Obituaries 12/1/22
Duane Bryant, 92
Duane D. “Sonny” Bryant, age 92, of Clearwater, passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2022, at Park View Care Center in Buffalo.
He was born on September 10, 1930, in Maple Lake, the son of Harold and Luella (Thurk) Bryant.
He was baptized in October of 1930. He marks the end of an era as being the last surviving person who was baptized in the Corrina church building. Duane was also instructed in the Lutheran Catechism and confirmed in the Christian faith on December 31, 1944.
On September 27, 1958, Duane D. Bryant and Annette L. Shogren were joined in holy marriage at The Methodist Church in Excelsior, Minnesota. God blessed their marriage with seven children. Annette preceded her husband in death on January 15, 2016.
Sonny and Annette farmed together in Maple Lake until 1998 when they sold their farm and moved to Clearwater.
He was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Annandale and was their longest standing member. Sonny served his church as an elder, trustee, and choir member.
He enjoyed fishing, music, playing cards, and making people smile. He very much was a people person!
Family was very important to Sonny. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, and he bragged about each one.
He is survived by his loving children, Gary (Sandy) Bryant, of Zumbrota, Gayle Balster, of Minot, North Dakota, Brenda (Marvin) Anderson, of Big Lake, Michael (Lynn) Bryant, of St. Cloud, Geoffrey (Amy) Bryant, of Maple Lake, Randy (Kari) Bryant, of Monticello and Roxanne (Gregg) Thompson, of Farmington; twenty-one grandchildren, Matt Bryant, Ben Bryant, Jeremy Bryant, Suzanna Bryant, Nikki Bryant, Brianna Balster, Sarah Anderson, Bryan Anderson, Brandon Anderson, Casey Bryant, Haley Bryant, Elijah Bryant, Stephenie (Michael) Gallant, Amber Bryant, Hayden (Brittany) Bryant, Emalee Bryant, Alainna (Dan) Gapinski), Natasha Bryant, Christopher Klatt, Brooke (James) Geibe, and Nicholas Thompson; six great-grandchildren, Parker Gallant, Harrison Gallant, Aspen Bryant, Casen Gapinski, Callie Gapinski, and Carter Geibe; other relatives and friends.
In addition to his wife, Sonny was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Gilman Bryant; and by a sister, Arlene Bryant.
Funeral services for Duane “Sonny” Bryant were held on Tuesday, November 29, at 11:00 A.M. at Zion Lutheran Church in Annandale. Pastor Tyler R. LaGrave officiated. Inurnment is at a later date at Corinna Cemetery in rural Annandale. A visitation was held on Monday, November 28, from 4-8 P.M. at the church. Prayer service was at 7:00 P.M. Further visitation was at the church Tuesday morning, November 29, one hour prior to service.
Casket Bearers were his seven grandsons, Matthew Bryant, Ben Bryant, Jeremy Bryant, Hayden Bryant, Elijah Bryant, Bryan Anderson, and Brandon Anderson.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Julie Daugherty, 53
Julie Lynne (Niessen) Daugherty, fiercely devoted mother, wife, daughter and friend, was called home on November 10, 2022, at just 53 years young, while surrounded by the loving support of her family.
We often referred to her as “Jewels,” and she was a gem of a woman, always donning a bright color or pattern that unintentionally lit up her sky-blue eyes. Simply stunning in looks, even more so in personality, Julie was multi-faceted beyond measure. As a child, she learned to hunt deer, ducks, and geese with her dad and could wax a duck quicker and better than you knew possible. Despite her love of hunting with her dad, Jewels was a passionate lover and protector of animals, especially her buddy, Ruger. Throughout her life, she named birds, squirrels, and even the dragonflies that seemed to be drawn to her this past summer. Thanks to a passion instilled by her mom, Julie was an amazing, 5-star-quality cook. Her French onion soup and chicken with risotto are of legendary status! Always an energetic athlete, Jewels grew up downhill skiing, playing ringette, and was a stand-out tennis player throughout high school and college. In her 30’s and 40’s, Julie pivoted her ringette skills into hockey, playing several years with the Thunderbirds women’s hockey team. No doubt, however, her most treasured days on the ice were coaching her boys, JP and Danny. Julie’s happiest place on earth was most certainly the family cabin on Lake Wapogasset in Amery, WI, where all these traditions and passions began.
