Obituaries 1/2/20

Erika Eory, 83

Erika Maria Eory, age 83, of Big Lake, passed away at her home on Tuesday, December 24, 2019.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, Sandor; and son, Emory.

Erika is survived by son, Sandor (Cathy); daughters, Crista (Jeff) Hulett and Katy (Brian) Larson; grandchildren, Nathan, Jordan, Noah, Abby, Jack, Gabe; sister, Emilie Weiler.

Memorial Service will be Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 11 a.m. at the Peterson-Grimsmo Chapel, 250 East Broadway in Monticello, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. until time of service.

 


Nona Gulliford, 84

Nona Lorine Freitag Gulliford, age 84, of Buffalo, passed away Sunday, December 22, 2019. She was born March 16, 1935 in Federal Dam, Minn., the daughter of Albert and Mabel (Armbrust) Freitag.

Nona graduated from Minneapolis Vocational High School. Nona was united in marriage to Kenneth Otto until his passing in 1981. They were blessed with two sons: Roger and Rodney.

Nona was united in marriage to Earl Gulliford on July 3, 1982 during a lovely ceremony in their backyard.

Nona was a past member of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed reading, sewing, cooking and spending time with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by: her first husband, Kenneth Otto; parents, Albert and Mabel Freitag; and sister, Elaine (Luther) Grotte.

Nona is survived by: her husband, Earl Gulliford of Buffalo; sons, Roger Otto of Mesa, AZ, Rodney Otto of Minnetonka; many nieces and nephews; her devoted pets; and friends.

A funeral service was held Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 1:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior, at The Peterson Chapel, 119 Central Ave., Buffalo. Interment at Acacia Park Cemetery in Mendota Heights.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo.

 


James Haglund, 87

On Monday, December 23, 2019, James “Jim” David Haglund, passed away in Minneapolis at the age of 87. He was born on March 20, 1932, in Dassel, to Victor and Hannah (Nyquist) Haglund.

He graduated from the University of MN in 1962 and worked with Northern States Power, the federal government, and the Northwest Conference of the Covenant Church.

On June 2, 1956, he married Joyce Elaine Anderson. They raised five children, Karen, Steven, Diane, Janet, and Thomas.

Jim was devoted to his family, church, and community. He also loved to travel with Joyce and his family, and was an avid reader and game player. He was known for his infectious smile, his gentle spirit, and a deep, grateful love for his Lord.

Jim was preceded in death by: his father, Victor; his mother, Hannah; and his son-in-law, Jeff Schurrer. He was the youngest of eight siblings - all preceding him in death.

He is survived by: his wife, Joyce; and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: Karen Schurrer - Amanda (Derek) Hentges and Savannah, Madison, and Kylie; Tim (Katie) Schurrer and Judson; Steven (Linda) Haglund - Sam, Eli, Sarah, and Joel; Diane (Dale) Bergstrom - James (Heather) Blue and Harper; Zac (Sarah) Blue and Oliver; Rachel Blue; and Sam Bergstrom; Janet (Greg) Sweet - Katy (Dave) Mozdren and Owen and Lily; Kristen (Allen) Seaquist; Lindsey (Trevor) Pearson; and Lauren Sweet; Thomas Haglund, as well as his sister-in-law, Rosalie Haglund, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2020, with a visitation at 10:00 a.m., at Buffalo Covenant Church, 1601 Highway 25 North in Buffalo.

Memorial donations can be made to Buffalo Covenant for their camp ministry.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.

 


Florence Huber, 97

Florence Johanna Huber, age 97, of Buffalo and formerly of St. Michael passed away on Friday, December 27, 2019 at Lakeside Oasis.

She was born on August 28, 1922 in St. Michael, the daughter of Alois and Theresa (Duerr) Hackenmueller.

On June 11, 1947, Florence J. Hackenmueller and Joseph G. Huber were joined in holy marriage at the St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael. God blessed their marriage with six children.

Florence’s most rewarding work was assisting Dr. Theilen for many years. She then worked as a clerk for the post office and retired after 17 years.

