Obituaries 08/10/23

Carol Ebert, 58

Carol Ann Ebert of St. Michael, MN, age 58, passed away on July 27, 2023, after a short battle with an aggressive cancer.

Carol was born in St. Paul, MN, on January 28, 1965, to Cheryl (Munson) Alleman. A few months after she was born, she was lovingly adopted by Donald and Marian Ebert. Carol grew up in the Buffalo area. She then moved with her parents to Browerville as a teenager. As an adult, the lived in Minneapolis and the surrounding metro area.

Carol was a young mom to three children, Jacquie (Ebert) Williams, Andrew Treptow, and Alexander Treptow. She was a supportive and devoted mother who would do anything for her children. She suffered a great loss when both of her sons passed away; Andrew at age two and Alexander at age 23. A piece of her heart went with each of them when they passed.

She started her career in photography and transitioned into commercial real estate in the mid-1990s. She was accomplished, driven, and very talented. She was very involved in CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Members) earning her CCIM designation in 2006. She served on the Minnesota/Dakotas CCIM Chapter board for many years, was chapter President in 2011, and served as Regional Vice President twice.

She was a very sociable person and liked to stay active. Her favorite sports to play were squash, tennis, pickleball, and golf. She enjoyed going to church, gardening, and cooking. She loved to travel and spend time with her family and friends. She loved her grandchildren very much.

Carol is survived by her oldest child, Jacquie Williams; son-in-law, Kevin Williams; two grandchildren, Andrea Williams, and Travis Williams; and biological mother, Cheryl Alleman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Marian Ebert; sons, Andrew and Alexander Treptow; and her brothers, Kenneth Ebert and Gerald Ebert.

A memorial service will be held at Plymouth Covenant Church, 4300 Vicksburg Lane N, Plymouth, MN, on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 1 pm. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service.

Louis Oberdeck, 81

Louis Mark Oberdeck, 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 5, 2023.

Louis was born to Louis and Violet Oberdeck, of Mound, MN on September 23, 1941. He graduated from Mound High School in 1959 and served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, before working for the Mobil Oil Company in Illinois, Alaska Children and Family Services near Anchorage, and finally—for over 23 years—with State of Minnesota as a Recreational Therapist. He had a passion for helping people and seeing them reach their full potential, especially if they were underprivileged or had physical or mental health challenges.

Louis attended the University of Minnesota where he met his wife, Joyce Freeman, in 1960. They were married on July 9, 1966, surrounded by friends and family. Lou valued higher education, earning his master’s degree in education, specializing in Recreational Therapy. Additionally, in 1971, Lou and Joyce welcomed their first child, Tyler. And in 1973, they welcomed their second child, Amy, followed by their third child, Heather, in 1976. Lou worked hard to make sure his family was taken care of and felt loved every day. He was most proud of all his children and encouraged them to follow their dreams. However, he cherished being a grandparent and his last goal was to see all four grandchildren graduate high school and experience the joy of life. Determined and intentional, as with most things he did, Lou accomplished that earlier this year.

One of his many passions was traveling. Together, he and Joyce took their family to the Middle East, the Mediterranean, several countries throughout Europe and Asia, and traveled to many more destinations. The hope was always to enrich his family’s Christian faith by following the footsteps of Jesus and Apostle Paul, as well as to gain a better understanding of Lutheran theology by learning about Martin Luther and the Reformation. Most recently, despite COVID delaying the planned 2020 trip, Lou made his dream of taking the whole family to five countries in Europe--concluding the adventure by experiencing the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany--come true in 2022. Again, mission accomplished.

Louis had many titles: husband, dad, brother, son, uncle, friend, and, perhaps the most important, beloved child of God. He was known to study the Scripture with such passion by attending the lay school of theology, leading men’s Bible studies, spending a week each year with his family at a summer family Bible camp, and even reading the Bible nightly to his children as they sat on his lap. He was a long-time active member of Word of Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers, MN.

Louis loved his animals! He always had big dreams to connect children with the love and care of pets—from his beloved pygmy and full-sized goats, to llamas, alpacas, donkeys, and more. He loved movies, and Snickers bars, and cheering for his kids and grandkids playing whatever sport or academic sport they chose to pursue. He attended many, many games and competitions.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother; his brother, Martin; and sister-in-law, Joan; and nephew, Peter; plus many beloved pets and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joyce Oberdeck; his children, Tyler (Darcy) Oberdeck, of Mound, MN, Amy (Jason) Chalupnik, of Buffalo, MN, Heather (Michael) Kistner, of Spooner, WI; and his four beloved grandchildren, Thomas, Emily, Daniel and Timothy; two step-grandchildren, Sarah (Mark) Johnson and Ryan (Courtney) Kistner; and three step-great grandchildren; plus several nephews, cousins; and a Godson, Brent; plus many former colleagues, former foster children, and trusted friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to one of the following charities, which Louis enthusiastically and faithfully supported: Mount Carmel Family Bible Camp, or Running Strong for American Indian Youth, or the Navajo Lutheran Mission and School, or buy a goat from Heifer International.