Jewels was not just a strong and competitive stunner with a good shot, she was also insanely intelligent. Prior to starting her most prized position as mom, Julie served as a Project Manager on the corrosion team investigating the shuttle disaster, landing her name in the Library of Congress. Her ability to remember, comprehend, and explain complicated medical conditions and terminology continually left doctors speechless. If she wasn’t learning new recipes or techniques on the Food Channel, Julie was surely watching a football or hockey game. It didn’t matter if it was college or professional, she would recite ridiculous statistics of virtually every player that would put Vegas bookies to shame.
Julie was diagnosed 11 years ago with stage 4 colon cancer and has since endured 184 rounds of chemo, radiation, and countless surgeries. Jewels, you outlasted medical expectations by more than nine years. What a gift; the strength, determination, and courage you’ve shown us all.
Born June 28, 1969, to devoted parents, Beverly and Richard Niessen, Julie grew up in White Bear Lake where she graduated in 1987. She received degrees in both Psychology and Philosophy from Gustavus Adolphus College, where she met her husband of 30 years, John Daugherty. Their marriage was blessed by the birth of JP in 1996 and later Danny in 1998.
Julie is survived by her beloved sons, JP and Danny; husband, John; her constant cuddle companion, Ruger; parents, Dick and Beverly Niessen; brothers, Rick and Brian; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, LaVonne (Bonnie) Johnson Kohls and William G. Kohls, Florence Johnson Niessen and Henry J. Niessen.
In lieu of flowers, Julie would love your support of Read Dogs MN, an organization focused on improving children’s reading and communication skills by employing a powerful method; reading to a dog. www.readdogsmn.org
Funeral service for Julie Daugherty will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie. Visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. until the time of service.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
“I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Ruth Diethelm, 96
Ruth (nee’ Isler) Diethelm passed away at her home on November 23, 2022.
Ruth was born on March 16, 1926, in Tobel, Switzerland. When Ruth was two years old, her parents purchased a farm near Steckborn, Switzerland. She attended grade school and high school in Steckborn. She was confirmed at the Evangelical Reformed Church in Steckborn. After high school, Ruth went to the French part of Switzerland working to immerse herself in the French language she had learned in school. She also spent a year in Holland on an agriculture exchange program. She later attended the Agricultural College in Areneberg, Switzerland, where she studied home economics. She continued to live and work on the family farm.
Ruth became engaged to Oscar Diethelm on December 10, 1950. Oscar then immigrated to the United States. Ruth followed him there in January 1952. They were married on January 19, 1952, in the Methodist Church in Oconomowoc, WI. Later that year, they moved to Seymour, WI, where they ran a large dairy farm for a Green Bay doctor. During this time, they had two boys, Rudy and Jost. They gave up farming in 1957 but continued to live in the Seymour area until 1963. Ruth and family then moved to rural Buffalo, MN. There, Ruth created her flower and vegetable gardens, which were her passion, along with her family. She also enjoyed cooking and baking for family and friends. In 1966, Ruth began working for two families in St. Louis Park doing house cleaning two days a week. She retired in 1990. She continued her gardening and cooking until her death. Ruth also traveled back to Switzerland to visit family and friends many times during these later years.
Ruth is survived by her sons, Rudy (Mary), of St Michael, and Jost (Luanne), of Buffalo; six grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Oscar Diethelm (d.2012); parents, Jacob and Martha (Herensberger) Isler; brother, Jacob Isler; sister-in-law, Anna Isler; nephew, Heinz Isler; brother-in-law, Fritz Siegenthaler; and sister-in-law, Heidi Siegenthaler.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 30, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation one hour prior to the service, all at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church-Pelican Lake located on Wright County Highway 35 between Buffalo and St Michael. Officiating was Pastor Christopher Oehlke. Interment was in the church cemetery.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Deborah Kazle, 68
Deborah (Lasiuk) Kazle, age 68, of Waverly, MN, passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring in Stillwater, MN, more details to be set later.
Deborah Jean (Lasiuk) Kazle was born on May 18, 1954, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls, WI, the daughter of Richard J. and Mary A. (Olocki) Lasiuk. Debbie lived with her sister Joanie in Waverly, MN. She was retired but previously worked at the Bureau of Engraving, Medica and United Healthcare in the Twin Cities area.
