Obituaries 7/2/20
Mary Findley, 84
Mary Sharon “Sharon” Findley, age 84, of Big Lake, Minnesota passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2020.
She was born on November 16, 1935 to Raymond and Dolores (Bensend) Kolhoff in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Sharon was a graduate of St. Margaret’s Academy, College of St. Catherine, and the University of Minnesota, where she earned a master’s degree in nursing. She was a member of the founding faculty at Anoka-Ramsey & North Hennepin Community College Association nursing program. She volunteered for 15 years in Hospice facilities. Sharon went on to be a nurse consultant at CSI.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Dolores Kolhoff; son, Michael Thomas Findley; grandson, Raymond Ernest Haberman; nephews, Daniel Peters and Michael Peters; sister-in-law, Audrey Peters; and the father of her children, Thomas Findley.
She is survived by her children, Greg (Deb) Findley, Anne Salsman, Patrick Findley, Jenny (Greg) Haberman; daughter-in-law, Roxy Findley; grandchildren, Mitch (Caitlyn) Findley, Kristin (Phil) Shaner, Brianna Findley, Ryan Salsman, Nick Findley, Ali Findley, Brandon Haberman, Chris Faraone, Sam Faraone; great-grandchildren Phoenix Haberman, Michael C. Findley, and Scarlett Haberman; and her loving companion, her dog, Coco.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, Minnesota.
“I spent my life trying to do good for others and raise a good family, and I feel that I was successful.”
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano.
Fritz Ibs, 91
Fritz Herman Ibs, age 91, of Maple Lake, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2020.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 1, 1928, the son of Fritz and Anni (Reuter) Ibs. Though he was born in the United States, Fritz had lived 20 years of his life in Germany, where he still has many friends and loved ones living there today.
In 1950, he was joined in marriage to Ingeborg “Inge” Helga Gertrud Kreiger in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. They were married for 67 wonderful and blessed years.
Fritz and Inge returned to America in 1951, first to Green Bay, Wisconsin, then Minneapolis. They purchased a farm in 1961 in Maple Lake, Minnesota, moving there in 1964, where they established their forever home. The farm was a center of their life, hosting family and friends and planting many gardens of flowers, vegetables, and other produce.
He was a very hard worker and provided for his family by holding many occupations. He had a wide variety of work experiences, including spending 18 years with Honeywell, driving school bus, cleaning the local bank, pipefitting, shoveling coal, worked at a feed mill, owned a gas station, and raised beef cattle—just to name a few!
Fritz was curious by nature and loved to learn. He had a fondness for studying, learning through his life experiences and continuing education at Dunwoody. He pursued his interests in a wide range of subjects, but he especially loved history and politics; he was a voracious reader and read countless books right up until the end.
Fritz was a member of the Lion’s Club, and participated on the mission board at Heartland Free Church where he fostered his relationship with Jesus. He hosted many relatives, guests, and friends and loved spending time with his family.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Inge; and parents, Fritz and Anni.
Fritz is survived by his sons, Fritz Ibs, Jr., and Tom (Sue) Ibs, all of Monticello; ten grandchildren, Kristina King, Kim Skanson, Brad Ibs, Steven Ibs, Brian Ibs, Scott Ibs, Rachel Schoepf, Hannah Ibs, Jacob Ibs, and Grace Ibs; 13 great-grandchildren, Tanner, Ellie, Sawyer, Anya, Owen, Ryder, Marna, Luke, Elin, Lincoln, Mae, Thea, and Oswin; siblings, Ernst (Anna), Peter (Brigetti), and Karl Ibs; and many other relatives and friends.
A private family graveside service was held on June 25 at Lakeview Cemetery in Maple Lake.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Mervin Keeney, 92
Mervin L. Keeney, age 92, of Maple Lake, died at home on Saturday, June 27, 2020 with family at his side.
Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at Buffalo Covenant Church with Pastor Bert Holmquist officiating. The service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., Wednesday at the church. Burial will take place at a later date at Lakeview Cemetery in Silver Creek Township.
Mervin Lloyd Keeney was born May 26, 1928 in Blackduck, Minnesota to Lloyd and Agnes (Soberg) Keeney. He grew up in Big Falls and graduated from Littlefork-Big Falls High School with the Class of 1947. On August 15, 1953, he was united in marriage to Adelle Slyter at Downer Presbyterian Church. Merv was a truck driver for Red Owl for many years, retiring with Super Valu in 1988. His faith was a guiding light in his life. He was a former member at Annandale United Methodist Church where he was a Lay Leader and was currently a member at Buffalo Covenant Church. Merv volunteered his time with many organizations, including the food shelf, construction of the Maple Lake school playground, Meals on Wheels, and Prison Fellowship ministries. His efforts were recognized in 1994 when he was awarded the Minneapolis Aquatennial Honorary Commodore Award at the Maple Lake Irish Gala. Merv enjoyed working the hobby farm, caring for their many animals, camping, bonfires at the lake, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends. His legacy of care and generosity will be remembered by all that knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Adelle; daughters and son, Patty Raiche of Maple Lake, LuAnn (Mark) Vandergon of Maple Lake, Leah (Jason) Gilland of Backus and Marty of Maple Lake; eleven grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sheralyn Ward; son-in-law, Tom Ward; brothers and sister, Berkley, Virgil and Ivan Keeney and Anna Marie Henry.
