Obituaries 1/10/19

Alfred Betcher, 94

Alfred I. Betcher, 94, of Buffalo, passed away December 30, 2018. He was born in Minneapolis, on November 16, 1924, the son of Frederick William Betcher and Loretta Marie Mechenick.

He was baptized at St. Steven’s Catholic Church and confirmed at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Minneapolis. He graduated from South High School and went to Dunwoody to become a certified electrician.

In 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air force and was a flight engineer on B-17 airplanes during World War II.  He spent 7 months in Italy and put in 51 missions with his unit. He received 3 Bronze Star Medals, Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal, and 2 Oak Leaf Cluster Medals.

After proudly serving his country, Alfred was united in marriage on December 23, 1944 to Hazel Myrtle Bunnell in Amarillo, Texas in a Methodist Pastor’s home. Together they raised four sons.

Alfred’s early years while his sons were growing up, he was very active as a Boy Scout Leader. Earning is Wood Badge, and help training of new leaders. He also earned the Silver Scout and Lamb Award.

In Alfred’s later years he was a member of the Lion’s Club serving in many categories; he was the Secretary to the District Governor, President, Secretary, and was Gambling Manager.

He enjoyed camping and traveling but spent much of his free time fishing as much as he could. Most importantly, he cherished making memories with his family and friends.

Al was preceded in death by: his wife, Hazel; son, Bruce; parents, Frederick and Loretta; sister, Dolores Field; and brother, Richard Betcher.

He is survived by: his sons, Dr. Richard (Vivian), Bryan (Wanda), and Jon (Ruth); daughter-in-law, Cheryl Betcher; grandchildren, Brenna Wundram, Brandon Betcher, Ryan Betcher, Cara Betcher, Alyssa Betcher, Jennifer Beuch, and Judy Betcher; 6 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Memorial service was held Friday, January 4, at 10 a.m. with visitation one-hour prior at Zion Lutheran Church, 1200 Hwy 25 S., Buffalo. Interment at Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Peterson Chapel of Buffalo.

Rosemary Ehrenberg, 84

Rosemary Elaine Ehrenberg, 84, of Buffalo, peacefully went to be with her Lord on Thursday, January 3, at Park View Care Center.

She was born in Minneapolis on December 28, 1934 to Donald and Evelyn (Issel) Cardinal. She was baptized and received her first communion from the Church of the Ascension in Minneapolis.

On October 6, 1956, Rosemary married Donald Ehrenberg, Sr. and together they raised three children in Buffalo for many years. She was a faithful member of Cross Ev. Lutheran Church in Rockford.

Rosemary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She always saw the value of each and every person that crossed her path. She always had a smile, a quick hello and was always ready for a group picture. She provided daycare for many children throughout her life and each child was always added to her growing, loving family.

Rosemary is survived by: her loving family: children, Sheila (Daniel) Lewis, Donald (Colleen) and William (Linda); grandchildren, Donald (Kara) Lewis, Heather (Daniel) Willey, Angela (Christopher) Kruse, Danielle (Thomas) LaPlant, Nicholas (Nikki) Ehrenberg, Bridget (Nathan) Clark, Lisa (Ryan) Krause and Michael (Felicia) Ehrenberg; great-grandchildren, Joselyn, Adrienne, Daniel, Austin, Olivia, Bradley, Jackson, Robert, Faith, Caleb, Shelby, Elyse, Callie, Gideon, Susannah, Karlee, Kylie, Ty and Kaylyn; brother, David (Janice) Cardinal; and brother-in-law, Edward Schmidtz.

She was preceded in death by: her loving husband, Donald; mother, Evelyn; and sisters, Donna and Judy.

Visitation for Rosemary will be held Thursday, January 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Cross Ev. Lutheran Church in Rockford. Funeral services for Rosemary will be held Friday, January 11, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, at Cross Ev. Lutheran Church in Rockford.

Serving the family is the Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.

Keith Henderson, 74

It is with sadness that the family of Keith Henderson announces his passing after battling several health issues, on Saturday, January 5, at the age of 74 years.

Keith will be fondly remembered by: his children, Paula (Jeff) Sandstrom, Jonathan (Kathlyn), Robyn; and daughter-in-law, Heidi; seven grandchildren, Sophie, James, William, Shelby, Dakota (Mike), Jordan, Morgan; six great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchild; sisters, Lou (Verne), Iris (Jim), Judy (Richard); and brother, Dennis (Lanette).

Keith was preceded in death by: his wife, Shirley; son, Douglas; four brothers; and two sisters.

A Funeral Service in memory of Keith will be held on Friday, January 11, at 2 p.m., with visitation one hour prior, at the Peterson Chapel, 119 Central Ave, Buffalo.

Shirley Hultin, 91

Shirley A. Hultin, 91, of Green Bay and formerly of Minneapolis, departed this life peacefully on Christmas Eve, at Grancare Nursing Center. She was the beloved wife of the late LeRoy Hultin.

Shirley was born on May 30, 1927 in Minneapolis, daughter of the late Bert and Ann (Hoffman) Vandergon.

