Obituaries 05/14/26

Colleen Christensen, 60

Colleen Ann (Boeser) Christensen, age 60, passed away on May 7, 2026, after a courageous journey with multiple sclerosis.

She was born on August 26, 1965, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Ralph and Carol (Yohn) Boeser. Colleen grew up in Prior Lake, Minnesota, where she graduated with the Class of 1983.

On September 22, 1984, Colleen was united in marriage to Jim Christensen. Together, they raised two children, Amy and Darrin. 

Colleen held several jobs throughout her life, most recently working at Rockler, where she dedicated 11 years of service.

She had a passion for hockey, playing in a local women’s league and later sharing her love of the game by coaching her son’s team. Time with family meant the most to Colleen, especially at the cabin on Fish Trap Lake, where she could usually be found on the water either waterskiing, fishing, or tubing.

Colleen will be remembered for her loving and caring heart, her quick wit, and her feisty personality. Her sense of humor and strong spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her son, Darrin, in 2020; parents, Ralph and Carol Boeser; brother, Brian Boeser; and father-in-law, Ronald Christensen.

Colleen is survived by her husband, Jim; daughter, Amy (fiancé, Joel Magandy); grandson, Drayke Corradi; siblings, Julie Boeser and Chris Boeser; mother-in-law, Doreen Christensen; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jessie Ortloff, Jon (Holly) Christensen, and Julie (Rob) Drake; and many other relatives and friends. 

Per Colleen’s wishes, no formal services will be held. 

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

Debra Larsen, 71

Debra Ellen Larsen, age 71, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on May 10, 2026. Full notice to appear next week. Arrangements are pending with The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN

Rachel Rice, 38

Rachel M. Rice, age 38, of Hanover, died at the Buffalo Hospital on May 5, 2026, after a sudden medical event.

Funeral Services were held 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 11, 2026, at Northwest Bible Church in St. Michael with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Kevin Feder officiated. Burial followed at Zion Methodist Cemetery in Hanover. Memorials are preferred to the family.

Rachel Marie Rice was born on August 16, 1987, in Storm Lake, Iowa, to Edward and Dorinda (Dirks) Brenner. Rachel grew up in Alta, Iowa, where she graduated with the Class of 2006 from Alta High School. Her passion for education led her to earn an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Rachel dedicated her short career to nurturing young minds as a preschool teacher at Foundation Hill Montessori in Plymouth, and Kids Grow in Rogers.

On June 17, 2017, Rachel celebrated her love for life and family by marrying Eric Rice at a beautiful ceremony at Pebble Creek in Becker. Together, they created a warm and welcoming home in Hanover, where Rachel found profound joy in raising their son, Owen, showering him with love and guidance.

Rachel was deeply rooted in her faith, having attended Church of Christ in Alta during her upbringing and later Northwest Bible Church in St. Michael. Her heart had an extraordinary gift for connecting with others-she reveled in the simple pleasures of visiting with friends and family, sharing laughter with her nieces and nephews, and creating lasting memories with those she loved.

A woman of many passions, Rachel enjoyed traveling, crafting, and painting, infusing her life with creativity and adventure. Above all, she cherished the moments spent with others, her radiant spirit bringing warmth and joy to every gathering. She will be remembered for the warmth of her smile, the kindness of her heart, and the joy she brought into our lives.

Rachel is survived by her husband, Eric; son, Owen; parents, Ed and Dori Brenner of Alta, IA; parents-in-law, Bob and Karen Rice, of Buffalo; grandparents, Sandi and Lorray Jepp; grandmother-in-law, Sue Rice; brother, Brandon (Amanda) Brenner, of Alta, IA; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Amy (Zack) Baker, of Hesperia, MI, Andrew (Hannah) Rice, of Buffalo, Nathan Rice, of Montrose, and Daniel Rice, of Buffalo; nieces and nephews, Allen, Maria, Ava, Bristol, Paytyn, Harper, Daynia, Sarah, Liam and Elsie; and many other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mary and Joseph Brenner, and Darold Dirks; grandparents-in-law, Ken and Jan Christensen, Richard Rice, and Duane Oelschlaeger; and great-grandparents.

The casket bearers were Andrew, Nathan and Daniel Rice, Allen, Paytyn, Ava and Bristol Brenner, and Maria Caterino. 

Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.

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

Betty Root, 97

Betty Ann (Manteufel) Root age 97, passed away on May 9, 2026, after a sudden illness. Her memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, Buffalo, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service.

A graduate of St. Paul Humboldt HS, Betty married Jim Root in 1949. Together, they raised their family of four children in the Crystal/New Hope area. After retiring from their respective jobs in 1983, Jim and Betty moved to Hackensack, MN, where they spent the next sixteen years. In 1999, they completed their final move together and settled in Buffalo.  After Jim’s passing in 2017, Betty moved to Oaklee of Medina until her recent passing.

Betty was a loving and devoted wife and mother whose primary focus was the care and well-being of her family. Her fun-loving personality was infectious, and she impacted all who were around her. She loved engaging with others in all sorts of activities – from card and board games to friendly discussions. 

Her introspective side was satisfied with her interests in crafts, quilting, crossword puzzles, and reading. In 1964, she began recording a list of the books she had read in an attempt to avoid reading the same book twice. From that time forward until her recent passing, she had read 2565 different books.

A person of strong faith, Betty had hoped to live to be 100, but God had other plans for her. She is with him now.

Betty was preceded in death by Jim; her parents and brother; and granddaughter, Maggie.  

She is survived by her children, Deborah and Steven Buchholz, Stephen and Teresa Root, Elizabeth and Roland Dehmer, and Cynthia and Michael Windsor; 11 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Memorials preferred to Zion Lutheran Church or donor’s choice.

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