Obituaries 7/29/21

Nina Geary, 93

Nina Rosemary Geary, age 93, of Hudson, WI, and formerly Buffalo, MN, passed away on July 22, 2021.

Nina was born the daughter of George and Florence (Heaton) Farris on April 1, 1928, in Annandale, MN. She was the youngest of nine children. Nina graduated from Annandale High School in 1947. The next year, she was crowned Annandale Fire Queen. She moved to Minneapolis where she attended the MacPhail School of Music to study voice. During that time, she worked at Power’s and then at Donaldson’s. She shared her love of music with her family. Her home was always filled with music and singing, and her love of music was passed on to her children and grandchildren.

She spent some time with relatives in Kansas City and then returned to Annandale. There, she met Harley Geary. They were united in marriage on July 28, 1950, at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Maple Lake. God blessed this union with three children.

Nina was a stay-at-home mother until all three children were in school. For a time, she hosted the “Buffalo Locals” weekly radio show from home on KDUZ radio station in Hutchinson. While caring for her own children, she always welcomed all the neighbor kids and her kids’ friends into her home and treated them as her own. She was loved by all of them and considered a second mother by many of them.

Nina worked as a cashier at Esau’s Supermarket for several years. She also worked for the City of Buffalo in the office and as cashier at the Buffalo Liquor Store. After retiring, she enjoyed working at Cub Foods in Buffalo giving out food samples.

Nina was a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 270 in Buffalo from the 1950s until her passing. She was very active with the Auxiliary and served as President in 1972-1973.

Nina loved music and enjoyed reading and sewing. She enjoyed cooking and canning. She made delicious meatloaf, fried chicken, potato salad, mashed potatoes and gravy and, particularly, apple butter and apple pie. After retirement, she also enjoyed wintering in Arizona with Harley. She especially loved the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Nina was a resilient and determined woman. She overcame many injuries and maladies in her life. Each time she suffered a setback, she persevered until she recovered.

Nina is survived by her children, Kathy Geary, of Becker, MN; Lisa (Tom) Makal, of Hudson, WI; and Jim Geary, of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren, Jordan Racicot, Kayla Niccum (fiance Chuck Ajer,) Kristen (Alex) Gerrish, and Matthew Geary; great-grandchildren, Tatum and Ardyn Niccum and Emalee Henricks; Sullivan and Aurora Racicot; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harley; infant great-granddaughter, Zoey Racicot; grandson by marriage, Lew Niccum; her eight siblings, Edna Farris, Dick Farris, Donald Farris, Tod Farris, Lila Farris, Doris Scheiber, Auren Farris, and Jim Farris; and her beloved feline fur baby, Charley.

Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at 4:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service, all at Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Reception will follow at Huikko’s Bison Creek of Buffalo. Private family interment at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo.

Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family can be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


Ronald Holmstrom, 53

Ronald John “Ronnie” Holmstrom, age 53, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away July 21, 2021.

He was born on March 26, 1968, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to William and Kathleen (Zemlin) Holmstrom. Ronnie and his family had lived in Coon Rapids, Corcoran, and, eventually, made their residence in Buffalo, MN.

In Ronnie’s younger years, he enjoyed playing soccer and watching sports. He loved being around people and making them happy.

His nursing team provided him with so much loving care, dignity, and constant companionship since his injury when he was young. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude for the quality of care they gave to him for so many years; they became his honorary family members.

Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents, William and Kathleen.

He is survived by his brother, Michael Holmstrom; nephew, Michael, Jr. (Nicole) Holmstrom; niece, Katrina (Lucas Hanson) Holmstrom; great-nephews, Michael III and Matthew Holmstrom; great-niece, Olivia Holmstrom; and the many caretakers that became part of the family.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN. Interment followed at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to donor’s charity of choice.

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

 


Margaret Sipe, 88

Margaret (Peg) Sipe, age 88, of Eden Prairie, formerly of Buffalo, passed away on July 20, 2021.

