Obituaries 11/5/20
Edith Kienholz, 93
Edith Irene Kienholz, 93, of Waverly - wife, mother grandmother and great-grandmother, sister and aunt - passed away at Buffalo Hospital of heart failure, Monday, October 26, 2020.
Edith was born December 21, 1926 in Cass Lake, Minnesota, the daughter of Matthew and Edvina (Brown) Minzghor. She grew up on a dairy farm in Cass Lake, and attended school there. She spent a couple of summers working at a girl’s camp (near home) doing laundry and other jobs. She went with a sister to Milwaukee after High School in 1945, did some waitressing then took a job helping a family in their home.
She returned home to attend Business College in Bemidji, as they didn’t have typing or shorthand in high school. After graduating in 1947, she went to Minneapolis with a friend to work an office job at Grand Storage Battery.
At a dance, she met Ed Kienholz, the man she would marry. They were married on June 10, 1950, and soon started a family, blessed with four children. They moved from the Twin Cities on Halloween in 1964. After 56 years, her wish to remain on the farm was met.
Edith was good-natured, generous, and hard-working. She enjoyed writing and receiving cards and letters. A phone call could last more than an hour. She kept the family informed and was the historian and knew the who’s who and important dates to match. She also enjoyed garage sales, stopping for coffee, trivia, game shows, cards, playing the piano, and she could bake.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed; parents, Matthew and Edvina; grandson, Shawn Kienholz; and brothers, Harry, Matt, and Kenny Minzghor; sisters, Evelyn Mabey and Esther Haderlie; brothers-in-law, Roy Barkley, Morris Haderlie, and Dorian Bell.
She will be missed by her children, Debbie Kienholz, of Minneapolis, Ed Kienholz Jr. (Daneille), of Delano, Jeff (Cheryl) Kienholz, of Montrose, Lynette (Rick Fiecke) Kienholz, of Buffalo and Howard Lake; nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, along with other relatives and many friends.
Until we meet again, rest in eternal peace.
A funeral service with visitation one hour prior was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 30, 2020 at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake, www.swansonpeterson.com, 320-543-3401.
Tony Klein, 54
Tony C. Klein, age 54, of Buffalo, died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at his home.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 5, 2020 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Maple Lake with Rev. Culynn Curtis officiating. The service will be live streamed on the funeral home website. Burial will follow at Maple Lake Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10-10:45 a.m. on Thursday at the church. Face covering, distancing, and capacity restrictions will be observed at all times inside the church. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
Tony Christopher Klein was born May 14, 1966 in Minneapolis to Ronald “Archie” and Faye (Klemz) Klein. He grew up in Maple Lake and graduated from Annandale High School with the Class of 1984. He continued his education in Anoka to be a home health aide.
He worked as a contractor and toolmaker for Bondhus in Monticello for over 10 years. Tony was united in marriage to Bonnie Wagner on May 18, 1986 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Monticello. They lived in Monticello where they raised their family; in 2018, they moved to Buffalo. He was a former member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Monticello and a current member at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Maple Lake.
Tony enjoyed camping, playing guitar, making music, woodworking and building guitars. His family meant the world to him, and he loved every moment he was able to spend with his grandchildren.
Tony is survived by his wife, Bonnie Klein, of Buffalo; children, Christopher Klein, Naomi (Braeden) Nieling, Melissa Klein and Jessica Klein, all of Buffalo; grandchildren, Hunter and Madelyn Nieling and Isabell Klein; mother, Faye Klein, of Annandale; grandmother, Hayde Klemz, of Annandale; and sister, Melanie Klein, of Annandale.
He was preceded in death by his father, Archie Klein; and grandfather, Lloyd Klemz.
The pallbearers will be Braeden Nieling, Dalton Wagner, Dylan Skalak, Matt Fautsch, Justin Winkelman and Andrew Nelson.
Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Terry Napper, 73
Terry E. Napper, age 73, of Buffalo, was called by God to his eternal home on November 2, 2020, while on hospice at his residence.
Terry was born the son of Myron and Ruth (Grover) Napper on December 6, 1946 in International Falls, MN.
Terry attended and received a degree in commercial art and then a degree in teaching. His teaching career began by teaching at Parochial Schools in California, Iowa and Farmington. He settled in teaching elementary school in Howard Lake Waverly and realized that teaching was his true calling. Terry loved teaching elementary school, Sunday School at Church and 5th grade Confirmation. This love would spill over to working Saturday’s and having multiple projects at home, all geared for his school kids.
He was united in marriage to, fellow teacher, Susan (nee Stevens) in 1977, after meeting her when starting his job in Howard Lake / Waverly.
Terry was the most kindhearted, thoughtful man. His idea of a fun afternoon would have been pulling his kids in the wagon to Ben Franklin in downtown Buffalo. He would buy them craft supplies and candy and then enjoyed spending the rest of the day with them, working on multiple projects. He also loved the time he was able to spend with his grandkids. Terry loved rocking them, playing with them and cherished just being in their presence.
