Obituaries 05/21/26
Judy Bright
Judy Bright was a lot of people, but she was always a child of God. Judy was born in New York and bounced around a few foster care homes before she was five. It was then that she found John and Silvia Dahlen (Snow). She grew up with her older brother, Phil Dahlen, and sister, Marian. John Dahlen was a minister, and when his ministry moved from New York to Minnesota, they adopted Judy and took her with.
In Minnesota, Judy met and married Ed Bright. They were happily married and had two children, Machell and Eric. She loved her five grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Ed and Judy both worked hard and moved to Maple Lake in 1972. A few years later, they built their house from the foundation up. Judy completed her college education with a degree in Social Services. Shortly after that, they bought Rasset Bar.
Judy researched the history of Rasset City and enjoyed sharing its history with others, as well as listening and offering help to friends and their customers. After the store suffered from a fire, Ed and Judy worked hard to restore the building.
Judy lost her husband, Ed, in 2001.
She kept busy after her loss having many projects outside and in the house.
Judy made quilts for her children and grandchildren. She made jewelry and would knit and crochet hats, scarves, and mittens. She enjoyed gardening and making meals for her family. In later years, she tried her hand at restoring wood projects like cabinets and dressers.
At all points in Judy’s life, she remained in her faith, a child of God. She did not always understand the “why” of things. There were times when she was angry with God. But always, she knew Jesus as her Savior. She always remained a child of God.
She is survived by her children, Eric (Alicia) Bright and Machell (Richard) Bright Barnes; grandchildren, Samantha (Ryan) Bright, Stephen (Alicia) Bright, Lysa (Kyle) Bright, Crystal (Quentin) Bright, and Dakota Bright; many great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
She is preceded by her husband, Ed.
Memorial service was held Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 4:00 P.M. with visitation one hour prior at The Peterson Chapel – 119 Central Avenue, Buffalo, MN.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Darleen Cardinal, 86
Darleen Lydia Cardinal, age 86, of St. Louis Park, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at her residence.
She was born on March 29, 1940, in Marysville Township, Wright County, Minnesota, the daughter of Henry H. and Lydia (Ordorff) Bergquist.
Darleen graduated from Buffalo High School in 1958.
On January 30, 1960, Darleen L. Bergquist and Willis Cardinal were joined in holy marriage at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Montrose. God blessed their marriage with three children, Lesa, Lesley, and Daniel.
She enjoyed canning, gardening, sewing, embroidering, and baking.
Darleen formerly worked eighteen years at The Pillsbury Company.
She was a faithful member of Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park.
Darleen is survived by her children whom she loved deeply, Lesa Driscoll, Les Cardinal, and Dan Cardinal; a sister, Harriet Splettstoeszer; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; other relatives, next door neighbors, Lynn and Wanda Jones, who helped out Darleen immensely; and by many friends.
In addition to her best friend, Willis Cardinal, Darleen was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Gloria Bergquist; brothers, Bennie Bergquist and Jim Bergquist and sisters-in-law.
Funeral services for Darleen Cardinal will be held on Saturday, May 30, at 2:00 P.M. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Montrose. Pastor Anthony Allard will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30, one hour prior to services AT THE CHURCH.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Richard Jewell
Richard Marion “Rick” Jewell was born on November 9, 1943, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Dewitt T. and LuEtta (nee White) Jewell. He shared a close bond with his sister, JoAnn, and often delighted family and friends with stories of growing up in the South, especially tales of swimming in rivers with “gators” nearby.
Those memories stayed with him even though he had lived in Minnesota since he was a young man. After graduating high school, Rick served in the United States Air Force. Stationed in South Dakota at Ellsworth Air Force Base, he worked loading Minuteman missile heads, a job requiring precision and dedication.
Those same qualities would later define his long career with US West Phone Company, where he worked until his retirement in 2008.
Rick was first married to Jill (nee Swenson) and, together, they were blessed with three children, Jennifer, Jeremy, and Josh. He especially enjoyed cheering on his children at their sporting events when they were young.
In 1993, Rick married Rita (Gustafson, nee Peavey), gaining not only a loving partner but also becoming a stepfather to Jackie and Derek. Together, Rick and Rita built a life filled with laughter and memories, including traveling to Florida and quiet mornings over a cup of coffee.
He was an accomplished trap shooter and longtime member of the Buffalo Gun Club, winning countless competitions, including the state title. He loved country music, dancing, boiled peanuts, chocolate malts, and spending time tinkering in his “man shed” in the backyard.
