Obituaries 09/21/23
Jason Morin, 52
Jason Alfred Morin, age 52, of Buffalo, MN, passed away September 14, 2023.
He was born on October 5, 1970, to proud parents, Thomas and Loretta (Wurm) Morin.
Jason’s life was a testament to the power of compassion, kindness, and unwavering friendship. He had a natural ability to bring smiles to the faces of everyone he encountered. His gentle nature and kind heart endeared him to all who had the privilege of crossing his path. Jason was the embodiment of loyalty, always ready to extend a helping hand and offer support to his friends and family in their times of need.
One of Jason’s many remarkable qualities was his fun sense of humor. His laughter was infectious, brightening even the darkest of days. He had a unique talent for finding joy in life’s simplest pleasures and sharing that joy with others. Whether through a clever joke or a warm smile, he could effortlessly lighten the mood.
Jason’s last wish was simple yet profound: that his family would continue to take care of each other with the same unwavering devotion that had always bound them together. The last words he wrote were a poignant reminder of the love that defined Jason’s life and will continue to be a guiding light for his family and friends in the days and years ahead.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Roland and Marie Wurm and Alfred and Margaret Morin.
Jason is survived by his parents, Thomas and Loretta (Wurm) Morin; siblings, Dale Morin, Lisa (Mike) Stender, and Anne Pentz-Morin; nieces and nephews, Christopher (Amber) Morin, Alison Stender, Kayla Stender, Drew Stender (Desteny Salinas), Jozie (Andy) Gonzalez, and Braden Pentz (Sam Hoffman); great-nieces and nephews, Lillian Barlage, Mira Morin, Mason Morin, and Theo Jay Gonzalez. Jason was proud to be Jozie’s godfather, and Theo was named in honor of Jason. Jason is also survived by many other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation one hour prior at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Private inurnment will take place at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Buffalo.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Anna Purcell, 77
Anna Louise Purcell, of Maple Lake, died September 13, 2023, at the age of 77, after a long battle with Multiple System Atrophy and complications from a car accident.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 21, 2023, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Annandale with Fr. Kevin Magner as the Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was held 4:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale and one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church.
A prayer service was held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral chapel. Memorials can be made to the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition.
Anna Louise Stumpf was born April 3, 1946, to Louis and Lenora (Geyen) Stumpf. She grew up in Maple Lake and Buffalo, graduating with the Class of 1964 from Buffalo High School. She retained lifelong friends from both communities. In 1967, she married Larry Purcell; they moved to Annandale where they raised their family.
Anna worked as a nurse and then partnered with Larry to run their family business, Purcell Plumbing and Heating. Anna loved to travel, garden, and took thousands of pictures before digital cameras made it commonplace. Anna was a loving, strong, and generous woman; she gave thoughtfully of her time, including volunteering at school and church.
As a woman of faith, she was a devout member of the Catholic Church. At her core, Anna was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who took great joy in being surrounded by her family.
Anna is survived by her husband, Larry Purcell; children, David (Kirstin) Purcell, of St. Paul, Larry (Liz) Purcell, of Buffalo, Aaron (Tanya) Purcell, of Buffalo, and Lisa (Kevin) Burke, of Buffalo; grandchildren, Tyler (Ann) Purcell, Elena Purcell, Annelise Purcell, Maddie (Jesse) Sullivan, Catie Purcell, Sadie Purcell, Sam Purcell, Sarah Burke, Ethan Burke, and Norah Burke; great-grandchildren, Bennett and Jasper Purcell; siblings, Eleanor O’Donnell, Jim (Marlene) Stumpf, Connie (Bill) Smith, and Cathy (Bob) Quady; and many relatives and friends.
Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Jerald Richardson, 79
Jerald H. (Jerry) Richardson, age 79, of Anoka, formerly of Buffalo, MN, passed away August 22, 2023. Jerry had suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease in his final years and resided at Autumn Glen Senior Housing Memory Care in Coon Rapids. Preceded in death by parents, Harold and Pauline Richardson.
Jerry was born in Milaca, MN, and was raised in Buffalo, MN. He enlisted in the US Marine Corp right after high school and served five years at Cherry Point, NC. After the USMC, Jerry attended the University of MN in Minneapolis earning a Journalism degree. He worked as a technical writer early in his career, eventually moving into sales of computer peripheral products with Control Data enjoying a successful career allowing him an opportunity to retire in his early 50’s.