Terry is survived by wife, Sue Napper; children, Sara Napper, Joe Napper and Becca (Corey) Commerford; grandchildren, Ryan Klima, Kendra (Trevor) Bray, Kailey (Frank) James, Ashleigh Napper, Connor Commerford, Tasha Jurgens, Carissa Napper and Briella Napper; siblings, Marilyn (Randy) Hed, Michael (Jim Johnson) Napper and Vernon (Roxanne) Napper; also many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Myron and Ruth; daughter-in-law, Jessica Napper; siblings, Dennis and Scott Napper.
Public visitation for Terry will be held Saturday, November 7 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 302 2nd St. NE, Buffalo. Private family services will be held following the visitation, Saturday, November 7 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Buffalo. The service will be live-streamed, and the link can be found on Terry’s obituary at www.thepetersonchapel.com. Officiating will be Pastor Ryan Clark.
Honorary casket bearers will be Terry’s grandchildren, Ryan, Kendra, Kailey, Ashleigh, Connor, Tasha, Carissa, and Briella.
Private family interment to be held at a later date.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363.
Gary Patnode, 62
Gary Joseph Patnode, age 62, of Corcoran, Minnesota, passed away October 29, 2020.
He was born on November 22, 1957, in Buffalo, Minnesota to James and Beverly (Pettit) Patnode. He was the oldest of seven children. Gary was raised on the family farm in Corcoran, and at a young age, he developed a strong work ethic. He could drive tractors when he was as young as 10 years old, and was always willing to help with the farming chores.
He attended high school in Rockford and graduated with the class of 1976. After high school, Gary furthered his education by attending Anoka Tech for mechanics. He worked in Osseo for a stucco company and then around 1995, he started his own business providing drywall and taping services to people in the area.
Gary was known for being meticulous when it came to refinishing and restoring items he’d find or had already. He enjoyed working on vehicles and tractors, and could bring old things to life. Gary had a keen ability to fix anything and make it work like new. He was a member of the Oliver Club, and restored many tractors in his lifetime.
His ultimate pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. Gary showed his love for his children by providing simple life lessons like changing a tire, driving a stick shift, and always check the oil. He was always teaching them practical knowledge that will be useful for so many years to come. Gary had a kind soul, was loyal, and would do anything to help another person. He would always be willing to help his family and friends with miscellaneous jobs and chores, and never expected anything in return. He never turned down a job either! He had a quiet and gentle personality, but a big and generous heart, which he will be remembered for most of all.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, James Patnode; grandparents, Elmer and Margaret Patnode and Millie and Martin Pettit; and nephew, Adam Patnode.
He is survived by his children, Kara (Joseph) Nordlie, Danielle Patnode, and Brandt Patnode; grandchildren, Jaxson, Hensley, and Millie Nordlie; mother, Beverly Patnode; siblings, Dan (Cindy) Patnode, Daryl (Lori) Patnode, Mona (Peter) Kurtz, Loren (Vickie) Patnode, Donna Jacobs, and Brian (Christina) Patnode; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 5, 2020 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel in St. Michael-Albertville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael, MN. Interment will be held at a later date at St. Jeanne de Chantel Cemetery in Corcoran, MN.
In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations to the family are preferred.
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.
Richard Sauerbrey, 75
Richard Sauerbrey, age 75, of Montrose passed away Friday, October 23, 2020 at the Buffalo Hospital.
Memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 2020 at the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia. Gathering of family and friends will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Interment in the Zoar Moravian Cemetery.
Richard Frederick Sauerbrey was born February 9, 1945 in Shakopee, the son of Frederick and Mary (Schug) Sauerbrey. Richard grew up in Chaska until 1957, when his family moved to Mayer. He was a graduate of the Waconia High School.
Richard had worked as a truck driver for a number of companies in the area, but most of his career was with Apple Valley Redi Mix. He enjoyed fishing, watching Westerns, and caring for his Arabian horse. Richard cherished the time spent with family and friends. He’ll be remembered as a loving and happy-go-lucky person who was supportive to all.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Mary Sauerbrey; son, David Sauerbrey; brother, David Sauerbrey.
Richard is survived by his loving family: wife, Sandy Sauerbrey, of Montrose; children, Shari Clark, of Fort Myers, FL, Lori Smith, of Buffalo, Michael O’Connell, of Chula Vista, CA, Patrick O’Connell, of Montrose, Christopher (Lisa) O’Connell, of Buffalo; grandchildren, Tony Clark, Zachary Clark, Briana (Thomas) Skraba, Hayley Johnston, Carter Tarver, Lauren O’Connell, Makenna O’Connell, Michael O’Connell Jr., Georgette (Josh) Bellinger; great-grandchildren, Weston Skraba, Wyatt Skraba, Preston Bellinger; brother Roger (Linda) Sauerbrey, of Norwood Young America; sister, Carol (Jon) Hobert, of Cokato; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Jeanne and Darold Zick, of Minnetonka, Jeff and Mary Meuleners, of Montrose, Jim and Joan Meuleners, of Montrose, Cynthia and Mark Mathews, of Minneapolis, Kathleen and Todd Drees, of Cologne; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.
