Obituaries 2/27/20

Evelyn Fenske, 85

Evelyn S. Fenske, age 85, of Watertown passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at Lake Ridge Care Center in Buffalo.

A visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, February 29, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Evelyn Fenske will be held on Saturday, February 29 at 11:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Watertown. Inurnment Immaculate Conception Cemetery.

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

Arrangements for Evelyn Fenske are by The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


Leo Gagnon, 65

Leo Henry Gagnon, born July 12, 1954, passed away Monday, February 17, 2020 at the age of 65.

In his younger years, Leo loved dancing to polkas and waltzes. He enjoyed working in real estate and sales. Leo was a long-time resident of Waverly, and served as the Mayor in the early 1990’s. He was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Robert Gagnon and Leona (Wagner) Remer. He is survived by: his son, Lance (wife Tiffany) Gagnon; sisters, Jane Mauk and Judy (John) Stein; along with several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning two hours prior at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly. A luncheon will be served following the funeral.

 


Earl Gulliford, 78

Earl Ravis Gulliford, age 78, of Buffalo, passed away Monday, February 17, 2020. He was born December 24, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois, where he grew up with his parents and sister.

Earl proudly served our country in the United States Air Force.

On July 3, 1982, Earl Gulliford and Nona Freitag were united in marriage during a lovely ceremony in their backyard. Nona passed away on December 22, 2019.

Earl enjoyed fishing, restoring old antique radios, vintage cars -especially the 1965 Chevy Impala, and he was a huge animal lover.

He was preceded in death by: his wife, Nona Gulliford; and his parents, Neal P. and Aileen (Miller) Gulliford.

Earl is survived by: his son, Jim Gulliford; daughters, Lori Reed, Sherri Peppi; step-sons, Roger Otto, Rodney Otto; grandson, James Gulliford Jr.; other family; his devoted pets; and friends.

A funeral service was held Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 10:00 a.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.

 


Clifford Hanson, 91

Clifford H. Hanson, age 91, of Maple Lake, died Friday, February 21, 2020 at Lake Ridge Care Center in Buffalo.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., with Memorial Service at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Maple Lake. A private burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Silver Creek Township.

Clifford Harry Hanson was born March 28, 1928, in Benson, to Herman and Christine (Rodi) Hanson. He grew up in Benson and was awarded as an honorary graduate of Benson High School in 2019. On December 29, 1949, Cliff was united in marriage to Inez Ingeborg Simonson at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Benson. In 1957, they moved to St. Paul where they raised their family. They moved to Silver Creek Township in 1972, where they lived until after Inez died in 2016. Cliff worked as a welder at Advance Floor Sweepers and Butler Manufacturing and was a school bus driver for Monticello Schools. He enjoyed cars, tractors, auto racing and old-time music. Cliff loved the time he spent with family and friends, especially the time he had with his grandchildren.

He is survived by: his children, Connie (Leonard) Juaire, of River Falls, WI, Betty Lindell, of Inver Grove Heights, Marla Hanson, of Buffalo and Andrew (Debbie) Hanson, of Maple Lake; five grandchildren, Erin, Pamela, Renae, Darby and Ellie; nine great-grandchildren; and cousin, Gladys Benson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Christine; wife, Inez; grandson, Michael Toenjes; and brothers, Arnold and Osborne.

The urn bearers will be his grandchildren. Mary Messina will serve as the Life Tribute Celebrant.

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

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

 


Jerome Marquette, 64

Jerome Lauren Marquette “Butch,” age 64, of Buffalo, passed away Monday, February 24, 2020. He was born May 22, 1955 in Buffalo, the son of Lauren and Virginia (Oas) Marquette.

Jerry was baptized and confirmed at St. Francis Catholic Church in Buffalo. He was a 1973 graduate of Buffalo High School.

On March 8, 1974, Jerome Marquette and Louise Huber were united in marriage at St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael. The two were blessed with four sons, Anthony, Paul, Matthew, and Andrew.

He worked at Youngblood Lumber Co. for 36 years, and in his retirement, he enjoyed working at Zirc Dental.

Jerry enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, vacationing with Louise, and his annual trips to the hunting shack and fishing in Canada with his family.

Jerry had a big, tender heart, worked hard for his family, and was a great example to his sons on how to be a good husband and father.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lauren Marquette; and mother-in-law, Florence Huber.