The family wishes to thank all the medical professionals and care staff who attended to Louis throughout the years, and the American Legion for their participation during the interment.

Visitation will be held Sunday, August 13, 2023, from 5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M., at Word of Peace Lutheran Church (21705 129th Avenue North, Rogers, MN)

Funeral service will take place the following day on Monday, August 14, 2023, at 11:00 A.M., at the church with visitation beginning one hour prior.

Interment will take place at Word of Peace Church Cemetery in Rogers.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael-Albertville.

Alice Rutledge-Bitzer, 84

Alice Jean Rutledge-Bitzer, 84, passed away unexpectedly surrounded by family on June 7, 2023, in Palm Coast, FL. Leaving behind a legacy as vibrant as her spirit. Born March 6, 1939, in Dayton, Ohio, Alice was a shining star in the lives of her loved ones.

Alice leaves behind a loving trail of memories. She is survived by her beloved husband, Richard Bitzer; her sister, Kay Lowe (Ralph), of Vandalia, OH; and brother, Joe Fischer (Mary Jo), of Pleasanton, CA. They will forever cherish their shared moments. Her daughter, Robbin Nisbet (Steve), of Buffalo, MN, along with stepdaughter, De’Neen De Witt (Craig), of Saint Augustine, FL, and stepson, Richard Bitzer, Jr. (Joan), of Dayton, OH, were blessed to call her family. Alice’s light continues to shine through her five grandchildren. Megan, Jacob, April (Anthony), Ashley (Gabriel), and Stephanie, who will carry her legacy forward. Let’s not forget the ten great-grandchildren, whose lives were graced by her presence. She is also survived by her special friends Peggy, Matt (Beth) Stremel, and Lori (Chad) Peck.

Life’s journey sometimes comes with heartaches, and Alice experienced her share. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Rutledge; her son, Scott Rutledge; and granddaughters, Angela Campbell, and Jessica Swan. Their memories remain etched in the hearts of those who loved Alice.

Alice was a fabulous homemaker, as she raised her children and went on to work for many years at Dayco Rubber Products in Dayton, OH. After retiring 25 years ago, she embraced a life filled with adventure, travel, golf, and all-around enjoyment. Dayton, OH, Buffalo, MN, Placid Lake, FL, and Palm Coast, FL, were lucky enough to witness her zest for life.

Known for her contagious laughter and larger-than-life personality, Alice brought joy to everyone fortunate enough to cross paths with her. Her wit was as sharp as a 9-iron on the golf course, and her kindness radiated like the warm Florida sun.

Alice would want us to remember her with laughter and smiles, cherishing the moments we shared. Rest in peace, dear Alice. May your spirit continue to shine brightly on the great golf course in the sky. As we say our final farewell to this remarkable soul, let us celebrate the joy she brought into our lives.

A Celebration of life is planned for September 16, 11 a.m., at Marion’s Pizza in Beavercreek, OH. In Lieu of flowers, donations to a hospice of your choice in memory of Alice would be greatly appreciated.

Jeffrey Sylvester, 75

Jeffrey Thomas Sylvester, age 75, of Annandale, formerly of Maple Lake, died peacefully at home on Monday, July 31, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Maple Lake. A Celebration of Life reception will be held from 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at The V in Maple Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to be given to the “Delano Public School - Sly Fund,” a scholarship for students at Delano High School.

Jeff was born on October 5, 1947, in Hallock, Minnesota, to George and Ida (Ash) Sylvester. Jeff grew up in St. Vincent, Minnesota. Jeff learned many skills growing up in this small town. He learned to garden, hunt, fish, and helped out in the Sylvester store. To earn money for college, he built steel grain bins, was a lifeguard at Hallock pool, and worked for construction companies, which taught him building skills.

Jeff graduated from Humboldt-St. Vincent High School in 1965. His graduating class was a total of 12 students. He played football, basketball, was in choir, and a class officer. Jeff then went to Bemidji State College to earn a BS degree in Business. Jeff met the love of his life, Susan Garske, his senior year. Jeff graduated from Bemidji in the spring of 1969.

Upon graduation, he was immediately drafted by the US Army. Jeff entered the service on December 7, 1969. He did basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, and then trained as a specialist in helicopter armament. On June 10, 1970, he was sent to Soc Trang in the Mekong Delta, Viet Nam to become a part of Headquarters Company of the 13th Aviation Battalion. He was later stationed at Can Tho, Viet Nam. Jeff arrived back home from the service on July 13, 1971.

Jeff Sylvester and Susan Garske were married on August 14, 1971, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Minneapolis. Jeff started substitute teaching that year for the Hopkins school district. The next year he began his teaching career in Delano High School teaching business classes until 2008. He also was the advisor for the Delano Senior prom for over 30 years. Jeff was nicknamed “Sly” by his students. He loved teaching, and he loved people. Jeff was kind and always helpful to anyone in need. He continued with his construction skills by building three different homes for his family. When he was not teaching in the summer, he worked in construction with a crew of his teacher friends.

