Obituaries 10/22/26
Carol Brausen, 83
Carol Jean Brausen, 83, Annandale, Minnesota
Carol Jean Brausen passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026, at the Annandale Care Center, under the care of Moments Hospice, surrounded by family.
Carol was born on March 4, 1943, to Emma and Albert Graunke in New Germany, MN. After completing high school, she worked at various jobs over the years, including Tonka Toys, Fingerhut, and the Flower Farm in Delano, her favorite. She enjoyed the relationships she had with other employees, but found happiness in being a housewife, mom, and grandmother.
In 1962, Carol married Thomas Cardinal, of Montrose. Two children were born to this marriage, Julie and Jill. Sadly, Tom passed in 1970.
Carol married Garry Brausen, of Annandale, in January 1971. Two children were born to this marriage, James and Jenna. Garry adopted Julie and Jill and was a wonderful stepfather.
Carol and Garry raised their family in Annandale for many years and, eventually, moved to Monticello and then Buffalo. In later years, they traveled to Florida and other places, and they also had a vacation home for a time in Arizona.
Gardening was Carol’s favorite outside activity. She had a real talent for creating beautiful gardens, and they were the envy of many who enjoyed driving by her home. She loved garage saling and, eventually, started having her own annual well-known sales. Carol loved the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Carol’s love for the Lord was evident, and she volunteered much time in her life serving her Catholic Church. She loved her adoration hours and also attending daily Mass.
Preceding Carol in death are her husband, Garry; daughter, Jenna; granddaughter, Brooke Olson; and grandson, Kyle Erickson. Also, her parents; brothers, Willard, Wilbur, Butch, Orville, and Delphon; sisters, Leora, Myra, and Janice; and brothers-in-law, Steven Brausen and Ron Hoglund.
Carol is survived by her children, Julie (Terry) Morrow, of Annandale, Jill Schrupp, of Hibbing, and James (Kris) Brausen, of Annandale; grandchildren, Mitch Olson, Matt (Jenny) Olson, Ryan Schrupp, Jordan (Tyler) Janski, Jade (Zach) Johnson, and Logan Brausen; great-grandchildren, Anna (Andrew) Graff, Ian Olson, Audrie Olson, Kenna Olson, Cade Olson, Aeverie Erickson, Archer Schrupp, Daphne Schrupp, Taya Janski, Harlan Janski, Vidalia Johnson, Elvira Johnson, Maelynn Johnson, and expected Baby Girl Johnson. In addition, Carol is survived by her sister, Donna Brown; and sisters-in-law, Kathy Hoglund and Barbara Brausen.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Annandale on Friday, October 23. Visitation – 10:00 a.m.; Funeral Mass – 11:00 a.m.
Carol will be buried with her husband, Garry, at the Minnesota Veteran’s Cemetery in Little Falls. Condolences may be sent to: Carol Brausen Family, 6943 Jenkins Ave. NW, Annandale, MN 55302.
Karlene Gabrelcik, 81
Karlene Helen (Craft) Gabrelcik, age 81, of Delano, Minnesota, passed away on October 14, 2026. She was born on December 13, 1944, in Bertha, Minnesota, to Kyle and Leonedia (Dobos) Craft.
The oldest of her siblings, Karlene, was her Grandma Craft’s favorite and spent her summers at her grandparents’ farm, surrounded by all the animals that came with it. She would often say that was her favorite childhood memory. Karlene graduated from Orono High School and married Jack, the love of her life, on October 12, 1963. Together, they made their home and raised their family in Delano. They enjoyed many years of deer hunting, fishing, and gardening together.
Karlene was always happy to volunteer for Melanie’s activities, whether it was Girl Scout cookie season, the yearly field trip (yes, even camping!), or serving as the volunteer Tigerette hairdresser for games and competitions. We lost track of how many slicked-back buns she created over the years!
Being a grandma and great-grandma brought Karlene so much joy. She lit up whenever they were around. Karlene loved escaping the Minnesota cold for a week in Arizona, where she visited her brother and sister-in-law. During the summer, she enjoyed spending time at her other brother and sister-in-law’s cabin. She was also an avid bingo player and treasured the time she spent with her bingo buddies each week.
Karlene was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Jack Gabrelcik; infant son; parents, Kyle and Leonedia Craft; brother, Steven Craft; parents-in-law, Richard and Betty (Schaust) Gabrelcik; and siblings-in-law, Jim (Bunnie) Gabrelcik and Dennis Bartos.