Anyone who knew Debbie knew she loved cards (sending them, receiving them, shopping for them) and connecting with her many, MANY friends. She was truly loved by so many. She was an avid cat lover and had several throughout her life. Debbie was an extremely free spirit and loved her individuality. She thrived on living her life the way she wanted. Music was often her therapy in her life, and she went to so many concerts, we have lost count. She could light up a room with her smile and laugh. Debbie was a true “hippy” from the 60’s and wanted to spread peace and love wherever she went.
Special thanks to her closest friends, Kim Chase Brewis, Ruth Schneider, Jeanne Marie Vielleux, Patty Jaworek Farkas, Karin Dreyer-Crone, and Julie Kazle Johnson(sister-in-law) for being lifelong friends to her, and to her many other friends for being there for her and supporting her throughout her life. We are forever grateful!
Debbie is survived by her siblings, Jazzelle, of Santa Cruz, CA, John (Rose) Lasiuk, of Hudson, WI, Joanie Lasiuk, of Waverly, MN; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Kazle; her parents; and her brothers, Rick Lasiuk and David Lasiuk.
Online condolences may be expressed at https://thepetersonchapel.com.
Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN is assisting the family with arrangements.
Eva Ordorff, 98
Eva Leona Ordorff, age 98, of Buffalo, passed away November 27, 2022.
She was born in Buffalo on September 26, 1924, to Ralph and Clara (Kubalsky) Elletson. She was Baptized on November 2, 1926, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buffalo and confirmed on July 16, 1939, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Montrose.
She was married to Raymond Kalway on September 19, 1942, in Bessemer, Michigan. To this union five children were born, Marcia, Joseph, Kenneth, James, and Karen. They later divorced. She married Louis Ordorff on November 4, 1967, in Montrose, and were married 50 years. Eva worked at Munsingware in Minneapolis for 20 years and Wonderalls in Buffalo for 10 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Ordorff; sons, Joseph and Kenneth Kalway; parents, Ralph and Clara; step-parents, Alma Elletson, Bruno Neske and Harry Dahlin; brother, Earl Elletson; half-brothers, Walt Neske and Oscar Elletson; sisters-in-law, Goldie Elletson and Vonne Neske; brothers-in-law, Gordan Jans and Q Laredo.
Eva is survived by children, Marcia (Leo) Endres, James (Shirley) Kalway, Karen (Gary) Biegert; daughters-in-law, Ruth Kalway and Judy Kalway; brothers and sisters, Herb (Doris) Neske, August Elletson, Ruth Jans, and Betty Laredo. Also survived by 21 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
We are very grateful for the loving care given to Eva for over four years at Lake Ridge Care Center.
Memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation one hour prior at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN. Private family inurnment at Lakeview Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Mary Jane Putz, 85
Mary Jane Axia (Lageson) Putz, age 85, of Buffalo, MN, passed away at her home on November 24, 2022.
She was born on April 15, 1937, in her aunt’s home in the small town of Maddock, North Dakota, to Theodore and Myrtle (Lindgren) Lageson. Some of her favorite memories growing up on the farm included riding tractors and working outside with her dad.
Mary Jane attended grade school at a country school near Heimdal, North Dakota, high school in Fessenden, North Dakota, and one year at the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis. She then attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree with medical technology training at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis.
While at Gustavus, she met Marlo Frank Putz, and the two were joined in marriage on October 21, 1961, at her country church near Heimdal, ND. Together they raised three sons.
Mary Jane worked as a medical technologist at several hospitals in the Twin Cities area, which included Unity Hospital and North Memorial. After her family relocated to Buffalo, she was employed at the Buffalo Clinic and Hospital for many years.
Mary Jane was especially proud of her Scandinavian heritage. She was talented in the art of Rosemaling. Mary Jane also enjoyed knitting, spinning wool, and sewing. She created beautiful keepsake quilts.
She was incredibly faithful and a devoted member of her church. Mary Jane always provided for her family and put them first.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Myrtle; and a brother, Robert Lageson.
Mary Jane is survived by her husband, Marlo; sons, Dan (Lynda), Scott (Sue), and Jonathon (Hui); grandchildren, Luke, Caleb, Tammy, David, and Jenna; brother, Roger Lageson; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Visitation will be held Monday, December 5, 2022, at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN, from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at 2:00 P.M. with visitation one hour prior at Buffalo Covenant Church 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.
Carol Ryks, 78
Carol Marvel (Rusten) Ryks of Waverly, MN, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 25, 2022, surrounded by family.
