Obituaries 07/02/26

John Blodgett Jr., 86

John Burns Blodgett Jr., age 86, of Rockford, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at his residence.

A full obituary will appear in next week’s paper.

Arrangements are pending with The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.

 


Dorothy Bohneman, 77

Dorothy (Dottie) Jeannie (Power) Bohneman, 77, of Rockford, Minnesota, went home to her Heavenly Father peacefully on Monday, June 15, 2026, at the Parkview Senior Care Center in Buffalo, Minnesota.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Our Father’s Lutheran Church in Rockford, Minnesota, where she was Member and a Choir Member, at 12:00 noon on July 11, 2026. Her family will greet family and friends. Memorial Service will be at 1:00 p.m. and a Luncheon will follow.

Dottie was born on September 29, 1948, in Osage, Iowa. She was the daughter of Paul and Pearl Power. She attended schools in Osage and Charles City, graduating in 1966 at Osage Community High School. After graduation, she attended and graduated from La James School of Hairstyling in Mason City, Iowa.

On June 14, 1969, Dottie married the love of her life, James H. Bohneman, of Riceville, Iowa. They resided in Rockford, Minnesota, for the majority of their lives. Two daughters were born to this union.

Dottie worked doing various jobs over the years, from Hairstylist, Girl Scout Leader, Cargill Grain Department Worker for many years to a Waitress at Jan’s Café in Rockford. She was President of the VFW Auxiliary in Rockford after retiring.

She loved to travel, taking a lot of trips with her best friend, Debi Olson. Jim and Dottie enjoyed an Alaskan Cruise and a Hawaiian Cruise where they renewed their wedding vows on their 40th Anniversary.

Dottie also loved her family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them shopping and going to the casino with her daughters. She was a spiritual person who loved her Lord and Savior.

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband, Jim, of Rockford, Minnesota; and her two daughters, Racquel (Kelly) and Rhonda, of Rockford, MN; six granddaughters; five great-granddaughters; and one great-granddaughter due in July; seven great-grandsons; siblings, Charles (Maggie Hess) Power, Plymouth, IA; Connie Christensen, Marion, IA; Cindy (Randy) Knapp, Charles City, IA; Julie (Tom) Rolfes, Carpenter, IA; and Angie (Steve) Cline, Buffalo, MN.

She is proceeded in death by her parents; mother-in-law, Kathleen Goodbrand; sisters-in-law, Mary Kay Clausen and Nancy Rassman; granddaughter, Brandi Hockenson; nieces, Andrea Cline and Naomi Power; and nephews, Pacer and Aaron Power.

Cards and Memorials can be sent to: Our Father’s Lutheran Church, 3903 Gilbert Ave. SE, Rockford, MN 55373.

 


Amy DesMarais, 45

Amy Jo (Galvin) DesMarais, age 45, of Maple Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family after facing cancer with remarkable strength, grace, and determination.

Amy was born on March 17, 1981, in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, to Dennis Galvin and Darnell (Kath) Galvin. She grew up in Buffalo, where she graduated with the Class of 1999. On January 29, 2000, she was united in marriage to Brian DesMarais. Together, they raised four children.

Amy is preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Sally DesMarais; and brother-in-law, John DesMarais.

She is survived by her husband, Brian; children, Gavin (26), Ethan (23), Leo (6), and Jaxton (4); father, Dennis Galvin; mother, Darnell Galvin; brother, Ryan (Melissa) Galvin; parents-in-law, Steven and Pamela DesMarais; brothers and sisters-in-law, Annie (Kirt) Fisher, Jayne (Brandon) Geyen, Michael DesMarais, and Kelli Wold; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Amy was known for her strong work ethic and friendly presence. Over the years, she worked alongside her father at Metal Treaters, as well as at Perkins, Holiday, McDonald’s, and other local businesses. No matter where she was, Amy became a familiar face and a friend to many. Whether she was helping customers, chatting with friends, or spending time with family, she had a gift for making people feel comfortable and welcome.

Amy loved celebrating holidays and making memories with the people she loved, especially St. Patrick’s Day, which she proudly shared as her birthday. She enjoyed fishing, community events, family gatherings, and any opportunity to spend time with those closest to her. Some of her happiest moments were the simple ones spent laughing and making memories with family.

Amy will be remembered for her outgoing personality, her ability to make friends wherever she went, and her sincere and loving nature. She had a genuine way of caring for others that left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Through every challenge she faced, she carried herself with quiet strength and grace.

Amy’s greatest joy was her family, and the love she shared with them will continue to live on in the countless memories they hold close to their hearts.

A Celebration of Life honoring Amy will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Riverside Church in Big Lake, Minnesota. Family and friends are invited to join in sharing memories, laughter, and stories of a life well lived. Visitation will begin at 10:30 A.M., with the service at 11:30 A.M. Light refreshments will be served following the service. Private interment at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo, MN.

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

 


Calvin Heins, 77

Calvin Heins, age 77, passed away peacefully at his home, on June 18, 2026, surrounded by family, after battling cancer for 12 years.

He was born to John and Vera (Sipe) on December 29, 1948.

Calvin was a hardworking dairy farmer for over 50 years. He loved his cows. After he retired, he worked part time at Princeton Walmart until we moved to Becker, MN.

