Obituaries 07/16/26
Roselyn Besky, 85
Roselyn “Rose” Besky, 85, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully surrounded by family June 22, 2026.
Rose was born October 10, 1940, to Vern and Lydia (Baier) Rudolph in St. Paul.
She married Robert “Bob” Besky, November 29, 1958.
They were blessed with three children. They spent many years living in Pine City on the Snake River, then moved to Lake Mary in Howard Lake, and spent their later years in Buffalo. Rose worked in nursing homes in Pine City and Long Lake. She enjoyed painting, watching the Twins, and spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who called her “Nana.”
Rose was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 61 years, Bob; her brother, Paul Rudolph; and her brother-in-law, Don Besky.
She is survived by her three children, Deb (Del) VanSickle, of Buffalo; Bob (Kim) Besky, of Hopkins; and Denise (Mark) Saunders, of Buffalo; sister, Joanne (Tom) Timm, of Peoria, AZ; sister-in-law, Caroline Besky, of St. Paul; grandchildren, Tracy Stankey, April Born, Jill Stankey, Zach Besky, Connor Besky, Jennifer Saunders, Sarah (Gabe) Licht, Alyson (Ellie) Gilder, Ryan Saunders, great-grandchildren, Jake (Kendra), Kaleigh, Kate, Brooke, RJ, Aleah, Amanda, Lydia, Abby, Ethan, Issac, Gavin, Spencer; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A service took place at 3 p.m., July 14, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo, with visitation one hour prior to the service. A service at Fort Snelling will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Care Fund at Park View Health Care Center.
Peterson Chapel, of Buffalo, served the family.
James Biesemeier, 64
James William Biesemeier, 64 years old, born September 3, 1961, in San Rafael, CA, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, surrounded by his family in Chaska, MN, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, William “Oscar” Biesemeier; and mother, Marilyn Roberts.
He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 28 years, Dawn Biesemeier. He’s also survived by his beautiful children, Bailey (Rob) Feldmann, Ryan Biesemeier, and Gabriella (Tristan) Kujava; plus, his cherished grandchildren, Lux, Penelope, Cruz, and Carver Feldmann, and Stevie and Theodore Kujava. He is also survived by his sister, Joni Kalstrup; and his nephews, Trent and Spencer Kalstrup (Monica); plus, his half-sister, Nancy Hawkinson. In addition, he is survived by his mother- and father-in-Law, Elmer and Karol Eichelberg; and Dawn’s family: sisters and brothers-in-law, Melody (Greg) Gross, Marc Eichelberg, Dan Eichelberg, and their children. He is also survived by his stepfather, John Roberts; and many friends whose lives were made better simply by knowing him.
Jim’s Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 1-5pm. It will be at Veterans Park in Chaska, MN. We are so blessed to have so many people willing and wanting to come together to celebrate Jim’s life. We will be having time at 2 p.m. to share stories and talk about how he impacted our lives.
Susan Kotila, 71
Susan Marie Kotila, age 71, of St. Cloud, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at The Sanctuary at St. Cloud. She was born on October 13, 1954.
Sue was employed by a number of companies where she made friends along the way. She worked for Honeywell, Federal Reserve Bank, Lutheran Brotherhood, The University of Minnesota, and Options in Big Lake. In recent years, Sue earned her diploma from Herzing University in Bookkeeping and Accounting.
Sue had a passion for diamond painting, Wii bowling, watching old movies, and John Denver music. She adored her fur babies, Nemo and Scooter. Sue had a strong faith and shared it with her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Arnie and Gertrude Kotila; and brother, Jerry Kotila.
Sue is survived by her brother, Wayne Kotila (JinYing); sisters, Nancy Murray (Denny), Karen Miller (Ray), Trudi Coleman; nieces and nephews, Jeremy Swanson (Amanda), Christina Baksh (Shrial), Christopher Murray, Jonathon Murray, Benjamin Murray (Carleen), Joshua Murray, Jen Kotila, Kim Kotila, Pam Romero (Victor), David Coleman; as well as an extended family of cousins and great-nieces and great-nephews, including Luke Romero; and Sue’s loyal and lifelong friend, Vicki Nelson of Hibbing, MN.
We want to express our sincere gratitude to the dedicated staff at The Sanctuary, Bluestone Medical Group, and Moments Hospice for their tender, loving care of our beloved, Sue.
Private services will be held at The Peterson Chapel and burial at Riverside Cemetery, French Lake.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Marsha Leffler, 65
Marsha Lynn Baker Leffler
March 4, 1961 - July 2, 2026
Marsha Lynn Baker Leffler, age 65, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on July 2, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Visitation will be held Friday, July 17, from 5:00 P.M.- 8:00 P.M. at Peterson Chapel Funeral home in Buffalo, Minnesota. Marsha’s funeral will be held Saturday, July 18, at 12:00 P.M. at Peterson Chapel Funeral Home in Buffalo. In accordance with her final wishes, Marsha will be laid to rest beside her parents and other beloved family members in Burnet, Texas.
