Obituaries 3/17/22
Lyle Bonkrud, 102
February 11, 1920-
March 10, 2022
The old Norske was born and raised on a Dallas, WI farm. He was one of nine children born to David and Helma Bonkrud.
Lyle proudly served in the Army during World War II, driving Jeeps for generals for the 34th Division Red Bulls in the European and African theaters. He was part of the landing force at Anzio Beach. He received several honors and awards for his service and traveled on the Honor Flight to the WWII Memorial in Washington DC. Even at age 99, he received the highest French honor.
Lyle was also very proud of his Norwegian heritage, visiting friends and family in Norway many times and actively participating in the Sons of Norway organization. He loved traveling the country and especially enjoyed Oregon, where he spent winters with his second wife.
He was an avid sports fan, remaining faithful to the Twins and Vikings. Lyle had a variety of jobs throughout his life and never really retired until into his 80’s. He was a cabinet maker at heart, and many of his projects can be seen in the Cameron/Barron areas. He loved to play old-time and religious tunes on his harmonica, entertaining whoever would listen. Lyle’s faith was always strong, he was a true servant of Christ, loving everyone and treating others as he wished to be treated.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Perence, Orrin, Herbert, Harold, and Vernon; sisters, Helen, Vida, and Agnes; by his first wife, Doris (59 years); and his second wife, Deyonne (eight years).
He is survived by his daughters, Rae and Kris (Steve); grandchildren, Dana and Jake (Kristina); and great-grandchildren, Noelle (Nile) and Eddie; his special friend, June Miller; and by many, many loving relatives and friends.
The family would like to express sincere thanks to the pastor and members of Faith Lutheran Church in Cameron, and to the many staff members and residents of Dove Assisted Living in Barron who cared for him for so long and where he was so happy. Finally, we want the kind, loving people at Dove Healthcare Facility in Rice Lake to know how much we appreciate their constant compassion for, attention to, and care of our dear father. You are truly angels on earth.
Services will be held at 12:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 17, at Faith Lutheran Church in Cameron, WI, with Reverend Tamra Harder officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Northern WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Alvin Bursch, 87
Alvin Herman Bursch, age 87, of Loretto, passed away on Friday, March 11, 2022, at his residence.
He was born on March 21, 1934, in Greenwood Township, Hennepin County, the son of Lawrence and Gladys (Zierman) Bursch.
He was baptized on April 15, 1934. Alvin was later instructed in the Lutheran Catechism and confirmed in the Christian faith on March 21, 1948, by Pastor William Haar Jr. at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Alvin graduated from Buffalo High School in 1952.
He honorably served his Country in the United States Army.
On October 10, 1964, Alvin H. Bursch and Gayle F. Schubert were joined in holy marriage at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church. God blessed their marriage with two children.
Farming was Alvin’s passion!
He formerly belonged to The Hanover Fire Department. Alvin was a faithful member of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church and through the years served on numerous boards.
He enjoyed playing cards, especially Euchre and phefer (Pfeffer?). Alvin also enjoyed trips to the casino and socializing with people, until he had a stroke twenty-one years ago.
He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Gayle F. Bursch; a son, Jeffrey (Shelley) Bursch, of Loretto; and a daughter, Julie Bursch, of Monticello; granddaughters, Sydney (Derek) Reinking and Karley Bursch; brothers, Marvin (DeLyte) Bursch, of Loretto, and Harvey (Sharon) Bursch, of Fairbault; a sister-in-law, Bernice Bursch, of Buffalo; other relatives and many friends.
Alvin was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Donald Bursch; a sister-in-law, Judy Bursch; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry and Freda Schubert; and by a brother-in-law, Dale Schubert.
Funeral services for Alvin Bursch will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at 11:00 A.M., at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Greenfield. Pastor Paul Schuler will officiate and interment will follow at the church cemetery. A visitation will be held at the Church on Saturday, March 19, from 9:00 – 11:00 A.M.
Casket Bearers will be Steve Walesh, Robert Oliver, Jay Baldwin, Paul Bursch, Andrew Tessmer and Dan Oliver.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Elaine DesMarais, 66
Elaine Marie DesMarais, age 66, of Minneapolis, passed away Monday, March 7, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Buffalo on October 11, 1955, the daughter of Aelred and Norita (Kasper) DesMarais.
