Obituaries 3/12/20
Marvin Balgaard, 88
Marvin Gilman Balgaard, 88, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2020 at the Garden House Memory Care Assisted Living in Winsted.
Marvin was born on October 2, 1931 at home in Evansville, Minnesota to Melvin and Gladys (Bergan) Balgaard. He was the oldest of eight children: six boys and two girls. He spent his early years on the family farm and graduated from Evansville High School in 1949 at age 17.
Marvin’s love for Jesus shown in the way he lived his life with a humble heart and servant feet. He was baptized November 29, 1931, and confirmed June 9, 1946, both at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Evansville. He began attending St. John’s Lutheran Church in Howard Lake in 1957 and became a member in 1959. Prior to the computer age, he served as their financial secretary for 28 years and head usher for 24 - a job he “did by the book” – including lighting the candles in the “proper” order. He straightened pews, cleaned the brass candle sticks, served on the scholarship board, made sandwiches, and helped out wherever he was needed.
He was inducted into the Army on October 14, 1952 and proudly served his country during the Korean War. While in the Army, he earned a National Defense Medal, United Service Medal, and a Korean Service Ribbon. He was honorably discharged on October 14, 1954.
Marvin moved to Waverly, in 1956 to help out on the George and Jean Marketon farm. He became a lifelong family friend and part of their family, as he was like an uncle to the kids LuJean, Kenny, Virginia and Bob. Marvin and Bob have always shared a special bond, and Bob was at Marvin’s side when he passed away. Marvin always considered himself a farmer and enjoyed fieldwork and running the tractor so much that he would take a week off work for plowing.
Around 1956, Marvin went to work full-time at Merchants Refrigeration, a cold storage facility in Hopkins, Minnesota, where he was fondly known as “Shorty” to his co-workers. His family especially enjoyed the frozen foods and Fanny Farmer candy he would bring home. He prided himself on never having called in sick or having an unplanned day off. He received special merit in 1990 for having 30 years without a time loss. At some point, Merchants was purchased by Christian Salveson and upon retiring on May 28, 1992, Marvin received a certificate in grateful appreciation for 35 years of faithful and dedicated service.
Thought to be a confirmed bachelor, he found and married the love of his life, Audrey Sawatzke, on October 25, 1985, in Waverly. With the two little words, “I do,” he became a husband, step-dad, father-in-law and grandpa to 12. By the time of his passing, the family grew to include 30 grandkids and 41 greats with his namesake Marvin McNeil due the day of his funeral. His grandchildren rate him a 10/10, and say he gave the world’s most all-encompassing hugs. Ever the gentleman, he taught them by example some of the best lessons, including how to show up, laugh, be patient, and love unconditionally. He dearly loved his family and friends and was always up for a game of cards, dice, a can of Coke, an episode of “Bold and the Beautiful,” and to watch the trains go by.
Marvin and Audrey made their home on Little Waverly Lake, and later moved to Howard Lake. They also spent 18 winters in Tucson, Arizona. Marvin’s battle with Alzheimer’s began in 2013, and he moved to the Garden House on May 2, 2017. Over the years, this became his home where he was loved and treated like family by the staff.
Marvin’s many collections included: cars, trucks, tractors, Garfield, Avon beer steins, matchbooks, whiskey bottles, hats, and history books. He supported several charities, including The Alzheimer’s Association, VFW, Cancer Society, Disabled Vets and others. He volunteered at the Good Samaritan Society where he could be found serving ice cream or popcorn, and for Meals on Wheels
He is survived by: step-children, Joan (Mel) Laurence of Mound, Dan (Dawn) Sawatzke, of Waverly, Chris (Rich) Alverson, of Osakis, Doug (Jenell) Sawatzke, of Annandale, Dale (Laura) Sawatzke, of Maple Lake, JoEllen (Joel) Fasching, of Winsted, Carol (Dan) Tongen, of Annandale, and step-daughter-in-law, Jan (Doug) Koelfgen, of Albertville; grandchildren Katy Laurence, Jessica (Erich) Axmacher, John (Amber) Laurence, Julie (Joe) Jenkins, Carrie (Jake) Thomason, Tammy Sawatzke, Eric (Erica) Sawatzke, Andy (Nicolle) Sawatzke, Joe (Beth) Sawatzke, Jeanne (Justin) Hertzog, Abby (Brad) Ficker, Mindi (Preston) Nash, Brittany (Nick) Laven, Robbie (Britta) Alverson, Michelle (Andrew) Franz, Diana Alverson, Bobbi Jo Alverson, William Alverson, Kelly (Adam) Burns, Turner (Chelsey) Sawatzke, Kristal (Evan) Witt, Jennifer (Kris) Loebertmann, Bob (Crystal) Sawatzke, Blair (Lynn) Derry, Michael Sawatzke, Keith Fasching, Audrianna (Andrew) McNeil, Brady Tongen, Peyton Tongen, and Paige (Troy) Lehto; and great-grandchildren, Kylie and Griffin Byun; Scarlett, Madeline and Grayson Axmacher; Eric Cantrell; Logan Laurence; Ivy and Macy Jenkins; Parker Thomason; Rayna, Gianna, and Grady Anderson; Emma Rose Sawatzke; Kayden and Addison Sawatzke; Lachlynn and Lennon Sawatzke; Bennett Hertzog; Hallie Ficker; Pason, Nora, Tytus, and Jakin Nash; Toby, Lucy, Hadley, and Molly Jo Laven; Marlow and Sawyer Alverson; Alexis, Jaxon, and Hazel Sawatzke; Ruby Witt; Ray and Jacob Loebertmann; Morgan and Max Sawatzke; and Ivan, Owen, and Beau Derry.