Karlene is survived by her daughter, Melanie Myers; five grandsons; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Darrel (Roz) Craft, Paulette Brinkman, Rosanne Andreoff, and Michael (Laurie) Craft; siblings-in-law, Richard “Dick” (Ginger) Gabrelcik, Paul Gabrelcik, Shirley Bartos, and Bill Gabrelcik (Mary Peterson); and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Karlene will be remembered for her fun-loving nature, her timely birthday and anniversary cards, and her stubborn flair that helped her persevere through life’s challenges. Her legacy lives on in the family she adored.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 A.M. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Parish, St. Peter’s campus in Delano, Minnesota. A gathering of family and friends will be held prior from 10-11 A.M. A luncheon will immediately follow the Mass at the Delano American Legion. Private family inurnment at a later date.
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.
Judith Miller, 85
Judith Lee Miller (Ahlm), 85, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully on October 16.
Survived by daughters, Tawnya (Steve) Stark and Tami (Dave) Cardinal; grandchildren, Travis Yantes, Nicole Yantes-Petersen, Chris Stark, Jesse Stark, Jake Cardinal, Garrett Cardinal; and nine great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by husband, Tom Miller; and son, Todd Yantes.
Open house Celebration of Life on October 29, 2026, 12:00-3:00 p.m. at the Buffalo Legion.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
LuVern Solien, 95
LuVern Roger Solien, age 95, of Buffalo, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at The Buffalo Hospital.
A visitation will be held AT THE CHURCH on Saturday, October 24, from 9:30 A.M. until time of Mass.
A Mass of Christian Burial for LuVern Solien will be held on Saturday, October 24, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo.
Interment with military rites St. Francis Cemetery.
A full obituary will appear in next week’s paper.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Dalton Stevens, 17
Dalton Adam Stevens, age 17, of Buffalo, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
He was born on February 8, 2009, in Buffalo.
Dalton enjoyed taking walks, his cats, his siblings (a nephew to be born in February), playing video games and swimming. He had a great smile and laugh. Dalton also was known for his fun personality. He was happy with everything he had! Dalton was excited to be able to soon get his driver’s license.
Dalton will be forever loved and missed and never forgotten, he will always be with us.
Survived by his mom, Stephanie L. Gilberg; a sister, Destiny Stevens (a son to be born soon named Matteo); a brother, Zyle Pearson; father, Adam Stevens; grandparents, Linda Pinske (Brandon Vissor), Michael Stevens, and Sandra Guike; his best friend: Cayden Hoosier; many other relatives and friends.
A Memorial service for Dalton Adam Stevens will be held on Sunday, October 25, at 2:00 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 25, one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made to www.thepeterson chapel.com.
Autumn Tapiz, 49
In loving memory of Autumn Marie Yonak Tapiz
September 17, 1977- October 12, 2026
Autumn Marie Yonak Tapiz, age 49, of Otsego, MN, passed away unexpectedly October 12, 2026.
Autumn was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was a beautiful soul who embraced life and brought joy to those around her. She had a special way of lighting up a room, and her humor could make you laugh when you needed it most. Her kindness and compassion made everyone feel welcomed and loved. An artist at heart, Autumn saw beauty in the world and wanted to make it a more beautiful place for others.
Autumn will be lovingly remembered by her parents, Andy and Diane Yonak, of Clearwater, MN; her husband, Jesus Tapiz, of Otsego, MN; her daughters, Adriane Tapiz, Alayna Tapiz, and Alexis Tapiz; her sisters, Melanie (Jason) Marquette, of Maple Lake, MN, and Laura (Mike) Williams, of York, SC; and many extended family members and dear friends.
Autumn was welcomed into heaven with open arms by many loved ones who passed before her. Autumn was a strong believer in God; she loved prayer, meditation, and Christian music. She was faithful and nurtured that faith until the very end.
A visitation was held Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Peterson Chapel in St. Michael, MN. A funeral mass celebrating her life was held Monday, October 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation period prior to service from 10:00 to 11:00, held at St. Michael Catholic church in St. Michael, MN.
Though our hearts are heavy, we are forever grateful for the time we were given with her. Her memory will live on in the stories we tell, the laughter we share, and the love that will always connect us.
The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