Elaine graduated from Buffalo High School with the class of 1974. She worked for Hennepin County Government Center for almost 38 years. She loved her job, especially the people she worked with.
Elaine loved spending time with her family and cherished her nieces and nephews. She enjoyed taking walks, shopping, eating out, visiting garden nursery’s, flowers, and feeding the birds.
Elaine was a faithful member of Unity Church in Bloomington. She liked helping people by volunteering.
Elaine had a private personality but enjoyed talking with her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Aelred and Norita; brothers and sisters, Evelyn, Michael, Anita and Daniel.
Elaine is survived by her brothers and sisters, Edie (Roger) Kloss, David (Sandi) DesMarais, Mary (Robert) Smith, Arnie (Mary) DesMarais, Ben (Jennifer) DesMarais; eleven nieces and nephews; eleven great-nieces and great-nephews; and other relatives and friends.
A private service will be held at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo and private interment at St. Francis Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Sharon Donovan, 73
Sharon Rose Donovan, 73, of Buffalo, passed away on March 6, 2022, at The Glenn in Buffalo.
Sharon was born on October 30, 1948, in Minneapolis, the youngest of Lawrence and Evelyn Schuler’s seven children. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Bonifacius Catholic Church in St. Bonifacius.
Growing up on a farm outside St Bonifacius, Sharon developed strong work ethics and learned responsibility at an early age. She adored her parents and became best friends with her brothers and sister. She often shared stories of helping with the vegetable garden, daily chores, the hours she spent sitting with the barn cats following chores, as well as all the mischief her and her siblings got into on the farm. When sharing these stories, there was always a smile on her face!
On November 23, 1968, Sharon Rose Schuler was united in marriage to Larry James Donovan at St. Bonifacius Catholic Church in St. Bonifacius. They settled into a new home in Buffalo where God blessed their marriage with a daughter, Christine, and a son, Steven.
Sharon stayed at home to raise her children until Steve started kindergarten. She then became an employee of the State of Minnesota in the Department of Motor Vehicle Division. It was there where many lifelong friendships were made. She was a loyal and dedicated employee through her retirement in 2011.
Sharon cherished her family, especially her children and granddaughters. Her granddaughters were the joy of her life! She enjoyed attending their choir concerts, theater performances and livestock showings at the county fair, just as much as she enjoyed having them over for sleepovers, watching movies, and taking them shopping. Each granddaughter held a very special place in Sharon’s heart, the same special place each of them held her in their hearts.
Sharon enjoyed cooking, sharing her favorite recipes with Chris, and canning salsa with Steve. You could always hear her humming a catchy tune while dancing in the kitchen when preparing a delicious meal. She enjoyed snuggling under a warm blanket and reading, especially books about animals and nature. She also enjoyed Friday evenings with her girlfriends. These nights were filled with non-stop laughter over a glass, or two, of wine.
Sharon’s family is so grateful for the life she shared with them, one filled with unconditional love and endless encouragement. We will always remember her warm smile, zeal for life, and the wonderful times shared together. We will miss her every day, but find comfort knowing her mind and body are eternally at peace in Heaven.
Sharon is survived by her daughter, Christine (Jeffrey) Kramer, of Buffalo; son, Steven (Jodi) Donovan, of Buffalo; four granddaughters, Bailey (Nate) Huikko, Tiffany Kramer, Josie Donovan and Kenzie Donovan; two great-granddaughters, Amiee Huikko and Mallory Huikko, as well as a great-grandchild arriving in April; brothers and sisters, Larry (Fran) Schuler, of Waconia, Audrey (Dean) Geiger, of Waconia, Don (Mary) Schuler, of Waconia; sisters-in-law, Linda Schuler, of Waconia, and Donna Schuler, of St. Bonifacius; ex-husband and dear friend, Larry Donovan, of Buffalo; special friend, Les Lemieux, of Maple Lake; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Evelyn Schuler; brothers, Roger (Karen) Schuler, David Schuler, and Dennis Schuler; nephews, Eric Erickson and Chad Schuler.