Florence belonged to the St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael and the C.C.W. She was a former Eucharistic Minister.  Florence was a member of Catholic Aid and the American Legion Auxiliary.

She enjoyed bowling, painting, camping and traveling.

Florence is survived by: her loving children, Mary (Roger) Marquette, Theresa Huber (Danita Sticka) and Louise (Jerry) Marquette all of Buffalo, Elizabeth (Michael) Zachman of St. Michael, and Caroline (Kent) Zachman of Buffalo; 17 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; special nephew: Michael (Kate) Charmoli; other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, Joseph G. Huber; a son, John Huber, her parents; and nine siblings.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Florence Huber will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael. Father Peter Richards will be the Celebrant. Interment St. Michael Cemetery.

A visitation was held on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 from 4-8 p.m. at the church, with a Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Further visitation will be held on Thursday, January 2 one hour prior to Mass.

Casket Bearers will be Julie Gilmer, Joe Huber, Tony Marquette, Nathan Zachman, Daniel Zachman and Michael Charmoli.

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

 


Myron Krause, 86

Myron Walter Krause, age 86, of Buffalo, passed away on December 25, 2019 from complications following a farm accident.

Myron was born on May 17, 1933 on the family farm in Rockford Township to Rienhald and Evelyn Krause and farmed his entire life, except for during his US Army service.

He was baptized, confirmed and was a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church. On June 16, 1956, Myron married Jeanne Hamilton at Union Congregational Church in St. Louis Park. Myron and Jeanne had three children: Cindy, Roger and Julie. Myron was a farmer through and through. After moving to town, he enjoyed his little dog Bobby, doing jigsaw puzzles, watching “Wheel of Fortune” and nature programs, helping Roger on the farm and working at Von Ruden. Myron was known for his kindness and his quiet sense of humor.

Myron was preceded in death by: his parents, Rienhald and Evelyn Krause; parents-in-law, Charles and Dorothy Hamilton; brothers, David and Richard Krause; brother-in-law, Ernie Robasse; and sisters-in-law, Connie and Carol Krause; and nephew Scott Krause.

Myron is survived by: his wife of 63 years, Jeanne; daughter, Cindy (Jim) Kennedy; son, Roger (Tammy) Krause; Julie (Tom) Johnson; grandchildren, Michael and Jennifer Krause, Christopher Leonard, Alex (Amber) and Megan (Dominique) Euerle, Zach (Emiliana) Risnes; great-grandchildren, Mason Euerle and Reina Risnes; sister, Phyllis (Len) Bengtson; brother, Warren Krause; sisters-in-law, Sharon Robasse and Muddy Krause; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial services for Myron were held Sunday, December 28, 2019 at Zion Lutheran Church, 1200 Highway 25 S, Buffalo.

The family wishes to thank everyone who has sent condolences, made visits, and has thought of us at this time. Donations can be made to the Zion Lutheran Memorial Fund.

 


Hollis Pirness, Infant

A dear infant son, Hollis Mathew Pirness, passed away on December 23, 2019. He was born to Darren and Erika Pirness December 27, 2019 at Maple Grove Hospital in Maple Grove.

Hollis is survived by: his parents, Darren and Erika Pirness; siblings, Reed, Cedric, Maude, Sadiee, Seth, Elladee and Gilbert of Montrose; grandparents, Richard and Barbara Laho of Buffalo, and Ernest and Marlene Pirness of Outlook, SK Canada. He is also survived by his great-grandmother, Norma Hillukka of Menahga, Minn.; and many aunts and uncles, cousins, brothers and sisters in faith, and friends.

Hollis’ birth was joyfully anticipated by his family, as they looked forward to his arrival shortly after New Year’s. God had other plans though and called him to his heavenly home before his birth. The family has found comfort in these words from Zechariah 8:5, “And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets there of.” Hollis will be remembered with longing and dearly missed.

The family would like to thank the staff in labor and delivery at Maple Grove Hospital, especially Anita, Jaclyn, and Krista for their kindness, love and compassion during this difficult time.