Mowing the lawn was never just a chore for Rick, it was an event. Not only did he care for his own yard, but often the neighbors’ lawns as well. His grandchildren spent countless hours perching on Grandpa’s lap as he mowed, long after they had outgrown sitting in the steering wheel, where he balanced them as babies. And when he wasn’t on the mower, he could often be seen zipping around town in his little yellow stick-shift car. Because, as Rick proved, you’re never too old for a race car.
Rick was known for his quick greetings, friendly smile, playful humor, and unforgettable goofy voices, especially his impressions of Daffy Duck and Elmo. He had a unique way of turning phrases backwards that somehow still made perfect sense, leaving everyone around him laughing.
Rick treasured his role as Grandpa to Madison, Hailey, Eric, Ellen, and Luke. Whether it was trips for ice cream at Dairy Queen, adventures around town (which probably included Menards), setting off fireworks, or simply spending time together, his grandchildren were a joy to him.
Rick will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His stories, laughter, and love will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Blanche; and sister, JoAnn.
Rick is survived by wife, Rita; as well as his children and grandchildren, Jennifer and her children, Jeremy (Tami) Jewell and daughter, Madison (Alex) Stanz, Josh (Sally) Jewell, Jackie (John) Longhenry and their children, Eric, Ellen and Luke, Derek Gustafson, and his daughter, Hailey Gustafson; as well as half-sister, Nancy Garrison; and nephew, Darren Jones.
A private service for Richard M. Jewell will be held.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Debra Larsen, 71
Debra Ellen Larsen, age 71, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on May 10, 2026 at her residence in Buffalo.
Deb was born the daughter of Frank and Ellen (Brown) Czanstkowski on October 17, 1954, in Buffalo, MN.
Deb is survived by her husband, David Larsen; children, Tennille Popelka, Bruce (Jana) Popelka, David (Kelly) Larsen, and Ryan (Sarah) Czanstkowski; grandchildren, Jackson Popelka, Lauren Reisinger, Jadon Popelka, Jolie Popelka, Karly Larsen, Brook Larsen, Brody Larsen, and Aspen Moore; step-father, Rick Weeks; siblings, Diane, Frank (Deb), Mike (Mel), Bob (Cathy), Scott, Anthony (Nikki), Andrea (Shawn), Adam, Aaron, and Amanda; very loving puppy, Louis; also many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ellen Czanstkowski; son, Raul Cervantes; siblings, Rita and Linda; nephew, Rory Gavic; and father-in-law, George Larsen.
Visitation for Deb will be held Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, May 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation continuing one hour prior to the service at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN.
Celebrant will be Father Austin Barnes
Honorary bearers will be Ryan Czanstkowski, David Larsen, Bruce Popelka, Jadon Popelka, Jackson Popelka, and Angel Chavarria.
Gift bearers Brody Larsen, Karly Larsen, Brook Larsen, Lauren Reisinger, and Jolie Popelka.
Interment will be in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Buffalo, MN.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Marlene Petersen, 93
Marlene Mae Martha Petersen, age 93, of Monticello, previously Buffalo Twsp., passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 12, 2026, at St. Ben’s Assisted Living, Monticello.
Marlene Mae Martha Petersen, firstborn and only daughter of Milton and Elsie (Zacharias) Spiering, was born November 27, 1932, at the Sheriff’s House in Gaylord, MN, where her grandfather, Ewald Zacharias, was Sheriff of Sibley County for 24 years.
Marlene was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord, MN. Her parents owned and operated Spiering Tavern on Main Street of Gaylord; the family residence was on the upper level, and Marlene was responsible for taking care of her two younger brothers and also helped with doing dishes at the business. When Marlene was 12 years of age, her parents purchased a nice farm southwest of Monticello (County Road 106), and there they raised chickens, had dairy cows, along with large vegetable and berry gardens. Marlene then attended Monticello High School where she first met her future husband, Guy, in 9th Grade, as he sat in front of her, according to alphabetical seating. Playing Alto Saxophone in band and singing in Choir with many solo parts, along with the title of Home Coming Queen in 1949 were highlights of her high school years.
After graduation in May 1950, Marlene went to live with her aunt and uncle, Irene and Frank Auringer, in Arlington, Virginia, where she first worked for an Insurance Company and then secured a job at the Pentagon.