Marsha was born on March 4, 1961, in Burnet, Texas. She spent most of her time in Corpus Christi before graduating from Cy-Fair High School in Harris County, Texas in 1979. She earned her cosmetology license shortly after high school, before continuing her education through North Hennepin Community College and Anoka Technical College. A lifelong learner. Marsha pursued studies in paralegal education and took on many other classes, gaining an abundance of knowledge and skills that served her well throughout many of her successful careers.
Life had something even more special in store when Marsha met the love of her life, Harvey W. Leffler Jr., on a blind date. After Marsha received a beautiful large rose from Harvey, it was history, and they were united in marriage at the Zion Lutheran Church in Helotes, Texas on February 15, 1986. This was the beginning of a marriage that would span 40 wonderful years. Together, they built a loving family with Ryan and were later blessed with their daughter, Wendy. Shortly thereafter, they made Minnesota their home, where they raised their family and built a life filled with unconditional love, laughter, faith, and countless cherished memories.
Marsha believed in lifelong learning. She built a successful career that ultimately led her to Huntington National Bank, where she was admired for her professionalism, intelligence, dedication, compassion, and wonderful sense of humor. Her coworkers valued not only her work ethic but also her friendship and described her as the brightest light in the room.
Marsha had the biggest heart and welcomed everyone with open arms. Family was everything to her, and her home was always open to anyone who needed a warm meal, a place to stay, or simply someone to listen. After the heartbreaking loss of her beloved son, Ryan, she lovingly helped raise his children, surrounding them with the same unconditional love, guidance, and support she gave so freely throughout her life. She never hesitated to put others before herself, and countless lives were forever changed by her kindness, humor, generosity, and selfless heart.
A woman of many talents and endless creativity, Marsha loved painting, flowers, gardening, genealogy, ancestry, scrapbooking, and cooking for those she loved. Her homemade banana pudding and pepperoni bread became family favorites and will forever be remembered by everyone lucky enough to gather around her table. She poured countless hours into preserving her family’s history through genealogy and beautifully crafted scrapbooks that will be treasured for generations to come.
Marsha was blessed with the voice of an angel. She especially loved singing karaoke with her beloved son, Ryan. Together, they shared a love of music that could light up any room. There was never an empty seat when those two sang. Their voices, laughter, and the memories they created together will forever hold a special place in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved them.
Even during the most difficult chapter of her life, Marsha never stopped fighting. She faced cancer with remarkable courage, grace, determination, and unwavering faith. Though her journey was far shorter than anyone hoped, her strength, resilience, and immense love inspired everyone around her. Just months before her passing, Marsha traveled with her family to San Diego to watch her grandson, Bradain, graduate from the United States Marine Corps. That weekend became our final family trip together, a priceless gift and a cherished memory our family will forever hold close to our hearts forever. Marsha was a bright, loving, caring, and joyful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose memory will go on in all of family and friends’ hearts.
Marsha is survived by her beloved husband of more than 40 years, Harvey Leffler Jr.; her loving daughter, Wendy (Robert) Kirschenman; her brother, Johnny (Annette) Baker; her cherished grandchildren, Brielyn Leffler, Bradain Barnett, Rylee Simmang, Serenity Simmang, Karsen Simmang; her great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
Marsha is preceded in death by her beloved son, Ryan Simmang; her parents, Jody and J.C. “Red” Baker; her mother-in-law, Barbara Jean Lavine; her sister-in-law, Sheila Klares; her brother-in-law, Bruce Leffler; her aunt, Patricia Shimp; her aunt and uncle, Derwood and Glenda Jenkins; and several other loved ones.
Arrangements are with the Peterson Chapel Funeral Home in Buffalo, MN, (763) 682-1363. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Peggy Otten, 70
Peggy Rae Otten, age 70, of Buffalo, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
She was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 12, 1956, the daughter of Leonard and Myrtle (Swanson) Matuska.
On June 6, 1981, Peggy Rae Matuska was joined in holy marriage to Patrick Donald Otten in Buffalo. God blessed their marriage with two children.
She was employed as a nurse for many years in home health care.
Family was very important to her, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Peggy enjoyed camping, fishing, and was a dog lover.
Survived by her husband, Patrick Donald Otten, of St. Peter; a son, Scott Otten, of Montrose; a daughter, Heidi Otten, of Howard Lake; eleven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; a brother, David (Kathy) Matuska, of Monticello; many other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Glen and Frank Matuska.