The urn bearers will be his grandchildren, Kari Bergmann, Craig and Troy Raiche, Mandy Gustafson, Jared Ward, Trevor, Trent and Jacki Vandergon, Aaron Robinson, Stephanie Laposky and Spencer Robinson. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Gladys Marschel, 92
Gladys L. (Maurer) Marschel, age 92, of Annandale, passed away peacefully Monday June 22, 2020 at her home in Annandale surrounded by family.
Funeral Services will be held at the grave at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 2, 2020 at Woodlawn Cemetery with Rev. Rudy Maurer officiating. Feel free to bring a lawn chair for the service. The service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend. Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1 and 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, both at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale.
Gladys Louise Marschel was born August 9, 1927 in Fairhaven Township, Stearns County to Rhinehardt and Ethel (Driver) Maurer. She grew up in Fairhaven. On June 23, 1944, she was united in marriage to Vernon Fredrick Marschel in Annandale.
Gladys worked at a bag factory, at Leaf Laundry and Northwest Automatic, all in Minneapolis and cut material at Carlson Dolls located in Maple Lake. She enjoyed camping, fishing, going to the casino, playing cards and traveling. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends; she adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gladys was loved by her family, friends and all who knew her.
She is survived by her three children, William (Karen), of Garrison, Johnny, of Garrison, and Sue (Steve) Raymond, of Maple Lake; five grandchildren, Chris, Kim, Thomas, Gregory and Stephanie; 10 great-grandchildren, Amanda, Tahlia, James, Janelle, Amelia, Dylan, Avery, Alexander, Haley and Claire; seven sisters and brothers, Bertha Miller, of Annandale, Mildred Fredrick, of Kimball, Rudy (Marion) Maurer, of Fairhaven, George (Pat) Maurer, of South Haven, Eva Alama, of French Lake, Laura (Tom) Wittrock, of St. Cloud, and Jerry Maurer, of Fairhaven. She was preceded in death by her father, Rhinehardt Maurer; mother, Ethel Annala; step-father, Andrew Annala; husband, Vernon Marschel; sister, Helen Zeis; and brother, Mike Maurer.
The casket bearers will be Chris Marschel, Kenny Nelson, Deanna Alama, Dave Alama, Gene Alama and Hank Alama.
Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute and Funeral Webcast available at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Lucille Ordorff, 73
Lucille Marie Ordorff, age 73, of Buffalo, MN passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2020. She was born November 8, 1946 in St. Cloud, MN to Herman and Elizabeth Rippberger.
As a child, Lucy enjoyed playing with her 11 sisters and brothers, and working on the family farm in Maple Lake, MN.
She worked for Wonderalls in Buffalo until their closing, and finished her working career with Gage Marketing in Maple Plain where she worked for over 25 years.
In July of 1965, Lucille Rippberger and Milo Ordorff were united in marriage. They were blessed with three daughters, Debbie, Julie and Peggy.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Milo Ordorff; parents, Herman and Elizabeth Rippberger; siblings, Joe Rippberger and Florence Lanto.
Lucy is survived by her daughters, Debbie (Gene) Ebert, Julie (Troy) Moseng, Peggy (Ross) Hill; grandchildren, Matthew Ebert, Nicholas Ebert, Holly (Andrew) Williams, Brittany (William) Callahan, Tyler Moseng, Crystal Hill; great-grandchildren, Levin, Lucy and London Ebert, Jaxon Ebert, Liam and Landon Williams; siblings, Mary (Larry) Rassat, Jimmy Rippberger, David Rippberger, Rosemary (Randy) Hughes, Ed (Bonnie) Rippberger, Kimmy (Butch) Motzko, Margaret (Ken) Justin, Betty (Ron) Nalewaya, Sheila (Jerry) Pierson; and many other family and friends.
A special thank you to The Glenn Memory Care in Buffalo, MN, Fairview Hospice, Pastor Ryan Clark and The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN for all your wonderful care of Mom and to our family. We appreciate everything.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 26, 2020 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN. Interment was held at 4:00 p.m. at Immanuel Pelican Lake Cemetery in Buffalo, MN.
The family was served by The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Vernie Payne, 90
Vernie Carl Payne, age 90, of rural Buffalo passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2020 at his residence.
He was born on February 20, 1930 on the Hamilton farm in Maple Lake Township, Wright County, the son of Emery J. and Frieda M. (Stoppelman) Payne. Vernie was baptized on April 30, 1930 at the Presbyterian Manse in Buffalo. On December 23, 1950, Vernie C. Payne and Yvonne J. Isaacson were joined in holy marriage in Buffalo. Reverend K. Alvar Persson performed the ceremony. God blessed their marriage with five children.