Visitation for Sharon will be held on Monday, March 28, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, March 29, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation continuing one hour prior to the Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Celebrant will be Father Nathaniel Meyers. Luncheon to follow the service at Huikko’s Bison Creek Event Center in Buffalo. Private Interment at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Buffalo.
Urn Bearers will be Bailey Huikko, Tiffany Kramer, Josie Donovan and Kenzie Donovan.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN.
George Foehringer, 91
George W. Foehringer (Himmie), 91, of Buffalo, MN, passed peacefully March 10, 2022, at home, surrounded by family and friends.
Born March 3, 1931, to Arthur and Sadie, he grew up in St. Paul, was a ‘48 graduate of Harding High, served in the Air Force from 1950-1954 and received a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the U of M in 1957.
In 1992, George and Muriel moved from Minneapolis to their “Paradise” in Buffalo where they enjoyed the great outdoors, family/friend gatherings, and nourishing the wild life he loved.
George is survived by brother, Harry; wife, Muriel; daughter, Karen (Jim) Schooley; stepson, Greg (Lorretta) Danicich; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Doug) McBride, Amanda (Drew) Retterath, Colin (Jillian) Schooley, Sarah (Mike) VanDerGeest, and Matthew Danicich; great-grandchildren, Addy, Beckett, Essa, Noah and Beau; as well as special friends, Harvey Johnson and Lisa (Gary) Gustner.
The family is eternally grateful to Moments Hospice and Home Watch for their exceptional care and amazing staff (especially Christina, Cassie, Britt, Erin, Hunter and Isha) who made it possible for Himmie to remain at home until he got his wings.
Per George’s request, there will be no service at this time. A celebration of life is being planned for the spring.
Lewis Kiphuth, 93
Lewis “Sonny” Frank Kiphuth, age 93, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on March 12, 2022, at Park View Care Center in Buffalo.
He was born on March 26, 1928, in Buffalo, to Louis and Minnie (Ordorff) Kiphuth. He was baptized at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo and confirmed at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Monticello.
Lewis grew up on the family farm in Buffalo and continued to farm until the early 1970’s. He also worked for many years for a telephone company laying underground cables. Lewis loved to hunt, was an avid fisherman in all seasons, and he loved to talk about his hunting and fishing experiences with family and friends. He was a man of integrity, steadfastness, and was always willing to help his neighbor, family or friends.
He is survived by his children, Sandra Kiphuth, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, LeRoy (Chantelle) Kiphuth, of Monticello, Leora (Lonny) Martin, of Buffalo, Leila (Rick) Larson, of Blaine, William (Elaine) Kiphuth, of Becker, Judy Duclos, of St. Cloud, and Debbie Kiphuth, of Monticello; 18 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren; and 17 great-great-grandchildren; his sisters, Vera Finn, of Grand Marais, and Shirley Lange, of Monticello; many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Lewis was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Frances; his children, Linda (Bruce) Lomker, Gordy Kiphuth, and Jerry Kiphuth; his grandchildren, Keith Martin and Vicki Fitzgerald; his great-grandson, Tyler Martin-Skordahl; and siblings, Marjorie Elletson, Marian Marsolek, Larry Kiphuth, Elaine Nelson, and Judy Holm.
Funeral services for Lewis “Sonny” Kiphuth will be held on Friday, March 18, 2022, at 2:00 P.M. at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Interment Riverside Cemetery in Monticello. A visitation will be held at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo on Thursday, March 17, from 4-7 P.M. Further visitation will be held on Friday, March 18, at the church one hour prior to services.
Masks are optional at the funeral home and at the church.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Sylvia Korthof, 100
Sylvia Korthof, age 100, of Buffalo, MN, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2022.
Sylvia was preceded in death by husband, Jack, and son, Terry.
She is survived by daughter, Sandy (Tom) Kapala, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and several great-great grandchildren.
She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and a good friend to all. Sylvia lived a full and rich life. Her sense of humor, laugh, caring, loving manor, best apple pie, and her smile with the signature red lipstick will be greatly missed. We will love and miss her forever.
Memorial service at Zion Lutheran, 1200 MN-25, Buffalo, MN, 55313, on Monday, March 28, 2022, at 10:30 A.M. Lite lunch to follow.