Carol was born in Willmar, MN, on February 23, 1944, to Cora (Erickson) and Peter Rusten. She attended a country school in Priam and went on to high school in Raymond, MN. While in high school, she met Allen Ryks, whom she was married to on January 25, 1963. He said she made the best pies and would make the best wife. The first 13 years of their marriage were spent in Willmar, MN, as she worked at a local shoe store and managed their own garbage company. Carol and Allen then moved to Raymond, MN, where they had a hobby farm. In 1988, they moved to a small acreage in Waverly, MN, where Carol worked as a seamstress and in their spare time, they would plant expanses of beautiful gardens.
Carol had a passion for sewing and needlework, and she gifted hundreds of quilts to both loved ones and to the local charities for families in need. She was known to be a great conversationalist, as she would talk to any stranger and ask meaningful questions to anyone. She was not afraid of hard work and she went on to teach this to the next generation. She was involved at Buffalo United Methodist Church serving however she could. Carol never wanted to draw attention to herself but would always be thinking of ways to bless others with time and energy. She loved challenging anyone to a game of Chinese checkers. She was devoted to her family and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren.
Carol is survived by her sister, Mary Jane Stredde; three children, Pam (Kevin) Olson, Kevin (Deb) Ryks, and Lorelle (Vern) Quast; seven grandchildren, Christopher (Jennifer) Ryks, Chelsie (Bob) Bloch, Nathan (Emily) Olson, Andrew (Alexis) Olson, Naomi (Isaac) Paige, Xavier Quast, and Xenia Quast; and 17 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Ryks; her son, Jason Ryks; granddaughter, Mariah Christine Olson; parents, Peter and Cora Rusten; sister, Eunice; and brother, Marvin.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 6, at United Methodist Church of Buffalo, with visitation at 10 a.m. Internment at Fairview Cemetery in Raymond, MN.
Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, MN, 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com.
Frank Schiefelbein Jr., 89
Frank Schiefelbein, Jr. “Big Frank”, just 12 days shy of his 90th birthday, passed away on his beloved farm on November 28, 2022.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 2, 2022, at St. Anne Catholic Church, Kimball, with Fr. Statz as Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Anne Catholic Cemetery. The church will open at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday for viewing with a remembrance service of stories, led by family, at 5:30 p.m. A social will follow until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the church. Viewing will continue Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. at the church.
Big Frank, as known by anyone who met him, was born on December 9, 1932, in Minneapolis, MN. He was the oldest son of Frank Sr. and Lucille (Knaeble) Schiefelbein. Like most farmers, Big Frank grew up in the heart of Minneapolis, graduating from St. Thomas Academy. Big Frank went on to graduate with honors from the University of St. Thomas with degrees in mathematics and physics, which logically is a precursor to farming. After college, Big Frank served two years with the U.S. Air Force; as a lieutenant that liked to be in charge, it was not the natural career fit for Big Frank.
Besides a good steak, Big Frank’s cherished love was his boys, the farm, and his wife, Frosty. Frank and Frosty met at the ripe old age of 16, and his first words about her were, “I’m going to marry that cutie.” Only Big Frank would say something like that, but after much wooing by him, Frank Schiefelbein and Donna Mae “Frosty” O’Keefe tied the knot on August 22, 1953. This coming August would have been their 70th anniversary and in his own words, “After 69 years, I still don’t understand her.” After Big Frank and Frosty tied the knot, they moved out to Kimball, MN, where Frank’s dad had some property to begin his dream of farming. Big Frank started his Angus herd in the late 50’s with his quest of making the perfect steak. Big Frank and Frosty would grow their farm proportionately with their family. They would go on to have nine sons that were all part of the farm. A big part of Big Frank’s life was Family, Faith, Farming, Friends and Food; the particular order depended on each circumstance that would arise. To all that met Big Frank, his nature was bigger than life; from his infectious laughter to his epic stories that his poor wife, Frosty, had to endure. His wit was legendary, unless his sarcasm was aimed at you.
Kidding aside, Big Frank was a pioneer as an Angus breeder focusing on the finished product, the perfect steak. He was a very kind and generous man who always wanted to help those in need. The tragedy of Big Frank and Grandma Frosty losing their third son, Bill, to an 11-year battle with schizophrenia helped define Big Frank as an advocate for mental health. He poured hours into helping those who couldn’t help themselves, striving for more legislative dollars and better care for those with mental illness. This is a legacy in itself, besides being the patriarch of Schiefelbein Farms. To know him was to remember him.