The funeral service was held at Monticello Laestadian Lutheran Church on Monday, December 30, 2019 at 12:00 noon. Visitation was held at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.

 


Dr. Mabel Schleif, 100

Dr. Mabel E. Schleif, age 100, of St. Paul, and formerly of rural Hanover, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2019. She was born on the family homestead in Frankfort Township, Wright County on October 29, 1919.

She was a lifelong member, and currently the oldest member, of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover where she was baptized on November 24, 1919 and confirmed on July 31, 1932. She enjoyed visiting Mount Olive Lutheran Church in South Minneapolis for the last several years.

Mabel was also a member of the Alumni Association of the U of M where she obtained her Master and PhD. She was a wonderful teacher and professor during her life. She educated others with 20+ years in St. Louis Park, six years at the University of South Dakota Vermillion, and 20+ years at the University of St. Thomas until retiring in her 70s.

She enjoyed reading, keeping up to date with the news, crossword puzzles, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, August C. and Augusta (Schostag) Schleif; brother, Harold (Alma) Schleif; sister, Eleanora W. Schleif; niece, Lynda Erickson; and great-nephew, Martin A. Erickson IV.

She is survived by: her niece, Cheryl (John) Luckow of Bloomington; great-niece, Sydney (Jeffery) Quade and family; great-nephew, Robert (Rachel) Luckow and family; great-niece, Emily Erickson; cousin, Delores (Ken) Larsen and family; last lifelong teaching friend, Harriet Ebeling; and other loving relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held Friday, January 3, 2020 at 12:00 noon, with visitation one hour prior, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover. Burial will follow at Hanover Village Cemetery.

Mabel was a lifelong learner and educator, world traveler, and devoted caregiver to her older sister. The one place Mabel always talked about, but never made it to, was the Cloud Forest in Costa Rica.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.

 


Gene Sherva, 66

Gene H. Sherva, age 66, of Clearwater Township, died Friday, December 20, 2019 at his home.

Gene Harlan Sherva was born May 9, 1953 at the St. Cloud Hospital to Garfield and Lillian (Kappadahl) Sherva. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Annandale.

Gene graduated with the Class of 1971 from Maple Lake High School. He worked as a mechanic for many companies, including Buffalo Chrysler, Spee-Dee Delivery, and Dan and Jerry’s. Gene enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. He loved family gatherings and a home-cooked meal.

Gene is survived by: his sisters, Lorraine Sherva of Buffalo, Mavis (Byron) Bonk of Gaylord and Linda (Tom) Schaefer of Buffalo; nieces and nephews, Roger Bonk, Doug (Connie) Bonk, Julie (Kent) Haegele, Jeff (Janet) Schaefer, Pamala (Brian) Berning, Amy (Brian) Gatz, Marlin Sherva, Nancy Sherva and Bonnie (Matt) Heidtke; and many great nieces, great nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; brother, Gerald Sherva; an infant sister; and nephew, David Bonk.

The urn bearers will be Jeff Schaefer, Roger Bonk, Doug Bonk and Leon Stumpf. Brian Dingmann will serve as the Celebrant.

Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale.

Obituary & Guestbook online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.

 


Merton Thompson Jr., 81

Merton “Mert” John Thompson, Jr., long-time resident of Buffalo, passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at Park View Care Center in Buffalo.

Mert was born in Glenwood, to Merton and Gertrude Thompson on January 28, 1938. The Thompson family moved from Glenwood to Minneapolis, where Mert would go on to graduate from Edina High School in 1956. Mert was an accomplished athlete in high school, and received a scholarship to play football at the University of Minnesota.  He cherished his many friendships made through athletics, and enjoyed sharing his memories of these days with family throughout his life.

