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, thepetersonchapel.com.

 


Richard Gullings, 73

Richard Douglas Gullings, age 73, of Elk River, MN, passed away due to a glioblastoma, on October 11, 2023.  

Richard was born in Minneapolis, MN, to Barbara J. (Maher) and Donald B. Gullings on January 10, 1950.

He moved to Rockford, MN, in his freshman year and attended high school there.

On August 25, 1979, Richard and Alison A. Lieder were united in holy marriage at Cross Evangelical Lutheran in Rockford, MN. God blessed them with two children, Matthew, and Jeneane (Jae).

Richard worked for U.S.P.S. as a letter carrier for approximately 30 years; mostly out of Plymouth, MN, Lost Lake Post office.

Richard liked classic cars, Elvis gospel music, thrift stores, and peanut butter. Until his arthritis stopped him, he enjoyed working with his hands, (like his talented Dad). He could have been found building picnic tables, his kids’ playhouse, and doing projects around their previous house of 35 years in Dayton, MN. Richard and Alison moved to Elk River in late 2014.

Richard played the baritone in the Reformation Brass, a musical group part of the WELS.  He was a longtime member of Abiding Savior Evangelical Church in Elk River, where he served on the church council during the 80’s and also sang in the choir for many years.

In his well-earned retirement, Richard enjoyed playing bingo and watching “Pickers.” He also spent time driving veterans to Minneapolis V.A appointments.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents and step-sister, Lisa (Holleschau) Fittante; and his step-mother, Nellie A. Gullings.

He is survived by his wife, Alison; children, Matthew and Jeneane (Jae); in-laws and step-brothers; dear friends, Tom and Steve; also other relatives and friends.

The family would also like to thank the Staff at the St. Cloud VA for being there for Richard and his family.

Memorial service for Richard will be held Thursday, October 19, at 3:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service, all at Abiding Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12942 193rd Ave. NW, Elk River, MN. Luncheon to follow the service at church.

Interment will be held at a later date in Elmwood Cemetery in Rockford, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Online condolences to the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in St. Michael, MN.

 


Gerald Sandell, 71

Gerald “Jerry” Sandell, age 71, of South Haven, died peacefully on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at the Annandale Care Center.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale with Chaplin Steve Timm officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m.

Gerald Wilford Sandell was born on February 12, 1952, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Wilford and Elaine (Erickson) Sandell. He grew up in rural South Haven and was confirmed at Lake Union Covenant Church. In 1970, he graduated from Annandale High School. For over 32 years, Jerry was employed as a material handler at Goebel Fixture Company in Hutchinson, Minnesota.

Jerry was an avid outdoorsman. He loved being in the presence of nature, especially hunting, archery, and bowhunting. Jerry’s passion was kitesurfing and snow kiting. He served as a mentor to those who were new to the sport or a seasoned kiter. He was a member of the Minnesota Kiters and the Powder Ridge Ski Patrol. Jerry was not one to sit still. When he was not kiting on a body of water or hunting, chances were you could find him longboard skateboarding. Jerry’s warm heart and genuine kindness were evident in his everyday life, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate to cross his path. He spoke and carried himself with compassion to others.

Jerry is survived by his siblings, Tina (Terry) McStotts, of Cokato, and Jim (Gayle) Sandell, of Buffalo; nephews, Matt (Emiko) McStotts, Danny (Kim) McStotts, Eric (Amanda) McStotts, Josh Sandell, and Ryan Sandell; niece, Kallie (Natan) Sandell; many great-nieces, great-nephews, other family members, and very dear friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilford and Elaine; and sister, Mary. 

Jerry’s nephews and niece will serve as honorary urn bearers. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.

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

 


Sean Stephenson, 37 

Sean Phillip Stephenson, age 37 of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away on July 18, 2023, at his home with his mom by his side, due to Covid related issues. 

Sean was born to Phil and Sandie Stephenson on October 21, 1985, in Raleigh, NC and moved to Buffalo at the age of 2. 

He graduated from BHS and Buffalo Pride. He began working at Buffalo Covenant Church for several years and then worked at The Marina and Tadd’s Lighthouse, where he took his daily walks over to Coborn’s (downtown) to find and hide his “purple cow.” 

Sean enjoyed fishing, riding a boat, and ATVs. He bowled with Special Olympics, enjoyed movies, music, and dressing up as “The Grinch.” He loved playing games, especially Bingo and Uno. He liked to draw and color, and the pictures always had a sun in it; “We always need more sunshine, right Mom?” Everyone loved his smile. Thank you Dr. Pokorney and Heidi for saving it!

Sean is survived by his mom, Sandie; sisters, Rachel and Amy; nieces and nephews, Lilly, Sadie, Harper, Kaia, Jack, and Zion; aunts and uncles, Steve and Bernie, Sue and Michael; many cousins, relatives, and other friends. 

Preceded in death by his father, Phillip; and grandparents. 

A special thank you to Maria, Brian, and Levi for all the extra fun and smiles. Thank you to Bayada Home Care for all the special care when he got so sick. And thank you to Allina Hospice team, especially nurses Dawn and Linda for all your hard work and support those long eight months. You are all angels! Thank you to all the aliens, martians, and “my friend” at the Walmart pharmacy. You will never be forgotten. You gave him great joy and blue suckers! Thank you to Steve and Sheryl, and Tadd’s Lighthouse family for all the wonderful memories. 