Jerry will be deeply missed by: his loving wife, Louise Marquette; sons, Tony (Debra) Marquette and their children: Ava (14) and Ari (12), Paul (Nicolle) Marquette and their children: Mackenzi (21), Madison (20), Austin (16), Brenna (15), Mitchel (11), Kennedy (9), Matt (Lindsay) Marquette and their children: Jackson (18) and Calvin (15); Andy (Janet) Marquette and their children: Camden (5) and Landry (3); mother, Virginia Marquette; siblings, Laurie (Ray) Bongaarts, Robert (Linda) Marquette, Bill (Diane) Marquette, Dan (Dawn) Marquette; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Visitation was held Wednesday, February 26, 2020, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Inurnment to follow at St. Francis Cemetery.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.

 


Jesse Mead, 80

Jesse Alfred Mead, age 80, of Monticello, previously of Montrose, passed away at home on Feb. 17, 2020. 

Retired longtime OTR Trucker for Custom Transfer Inc.

He was preceded in death by: his son, Timothy; granddaughter, Jennifer; sister, Karen LaBant; parents, Charles and Angela.

He will be deeply missed by: his wife of 41 years, Donna; children, Jesse, Jr. (Teresa) Mead, Danny Mead, Roger (Barbie) Mead, Debra Uhl, Shannon Dawson, Charles (Kathy) Green, Becky (Tim) Rolland, Meri Jo Hall (Gerry Griffie), Shawn (April) Hall, Eric Green, Carrie Davidson; 24 grandchildren, many beloved great grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; siblings, Barbara Dieter, Lena Empson, Morris (Linda) Mead; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and good friends. 

Celebration of Life will be held at 12 (Noon), Saturday, Feb. 29 at Hope Evangelical Free Church, 513 W. 4th Street, Monticello (763-295-8886) with visitation at church one hour before service.  Private interment.

Memorials will be accepted by the family for St. Croix Hospice.

 


Duane Olson, 80

Duane H. Olson, age 80, of Taylors Falls, Minnesota passed away on February 17, 2020 in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. Duane was born on January 9, 1940 in Osceola, Wisconsin to parents, Carl and Doris (Prose) Olson.

He graduated from Taylors Falls High School in 1958 where he excelled in many sports. He attended St. Cloud State University where he earned his teaching degree. Duane retired in 1980 from St. Cloud Cathedral as the Athletic Director. He was a charter member and founder of the Taylors Falls School Foundation in 2008.

He was an active member of the Taylors Falls Lions Club, his church, the Taylors Falls Historical Society and the Taylors Falls community. He loved feeding the birds, gardening, deer hunting, and he loved his family. His family was very important to him.

Duane was preceded in death by: his parents, Carl and Doris Olson; his wife, Shirley Ann Olson; and many cousins.

He is survived by: his wife, Carol J. Elliott Olson; children, Sheila (Pat) Allen, Lisa (Hans) Scheller, Kyle Olson, and Renee (William) Scruitsky; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; step daughters, Michele Brynteson, Kari Kleven, and Angela Pitsch; six step-grandchildren; brother, LaVerne (MaryAnn) Olson; and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 29, 2020 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Taylors Falls, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the T.F. School Scholarship Fund or the FDLC Organ Fund.

Arrangements by the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom, Minnesota.  Condolences may be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com.

 


Carol Sieg, 80

Graveside services will be at a later date at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Sleepy Eye for Carol Ann Sieg, age 80, of St. Cloud who died Saturday, February 22, 2020, at St. Benedict’s Senior Community.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids.

Carol was born June 12, 1939 in Redwood Falls to Michael and Mary (Zemler) Sieg. She grew up in the Stewart area and lived and worked as a Secretary in Minneapolis most of her life. She enjoyed volunteering at the Buffalo Community Center where she participated in the Red Hat Society. Carol loved her dog, Ginger and also enjoyed fishing, quilting, sewing, cross stitching and family gatherings.

Survivors include: her sisters, Bernette Sieg, of Waite Park, Judy Sieg, of Florida, Mildred (Norman) Taylor, of Melrose; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Leo, Eugene, Frederick, Kenneth; sisters, Monica Weiss, Rita Kleis, Mary Nickerbocker; and significant other, Ray Barsimian. 

Obituary and Guest Book available online: www.williamsdingmann.com.

 


Verna Snodgrass, 92

Verna E. Snodgrass, age 92, of Buffalo, died Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at Lake Ridge Care Center in Buffalo.

She was born on June 3, 1927 in Monticello, the daughter of Leo and Florence (Wilken) Klatt.

Verna was baptized at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Monticello. She was confirmed on July 29, 1940 at St. Peters Lutheran Church by Pastor M.J. Lenz.

On May 29, 1945, Verna graduated from Buffalo High School.

On November 17, 1948, Verna Klatt and Warren Snodgrass were joined in holy marriage at St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church in Monticello by Pastor Hahnke. Shortly after they were married, Verna and Warren joined Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church – Pelican Lake.