Early retirement meant wintering in FL, lots of golf, some global travel, and supporting the University of MN Gopher Wrestling team by traveling and volunteering at many of their tournaments. Jerry also enjoyed cheering on the MN Twins at spring training, regular and post-season games, Sundays with the MN Vikings, playing cards with friends and family, and Texas Hold’em at the casinos. Hunting and fishing played a prominent role in Jerry’s life, a pastime he shared with his family, grandchildren, and many friends, enjoying his last big fishing trip to Alaska with Randy Klatt in 2021.
Jerry’s grandchildren were the highlight of his life. His early retirement meant he had the time and the energy to take seven young people out and about for Tuesday afternoons with Grandpa where they enjoyed movies, horseback riding, trips to Camp Snoopy and Valleyfair. Grandpa was well-known for packing a tailgate lunch of turkey/butter sandwiches and strawberries immersed in sugar making memories his grandchildren will cherish forever.
Jerry is survived by daughters, Carolyn (Jim) Duffy and Linda (Steve) Tiebel; seven grandchildren and their partners; four great-grandchildren; former, wife Joan (Buselmeier) Richardson; two sisters and three brothers; many nieces, and nephews; two aunts; and many cousins.
Celebration of Life will be November 3, 2023, at the Milaca American Legion from 2-5 p.m.
Internment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery October 2, 2023, at 10:45 a.m.
Lawrence Schwahn, 82
Lawrence “Larry” Jonas Schwahn, age 82, of Buffalo, Minnesota, peacefully passed away on September 17, 2023, surrounded by his family. Born on June 21, 1941, in Strasburg, North Dakota, Larry was the beloved son of Leopold and Katherine (Nicholas) Schwahn.
During his high school years, he excelled in academics and athletics. Larry was a three-sport, All-conference athlete in baseball, football, and basketball at Strasburg High School and Valley City State University. He received the honor of class valedictorian at Strasburg High School, foreshadowing a lifetime of intellectual pursuits. Larry’s love for sports persisted throughout his life, with an allegiance to the Brooklyn Dodgers, the Minnesota Twins, and the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Larry received his undergraduate degree at Valley City State University, his Master’s in Education at North Dakota State University, and graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It was during his college years at Valley City State that he met his wife, Maxine Bauch. They were joined in marriage on May 29, 1963, in Valley City, North Dakota.
Larry’s professional journey began in the classroom, where he shared his knowledge and passion for history and social studies. He was not only an educator but also a basketball coach at Finley, North Dakota, where he led his team to the North Dakota State High School Tournament, and later coached basketball and football at West Fargo High School and Fargo North High School. Larry’s enthusiasm for sports was infectious, and he instilled a love for the game in countless students. Larry was an excellent baseball player. He played and coached baseball for Virgil Hegeholz with Fargo Glass and Paint and the Fargo-Dilworth Agency Athletics in Fargo, ND. Virgil was a banker who was instrumental in transitioning Larry to a new career in banking and eventually a move to Buffalo, MN, when he purchased the Oakley National Bank. Virgil and his wife, Evelyn, were mentors to Larry and were family to the Schwahns.
He retired from teaching in 1977, at which time he transitioned to banking, relocating his family to Buffalo, Minnesota. His commitment to the community extended beyond his work. He was an active member of the Elks and Lions Clubs, serving as a pillar of support for various charitable initiatives. He was also a valued board member at Klein Bank, an advocate for education through his service on high school scholarship committees, and a steward of faith on the St. Francis Xavier Church finance council. His community involvement touched the lives of many.
His wit, honesty, and trustworthiness endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Larry was a humble man, deeply devoted to his family and his Church. He served his community with dedication and left a legacy as a good person who made the world a better place.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Leopold and Katherine; brother, Aloysius Schwahn; sisters, Imogene Schwab and Sister Mary Myles; and brothers-in-law, Christopher Reimer and Joseph Schwab.