Arrangements with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, 952-442-2121, www.johnsonfh.com.
Linda Stemper, 61
Linda Marie Stemper, age 61, of Buffalo, MN, passed away November 1, 2020.
She was born July 24, 1959 in Minneapolis, MN, the daughter of James B. and Maxine (McCollom) Stemper.
Linda went to high school in Buffalo and graduated with the Class of 1978. Following graduation, she attended Anoka Vo-tech to further her education. She worked at Lake Ridge Care Center as a dietary aide in recent years.
She enjoyed spending quality time making special memories with her family and friends. Linda had a caring and loving heart and was very kind to anyone she met.
Linda was preceded in death by her father, James; and brother, Greg.
She is survived by her mother, Maxine; nephew, Eric (Sara); great-nephews, Greg and Grady; sister-in-law, Cheryl Stemper; and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral Service will be held Friday, November 6, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN. Interment will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Buffalo, MN. Father Nathaniel Meyers will officiate.
Casket bearers will be Eric, Sara, and Cheryl Stemper, and Jenny, Carl, Cole, and Caden Carlson. Honorary casket bearers will be Greg and Grady Stemper.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Elizabeth Thielen, 85
Elizabeth T. “Betty” Thielen, age 85, of Buffalo passed away on Monday, October 26, 2020 at her residence.
She was born on May 20, 1935 in Eden Valley, Minnesota the daughter of Joseph & Catherine (Friedman) Brulla.
On May 12, 1956, Elizabeth T. “Betty” Brulla and Leo Peter Thielen were joined in holy marriage. God blessed their marriage with eight children.
She was formerly employed in day care and foster care.
Betty enjoyed bird watching, quilting, reading and had a bell collection. She loved children, especially babies. Betty was very family oriented.
Betty belonged to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo.
Betty is survived by children: Mary C. Thielen and her children: Jesse (Gina) Ehlers and their children: Autumn and Addison Ehlers, Sarah (Phil) Whiting and their children: Skylar and Camrynn Fietek and Arie Whiting; Joseph M. Thielen, Karen M. Thielen, David J. Thielen, Edward J. Thielen and his children: Jonathan and Joshua Thielen; Elizabeth A. Kirkham and her children: Amber (Nick) Christian and their children: Christopher Roehlke and Harper Christian, Dr. Heather Kirham and husband, Sam Stone and Tyler Kirkham; Rose M Thielen and Robert P. Thielen and his son, Michael (Imogene) Thielen; brothers and sisters: Larry (Jean) Brulla, Edward (Joan) Brulla, Marlene Brulla, Beatrice (Ronald) Hollenkamp, Josephine (Phil) Valiant, Sandy Oestrich and Mary Ludwig; other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo P. Thielen; daughter-in-law, Terese Thielen; her parents and by a brother-in-law, Leo Ludwig.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Elizabeth “Betty” Thielen was held on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Father Nathaniel Meyers was the Celebrant. A visitation was held at the church on Saturday, October 31 prior to the Mass.
Casket Bearers were Joseph Thielen, David Thielen, Edward Thielen, Robert Thielen, Tyler Kirkham and Michael Thielen.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Melvin Thommes, 89
Melvin Peter Thommes went home to be with the Lord October 29, 2020, at the age of 89.
He was born February 12, 1931, on a farm in Pierz, MN to Michael and Elizabeth Thommes. In 1948, at the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a gunner’s mate until he was honorably discharged in 1957. After discharge, he moved to Minneapolis, MN and became a concrete truck driver until retirement.
He married Joan A. Pichotta on December 5, 1959, living in Osseo, MN for five years, then moving to Buffalo, MN. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN for 56 years.
Melvin was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Thommes; sisters, Betty Gammon, Dorene Uhde, and Hildegard Etner.
He is survived by daughters, Pamela (Keith) Wicks, Bonnie (William) Blanchet; son, Michael (Kellie) Thommes; twelve grandchildren; six great-grandchildren. He loved hunting, fishing, working in his garage (he could fix any small engine he encountered), serving Jesus, and most especially, spending time with his family whom he loved dearly.
A public visitation will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2020 from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1970 Edmondson Ave. NE, Buffalo, MN 55313, 763-682-4573. A closed funeral, for family only, will follow from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Cremation Society of Minnesota. Please go to their website (cremationsocietyofmn.com) to leave condolences for the family.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Immanuel Lutheran Church. All proceeds will go toward missions.