Shirley was extremely artistic. She loved crafting, flower arranging, bead work, baking, and tending to her African Violets. She worked for many years as a Banquet Waitress for the Sheraton Ritz in Minneapolis.

She was a loving mother, raising her six children, even sewing most their clothes as they grew. She was a former member of the African Violet Society.

She is survived by five children: Linda, Laurel (Jack), La Verne, Stanley (Janell), and Scott (Marcia); 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; extended family; and friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Steven Hultin and a brother, Dale Vandergon.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 12, from 10 a.m. to noon at Newcomer - Green Bay Chapel, 340 S. Monroe Avenue, Green Bay. A memorial service celebrating her life will follow at noon in the funeral home. Additional services and committal will take place in Minneapolis in the spring with a date and time to be announced.

Michael King, 64

Michael J. King, 64, passed away December 4, 2018 at his residence in Delano.

Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, January 11, at the Johnson Funeral Home, 141 E. First St., Waconia. Gathering of family and friends 1 to 3 p.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.

Michael Jan King was born March 19, 1954 in Minneapolis the son of James and Inez (Volkenant) King. As a young boy, Michael’s family had lived in Wayzata, Princeton and California prior to moving back to Minnesota and settling in Mound where he attended school.

Michael was united in marriage with Beverly Jensen in 1975 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Mound.  To this union there was a son, Michael P. King.   

Michael had worked for a short period for the City of Watertown.  He had also been a chef for Lord Fletchers, Jimmy’s, the Lafayette Club, and the Lakeville County Club.  For most of his working career, Michael operated Mike King Trucking, where he did over-the-road and later, dump truck business.

Michael was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He enjoyed music, playing pool and darts, and spending time on his motorcycle.  Michael was a huge fan of NASCAR and the Minnesota Vikings.

Michael had a heart for animals and loved his dogs.  He will be remembered for his loving, compassionate, protective and friendly nature that would do anything for another person.

Michael s preceded in death by his parents James and Inez.

Michael is survived by: his longtime special friend, Denise Strand of Delano; son, Michael P. (Laura) King of Andover; grandsons, Michael R. King and Aiden M. King; brother, James (Juliette) Weiland of North Carolina; sister, Kathy (Keith) Peterson of Montrose; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Arrangements with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia.

Nickolas Mazanyi, 88

Nickolas “Nick” Miklos Mazanyi, 88, of Delano, passed away on Sunday, January 6. He was born January 26, 1930 in Miskolc, Hungary to Miklos and Elizabeth (Mezsaros) Mazanyi.

Nick emigrated with his parents from Hungary in 1951. He attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with a degree in architecture. He went on to a career working for Red Owl and SuperValu designing new grocery stores until his retirement in 1992. He loved to work with wood, and building furniture and cabinetry. He made many family heirlooms over the years.

Nick is survived by his wife of 60 years, Eloise (Knop); children, Steven (Sherri) Mazanyi, Susan (Tony Davidson) Mazanyi, Cindy Mazanyi; and grandchildren, Ben and Noah Fjerstad.

Memorial Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 10, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Delano. Gathering of family and friends will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. in the church prior to services.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano.

June Monson, 94

June Monson, 94, passed away Wednesday, January 2. Born Lina June Rogalla on July 1,1924 in St Paul to Lina and Chris Rogalla, she grew up on truck farm near White Bear Lake with her sister, Joy Van.

After graduating from White Bear Lake High School in 1942, she worked at the U.S. Post Office and with the World War II Victory Garden effort before attending the University of Minnesota. At university, she was a member of the Clovis Sorority, a relationship that remained important to her the rest of her life. June graduated with a degree in Home Economics, and in 1948 she was hired as the Kandiyohi County 4-H Agent and relocated to Willmar.

She married Elroy Monson on December 1, 1951. They resided on the Monson family farm in New London until moving to Atwater in 1960 where they raised their family of five children. 

For 25 years, June was the director of the Kandi/Meeker Day Activity Center later known as Kandi Works Developmental Achievement Center.  She also was the first woman elected to the Atwater School Board, where she served for twelve years.  June was an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church. 

In 1996, June and Elroy moved to Buffalo, to a home on Lake Pulaski and joined Zion Lutheran Church. The last year and a half of her life she resided in Park View Care Center.

Hard work, her Christian faith, the beauty found in nature, a love of music and art, friends and families were threads that wove their way through her life. She had a beautiful soprano voice that she shared through singing in church choirs and as a soloist for weddings and funerals.

June maintained friendships for decades and continued to make new friends throughout her lifetime. But, the golden thread that she cherished was her family. And, her family knew this! She was a warm, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt. She will be greatly missed and long remembered - especially by her family.

June is survived by: three sons, Gary (Sarah) Monson of Lake Shore , Lee (Shelly) of Inver Grove Heights, Al (Julie) Monson of St. Paul; two daughters, Linda (Vernon) Lear of Buffalo, and Becky (Jesus) Prieto of Madrid, Spain; and a sister, Joy Van of Mendota Heights, along with nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elroy Monson.