She is survived by her children, Chuck (Teresa) Giese, Jon Giese, Julie (Randy) Schlecht, Rick Giese, Jody Morton; daughter-in-law, Julie Giese; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by Nyle’s children, Gary (Barb) Sipe and Randy Sipe and their families. 

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Jim Giese and Nyle Sipe; her children, Timothy Giese, Jeff Giese; and her sister, Audrey Talley. 

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, July 28, 2021, with a visitation from 9:30 am - 10:30 am, at Pax Christi Catholic Community, 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Mankato.

Huber Funeral & Cremation Services, Eden Prairie Chapel, 952-949-4970, www.huberfunerals.com.

 


Diane Veches, 65

Diane Barbara Veches, age 65, of Buffalo, passed away on Sunday, July 18, 2021, at The Monarch Estates of Delano.

She was born on November 23, 1955, in Buffalo, the daughter of Donald and Arvella Joan (Beise) Veches. She was baptized at Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rockford on January 8, 1956. She was also instructed in the Lutheran Catechism and confirmed in the Christian faith at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo on May 3, 1970.

Diane graduated from Buffalo High School in 1973. She formerly owned and operated Renaissance West in downtown Buffalo for many years. Diane enjoyed making floral arrangements with artificial flowers, crossword puzzles, watching old T.V. shows and game shows, and family get-togethers on the holidays. 

Survived by her brother, Jerry Veches; and by a sister, Connie Ertel, both of Buffalo; niece and nephew, Kelly (Scott) Ertel Gustavson and Kyle (Theresa) Ertel; great-nieces and great-nephews, Macy Wurm, Allie Ertel, Carter Ertel; Josh, Kristen and Ashley Gustavson; a great-great niece, Taylor Gustavson; aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents, Sophie and Edward Veches, Hattie and Herb Beise.

A Memorial Service for Diane Veches will be held at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at 7:00 P.M. Pastor Ryan Clark will officiate. Inurnment Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo at a later date.

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

 


Stevan Waddell, 65

Stevan Robert Waddell, Sr., age 65, of Rockford, Minnesota, passed away July 25, 2021.

He was born on February 21, 1956 in Mott, North Dakota to Nick and Mabel (Burkhart) Waddell. Steve graduated from Clarissa High School in 1974, and briefly attended the University of Minnesota-Crookston.

On October 30, 1976, he was joined in marriage to LeAnn Soltis at the South Elmdale Church in Elmdale, Minnesota. They resided in Rockford, Minnesota where they raised their three children.

Steve was employed at Liberty Carton for 45 years and was close to retirement. He made many wonderful, life-long friends while working there. When he wasn’t working, he’d spend some of his free time hunting for pheasant in North Dakota, hunting deer near Royalton, and fishing on many of the lakes in Minnesota. He was a loyal Vikings and Twins fan, loved training and riding horses, and enjoyed classic cars.

He never ran out of stories and jokes to tell and could carry a conversation with just about anyone. He has also become the main character in numerous stories with many of his co-workers and friends. He was known for being easy-going and having a fun personality; his humor and charisma will always be remembered. He always lived life to its fullest and is the center of many stories that his family and friends look forward to telling his grandchildren when they are old enough. 

Steve was a devoted husband to his wife, LeAnn, who was his world. The two never let a day go by without showing how much they were in love.

Steve was also a devoted dad and grandpa who was delighted in the activities and accomplishments of the family. He rarely missed an opportunity to watch his kids and grandkids shine. He always made time to attend concerts, school activities, and sporting events.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter; his father, Nick; and father-in-law, Dale Soltis.

Steve is survived by his wife of 45 years, LeAnn; children, Laura (Matt) Petersen, Stevan (Casey Zehrer) Waddell, Jr., and Stacy (Joseph) McCauley; grandchildren, Madisyn, Ryder, Dylan, and Tori; mother, Mabel Waddell; mother-in-law, Delores Soltis; siblings, Margaret (Kevin) Starrey, Carla (Kevin) Watterud, Clark (Sue) Waddell, and KrisAnn (Terry) Fredrickson; and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held Sunday, August 1, 2021, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM, at Our Father’s Lutheran Church, 3903 Gilbert Ave. SE Rockford, Minnesota. Funeral service will be held Monday, August 2, 2021 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at the church.