He is further survived by: sister, Beverly (Bob) Bonkoski, of Lakeville; brother, Ronald Balgaard, of Alexandria; sister-in-law, JoAnn Balgaard, of Olivia; and friends who are family, LuJean (Larry) Starke, of Nicollet, Kenny (Colleen) Marketon, of Howard Lake, Bob (Annette) Marketon, of Howard Lake, and Virginia (Ken) Wandersee, of Buffalo.
Marvin was preceded in death by: his beloved wife, Audrey in 2016; stepson, Richard Sawatzke; father, Melvin Balgaard; mother, Gladys Balgaard; brothers, Roger, Dennis, Truman, and Luverne Balgaard; sister, Elvina Schrupp; and friends, George and Jean Marketon.
Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association or the VFW. A funeral service was Friday, March 6 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. There was a visitation at the church, which began at 9:30 a.m., prior to the service.
Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Services handled the arrangements.
Sandra Drahota, 70
Sandra Lee (Ramler) Drahota, age 70, of Buffalo, passed away March 2, 2020.
She was born in Melrose, Minnesota on October 18, 1949 to Roman and Kathleen (Schimnitsch) Ramler. Sandy and her family grew up on a farm in Albany. She graduated with the Albany high school class of 1967 and continued her education in cosmetology in St. Paul.
On March 3, 1975, Sandra was joined in marriage to David M. Drahota in Brookings, South Dakota. The two were blessed with three children: Brian, Amy, and Jodi.
Sandra was a hairstylist in St. Paul until she moved to Buffalo in 1979. After starting a family Sandra started doing day care out of her home while cutting hair on the side. When her children grew older, she worked outside the home as a manager for Subway, and then worked in the Deli at Marketplace (Cub Foods). She was a natural caretaker, very nurturing, her happiest times were taking care of the children in her home.
She had a great sense of humor and could make friends with just about anyone. She was genuinely a people-person and loved to get to know others she met through work.
Sandra enjoyed taking many photos of her family and friends, collecting Disney memorabilia, spending time in her garden, canning, and creating delicious home cooked meals for her family.
She was preceded in death by: her husband, David; and parents, Roman and Kathleen.
Sandra is survived by: her children, Brian (Alishia) Drahota of Buffalo, Amy (Jonathan) Hasher, of St. Michael, and Jodi Drahota, of Buffalo; grandchildren, Rylie, Tanner, Kaylee, Zander, Tyson, and Londyn; step-children and their families; brothers, Ron and Robert Ramler; sisters, Marlene Stangl, Diane Hughes, and Lisa Ramler; and many other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held Wednesday, March 11, 2020 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Memorial Service will take place Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.
In lieu of Flowers memorials are appreciated.
Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Jacob Kilian, 76
Kilian, Jacob “Jack,” age 76, of Buffalo is survived by loving wife of 57 years, Terry; daughters, Michelle (Bill) Lohse, Andrea (John) Riley, Jacqueline Kilian; five grandchildren, Samantha (Calvin) Ziegler, Ryan Lohse, Cassidy Dinkins, Meghan and Will Riley; brothers and sisters, Maurice “Ditto” (Coleen) Kilian, Paul “Archie” Kilian, Shirley Loftman (Roger), Jim Kilian (Kristy), Cindy Kilian; sisters-in-law, Anne Kilian and Charlotte Kilian; in-laws, Kathy and Steve, Kevin and Sharlene; many nieces and nephews and friends.
Preceded in death by parents, Stella and Leon Kilian; brothers, Marvin “Bud” Kilian, Bob “Daisy” Kilian and sister-in-law, Audrey Kilian.
Jack was a member of local 292 IBEW for 50 years. He was an usher at the Basilica, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and was a member of the Private Pilot AOPA.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial, 12:00 noon, Thursday, March 19, 2020, at the Basilica of St. Mary, 88 N. 17th St., Minneapolis. Visitation 5:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 18 at Gearty-Delmore Chapel of Plymouth, 15800 37th Ave. N. and one hour prior to Mass at church.