Larry is survived by his wife, Maxine; children, Larry “Scott” (Shamiere) Schwahn and Cara (Paul) Otto; grandchildren, Freddie Luster, Zohra Ruona, Mya Otto, and Megan Otto; sisters, Rose (Merritt) Powell and Kathy Reimer; special cousin, Jim Warzeka; and many other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation beginning at 9:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN. Inurnment will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Buffalo, MN.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations or checks may be directed to “877 Scholarship Foundation - Larry Schwahn,” as the family will be creating a scholarship in Larry’s name for students at Buffalo High School.
William Trueman, 64
William “Bill” John Trueman, age 64, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2023, with family by his side. Born July 13, 1959, in Rice Lake, WI, to parents Paul and Loretta Trueman. Beloved husband of 35 years to his wife, Laura Nehl-Trueman, and loving and gentle father to Natalie and Jared Trueman. He will be missed greatly.
Bill was a graduate of Buffalo High School and the University of Minnesota. He remained an avid Gopher fan throughout his life and had a passion for Minnesota sports and love of enjoying game days with family and friends. Bill enjoyed time coaching his children’s sporting teams, spending time at the family’s lake cabin, walking, and gardening. Above all, Bill was a proud father, devoted husband, and a firm believer in his faith.
Bill is preceded in death by parents, Paul and Loretta Trueman; brothers, Daniel and Charles; and sister, Virginia Dwyer.
He is survived by his wife and children; siblings, Thomas (Julie) Trueman, and Patrick (Laura Clay) Trueman; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation 4-6 p.m., Wednesday, September 20, at O’Halloran & Murphy, 575 Snelling Ave. S, St. Paul. Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. Thursday, September 21, at Church of the Assumption, 51 W 7th St., St. Paul, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Alzheimer’s Association, Our Lady of Peace Hospice, or St. Paul Tree Trust.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the wonderful and dedicated caregivers and staff at the Alton who were so kind and loving to Bill, as well as those at Our Lady of Peace Hospice for their dedicated care and ability to provide peace and comfort in Bill’s final days.
Theresa Vashro, 65
Theresa Marie Vashro, age 65, of Buffalo, MN, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 12, 2023. She was born on August 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, MN; the cherished daughter of James and Rosemary Vashro (Laliberte).
Theresa’s life was a testament to the values of hard work, dedication, and the power of sharing one’s love through food. Her culinary adventure began at the tender age of 12 when she took her first job in a restaurant. Over the years, her dedication and talent in the kitchen shone brightly, and she soon was managing The Gold Nugget. Theresa’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to become the proud owner of two esteemed eateries: TnT’s restaurant in South Haven, MN, and Sunrise Cafe in Howard Lake, MN. Her commitment and hard work were evident in the success of these establishments, and her passion for providing delicious meals was truly a labor of love. Her ability to make everyone feel at home, whether they were regular patrons or first-time visitors, earned her a special place in the hearts of all who walked through her restaurant doors.
Her love for cooking and baking knew no bounds, and she was always eager to experiment with new recipes. Theresa had a special talent for creating delicious homemade dishes from scratch, a skill that endeared her to everyone who had the privilege of savoring her creations. She had a genuine passion for feeding people and derived immense joy from watching their faces light up as they enjoyed her meals.
Theresa’s warm and generous spirit extended beyond her home kitchen. She was the Director of Food and Nutrition at the Good Samaritan Society, a nursing home where she ensured that residents were treated like family and received the best care.
However, her most cherished role was that of a loving mother and grandmother. Theresa took immense pride in her family, and her grandchildren especially held a special place in her heart. She relished attending their school events and cheering them on at sporting games, creating beautiful memories that will be treasured by her family for generations to come. Her family was her anchor, and her love for them knew no bounds.
She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Rosemary; and brother, Tom.
She is survived by her children, Cheri (Dustin) Butler and Shane (Laura) Vashro; grandchildren, Paige, Brynn, Mason, and Bailee; siblings, Jim (Kathy), Ann (Byron), Pat, Joe, Paul (Kathy), Jacqui (Brian), Mary (Hans), David, Cathy (Joe), Peter, Frank (Laurie), Mike; and many other relatives and friends.
Friends and family are invited to join in remembrance of a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael-Albertville (300 Main Street North) from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. with memory sharing at 5:30 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family (Venmo: @cheri-butler74).
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael-Albertville. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
