Obituaries 9/23/21

Linda Dayhoff, 72

Linda Howard Schmidt Dayhoff joined her son, Chris, in heaven on August 15, 2021. Linda died of pancreatic cancer, but not before embracing life fully for 72 years.

Born in Toledo, Ohio, September 6, 1948, Linda began what would be a life of adventure.

Many childhood vacations, including one to Alaska in ’59, started her love for travel. She enjoyed spontaneous road trips, casino junkets and cruises. The most special was going back to Alaska in 2019.

Her zest for business came from working alongside her parents while growing up. She liked learning different trades, managed some businesses and owned others. Linda also excelled in college. She was talented in all areas of the hospitality world, and she outsold the boys at the car lots she worked at.

Professional and personal, Linda was most happy cooking for others. It was her gift to all of us. And if you asked for seconds, that was the best compliment she could receive.

Her love of life came from raising her son. Nothing compared to that. Learning to live without him was her biggest challenge.

Moving to the beach in ‘94, Linda fearlessly started a new chapter. She laughed and smiled again. Her personality shined and her humor was infectious. Having lived in many states, Linda touched lives wherever she landed and was the life of the party.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by beloved spouse, Rose Schmidt; grandsons, Blaine and Corey Prachniak; sister, Patty (Jeff) Bireley; brother, Mike Howard; Schmidt brothers and sisters in-law, Ron and Rene, Renee and Larry Jordan, Roy, Randy and Cheryl, Becky and Steve Neumann, Rick and Deb, Rodger and Sandra, Ruth and Kevin Isaacson, Russell and Mary, Robert, Ralph, Monie and Karen; and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by son, Christopher M. Barlow; parents, Robert E. and Jean D. Howard; and brothers, Bobby and Rick Howard.

On Sunday, October 3, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Clays in Rockford, MN, we will celebrate Linda to the fullest!

Sharing will take place at 2 p.m. Come share what she meant to us and, like Linda, let’s keep smiling…

Fr. James Deegan, OMI, 77

Father James Deegan, OMI, age 77, of Buffalo, passed away Monday, September 20, 2021. Father James Deegan, OMI served at the Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo, MN, for 23 years.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 23, 2021, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, September 24, 2021, at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Burial will be at a later date in Belleville, IL.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Patricia Hopkins, 93

Patricia “Pat” Ruth Hopkins, of Buffalo, was born on January 19, 1928, in Oakland, California, the daughter of Wilbert and Helen (Simonton) Erway. In 1952, she moved to Buffalo, Minnesota, to live with her sister and brother-in-law.

On June 19, 1954, Patricia Erway and Arvid Hopkins were joined in marriage at The Buffalo Covenant Church. God blessed their marriage with two daughters and one son. Pat was a California girl to the core, but turned a Minnesota farm wife, when she fell in love with Arvid. Being a wife and mother was one of her greatest pride and joys in life.

She was a career woman, which was uncommon during her generation, but she liked to work. After living through The Great Depression, she understood working hard was important, and she did whatever it took to care and provide for her family.

Pat loved music. She sang in the church choir and loved to go dancing with Arvid at the Medina Ballroom. She was always into fashion, jewelry and had the best sense of style. She loved anything and everything pink. She would often joke, “it’s the only color that matters.”

In her later years, she became an avid bingo player. She loved ice cream and always had her freezer stocked so she could share with any and all visitors. The story of her love of ice cream even made it into the Wright County Journal Press. Pat also loved to travel and see new places.

Most importantly of all, Pat had a huge heart and was a woman of strong faith. She shared the love and message of Jesus with anyone she spoke to. One of her passions was doing a women’s Bible study at the Wright County Jail. She cared deeply for others, loved to brighten other people’s day, and always made a point to give back to people in need. She was a positive ray of sunshine and will be deeply missed.

On August 29, 2021, surrounded by her family, she was welcomed into the arms of Jesus.