Jeff loved being outdoors. Traveling, gardening, hunting, fishing, bird watching, playing cribbage, and reading westerns were his hobbies. His children and grandchildren were the center of his life. He retired from Delano High School in 2008. He continued contact with many of his students from Delano. Jeff never went anywhere without running into past students. He always remembered their names and would take the time to chat about their families or jobs. Jeff was not a person to sit still. He was always working on a project in his garage. He worked part-time for two facilities run by Maple Lake Recovery until 2018. He also volunteered for 14 years as a handyman for the Maple Lake Library beginning in 2009 and was currently on the Board of the Friends of the Maple Lake Library.

Jeff suffered a massive stroke on March 3, 2023. He spent months fighting medical setbacks to rebound each time with determination to attempt to walk and talk again. His goal was to get back home. His spirit and his will for rehabilitation finally ended with continued small strokes. Jeff came home with hospice to be with his family the last week of his life.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Susan Sylvester; his children, Amy Sylvester, of Fridley; Scott (Jessica) Sylvester, of South Haven; grandchildren, Livvy and George Sylvester; his sister, Jean (Jim) Hubbard, of Bagley; and sister-in-law, Susan Sylvester, of Little Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ida (Ash) Sylvester; and his brother, James Sylvester.

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

Thomas Tarbox, 76

Thomas Robert Tarbox, age 76, of Maple Lake, formerly of Edina, passed away peacefully with members of his family by his side after a long battle with various health complications on Sunday, August 6, 2023.

Funeral Liturgy will be held 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale with visitation one hour prior to the service. A reception will follow at The V in Maple Lake. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Monticello.

Thomas Robert Tarbox was born October 11, 1946, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Robert and Katharine (Meier) Tarbox. He grew up in the Minneapolis area and was a 1965 graduate of The Blake School. He furthered his education at Carleton College, graduating in 1969. He then obtained his law degree from the University of Minnesota in 1972. Tom was a retired Lt. Commander in the United States Navy, Judge Advocate General. He went on to practice law in Minneapolis for First Bank and then in private practice in the Wright County, Minnesota area. Tom loved his family and boating on Maple Lake. He was kind in conversation with many thoughtful questions and always recognizable with his distinct hats.

He is survived by his wife, Krista Elsenpeter Tarbox, of Maple Lake; son, Ned (Megan) Tarbox, of Edina, MN; daughter, Sarah (Eric) Ratner, of Carmel, IN; grandchildren, Calvin and Ruby Tarbox, and Sam, Suzanne, and Stella Ratner; step-children in the Maple Lake area, Jim (Jean) Elsenpeter, Sarah (Adam) Goeltz, Susie (John) Peterson, Dan (Erica) Elsenpeter, Katie Schmidt, Carmen (Matt) Rudolph, Luke (Liz) Elsenpeter and Anne (Carl) Pribyl; 32 more grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; sisters, Ann (Jim) Birchall, of Birmingham, AL, and Kathy (John) Ruppert, of Denver, CO; and other family members and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Caroline Bates.

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

Gary Torfin, 76

Gary Torfin, age 76, passed away peacefully at Engel Haus Assisted Living in Albertville, MN, on July 30, 2023. Gary was born in Crookston, MN, in 1947 to parents Curtis and Clarian (Roragen) Torfin.  Gary is remembered by his daughter, Jennifer (Kelly) Simondet, and son, Michael (Lisa) Torfin; his siblings, David (Denise) Torfin, Cheryl (Mike) Warzeha, Sandy (Jon) Hartin, Cindy (Barry) Lemmage, Susan (Darryl) Kettenacker; brother-in-law, Jeff Rose; sister-in-law Pam (Jim) Lepinski, step-brothers Clark Goldthorp and Mike Shenaman; and step-sisters, Shirley (John) Huffine, Gloria Craig, and Joan Rutherford; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Cindy; brother, Danny (Sally) Torfin; brothers, Ronald, Roger, and Mark Torfin; parents, Curtis and Clarian (Roragen) Torfin; and stepmother, Verna Torfin.

Gary graduated from Rockford High School in 1965. 1966 was a busy year, as Gary joined the Navy and married Cindy Rose. Gary was stationed in California, Washington State, and Texas as an Aviation Electronics Technician.  After his military service, Gary worked for approximately 10 years for Red Owl Stores in various positions.  Gary then became a sheriff’s deputy and worked for the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, retiring as a Captain after 30 years.

Gary loved to volunteer and was associated with the Teamsters Local 320, Kiwanis International Buffalo Chapter, and Lions International Monticello Chapter.

Gary loved to spend time with family and friends, listen to music, play cards/dice/games, and drink coffee, as long as it came with a dessert. He also loved to attend his father’s Air Force Reunions and was a World War II history buff.

Gary will be remembered and missed as a great family member, co-worker, friend, and volunteer.

A Celebration of Life will take place on August 12, 2023, at 4:30 PM, at the Peterson Chapel at 300 North Main Street, St. Michael, MN. All are invited to attend this celebration of Gary’s life. Private interment will take place at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff at Guardian Angel’s Engel Haus and Triniti Hospice for the care they provided to Gary.  In lieu of flowers, Gary requested donations to St. Jude’s Hospital.

The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.