In 1952, Marlene moved back to Monticello and married her high-school-sweetheart, Guy George Petersen, on June 28, 1952, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Monticello. When Guy was drafted in the Army, 1954 to 1956, Marlene and their first daughter, Martha, were able to live off base with Guy while stationed at Camp Gordon, GA, and then at Fort Bliss, TX. While living in Texas, second daughter, Cindy, was born. After a two-year service in the US Army, Guy and Marlene and family moved to their farm in Buffalo Township, which they had purchased from Guy’s aunt and uncle; the land was ancestral property since purchased as a grant from the U.S. President. Raising five daughters, milking Jersey cows, crop farming, gardening, sewing, and enjoying many old-time dance outings with neighborhood friends (especially to the Medina Ballroom, The Twilight Club in Buffalo, The Chaparral in Monticello, and Bob’s Lookout by Maple Grove) made for a busy life.
Marlene enjoyed many fellowship gatherings and loved to socialize. She belonged to the South Prairie Club for over 50 years; the West Farm Bureau Unit and attended many fall women’s camps by Lake Koronis with friends; was a member of the Choir and Ladies Aid at both St. Peter’s Lutheran and Immanuel Ev. Lutheran all her life and was privileged to attend many LWMS conventions along with Ladies Spiritual Weekend gatherings. She was a member of the River City Ramblers for over 20 years (Monticello Sr. Citizen Choir group), and also an avid volunteer for the Wise Penny Thrift store for over 30 years. Red Hats gatherings were a fun event for her. Marlene and Guy attended many out-of-state ASAP conventions (Alliance for Syringomyelia), which Guy was diagnosed with in 1988. Both Marlene and Guy enjoyed riding the Trailblazer Transit when driving was no longer an option to attend many senior dances in Wright County and programs at the Senior Center in Monticello. Marlene was a soloist for numerous weddings and funerals throughout her life. She also was well known for making her famous strawberry pies and especially if you were the lucky recipient of one of them. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be truly missed.
Marlene suffered a severe stroke, Bilateral Thalamic Stroke, in June 2021. She lived at the Monticello Care Center before transitioning to St. Ben’s Assisted Living in May 2022.
Marlene is preceded in death by husband, Guy, of nearly 66 years (2018); and youngest daughter, Amy Smith (2009). Her parents; step-father, David Allen; brother and wife, Roumayne and Audrey Spiering; half-sister, Jean Clark, of Wisconsin; step-sister, Darlene Jewett.
Survivors include her daughters, Martha (Doug) Leerssen, of Columbia, MO; Cindy (Dan) Ordorff, of Buffalo, MN; Sharon (Tom) Poirier, of Maple Lake, MN; Teresa (Lyndon) Larson, of Monticello, MN; son-in-law, Stephen (Barb) Smith, Buffalo, MN; brother, Richard (Ruth) Spiering, of San Diego CA; half-siblings, Steve (Vi) Spiering, Randy (LuAnn) Spiering, Lori Blanchard; along with 10 grandchildren, Robert (Becky) Leerssen, Jennifer (Seth) Taylor, Guy (Alicia) Ordorff, Steven (Mary) Ordorff, Tina (Ben) Osmonson, Andy (Katie) Poirier, Bonnie Larson, Jared (Charmie) Larson, Adam (Nicole) Smith, Crystal Lemmer; and 20 great - grandchildren, Rachel, Sarah Leerssen; Hannah, Cooper Taylor; Kiara, Wyatt, Noah, Byron Ordorff; Ava, Teddy Ordorff; Vanna, Quinn Osmonson; Eli, Zeke Poirier; Jake, Jensen Larson; Owen, Sam Smith; Thad, Aria Lemmer.
Funeral service for Marlene was held Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. with visitation that began at 1:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church – Pelican Lake, Buffalo, MN.
Officiating was Pastor Stephen Smith.
Honorary casket bearers were Marlene’s granddaughter’s, Jennifer Taylor, Tina Osmonson, Bonnie Larson, and Crystal Lemmer.
Casket bearers were Marlene’s grandsons, Robert Leerssen, Jared Larson, Daniel Guy Ordorff, Andrew Poirier, Steven Ordorff, and Adam Smith.
Interment was held in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery – Pelican Lake, Buffalo, MN.
Luncheon was held at the church following the interment.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Michael Sahli, 69
Michael J. Sahli, age 69, of Maple Lake, died peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026, surrounded by family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2026, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Maple Lake, with Fr. Kevin Magner as the Celebrant. Visitation will be held from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Maple Lake.
Full obituary to follow next week.