Vernie honorably served his Country in The United States Navy from January 15, 1951-January 13, 1953. He worked for Vic Corron for many years. Vernie later owned and operated VCP Backhoe and engaged in septic systems and tiling. He loved cars and anything with a motor. His car collection included two 1992 Chevrolet Caprice wagons, a 1995 Impala SS, a 1931 Model A, 1930 Cadillac LaSalle, a 1937 Chevy Coup, 1938 Chevy Street rod, 1948 Chevy Fleetmaster, 1957 Chevy and a 1976 Camero. Vernie also farmed his whole life until three years ago. He belonged to Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo.
Vernie is survived by his children, Randy Payne, Tobin (Barb) Payne, Robyn (Doug) Patri, Vanessa (John) Koshak and JoLinda (Mark) Elletson; grandchildren, Ryan (Katie), Nathan (Erin), Mitchell (Krystle), Benjamin Patri and special friend, Katrina, Ashley (Bernard) Lang, Amber Patri and special friend, Ricky, Alicia Nelson, Malinda (Zach) Gahm, Easton Paulsen, Levi Elletson and Silvonna Elletson and special friend, Dean; 15 great-grandchildren; a brother, Orville (Leah)Payne; many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Yvonne, on April 9, 2016; his parents, infant twin sisters, infant brothers, Leo and Gordon; brothers, Marvin, Roland, Roger and Clyde.
Funeral Services for Vernie Payne will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Pastor Dave Hoadley will officiate. Interment with military rites at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo. A visitation was held at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1. Further visitation will be held on Thursday morning, July 2 one hour prior to services at the church.
Honorary Casket Bearers will be John Koshak, Doug Patri and Mark Elletson.
Casket Bearers will be Ryan, Nathan and Mitchell Payne, Levi Elletson, Benjamin Patri and Kolton Payne.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Elwood Rentz, 87
Elwood Ray Rentz, 87, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2020. He was born on December 2, 1932 to Ray and Helen Rentz.
He attended Buffalo High School and enjoyed basketball. He proudly served in the United States Army participating in the Korean Conflict serving as military police.
He was joined in holy marriage to Carol Witte on August 24, 1957 at Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rockford. He was an amazing, supportive father that provided for his three children who were raised on the family farm near Rockford. He never missed his children’s events, showing his love and support for us.
One of his favorite things was fishing, which led to many family trips salmon fishing to Lake Michigan or walleye fishing on Mille Lacs. As a family, we enjoyed going to our trailer home on Lake Pulaski on the weekends as soon as he arrived home from work. There, he enjoyed waterskiing, using homemade skis. Deer hunting was a yearly family tradition on the farm. He loved flying and even bought and put together and flew his own ultralight airplane. In his next life, we see him becoming a pilot and flying planes.
He spent most of his working career at Red Owl in Hopkins, working in the warehouse for 31 years. He and Mom did daycare for the three grandchildren, Sam, Molly and Charlie, who he treasured immensely. After retirement, he and Mom enjoyed traveling to Arizona for many years where they met up with friends from Red Owl.
He is survived by loving wife, Carol; sister, Delores Hanson; children, Mike (Francoise), Mark (Pam), Marcy (John) Kapsner; grandchildren, Sam (fiancé Callie), Molly, and Charlie; other relatives and friends.
A Private Family graveside service for Elwood Rentz will be held at Elmwood Cemetery in Rockford. Pastor Michael Barlow will officiate.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo assisted the family with arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
James Schneeberger, 81
James (Jim) Schneeberger passed peacefully on the evening of June 25, 2020 at Redeemer Health Center in Minneapolis.
Jim was born in April 23, 1939 in Ashland, Wisconsin, and lived in several Wisconsin communities before his family settled in Superior. This is where he met his wife of 58 years, Jan.
Jim retired from Lakehead Pipeline in Superior after 32 years of service. They moved to the Twin Cities area in 1999, settling in Buffalo, MN in 2005 to be near their children and grandchildren. Jim’s greatest love was his family. He was involved with the grandchildren’s activities, sports and education.
“Gentleman Jim” was an avid curler. Highlights of his curling career include winning the 57th Northwest Bonspiel in 1990 curling with his son, Mike. And, as a member of the Bud Somerville Senior’s team, winning the 1996 Senior Men’s National Championship. Jim was a past president of the Superior Curling Club and was one of many volunteers involved in the construction of the Superior Curling Club. He was also an avid Packer backer.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Lenore Haberman; his father, Charles Schneeberger; his sister, Mary Ann, and her husband, Donald Leach.
Jim is survived by his wife, Jan; son, Michael Schneeberger; and daughter, Karen Boatman. Five grandchildren Kjirsten (Luke) Rassatt, Matt (Jackie) Boatman, Brittney (Brandon) Sundberg, Kenzie (Chris) Boatman, and Niklas Boatman. Seven great-grandchildren, Courtney, Kennedy, Bria, Brooklyn, Easten, Harlan and Rowen; and his step-brother, Kevin (Alice) Haberman.
A private burial service will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery in Superior with Father Andrew Ricci officiating. A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held for family and friends on June 25, 2021, the first anniversary of Jim’s passing.
Memorials preferred to Childrens Hospital Minnesota, 2525 S. Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55404, Attn: Foundation.