Gearty-Delmore, 763-553-1411.
Robert Lord, 83
Robert “Bob” Henry Lord, of Buffalo, was born July 30, 1936 and passed away on March 1, 2020, age 83, after a short illness. His wife, Annette was at his side.
Bob was born and raised in Faribault. As a career hair stylist, he was the business owner/operator of Lord’s Salon in Waseca until shortly before his retirement. After living in Waseca over 40 years, Bob and Annette decided to move to Buffalo, in 2010 to be close to their family. Bob’s favorite hobbies involved classic cars, fishing, golfing, pool playing and trap shooting. However, his favorite activity was telling a good joke or story from his youth.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 61 years, Annette; his children, Tracy (Lord) and Suzy (Strege); son-in-law, Roger (Strege); granddaughters, Taylor and Claire (Strege); sister, Renee (Gumbusky); along with many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service at Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, has been planned for 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020. There will be no visitation.
Memorials, if desired can be sent to: Autism Allies and Pheasants Forever.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, 763-682-1363. www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Beth Miller, 83
Beth E Miller, Glen, MN, formerly of Buffalo, passed away on March 3, 2020 in Mesa, AZ.
Funeral arrangements and details will be announced at a later date.
Edna Olson, 99
Edna Olson, 99, of Montrose, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2020, at North Memorial Hospital.
Edna was born to Torgus and Anna (Medalen) Olson on January 8, 1921, in Lake Johanna Township MN, as the eleventh of eleven children. She was baptized and confirmed at the Sunburg Free Church.
Edna and Ervin Olson were married January 27, 1938, in Glenwood; they celebrated 58 years together before Ervin’s death in June 8, 1996. Their union was blessed with six children: Eldora, Arlene, Sandra, Susan, Harvey and Ronald. Edna was a loving wife, mother and homemaker, and a member of the Montrose VFW Auxillary for 54 years.
She traveled throughout the USA and Europe. Edna and her daughter Arlene sold antiques for many years. A true Norwegian, she loved her coffee & cookies, she also enjoyed her vegetable and flower gardens, auctions, garage sales, embroidery and BABIES!!
Edna was preceded in death by her parents, Torgus and Anna Olson; husband, Ervin Olson; five sisters and five brothers, (Dathilda, Berthina, Geoline, Alma, Oloyd, Tilbert, Orlynn, a baby boy, Ernest and Eleanor); their spouses, son-in–law, Daniel Donahue, many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Edna is survived by her children: Eldora (Jim) Cebulla, of Montrose, Arlene Donahue, of Crystal Springs, IL, Sandra (Steve) Allen, of Buffalo, Susan (Jory) Louisiana, of Buffalo, Harvey (Linda) Olson, of Buffalo and Ronald Olson, of Montrose; grandchildren, Debra (Charles) Connelly, Lori (Bruce) Quady, Jim A. Cebulla, Sunnie (Grant) Mason, Amber Stephens, Shane (Katherine) Stephens, Joe Stephens, (fiancé Sarah Dittberner), Casey Louisiana (fiancé Judie Goslin), Maudie (Rob) DeYoung, Edward Louisiana, Kari (Justin) Karstens, Carlie (Matthew) Tauber, Nicholas (Maribelle) Olson, Chad (Marcie) Olson, Benjamin Olson; great-grandchildren, Katherine Connelly, Evan Connelly, Michaela (Mark) Bremmer, Shelby Quady (fiancé Travis Durst), Jacob Cebulla, Rebecca Weber, Maxxium Stephens, Sidney and Alex Louisiana, Sufi, Gaia and Mazie DeYoung, Rowan, Logan, Maren and Odin Karstens, Karrera and Kash Olson; great-great-grandchildren, Hudson and Remington Bremmer, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial service will be Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 302 2nd Street NE, Buffalo. Officiating will be Pastor Ryan Clark. Visitation will also be on Saturday, March 14, one hour prior to the service at church. Lunch will be served following the service.
Private family interment at Kriedler Cemetery of Montrose.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, 763-682-1363.
Darlene Paumen, 86
Darlene “Dar” Paumen, age 86, of Maple Lake died Sunday, March 8, 2020 at Lakeside Oasis of Lakeridge Care Center in Buffalo.
Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 12, 2020 at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake with Fr. John Meyer and Fr. Marty Shallbetter as the Celebrants. Burial will follow at the Parish Cemetery on Highway 55 in Maple Lake. Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday and 9-10 a.m. on Thursday, both at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Maple Lake.
Darlene Mary Paumen was born July 1, 1933 at her family home in Waverly, the daughter of Xavier and Mary (Reintjes) Beauchamp. She was a 1951 graduate of Buffalo High School. On September 18, 1951, Darlene M. Beauchamp and Lester C. Paumen of Maple Lake, were joined in holy matrimony at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly. God blessed their marriage with seven children, Patricia, Gordon, Marie, Roger, Lynn, James and Douglas.