Mert met and married the love of his life, Bonnie (Pannhoff) in Annandale, in 1960.  Mert and Bonnie settled in Buffalo and had three children - Gunnar, Anna and Kate. Mert was a wonderful husband and father, and his family was always the focus of his life. He had an entrepreneurial spirit - starting several successful businesses throughout his life, including Thompson Automotive in Minneapolis and The Buffalo Nickel in Buffalo, as well as flipping numerous houses well before it was trendy. He and Bonnie made a dynamic team! Upon selling the Buffalo Nickel, Mert spent a decade as a handyman at Sharing and Caring Hands in Minneapolis. 

Mert is survived by: his wife of 59 years, Bonnie Thompson of Buffalo; son, Gunnar (Kim) Thompson; daughters, Anna Shedlov and Kate (Jamie) Broman; grandkids, Angelina, Eliza, Perrin, Avery and Cooper; and a great-granddaughter Gracie.

Mert’s family and friends will remember Mert’s vibrant spirit and love of cars, sports, cabin days, business, building furniture in his garage and of course time spent with family.

The family thanks all the wonderful caregivers that became friends in the last years of Mert’s life. He was blessed with excellent home health care and nurses and staff at Park View Care Center.

Mert chose to donate his body to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program. As such, there are no planned services at this time. 

Mert’s wish was for any memorials in his name to be made to Sharing and Caring Hands: www.sharingandcaring.org/donate.

 


Donald Zachman, 92

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, December 27, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., at St. Michael Catholic Church, St. Michael, with Father Peter Richards as Celebrant. Interment followed at the parish cemetery. The family received friends and relatives Thursday, December 26, 2019 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with parish prayers at 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Donald (Don) Isadore Zachman, age 92, of St. Michael, left this earth to join family and relatives on Tuesday, December 24, 2019. He was born April 29, 1927 in St. Michael, MN the son of Alphonse and Emily (Lehn) Zachman.

He was a dairy farmer his entire life and farmed 120 acres in Wright County and had natural mechanical, welding and carpentry skills.

Don was united in Holy Matrimony to Clara (Zmuda) on June 25,1949 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Weyerhaeuser, Wisconsin. The couple resided in St. Michael. God blessed their marriage with nine children.

Don was a faithful life-long active member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and a member of the Lay Carmelites of St. Anne’s Carmelite group. He created the steel donation box that was located at the entryway to St. Michael Church for bell tower donations and spent time cleaning church with a portable vacuum strapped to his back and prepping the church for funeral services. He could be found mowing cemetery grounds, repairing church pews, as well as stuffing envelopes for large church mailings. He enjoyed gardening and found great joy in sharing his produce with others. He found joy and peace through hours of Perpetual Adoration in the Chapel and leading the rosary before Mass.

Don is survived by: his wife of 70 years, Clara Zachman; children, Jeffrey (Mary Ellen), Mary Knapp (John), Renee (Jim Moldenhauer), Reginald (LuAnn), Donny (Karen), Therese Petroske (Jeff), Monica Hall (Dennis), Calista Alden (Allen), Colleen Erickson (Brad); 16 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren, Kate Basavage and children, Dawson, Corrine and Lydia, Jenny, John (Jenn) and children, Zachary and Grace, Michael (Lisa) Maggie, Drew (Amanda) and Lora (Rocky) and children, Emily and Elizabeth, Travis (Kirsten) and children, Stella and Emery, Sr. Karol Marie, OP, Dustin (Ann), Brandon (Megan) and children, Lincoln, Cora and Griffin, Josie (Andrew) and children, Lila and Mavis, Clint (Jamie) and children, Emma & August, Kurt (Ashley) and children, Katrin and Kade, Dalton Hall, and Madelyn and Lynnia Alden; his siblings, Irene Mahoney, Bernadette (James) Dehn, Edgar (Mary) Zachman, MaryAnn (Ronald) Rinkel, Harry Zachman, and many other family and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Alphonse and Emily Zachman; brothers Elmer Zachman, Elroy Zachman, Fr. Emmett Zachman, OSC, Brother Vernon Zachman (Missionaries of Africa), Joseph Zachman; brother-in-law, Neil Mahoney and nephew, Kevin Zachman.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Endowment Fund for the St. Michael Catholic School.

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

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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