Big Frank was proceeded in death by his third son, Bill; grandson, Casey; and his brothers, John, Charles, and Ricky.
He is survived by his saintly wife, Frosty; their boys, Frank III (Cathy), Rick (Cindy), Bob (Gail), Tom (Patty), Mike (Teresa), Donnie (Jennifer), Timmy (Robin) and Danny (Lisa); 32 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren (and counting).
James Schiefelbein, Brett Schiefelbein, Frank Schiefelbein V, Mark Schiefelbein, Jonny Serbus, and William Serbus will serve as casket bearers.
Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Kimball.
Obituary and Tribute wall online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Annette Solors, 84
Annette Mary (Welle) Solors age, 84, of Rogers, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2022, at her home. She was born on January 10, 1938, in Holdingford, Minnesota, the daughter of Walter Welle and Armella (Nathe) Welle.
Annette Mary Welle and Francis Joseph Solors were married on October 5, 1957. God blessed their marriage with three children.
Annette is survived by her children, Rev. Stephen Solors, David (Colleen) Solors, and Edward Solors; grandchildren, Megan (Andy) David and their children, McKenna and Madelyn; Amanda (Clinton) Gustafson and their children, Mariah, Eli and Waylon; Nathaniel (Bryanna) Solors and their children, Khloe and Lincoln, and Austin Solors; sister-in-law, Leonette Welle; siblings, Kenneth (Kathy) Welle, Karen (Glen) Westman, Dennis (Betty) Welle, Jean (Alan) Smoley, and Joan (Dale) Wegleitner; many other loving nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Francis Solors; brothers, Charles Welle, Neil Welle; a baby sister; two great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Tony Lampert.
A visitation will be held on Friday, December 2, 2022, beginning at 9:30 A.M. until the time of services at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Rogers, Minnesota. A Memorial Mass will be held for Annette Solors on Friday, December 2, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Rogers, Minnesota. Inurnment will be held at St. Martin Catholic Cemetery in Rogers, Minnesota.
On-line condolences can be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
The Peterson Chapel St. Michael – Albertville Funeral Home in St. Michael, Minnesota.
Joyce Stocke, 71
Joyce Marie Stocke, (formerly Bjorklund), age 71, born in Buffalo, Minnesota, November 10, 1951, passed away November 21, 2022, surrounded by loved ones after a long debilitating battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She had been battling the disease since she was 17 and was a courageous fighter for over 50 years!
She is survived by her five siblings; four children, Jennifer (Curt) Roehrich, Martin (Brittany) Stocke, Danielle (Justin) Carlson, Michelle Stocke (Caleb Truax); and 11 grandchildren that she absolutely adored, Doran, Connor, Adelyn, Caitlyn, Thomas, Marcus, Easton, Charlotte, Colton, Gia, and Camden. They were the absolute joy of her life and the reason she fought so hard to stay so long.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, Paul and Kathleen Bjorklund; and husband, Thomas Stocke.
She married Tom in 1979 and went on to have four children, against the orders of her doctor. She would proudly boast, “The doctor told me not to have any kids, but I had four healthy babies, without even an aspirin! Joyce never listened well and always did things her own way! Joyce was known for her quick wit, sense of humor, sharp mind, and even sharper tongue. She would start to smirk, get a twinkle in her eye, and you would know something naughty was about to come out of that sassy mouth of hers! This will be so very missed. She fought hard to give her kids and grandkids as much time with her as possible and would never have left if given the choice, but her body was tired, and her spirit deserved to be released. The love she gave to us on earth will never be stopped by death. We imagine her swinging on a swing, in a field of flowers, the sun shining on her face, smelling freshly-cut grass (with whiffs of gasoline that reminded her of the station her dad ran in her childhood) that overlooks a body of blue water, while her husband watches her smiling, admiring her beauty. We love you more Grammy! We are Bigger!
Special thanks to her cousin, Wanda Sapatnekar, for being a lifelong friend to her; Lisa Bourassa for becoming her best friend; Casey Masepohl for always being someone she can talk to; and Rick Hansen for being a great support. We are forever grateful.
Funeral Services for Joyce Stocke were held on Sunday, November 27, 2:00 P.M., Buffalo Evangelical Covenant Church, Buffalo, MN. Interment Lakeview Cemetery. A visitation was held on Saturday, November 26, 3-5 P.M., at the funeral home. Further visitation was held on Sunday, November 27, at the church one hour prior to services.
Arrangements were by The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
