Obituaries 08/27/26

Dorothy Berkenes, 90

Dorothy Ann Berkenes (Olson), age 90, of Buffalo, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. She was born in Britton, SD, on June 3, 1936. She was the youngest of four children born to Ole and Dora (Luff) Olson.

Dorothy was baptized and confirmed at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Langford, SD. In 1954, she graduated from Pierpont High in Pierpont, SD.  After receiving her education, she worked for one year in Aberdeen, SD, and then attended Black Hills State college in Spearfish, SD. She taught at a rural school near Langford, SD, before beginning a career in administrative work locally. On June 16, 1957, Dorothy Olson married James E. Berkenes in Long Beach, CA.

For Dorothy, establishing and growing a family farm in Buffalo was a passion and joy she shared with Jim. She was always proud of her Norwegian heritage and enjoyed making many Norwegian dishes. She also enjoyed traveling, visiting with friends and spending time with her beloved family. With her caring nature, she was a loving “grandmother” figure to many. At the age of 90, she was able to see four generations of her family and watch her own family of four grow into a group of twenty immediate family members!

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim Berkenes; her parents, Ole and Dora Olson; and her siblings, Evelyn Olson, Gordon Olson, Clarion Olson.

Dorothy is survived by her sons, Robert (Diane) Berkenes and Douglas (Brenda) Berkenes; grandchildren, Chad (Melissa), Heather, Amanda and Alicia; great-grandchildren, Conner, Aurora, Nolan, Caleb, and Luther; sister-in-law, Audrey Jarrott; and many nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 11:00 A.M., with visitation one hour prior, at Zion Lutheran Church. Lunch will follow the service at the church, 1200 Hwy. 25 S, Buffalo, MN. Burial will be at Zion Cemetery in Buffalo, MN, after lunch.

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

Nealie Dixon 

Nealie Elizabeth Dixon died on August 25, 2026, surrounded by family at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, MN. Funeral arrangements will be through St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover, MN, and Peterson Chapel in St. Michael. Look for further details via the Chapel website: http://thepetersonchapel.com. Full obituary to follow next week.

Myron Neilson, 80

Myron Lee Neilson, age 80, of rural Buffalo passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Lake Ridge Care Center in Buffalo.

He was born on July 21,1946, in Slayton, Minnesota, the son of Carrol and Esther Neilson.

Myron honorably served his Country in The United States Army.

On November 22, 1969, Myron L. Neilson and Shirley A. Tisland were joined in holy marriage in Blackduck, Minnesota. God blessed their marriage with three sons.

Myron was employed as a welder for many years.

He belonged to Our Father’s Lutheran Church in Rockford.

Myron enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting with family. He also enjoyed family gatherings and grilling for the family gatherings.  

Survived by his loving wife of fifty-six years, Shirley A. Neilson; sons, Darin (Janet) Neilson, of Zimmerman, and Damon (Molly) Neilson, of Big Lake; four grandchildren, Haley Peterson, Cohen, Aiden, and Quinley Neilson; a sister, Sharon Jones; a brother, Marwood (Ginger) Neilson; other relatives and many friends.

Preceded in death by a son, Derek Neilson; a grandchild Holten; and by his parents.

A Memorial service for Myron L. Neilson will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Our Father’s Lutheran Church in Rockford, Minnesota.  

A visitation will be held AT THE CHURCH one hour prior to services.

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

Yvonne Winkler, 89

Yvonne Kay (Hayes) Winkler, age 89, of Crystal, passed away Monday, August 17, 2026, at her residence. She was born November 20, 1936, in Buffalo, the daughter of Harvey and Leora (Henneman) Hayes.

Yvonne was a 1954 graduate of Buffalo High School. She worked many years as a merchandising buyer’s assistant at United Hardware Distributing in Plymouth until her retirement.

On January 15, 1955, Yvonne Hayes and Duane Winkler were united in marriage.

Yvonne enjoyed antiquing, gardening, and yardwork, and she deeply cared a lot about animals, especially her beloved cats, Little Miss and Missy.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Duane “Wink” Winkler; parents; sister, Jane Hayes; brother-in-law, Ron Fenhaus; and many other family and friends.

Yvonne is survived by her sons, Don (Marcie) Winkler and Brian (Rita) Winkler; sisters, Nila (Doug) Fenhaus and Kathy Fenhaus; close niece, Shonna Harden (née Hayes); and many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 11:00 A.M., with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M., at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo.

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