Obituaries 08/13/26

Dennis Erickson, 84

Dennis John Erickson, age 84, of Minneapolis, passed away on July 29, 2026, in Edina, MN. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Lois Margrethe (Fiskness); and their children, Natalie (Kevin) Medin, David (Leann) Erickson and Dawn Zamora (Andy Stump); and 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

Funeral Service 11:00 A.M., Sat., Aug. 15, at Mission Orthodox Presbyterian (1040 Como Ave. in St. Paul). Visitation at 10:00 A.M. with a luncheon to follow the service. Future interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Morris Nilsen Chapel, 612-869-3226, www.morrisnilsen.com.

Marilyn Gladitsch, 95

Marilyn Rose Gladitsch (formerly of Forest Lake and St. Paul) passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, at the age of 95 in Buffalo, MN.  

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Warren; her parents, Charles H. and Rose Facklam; brothers, Charles L. and Robert Facklam; and her great-grandson, Leo Gladitsch.  

She is survived by sons, David (Deborah), John (Valerie), James (Pamela); and grandchildren, Daniel (Ruth), Micheal (Courtney), Katherine (Andrew), Annie (Joseph), Matthew, Lizzie (John), Kevin, and Jack; as well as seven great-grandchildren.  

A native of Buffalo, New York, she wholeheartedly became a Minnesotan in 1959 and settled in St. Paul to earn a master’s degree in public health from the U of M.

She was a talented wildflower photographer, having many of her photographs published in calendars and magazines. 

Marilyn and Warren loved the family cabin on Largon Lake near Cumberland, WI, where she would use every opportunity to add to her wildflower picture portfolio. 

In later years, Marilyn and Warren moved to a townhome in Forest Lake. They were active members of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul and well as Hosana Lutheran Church in Forest Lake.

She was a long-time member of the Minnesota Nature Photography Club, serving three terms as president. She moved to Havenwood Assisted Living in Buffalo following Warren’s passing and quickly made many friends playing cards and doing puzzles. 

We thank the staff at Havenwood Memory Care and Moments Hospice for their exceptional care and thoughtfulness.  

A memorial service will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 1:00 P.M., with visitation one hour prior. Interment will be in the Vesta Town Cemetery, Vesta, MN.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Mary Minnick, 81

Mary Margaret (Stadther) Minnick, age 81, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

Mary was born on May 31, 1945, in Willmar, Minnesota, to Henry and Evelyn (Hirman) Stadther. She grew up in Olivia, Minnesota, and attended Olivia High School, where she graduated with the Class of 1963.

Following graduation, Mary began her career as a bank teller. Through a family member, she met the love of her life, Michael Minnick, after he returned home from serving in the military. They were united in marriage on April 22, 1972, in Willmar, Minnesota.

The couple made their home in Buffalo, where Mary dedicated 40 years of service as a bank teller at Klein Bank. With her outgoing personality, retirement did not suit Mary for long. She soon began working at The Glenn in Buffalo, where she served as both a server and caretaker for the residents there.

Mary loved shopping, tending to her flower gardens, and crafting - especially making handmade cards for all occasions. She was a devoted fan of the Minnesota Vikings and faithfully cheered them on each season. Deeply rooted in her faith, Mary was an active member of her church and enjoyed being involved in her community. She also served as an active member of the Serra Club of Wright County.  She will be remembered as an outgoing, friendly, kind, and nurturing person.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Evelyn Stadther; her brothers-in-law, Gene Minnick and Tom Minnick; and sister-in-law, Tammy Koehler.

Mary is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Michael Minnick; her children, Jason (Gretchen) Minnick and Chris (Leann) Minnick; her grandchildren, Ellie and Joe Minnick; her brothers, Leonard Stadther and Greg (Julie) Stadther; her sister, Lynda Minnick; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation one hour prior at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN. Interment to follow at St. Francis Xavier 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.

Molly Payne, 66

Molly Ann Payne, age 66, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully at her residence on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

She was born on December 6, 1959, in Buffalo, MN, to Maurice “Bud” and Phyllis (Kriss) Smith.

Molly graduated from Buffalo High School in 1978. On July 7, 1979, Molly A. Smith and Roland Lyn Payne were united in holy marriage. God blessed their marriage with five children. Molly spent her entire life in Buffalo, where she raised her family.

Molly enjoyed cooking and baking for her family, but most of all, she cherished the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. They were her entire world. She adored her poodles, lived for summer days at the pool, and loved hosting holidays for her family. She also loved to read, crochet, shop, play the piano, and tend to her flowers.

Molly is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Lyn Payne; her children, Elisabeth Ann (Nathan) Arcand and their children, Gavin, Mason, and Isla; Alexander Lyn Payne; Robert Maurice (Abigail) Payne and their children, Thomas, Henry, Isabelle, Cecilia, and Francine; Christina Lee (Karl) Thinesen and their son, Taylor; David Roland Payne; and her godson and nephew, Pierre (Kari) Khalil; and many other relatives and friends.

Molly was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice “Bud” and Phyllis Smith; and her sister, Cynthia Jo “Cindy” Khalil.

Her loss is immeasurable, leaving behind a void that can never be filled. There was no greater mother or grandmother than Molly. She loved her family with all her heart, and her unwavering love, kindness, and devotion will remain with them forever. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Molly Ann Payne will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Father Austin Barnes will be the Celebrant.

A visitation will be held one hour prior to Mass on Friday, August 14, at the church.

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