Obituaries 9/9/21
Craig Bechtold, 70
Craig William Bechtold, age 70, of St. Michael, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, at Abbott Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.
He was born October 26, 1950, to Eugene and Marcella (Lucier Bechtold) Daleiden. He was baptized at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Corcoran, made his first communion and was confirmed at the St. Michael Catholic Church. He was a faithful member of the St. Michael Catholic Church his entire life where he was an usher and a scripture reader.
On June 18, 1993 Craig married the love of his life Mary Lee (Waytas) Hastings and gained a stepson Rob. God blessed their marriage of 28 years.
Craig was a 1968 graduate of St. Michael Catholic High School. He then went on to pharmacy school at NDSU. He graduated in 1973 and completed his internship at Arenson’s Pharmacy in Annandale, MN where he was then offered a full time pharmacist job and worked as a dedicated pharmacist for 43 years. He had many clients that he built close and loving relationships with as well as the Arenson family.
After his retirement in 2018 Craig and Mary Lee bought their dream winter home in Arizona where they spent the last two winters. He joined a 50+ softball league which he enjoyed sharing his pictures with family when he would come home for the summer. Craig was also a huge sports fan of the MN Twins, Gopher Basketball but especially a Gopher football fan where he was a long time season ticket holder. Craig was a member of the Knights of Columbus in St. Michael for years.
Craig was preceded in death by his mother, Marcella in 2021, father Eugene in 1956, stepfather Clifford Daleiden in 2017 and brother Joel in 2017. His grandparents, William and Caroline (Patnode) Lucier, Richard and Ellen (Lange) Bechtold.
He is survived by his wife: Mary Lee: stepson: Rob; brother: Duane Bechtold: step-siblings: Jill Daleiden, Jeff (Kerin) Daleiden, Mary Jo (Ron) Schmid, and Patty Pouliot; grandchildren: Mason and Lawson Hastings; Mother-in-law: Lee Waytas; brothers-in -law: Bill (Sue) Waytas and John (Sue) Waytas; many nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial for Craig Bechtold will be held on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 11:00 a.m. at The St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael. Visitation prior to Mass from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment at St. Jeanne de Chantel Cemetery in Corcoran.
Casket bearers: Brett Bechtold, Nathan Schmid, Tony Batholomew, Kenny Nielson, Steve Merkel, Craig Leverson.
The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Judy Boyd, 78
A Memorial service will be at 2:30 PM on Monday, September 13 at Williams Dingmann Funeral Home in Big Lake for Judy A. Boyd, age 78, of Annandale, who died Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at her home. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home.
Judy was born April 25, 1943, in Wadena to Clarence and Gertrude (Steinkraus) Ritari. She grew up in Verndale and then went on to graduate from the U of M with a bachelor’s of science degree. She married Duane Mosher in 1968, settling first in Wadena and then their home on Lake Sylvia. They welcomed their only child, Michelle, in 1971. Duane died unexpectedly in 1973. She married Dennis Boyd in 2001 in Minneapolis. Judy worked as a teacher in the Annandale, Buffalo and surrounding school districts for a number of years and later continued her career as a manufacturing buyer and consultant.
Judy will be fondly remembered for her intelligence, wit, and outgoing personality. She was independent and pursued her convictions, even when they didn’t fall in the norm, and her lifetime experiences were varied and stitched together like a patchwork quilt. Her love for her daughter was fierce and unconditional, even with the challenges of being a single parent. She was creatively talented, winning a number of awards for her fiber art and stitchery, and enjoyed sharing her talent or ideas as a seamstress, quilter and crafter long before the days of Pinterest. She tremendously enjoyed making connections with many people throughout her life, and she immensely enjoyed learning the stories of people she met and giving a helping hand where she could. She found delight in nature, was a collector of fall leaves and plants, and loved her view of the lake and the loon calls from across the bay. She loved hearing of her grandchildren’s adventures and would be the most sad about leaving them unexpectedly. No one who knew Judy would disagree that she lived her life as she damn well pleased and without regrets. Those of us who knew her well will both delight and shake our heads when we share stories of her antics. We will miss her tremendously.
Survivors include her husband, Dennis, of Kimball; daughter, Michelle (Kelly) Lommel, of Big Lake; grandchildren, Alyssa (Zach Nault), of Salt Lake City UT, Gabrielle, of Fargo ND, Madelyn, and Spencer Lommel; sister-in-law, Betty Ritari, of Colorado Springs CO; sisters and brothers, Sharon (Ron) Mason, of Coon Rapids, Douglas Ritari, of Roseville, Alice Ritari (K.C. Hanson), of OR, Dan (Jeanne) Ritari, of Big Lake, and Richard Ritari, of Gainesville, FL. We particularly appreciate Judy’s favorite sister and “partner in crime,” Sharon.