A time of sharing was held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. A visitation was held at the funeral home on Sunday, July 12, one hour prior to service. The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Walter Staskivige, 71
Walter Craig Staskivige, age 71 of Independence, MN, passed away at his home on July 3, 2026.
Walter was born on October 4, 1954, in Minneapolis, MN, to John and DeVonna (Tverberg) Staskivige.
He spent his life working as a skilled carpenter and was self-employed for many years. Walter was also a proud part-owner of The Red Vest in Rockford, MN, where he dedicated nearly 50 years of hard work and friendship.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents, John and DeVonna Staskivige; brothers, Kevin, Clayton, and Loyal Staskivige.
He is survived by his sister, Melody Staskivige; his sisters-in-law, Nola Staskivige and Linda Staskivige; along with nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 25, at 3:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Officiating will be Pastor Bill Marshall.
Private family interment to be held at a later.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Jerold Untiedt, 77
March 25, 1949 – July 6, 2026
Jerold Albert Untiedt, 77, of Waverly, MN, passed away on July 6, 2026, as the result of heart complications. He was surrounded in love by his family.
Jerry was born on March 25, 1949, in Minneapolis, MN. He was the first of five children born to Harold and Elinor Untiedt. Although Jerry lived and grew up in Edina, he spent many of his vacations and summers on his uncle’s farm in Sioux Valley. Here, Jerry listened to his grandfather and uncle speak about the relationship between community, nature, and respect for the land. He was also taught the value of a strong work ethic. Through these experiences, Jerry developed a deep love and passion for both animals and agriculture that he carried with him until the end.
Jerry attended Edina High School, where he met the love of his life, Susan Woerner. Jerry and Sue dated throughout HS and college and were married on June 19, 1970. Through Sue’s mother, Jerry met Cal Chadwick, who would become Jerry’s best friend, and the best mentor one could imagine. Cal was a 3rd generation farmer, who shared his knowledge and passion with Jerry. He always said it wasn’t about how much money you made, but how content you are with what you are doing.
With this thought in mind, Jerry and Sue moved to the small town of Waverly, MN. Sue found a job teaching, and they bought a small 50-acre farm and a horse. This was the beginning of Jerry’s vision. With his voracious love of agriculture, Untiedt’s Vegetable Farm was born. As time went on, Jerry and Sue bought another piece of land, and the neighboring farm. Roadside vegetable stands began and grew from there. Jerry researched, sought out other mentors, and continued to learn every day. He found ways to grow his business in new ways and loved sharing his knowledge and expertise with others. Somewhere along the way, Jerry went from being the mentee, to being a mentor for so many others.
The lessons Jerry learned as a child, along with the commitment to helping others, were never forgotten. As his business grew, Jerry felt it was his duty to spread his knowledge and blessings with others. He became a strong advocate for local and national agriculture and agricultural policy, and a provider to several food shelves in the area.
Above all, Jerry loved farming, his family, and spending time in nature. He loved long walks with his dogs, hunting pheasants, and listening to the waves crash on the shore at the cabin. In typical Jerry fashion, with his phone often forgotten at home, one only needed to look in the cow pasture to find him chatting with the cows or even napping right beside them. He thrived in sharing his love of anything outdoors with his family, especially with grandchildren and great-grandchildren; from trapshooting and hunting to tractor rides, feeding the chickens, and picking the first sweet corn of the season.
The enormity of the lives he touched is immeasurable. His enthusiasm, kind heart, and amazing smile will be forever missed by anyone who knew him.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan, and their four daughters, Erin (Paul) Nelson, Kate (Rob) Illies, Megan (Stuart) Dallmann, and Jenna (Matt Symanietz) Untiedt; nine grandchildren, Kaila (Brian) Witzany, Trenton (Lizzie) Nelson, Ryan (Emily Keck) Nelson, Brynn, Rece, Dru, Ella, Addison, and Grant; as well as three great-grandchildren, Blake, Rogan, Hadley, and Baby Girl Nelson (due in August); siblings, Mark Untiedt (son, James), Pat (Emmett) Costello, Bill Untiedt, and Jim (Sheila) Untiedt; William Appiah, who became family; along with countless friends, relatives, and others met along the way.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Elinor Untiedt; and best friend, Cal Chadwick.
To celebrate Jerry’s life, family and friends were invited to a visitation on Monday, July 13, from 5:00–8:00 p.m.
A second visitation was held on Tuesday, July 14, from 4:00–5:00 p.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 5:00 p.m.,
All services were held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Howard Lake, MN.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to honor Jerry’s legacy. Contributions may be made payable to: Untiedt’s Vegetable Farm. Please indicate your preferred designation, and the family will ensure your gift is directed to one of the following:
• HLWW Agricultural Scholarship
• Pheasants Forever
• A local food shelf
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