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

 


Elva Weber, 90

On Saturday, July 24, 2021, Elva (Zachman) Weber, age 90, passed away peacefully at her home in Rogers, MN.

Elva was born in August 1930, in St. Michael, MN to the late Otto and Martha (Jaeb) Zachman, the third of eight children.

On January 9th, 1954, Elva married Richard Weber. They raised three children together, Keith, Nancy, and Kathy, on the same family farm where Richard was born.

Never one to sit still for very long, Elva moved through life at a high speed. If you called to invite her anywhere, she was probably already waiting outside to be picked up before you could even say goodbye and hang up the phone. She loved entertaining for friends and family, and especially loved when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren would stop by for visits.

A devout Roman Catholic, Elva attended daily mass at her parish, Mary Queen of Peace, and in earlier years, was an active volunteer in a variety of ministries.

Elva also enjoyed traveling, watching the Minnesota Twins, and playing pull tabs and cards.

Elva joins the saints in heaven alongside her husband, Richard; daughter, Kathy Cullinan; and siblings, Esther Kessler and Vernette Zachman.

She is survived by her son, Keith (Jody) Weber; daughter, Nancy (Randy) Deisting; son-in-law, Frank Cullinan; grandchildren: Brandon, Lindsay, Ashley, Frankie, Mariah, Michael, Kayla, and Zach; nine great-grandchildren; siblings, Anitia Kolles, Earl Zachman, Marion Meyer, Jeanette Fricke, and Alice Kelly; many nieces and nephews; and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Elva Weber will be held on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021, at 11 A.M., at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, St. Walburga campus. Interment will follow at St. Walburga Cemetery. A visitation will be held Monday, August 2nd, 2021, from 4-8 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. 

Casket Bearers will be her eight grandchildren.

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

 


Eugene Yanish, 79

Eugene Carl Yanish, age 79, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away on July 18, 2021.

He was born on June 18, 1942, in Watkins, Minnesota, to John and Myrtle (Becker) Yanish. Eugene attended high school in Kimball, Minnesota and graduated with the class of 1961.

On March 23, 1963, he was joined in marriage to Dianne Friedland in Tahoe, California. The two moved back to Minnesota and resided in Northeast Minneapolis. Eugene worked for Benada Windows in downtown Minneapolis for 26 years, and then Eagle Window in Rogers until his retirement. He also ran his own screen and window repair business on the side, and kept busy helping his son, Dion, run his auto repair business.

Eugene had a hard work ethic, was friendly to all his friends and customers, told the best one-liner jokes, and was an easy-going person to be around. He enjoyed being out in the boat fishing, watching western shows, especially Gunsmoke and John Wayne movies, and watching wrestling. Getting together with friends to play card games was one of his favorite past times. He attended many car shows with his sons, and was especially proud of showing his ‘69 Chevy truck.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Myrtle; and brother, Maynard Yanish.

Eugene is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dianne; children, Dion (Jackie), Mark (Pam), and Tanya Yanish; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Arlene (Charles) LaClare, Jan (Roy) Hommerding, Geri (Jim) Mies, Audrey Hennen, and Juliann (Paul) Allen; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Friday, August 6, 2021 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred.

Online condolences may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


Celebrations of Life

 

Mary Cady

You are invited to a get-together to remember Mary Cady, at the home of Tim Cady, 5251 Christen Ave. NE, Buffalo, on Saturday, August 7, at 12:00 noon. Lunch served from 12:00-3:00 p.m. Bring a fold-up chair, if you wish. Music by Wagon Wheelers Band. Tent available in case of rain or snow. Stay as long as you can, everyone welcome!

 

 

 

 


Kay Adele Strand

Kay Adele (Lundsten) Strand, formerly of Buffalo, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 8, 2020. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 8, 2021 at the United Methodist Church in Willmar. Feel free to bring a painting of Kay’s to display. We’ll have easels set up around the church. Wear something colorful -- Kay would love that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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