Special thank you to Jim and Patty Behrends for their kind consideration of Judy in the last few years.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Duane Mosher; and brother. Gary Ritari.
Daniel Clifton, 79
Daniel B. Clifton, age 79, of Maple Lake, passed away on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
He was born on October 1, 1941, in Steubenville, Ohio, the son of William H. and Doris M. (LaVine) Clifton. Daniel graduated from Buffalo High School in 1960.
Dan had moved back to Buffalo from Alaska when he was 17 and was a junior at Buffalo High School. Dan saw Shirley Rassatt in the school hallway shortly after starting school and told his friend “One day I’m going to marry her. I don’t know who she is, but I’m going to marry her.” On October 8, 1960, Shirley Rassatt said “Yes” to Daniel Clifton at The Evangelical Covenant Church in Buffalo. That beautiful and strong union that started nearly 61 years ago has been a true blessing for their family.
Dan loved his family and ensured that over the many years there were plenty of adventures. Road trips in the van, camping, sightseeing, and numerous trips to see family on the west coast. All of these adventures included laughter and jokes. Dan loved to laugh, tell stories and play jokes whenever he had the chance. As a teenager, Dan lived for many years in Alaska with his parents and sister, Rena, and he loved to tell stories about Alaska and the many places they lived.
Dan enjoyed many hobbies, including woodworking, construction, and, above all else, fishing. He was never too far from a lake his entire life and shared his love of fishing with his children and grandchildren. He had a special fishing hat that he was convinced allowed him to out-fish anyone. He enjoyed being outdoors and “putzing” in the yard, which typically included a campfire for his grandchildren. Dan also had a knack of navigation and knew exactly where every city and road were located in the entire state of Minnesota. He carried an atlas in his truck at all times. His navigational aptitude was very helpful for those in his family who do not have this skill. Dan loved driving and over the years, he taught all of his grandchildren how to drive, to the delight of his children.
Dan was employed for many years as a dispatcher/estimator for Buffalo Bituminous.
Survived by his loving wife of sixty years, Shirley; children, Danny (Teresa) Clifton, Terry Clifton, David (Becky Hasslen) Clifton, and Jodi (Doug Block) Clifton-Block; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Undria (Byl; Sevin) Davis, Breia (Ryan; Casper and Leon) Gaskill, Erika, Kayla, Cassidy and Connor Clifton and Danny and Jack Block; a sister, Rena Westphal, and many other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Henry, Bill, Butch, and Hal; and sisters, Jean and Dolly; and grandson, Jesse Clifton.
A Memorial Service for Daniel Clifton will be held at a later date.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Sandra Dickerman, 71
Sandra Dickerman went to find her peace in the arms of Jesus on July 16, 2021, at 2:02 a.m. at North Memorial Hospital. Sandra was born in Gadsden, Alabama on September 16, 1949, to Leavis “Bill” and Faye Vaughn.
Sandra worked for the Wright County Courthouse in the Auditor Treasurer’s office. Her work/play passion was horticulture, and you would see her at Pensky’s greenhouse in her time away from the courthouse. She spent most of her adult life selling Reiner Pensky’s plants at the Farmer’s Market near the Basilica in Minneapolis.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Leavis “Bill” and Faye; her husbands, Gregory Dickerman and Curtis Picha.
She is survived by her loving family: brothers, William (Bonnie), of TX, Steven (Deborah) Bird, of Wichita KS; her children, Laura (Rik), of Richfield MN, Jennifer (Eric), of Kelso WA, Christopher (Royann), of Clear Lake, MN, and Warren (Isabel), of Sarasota FL; and her grandchildren, Luke, Ariana, Jared (Kara), Elizabeth, Abbagail, Ashley, Derrick, Dominick, Savannah, Victoria, Vincent, Quinton, Camden, Maddox, and Maverick.
With dirt still under her fingernails from gardening right up until the very end, her hands were still softer than silk. She was a lover of all plants and animals. Sandra is described best as a child of the earth, a bonified hippie! Her heart for her people and her fur babies had no end. She touched the hearts of many people from all walks of life all around the globe. She would give all of herself to us when she had nothing left to give. The pain and fatigue did not stop her. She was magical at making everything beautiful. She was a naturalist and a minimalist. Humble and happy to step away from the spotlight so others can shine. Shine on, you beautiful diamond. Until we meet again in heaven, we will miss all of your calls, text messages and, most of all, your presence.