She is survived by her loving children, Connie (Robert) Oman, of Coon Rapids, MN, Tamra (Arthur) Otten, of Buffalo, MN, and Jeffrey, of Maple Grove, MN; six grandchildren, Louisa (Michael) Odlyzko, Nate Oman, Jonathan Oman, Dale (Jessica) Otten, Michelle Otten, Megan (Justin) Zwieg; four great-grandchildren, Luke, Elizabeth and James Odlyzko and Austin Solberg; brother-in-law, Dr. Mark Lee Sr.; sister-in-law, Dr. Ella Erway; and sister-in-law, Susan Erway. Also, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and multitudes of friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arvid; her twin sister, Priscilla, in infancy, her sisters, Rosedell and Phyllis, in infancy, and Fern Lee; brothers Donald Erway, Kenneth Erway, and Milton Erway; her parents, Wilbert and Helen Erway.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to MN Adult and Teen Challenge (www.mntc.org) in Pat’s memory. This was an organization that was near and dear to her because she always believed in giving people a second chance.

Memorial service for Pat will be held Saturday, September 25 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service, all at the Buffalo Evangelical Covenant Church of Buffalo. Reception to follow at church. Officiating will be Pastor Reid Gilbert and Pastor Chuck Dake. Interment at Elmwood Cemetery of Rockford.

Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo.

Harvey Leffler Sr., 88

Harvey William Leffler Sr., age 88, formerly of Rockford, passed away on Friday, September 10, 2021, at the St. Cloud VA Hospital.

He was born on April 10, 1933, in Rockford, Minnesota, the son of Clarence W. & Mary (Holgen) Leffler.

Harvey honorably served his Country in the United States Army.

He was formerly employed for many years as a construction worker in sewer and water.

Harvey is survived by children, “J.R.” (Marsha) Leffler, Sheila Klaers, Rick (Denise) Leffler, Bruce Leffler, Lori (Joe) Adickes, Bob Leffler and Darrien Leffler; nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; brother, Richard Leffler; and a sister, Kathy Dobson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Merlin Leffler; and sisters, LaDess Bleck and Shelby Vaderoko.

Funeral services for Harvey Leffler Sr. were held on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at 1:00 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Pastor Dean Brown officiated. Interment with military rites followed at Elmwood Cemetery in Rockford. A visitation was held on Wednesday, September 15, one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

 Casket Bearers were “J.R.” Leffler, Darrien Leffler, Bruce Leffler, Rick Leffler, Joey Adickes and Bob Leffler.

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

Judy Peterson, 73

Judy Esther Peterson, age 73, of Maple Lake, passed away Wednesday, September 15, 2021, with her family at her side after bravely battling Melanoma cancer. She was born October 18, 1947, the daughter of Arthur and Erna (Goerke) Elfmann.

Judy was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Middleville Township. She was a 1965 graduate from Maple Lake High School.

On October 18, 1968, Judy Elfmann and Ronald Peterson were united in marriage at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Middleville Township. They were blessed with three children, Sean, Jason, and Tracy. Judy grew up and lived nearly her entire life on and by her family farm homestead near Rock Lake. She was a hardworking farm girl in her early years.

She and Ron shared over 50 wonderful years together side-by-side with love. Her greatest joy was her family. Judy dedicated her life as a stay-at-home mom. Many hours were spent as a family enjoying the nature and fun of the lake.

Judy was an avid Twins fan and enjoyed word finds, watching gameshows, country music, traveling, making beaded calendars and gifting them to family, and spending time with her family and friends. She especially loved her grandchildren and attending their activities. She also enjoyed traveling with her family and loved ones.

Judy’s grandchildren shared such a strong connection to their “awesome” grandma. She was a strong-willed and a very loving person to her family and friends. Many people came to her to talk to because she was a great listener. Judy was also very faithful, reading daily devotions and either attending or listening to church every Sunday.

She truly cared how everyone else was doing, even while she was sick. Judy was an inspiration of strength. During her cancer battle her family, friends and doctors described her as a “warrior” and echoed “Judy Strong.” She was blessed by the love and support of many and brought joy in so many lives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Erna Elfmann; and godparents, Esther Marohn, Lydia Beckmann, and Edwin Elfmann.

Judy is survived by her husband, Ron Peterson; children, Sean Peterson (Kristi), Jason Peterson (Shelly Zahn), Tracy Carlson (James); grandchildren, Owen Zahn, Caden Peterson, Noah Peterson, Claire Zahn, Griffin Peterson, Gavin Carlson, Tess Carlson; honorary daughter, Susan Peterson; siblings, Sharon “Sherry” Olean (Donald), Michael Elfmann; sister-in-law, Carol Hudek (Frank); and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. She was a godmother to three.

A memorial service was held Monday, September 20, 2021, at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Annandale. Burial followed at St. John’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society.

Serving the family was The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.