A Celebration of Life for Sean will be held on Saturday, October 21 (Sean’s birthday) at 11:00 AM at the Buffalo Covenant Church with visitation one hour prior. The service will be livestreamed via the site: buffalocov.org/live. Luncheon to follow the service. 

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

 


Selma Swanson, 84

Selma Louise Rice Swanson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all, passed away after her courageous battle with cancer on October 10, 2023. At 84 years old, Selma left a legacy of strength, love, and grace for all to follow. In the days leading up to her death, Selma was surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home in Buffalo, MN, where she passed unto heaven.

The first child to Clyde Harold and Ferne (nee Beseler) Rice, Selma was born at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, MN, on February 6, 1939.

Selma’s early years of her life were spent at Lake Netta and Silver Lake.

She was a mother’s helper at heart, always trying to keep up with chores and caring for her younger brother, Harold Preston.

She often reminisced of their adventures together, including swimming and spending time with cousins. Selma and Preston were virtually inseparable and continued to be close throughout their lives.

Eventually, her family built a home in Crystal, MN, where Selma attended Robbinsdale High School. She was an active student. Selma fondly recalled how she learned to play the accordion, participated in marching band as a baton twirler, enjoyed drawing, and had many heartfelt friends. In the midst of her extracurriculars, Selma worked hard towards her educational pursuits, as well as taking on jobs after school to help supplement her family’s income. Selma proudly graduated in 1953.

After high school, Selma’s profound work ethic eventually led her to Honeywell Enterprises. Working her way up through the system, she became a parts inspector and supervisor. After 30 years of dedication, Selma retired from Honeywell to pursue more time with her family.

In her free time, Selma enjoyed cooking, sewing, crocheting, gardening, traveling, reading, and spending time with her pets. She loved to spend time with friends and family – always laughing and full of fun.

In the late 1950s, Selma met the love of her life, LeRoy Swanson, who gave her the nickname Sally. After a long courtship, LeRoy and Sally eloped to Las Vegas, Nevada on July 2, 1963. They were married for 60 years. 

During their years together, they enjoyed movies and music, dancing, picnicking, fishing, and traveling. In 1966, they began a family together with the birth of their son, John, and their daughter, Lori, was born nine years later. Selma lavishly loved her children as a mother and as a friend. As her family grew, so did her love and grace. Grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren – who fondly called her GiGi – were the highlight of her days, always finding time to connect and support each one.

As a longtime resident of Buffalo, MN, Sally was also active in her community. She attended Zion Lutheran Church where she was a Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent for many years. Sally’s open heart always found the best way to connect, even with the most challenging students. In later years, Selma also attended Buffalo Assembly of God where she was known as “Grandma Sally” to all while she provided nursery care. Sally was also actively involved in the Wright County 4H, teaching young people to become community leaders. 

In her retirement years, Sally provided full-time care for her mother who struggled with Alzheimer’s. After her mother passed, she continued to work in various part-time opportunities, including care giving and sales. Selma was a gifted saleswoman who enjoyed independent sales in Sarah Coventry, Avon, and Brand Representation. Sally also enjoyed being a “grandma” at Galaxy Kid’s, a school-age childcare center in the Rockford School District, as a teaching assistant.

In 2009, like her mother, Sally began to show signs of dementia. Despite this frightening and frustrating journey, she never lost her positive attitude, her sense of adventure, or her ability to connect with others. Sally continuously believed in the power of a smile, the value of a hug, and the importance of loving yourself. And she’d always find the right way to speak right into your heart. Despite her lapsing memory, she always remained her truest self. Throughout her life, Sally invested in the lives of others with the unending love of Jesus, accepting people as themselves. No one was ever a stranger to Sally – who was always willing to listen, provide comfort and wisdom. She truly was a friend to all.

Selma Louise “Sally” Swanson was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gregory Swanson; and many family and friends. 

She is survived by her husband, LeRoy R. Swanson; her son, John (Stephanie) Swanson; and daughter, Lori (Justin Petersen) Swanson; her grandchildren, Zachery (Kelly Lowell) Swanson, Jessica (Ron) Wright, Brenden (Cassidy) Swanson, Charles (Cortney) Swanson; step-grandchild, Isabella Petersen; 12 great-grandchildren; step-great grandchildren, Connie (Lynn) Leffew, Olya Zolotoryova; and her children, family, and friends.

A visitation was on Wednesday, October 18, from 4-7 P.M. with a prayer service at 6 P.M. at Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.

Funeral Services for Selma “Sally” Swanson will be held on Thursday, October 19. There will be a reviewal from 10-11 A.M. and 11 AM funeral service, followed by a luncheon at Zion Lutheran Church. 

The interment will take place at Swedesburg Lutheran Cemetery, in Marysville Township after the funeral lunch. Please join us to celebrate a life well lived. 

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 

Publication: 

The Drummer and The Wright County Journal Press

PO Box 159
108 Central Ave.
Buffalo MN 55313

www.thedrummer.com

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