They lived in rural Buffalo where Verna loved to garden and work in the raspberry patch. She also loved to weave rugs, which she did up until the time she sold her house and moved to Lake Ridge Care Center.

Verna is survived by her children, Ken (Sheila) Snodgrass, of Buffalo, Diane (Dave) Kern, of Monticello; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Mabel Liefert, of Monticello; brother, Larry (Diane) Klatt, of Monticello; sister-in-law, Joan Klatt, of Monticello; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Snodgrass on February 9, 2004; daughter, Kathleen Snodgrass Beaudry and her husband, Dennis; brothers, Robert, Roger, Delbert and Gordon Klatt; sister and brother-in-law, Hattie and Glen Arnold; and brother-in-law, George Liefert.

Funeral services were held Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m., at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church – Pelican Lake. Pastor Christopher Oehlke officiated. Interment followed at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.

 


Donald Thaemert, 46

Donald “Don” Thaemert, age 46, of Annandale, formerly of Sauk Rapids, passed away Monday, February 17, 2020 at the St. Cloud Hospital.

Memorial Service was held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at Dingmann Funeral Care, Annandale with Rev. Alex Becker officiating. Visitation was held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials are preferred to the family.

Don was born July 19, 1973 in Minneapolis, to Donald M. and Diane (Mauren) Thaemert. He graduated from St. Croix Lutheran High School in St. Paul and took classes at Music Tech after graduation. Don worked recently at Electrolux in St. Cloud.

Donald lived his life full of adventure, surrounded with music, following bands and playing his guitar. He enjoyed fishing throughout his entire life, with friends and family. He will be remembered for his kind and gentle personality.

Donald is survived by: his parents; siblings, Mark, Missy, Janet, Brian, Lori, Brian, and Sue; daughter, Victoria; dear friends, Chris, Ryan, Stephan and Jerry; and other friends and family. He was preceded in death by: his grandparents; and step-siblings, Wendy and Steve.

Obituary & Guestbook online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.

 


Gary Wagner, 80

Gary Lee Wagner, age 80, of Buffalo, passed away on February 18, 2020.

He was born on February 15, 1940 in Turtle Lake, North Dakota to Albert and Josephine (Gardiner) Wagner. He grew up in Elgin, North Dakota and graduated with the class of 1958.

Following high school, he enlisted to serve his country in the United States Army. He proudly served and was honorably discharged in 1965 due to an injury sustained during his time in the military.

On May 8, 1965, he was united in marriage to Diane Kay Heinen in Moorhead, Minnesota. They were blessed with three children.

Gary and Diane lived throughout many parts of the state. In 1972, their family moved to Duluth where Gary managed Highway Host Restaurant. They then moved to Hazen, North Dakota where he purchased and operated his restaurant called the Tumbleweed Inn. After briefly living in Bismarck, they finally settled in Buffalo in 1981.

He was a member of the Buffalo Legion, Lions Club, and supported various charities and events for families affected by cancer. He was a four-time cancer survivor himself and was a source of inspiration to those fighting cancer.

Gary loved all youth sports. Over the years, you could catch him on the ice coaching boy’s hockey, in the stands cheering on the girl’s hockey, and even behind the plate umpiring girl’s softball. Much of his umpiring income went back to various youth associations for equipment, uniforms, or whatever they needed. His generous heart led to massive fundraising to build the sports complex in Hazen, ND, back in the mid-70s. He most recently revived the “Beat the Goalie” contest to incentify more student participation at Buffalo High School hockey games.

His love of sports even crossed borders. As a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan, he was always quick to boast of their winning record or take a good jab at the Viking’s losing record.

He was preceded in death by: his wife, Diane; great-granddaughter, Stella; parents; and brother-in-law, Roger Ready.

He is survived by: his children, Ross (Vanessa) Wagner, Robb (Angel) Wagner, and Rondi (Greg) Reinert; grandchildren, Jennifer (Travis) Fuhol, Jordan Wagner, KayLyn Wagner, and Evan Wagner, Matthew Reinert, and Andrew Reinert; great-grandchildren, Baylynn, Oliver, Odin, and Theo; honorary grandchildren, Buzz and Alyssa Tryggeseth; brother, Richard (Betty); sisters, Kathy Ready and Debra (Tom) Crouse; and many other relatives and friends.

To honor Gary’s love for sports, the family asks that you wear your favorite jersey or team colors to support his everlasting, “Go! Fight! Win!”  attitude.

A visitation will be held Thursday, February 27, 2020 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church in Buffalo. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, February 28, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church in Buffalo. Interment will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to carry on his legacy of providing contributions to local youth sports and activities.

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