Darlene was a homemaker and farmer’s wife who worked side by side with her husband on her original family farm. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends, playing cards with her card club and constantly being on the go. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly and then St. Timothy’s Catholic Church when they moved to Maple Lake in 1988. She was a member of the C.C.W. and the Maple Lake Women’s Auxiliary.
Darlene is survived by her husband, Lester Paumen; loving children, Patti (Henry) Becker, Gordy (Jan) Paumen, Marie “Missie” (Jim) Dooley, Roger (Cindy) Paumen, Lynn (Larry) Lindenfelser, Jim (Judy) Paumen and Doug (Paula) Paumen; 17 grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Xavier Beauchamp; mother, Mary Paumen; brother, Donald Beauchamp; and baby brother, John Beauchamp.
Pallbearers will be Joe Zumbusch, Ryan Becker, Brad Lindenfelser, Mitch Paumen, Adam Paumen and Andy Paumen. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
Henry Smith, 96
Henry W. Smith, age 96, of Maple Lake died Sunday, March 8, 2020 at Centennial Villa in Annandale.
Funeral Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Silver Creek Community Church near Maple Lake with Pastor Zach Pryor officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Silver Creek. Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m., Friday at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale and one hour prior to the service, Saturday, at the church. A prayer service will be held 7:00 p.m., Friday at the funeral chapel. Memorials are preferred to Talking Bibles International.
Henry William Smith was born April 27, 1923 in Maple Lake to John and Jennie (Mol) Smith. He grew up in Corinna Township and went to country school in Corinna Township and high school in Annandale. On October 19, 1945, he was united in marriage to Hester Kuiper in Silver Creek. In addition to farming, Henry worked alongside Hester as custodians at Silver Creek Community Church. They were members of Silver Creek Community Church where Henry served as an Elder and a Deacon. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, fixing equipment and tinkering. Henry’s life revolved around his love for farming and his faith in his Lord.
He is survived by his children, Herbert (Joyce) Smith, of Maple Lake, Albert (Beth) Smith, of Brooklyn Park, LaVonne (Willis) VanDorp, of Buffalo, Janice (Bruce) Petz, of Eden Prairie, Deborah (Gary) Halbert, of Georgetown, TX, Barbara (Don) Carter, of Shawnee, OK and Lawrence (Jodi) Smith, of Maple Lake; 17 grandchildren, Angela (John) Schloo, Sarah Smith (Eugene Goldmund), Molly (Don) Johnson, Mark Smith, Jennie (Chris) Herbst, Katie Smith, Elisa Ann, Jessica (Matthew) O’Connell, Andrew (Sarah) Petz, Hans (Rachel) Halbert, Nicole (Jeremy) Pater, Joni (Bob) Kedrowski, Alyson Heath, Craig Heath, Matthew (Tawnya) Smith, Ben Smith and Jackie (Patrick) Neumann; 28 great-grandchildren; and sister, Ann Kooiman, of Richmond, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jennie Smith; step-mother, Winnie Smith; wife, Hester Smith; brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Arlene Smith; and brother-in-law, Neil Kooiman.
Henry’s grandchildren will serve as casket bearers and honorary casket bearers. Angela Schloo will provide the music for the service. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale.
Shirley Sodergren, 84
Shirley Ann (Bartels) Sodergren was born to Hazel and Charles Bartels on October 3, 1935 in Mobridge, SD. She graduated from Mobridge High School in 1953. She graduated from the National School of Business in Rapid City, SD in 1954.
Shirley went Home to meet her Lord and dear husband, Mel, on March 4, 2020, at the age of 84. She met her husband, Mel Sodergren, in Rapid City. They were married in Mobridge in 1955. Three children, David Mel, Kirk Douglas and Kirsten Ann joined their family in 1960, 1962, 1964. Life was Wonderful!
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Mel in 2012, her parents and her older brother, Donald Bartels.
Shirley is survived by her three children, David, Kirk (Katherine) and Kirsten (Tim) Nelson. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren: Sarah (James) Betz, Kristina (Kirk) Norberg, Abbey (John) Tiemann, Aerin (Justin) Riddle, Emma Sodergren, Shay Conklin, Seth Conklin, Levi Sodergren, Hope Sodergren, Jonah Sodergren and Brielle Sodergren. Also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Damon, Mariah and Kaden Norberg, Trevor and Lacie Tiemann, Allie Riddle, and Jackson Betz. 0She is also survived by older sister, Lois Rounds; younger brother, Terry (Rosie) Bartels; and many loved nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for Friday, March 13, 2020 at the Buffalo Covenant Church, 1601 Highway 25 North, Buffalo, MN 55313. Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m. with a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