He enjoyed showing his 1976 Ford pickup, winning many Trophies, his family, friends, traveling in the RV, fishing, deer hunting, and old western movies.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, of 46 years; daughters, Kelly (Brian) Hohlen, Amber (Mark) Anderson, Sheila (Chris Kardong) Monroe; grandchildren, Matthew (Samantha) Hohlen, Molly (Joel) Ott, Brady (Sam) Hohlen, Jake (Nissa) Anderson, Malory (Jarrett) Kujava, Mack, Coltin, Austin Monroe, and Carolyn (Andy) Fiore; great-grandchildren, Zoey and Ivy Ott; Mirah, Micah, and Mieah Monroe; Bionca Monroe; mother, Vera Heins; brother, Russ (Denise) Heins; Sister, Cheryl (Al) Lee.

Preceded in death by his dad, John Heins; in-laws, Henry and Laura Steffen; sister in-law, Connie Davis; brothers-in-law, Don Paggen, Greg Davis, Norman Midland, Clifford Masty, and David Shufelt.

Celebration of Life will be July 19, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Jack and Jim’s, 11025 Duelm Rd. NE, Foley, MN.

 


Richard Kirkham, 88

Richard (Dick) Gregory Kirkham; DOB December 31, 1937, died peacefully at home June 21, 2026.

Born to Elden and Mary Kirkham (Gregory) of Iowa. He was a small-town boy raised among grandparents, uncles, and cousins in rural Iowa. After high-school graduation, he joined the Marines. He married his high-school sweetheart, Joyce Ann McHenry, they raised four children. The family; AKA, the Kirkham nomads because Dick worked at selling hardware, milk man, and other jobs moving around small towns in Iowa then Minnesota where he landed in city government. He retired as Executive Director of The Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association.

While living in Minnesota, Dick enjoyed fishing, hunting, and coffee mornings with friends. He brought Pickle Ball to Buffalo! He loved his family and community. Dick and Joyce saw their children married; grandchildren and great-grandchildren come into the world.

In retirement, they headed for warmer weather, relocating to Sun City, Arizona, where they enjoyed family life among Dick’s brothers and their families, as well as spending time with his mother in her last years.

Dick is proceeded in death by his parents, Mary and Elden Kirkham; and his nephew, Thomas Matthew (Matt) Kirkham; and much-loved cousins from his childhood. 

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; and their children, Beth Kirkham, Kevin (Cindy) Kirkham, Chris Kirkham; and John (Rebecca) Kirkham; grandchildren, Nicole (Rob) Williams, Justine (James) Giffith, Jerrine Johnson, Amber (Nick) Christiansen, Dr. Heather Kirkham, and Tyler Kirkham; great-grandchildren, Martin Lee , Matthew, Lily, Lora, Jacob (Olivia), Hannah,  Chris, Harper; brothers, Thomas (Tina) Kirkham, Joe (Marilu) Kirkham, Greg  (Jacqueline) Kirkham; nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and nephews. 

Special mention and heart-felt thank you to Tamera and Brian Link, as well as Joe and Marilu Kirkham for their love and help, and Thomas Kirkham for arranging military honors. 

Dick will be interned at Violet Hill Cemetery, Perry, Iowa, July 25 at high noon!

 


Geraline Schut, 100

Geraline “Gerry” Schut, age 100, of Buffalo, Minnesota, went to her Heavenly home on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Park View Care Center with family at her side.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Heartland Evangelical Free Church, Annandale with Pastor Greg Medvec officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Lakeview Cemetery, near Silver Creek.

Geraline Mae Mol was born April 28, 1926, in Corinna Township to Jake and Ella Mae (Dalman) Mol. Geraline grew up on the family farm near Sugar Lake. She graduated from Annandale High School in 1943. She was employed with General Mills for a time after graduation. In 1946, she married Emery Louis Marquardt. They lived in Minneapolis area until 1961, when they moved to Omaha, Nebraska. Emery passed away in 1976.

Geraline moved back to Minnesota in the spring of 1979 and married Donald Marvin Schut. They lived on Lake Mary, near Maple Lake, until the fall of 2009, when they moved to a townhome in Buffalo, Minnesota. For 32 years, they would escape from the cold during the winter months and journey south to their second home in Alamo, Texas. 

As a devoted wife and mother, Geraline poured her heart into creating a warm and loving environment for her family. Her life was a testament to the importance of her relationship with Jesus Christ, and her family.

Geraline is survived by her children, Peggy Stansberry, of Arvada, CO, Steve (Bernie) Marquardt, of Cedaredge, CO, Dean (Sue) Marquardt, of Colorado Springs, CO, and Jim Marquardt, of Salt Lake City, UT; stepchildren, Pam (Gary) Fieldseth, of Silver Creek, Joel (Debbie) Schut, of Monticello, and Patty (Butch) Paulson, of Cokato; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; siblings-in-law, Arlene Smith, of Bemidji, and Pat Schut, of Buffalo; and many nieces, nephews,  and countless other family members and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Emery Marquardt and Donald Schut; parents, Jake and Ella Mol; brother, Cliff Mol; son-in-law, John Stansberry; and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Geraline’s grandchildren will serve as casket bearers. John Goos, Jane Mol, Terri Gunderson, and Megan Brunner will provide the music for the service. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.

In lieu of flowers, Geraline’s wishes were to have memorials made to the following charities: Talking Bibles International, 419 E Grand Ave. Escondido, CA 92025, Children’s Haven International, 400 Minnesota Rd., Pharr, TX 78577, or Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

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

 

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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