Funeral services were held Monday, January 7 at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service all at Zion Lutheran Church of Buffalo.  Luncheon followed at followed at church.

Private family interment at Lebanon Cemetery of New London.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to a charity of your choice.

Serving the family is the Peterson Chapel of Buffalo.

Claude Railsback, 94

Claude F. Railsback, 94, of Buffalo, went to be with our Lord on December 29, 2018. He was born December 22, 1924 in McDonald, Kansas to Ralph and Nellie (Dobbs) Railsback.

He married Lucille G. McLaughlin on September 3, 1946 at Treasure Island in San Francisco, California. Together they raised a daughter, Sandra.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and proudly served for over 9 years. He was an Electrician’s Mate Second Class. After his military service, he continued to work as an electrician and was part of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for over 68 years.

He was a lifetime member of the VFW and Cooties in the Twin Cities area. Claude was an outdoorsman, and enjoyed fishing and hunting for pheasant, deer, and duck. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors snowmobiling, water-skiing, and bird watching.

Claude especially loved his family and spoiling his grandchild and great-grandchildren. Spending time with his family was very special to him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille; grandson, Kenneth Bouley; parents, Ralph and Nellie; and brothers, Leroy, Raymond, and George. He will be greatly missed by his surviving family members: daughter, Sandra (David) Pearson; granddaughter, Angela Scott; great-granddaughters, Tiffany, Kalina, Keanna, and Jasmine; and other extended family.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 10, at 6 p.m. with visitation one hour prior at the Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Interment will be held at a later date at Sylvan Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Peterson Chapel of Buffalo.

Dale Scherber, 81

Dale Patrick Scherber, 81, of Rogers, passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, January 2. He was born December 23, 1937 in Minneapolis, the son of Harold and Lovina (Gutzwiller) Scherber.

Dale was a 1955 graduate from St. Michael Catholic School. On November 9, 1957, Dale married his high school sweetheart, Marlene Zahler at St. Michael Catholic Church. Together they raised five daughters and one son.  He was a proud dairy farmer until 1996, and in the early 70’s founded Hassan Sand and Gravel Inc. in Rogers.

Dale was an active community member and faithful member of Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and earned Minnesota Knight of the Year. He was also active in the Rogers Lions, volunteered with the Memorial Blood Center, served on countless boards, and was involved in many other community activities.

Dale enjoyed farming and operating the gravel business with his family and many valued employees, playing cards, spending time with his friends and especially his family. He never missed a grandchild or great-grandchild’s birthday party or event.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Harold and Lovina Scherber; step-mother, Helen Scherber; parents-in-law, Robert and Edna Zahler; brother-in-law, Dennis Durant; son-in-law, Jerry Liefert; and great-granddaughter, Julia Jo Arns.

Dale is survived by: his loving wife of 61 years, Marlene; children, Jan (Jeff) Hofford, JoLynn (Bill) Arns, Maureen (Chas) Kolles, Marguerite (Mike) Fehn, Karen (Keith) Otto, Kevin (Melissa) Scherber; 29 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren and 8 on the way; sisters, Darlene (Jerry) Weber, Diane Scherber; siblings-in-law, Harvey (Betty) Zahler, Verla Durant; and many loving nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Visitation was held on Sunday, January 6, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church – St. Martin Campus in Rogers. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, January 7, at 10 a.m., with visitation one-hour prior, at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church – St. Martin Campus in Rogers.

Private family burial St. Martin Cemetery.

A special thank you to Advanced Health and Vitality, Methodist Hospital Hospice, and the private home health care aids for the great and loving care they showed to Dale and our family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church building fund.

Serving the family is the Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home.

Oscar Wirgau, 74

Oscar Fredrick Wirgau, 74, of Buffalo, passed away Friday, January 4. He was born January 9, 1944 in Rogers City, MI, the son of Martin and LaVina (Richards) Wirgau.

Oscar was raised in Rogers City, MI. He was a man that had the gift of gab, and enjoyed storytelling and making people laugh. Oscar was a very loving individual who had a way of making everyone feel important. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, woodworking and working with his hands, and spending time with his family.

Oscar met Betty Gohl in Alpena, MI and the two were married on June 1, 1963.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Martin and LaVina Wirgau; brothers, Peter Wirgau, Dennis Wirgau, David Wirgau, Norman Bredow; and sister, Virgilene Wirgau.

Oscar will be deeply missed by: his loving wife, Betty Wirgau; sons, Allen Wirgau and Julius “Tony” Wirgau; grandchildren, Jennifer Wagner, Brandon Wirgau, Travis Houchin, Zach Wirgau, Justin Wirgau; great-grandchildren, Kaelob, Faith, Arrianna, Aubrie, Savannah, Charlie; brothers, Ronald (Karen) Bredow, Irvin (Robin) Bredow, Jeffrey (Carolyn) Bredow, Gregory Bredow; sister, Carol (Charlie) Jones; and many other family and friends.

A celebration of Oscar’s life will be held Saturday, January 12, 2 p.m. at the Buffalo American Legion in Buffalo.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.