In Sandra’s humility, she requested a graveside service, which will be held Thursday, September 16, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Cemetery in Buffalo. Please join in the celebration of her life.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please write an outstanding memory of our mother that we can reflect on in her absence. She truly was all things to all people and ALWAYS left an intense impression. We look forward to your story!
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN. 763-682-1363. www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Scott Fox II, 39
Scott James Fox II, age 39, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away March 7, 2021.
He was born on May 20, 1981, to Scott and Suzanne (Jansson) Fox, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Scott attended Robbinsdale Armstrong High School and graduated with the class of 2000. He was employed as the head night custodian at his alma mater for 21 years; Scott was dedicated to his job and had a strong work ethic. He took pride in overseeing the tasks needed to be done to take care of the school district he loved.
In his spare time, Scott liked spending time in the outdoors deer hunting and fishing. He was an avid fisherman and spent much of his childhood and adult life on Clearwater Lake and Leech Lake. He loved his outdoor toys; he’d go four-wheeling and hang out on the pontoon boat whenever he could. Spending time with his friends and family around a bonfire, especially with his brother and cousins, was an activity he always looked forward doing.
Scott had a generous heart. He was always looking out for those who needed assistance, and never hesitated to jump in with a helping hand. He was reliable, went above and beyond expectations, and had a calming and content demeanor.
He was preceded in death by his father, Scott Fox; Grandma and Grandpa Fox; Grandpa “Joe” Woodhull; uncles, Merl Woodhull, Tom Jansson, Joe Woodhull, Bruce Fox, and Todd Fox; and aunt, Wendy Jorges.
Scott is survived by his mother, Suzanne; brother, Nick (fiancé, Hansi) Fox; sister, Stevey Jo Avalos; grandma, Darlene “Joe” Woodhull; great-grandma, Ruby Fisher; many other relatives and friends, and special goddaughter, Bridgett Marie.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 12 PM with visitation one hour prior at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN. Interment to follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Charles Helwig, 59
Charles Kenneth Helwig, formerly of Annandale, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, August 23, 2021, after a brief battle with Covid-19 and pneumonia in Bradenton, Florida. He was 59.
Charlie was born on May 10, 1962, in Buffalo, Minnesota. He attended Annandale High School and St. Cloud State University, where he graduated in 1980 and 1986, respectively.
In 1992, Charlie married Kristin Spain in Chicago, Illinois. In 1995, they welcomed a daughter, Kathryn and in 2000 welcomed a son, Cuyler. For over 30 years, Charlie and his family resided on a hobby farm just outside of Annandale, Minnesota where Charlie spent his days hunting, fishing, working in his shop, and, most importantly of all - supporting his children in everything they did. As his children grew older, Charlie swapped hunting and fishing trips, for wrestling meets and baseball games.
Aside from being a loving father, Charlie will be remembered as a dear brother, friend, uncle, coach, and an avid Twins and Vikings fan.
Charlie is survived by his children, Katie, of Chatfield, and Cuyler, of St. Cloud; former wife and dear friend, Kristin, of Maple Lake; siblings, Cynthia Piram, of Annandale, Corrine “Jo” (Craig) Stenzel, of Minneapolis, Colleen “Blondie” (Brent) Belston, of Columbia Falls, MT, Len Jr. “Butch” (Linda) Helwig, of Monticello, Dan (Cheryl) Helwig, of Rogers, Janet (Kent) Peterson, of Grand Marais, and Cooper (Samantha) Helwig, of Bemidji; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Len and Kay Helwig; and his brother-in-law, Bill Piram.
An open-house style celebration of life will be held at the old Helwig homestead on the corner of Jarvis Ave. and 127th Street in Annandale (for a specific address, please contact a member of the family) on Saturday, September 25, 2021, from 1-4 p.m. His children request that in lieu of traditional funeral attire, attendees wear casual clothing or something that reminds them of Charlie.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Annandale/Maple Lake Youth Wrestling. Please send to: Charlie Helwig Memorial, PO Box 604, Annandale, MN 55302.
Patricia Hopkins, 93
Patricia “Pat” Hopkins, age 93, Buffalo, passed away on Sunday, August 29, 2021.
Full notice to appear later.
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. Interment at Elmwood Cemetery of Rockford.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family can be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Robert Johnson, 84
Robert Morris Johnson, age 84, of Buffalo passed away on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at the Buffalo Hospital.
He was born on January 27, 1937, above Schmidt’s Drug Store in downtown Buffalo and was the son of J. Albert and Dorothy (Hersch) Johnson.
Bob was a Buffalo High School Graduate and resided in Buffalo his whole life.
While in high school, Bob played on the 1953 Buffalo football team which went undefeated, and no opposing team scored on them. Following high school, Bob graduated from The University of Minnesota’s Agricultural School. During this time, he was a foreign exchange student in Sweden.
He honorably served his Country in The United States Army Reserves.
On June 27, 1959, Robert M. Johnson and Lois L. Omtvedt were joined in holy marriage at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls. God blessed their marriage with three sons.
Bob work at various GM dealerships for over 60 years. He was a faithful member of Buffalo Evangelical Covenant Church.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Lois L. Johnson; sons, Noel (Shelly) Johnson, of Rogers, Randy Johnson, of Buffalo and loving companion Jesse, and Rick (Diane) Johnson, of Big Lake; seven grandchildren, Jill (Tim) Smedberg, of Otsego, Jodi (Mike) Gschwind, of Otsego, Nicole (Blake) Wehrman, of Otsego, Amanda (Cass) McCabe, of New London, Mason Johnson, of St. Cloud, Austin (Amanda) Johnson, of Becker and Josh Anderson, of Garfield; ten great-grandchildren, Madison, Lilly, Faith and Hailey Smedberg, Brody and Nolan Gschwind, Keegan Mary Wehrman, Elsie and Paisley McCabe and Axel Johnson; a sister, Carol (Earl) Secor of Alaska; a brother: Dale Johnson of Mendota Heights; sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Linda and Ritch Earhart, of Spring Park; sisters-in-law, Doris Dirnberger, of Big Lake and Alvina Omtvedt, of Sauk Rapids; a brother-in-law, Ray Sundstrom, of Big Lake; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Albert and Dorothy Johnson; and by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harry and Ethel Omtvedt.
A Memorial Service for Robert “Bob” Johnson will be held on Friday, September 10 at 11:00 A.M. at The Buffalo Evangelical Covenant Church. Pastor Reid Gilbert will officiate. Interment will be at the Swedish Mission Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the church on Friday, September 10, 2021, beginning at 10:00 A.M.
Honorary Urn Bearers will be Bob’s seven grandchildren. Urn Bearer will be his loving wife, Lois.
Bob was an unassuming man, and always went with the flow. He trusted his lord and savior Jesus and lived his life that way. His family meant everything to him and looked forward to the family activities. Bob loved life and talking and meeting new people, and always had a joke or a story to tell.
He would meet his breakfast crew every morning before work to learn about the town gossip or create some. He loved to fish and enjoyed many trips to Canada. The trips he enjoyed the most to Canada were when he took each of his three boys on separate special fly-in trips with just him. He enjoyed working outdoors in the yard and spending time in his wood shop.
He was loved by all and will be greatly missed by all. He was devoted to his family and left that trade on them. He was ready to go home to his lord and savior Jesus.
In Lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online donations may be made to stjude.org/givenow.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to thepetersonchapel.com.
Nancy Myre, 74
Nancy Kaye (Andreotti) Myre, of Edina, MN passed away August 11, 2021, at the age of 74, at the U of M cardiology ICU after a serious cardiac event.
Nancy was born May 30, 1947, to Alfred and Joyce (Swanson) Andreotti, in Minneapolis, MN.
The family moved to Richfield, MN where Nancy went to elementary school and high school. She then graduated for the University of MN in Education. She also attended Pillsbury College and St. Cloud State University working on a graduate degree in Intergenerational Studies.
Her work career included teaching in Detroit, Minneapolis, and at the international School. She also worked at the St. Cloud Country Club, while working on her master’s degree.
She loved reading, gardening, movies, and popcorn, family events, and travel. Everything she did was creative, especially in the presentation of food – always a special touch.
She married Charles “Kip” Myre in 1990. They continued to live in Edina, MN, up to the present time.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Joyce Andreotti.
She is survived by her husband, Kip Myre; stepchildren, Brigette and Derek; grandchildren, Avery, Strider and Dawson; brothers-in-law, Greg and Rick; sister-in-law, Jayne Ann Olson. Also survived by brother, Allan (Mary), of St. Cloud, and their children, Julie (David) Zwiener, Kris (Frank) Schwagel, Melissa (Gary) Revenig and Michael (Kim) Andreotti; her cousin, “soul sister” Jan, was by her side throughout her life; Nancy had many cousins, nieces, nephews that she loved dearly.
Services will be held at Oak Grove Lutheran Church in Richfield on September 19, 2021, at 1:00 P.M. with visitation one hour prior to services. Pastor Tom Zarth will be officiating. The address for Oak Grove Lutheran Church in Richfield is: 7045 Lyndale Ave. South, Richfield, MN 55423.
A special thank you to Dr. Andrew Shaffer and the U of MN cardiology staff for their excellent care and concern.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN, assisted the family with funeral arrangements.
On-line condolences can be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
