Obituaries 3/31/22
James Bagley, 62
James Robert Bagley, age 62, of Hanover, passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2022.
A visitation for Jim Bagley will be held Friday, April 1, 2022, from 4 to 7 P.M., at The Peterson Chapel in St. Michael. Everyone is please invited to wear camo and jeans!
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Evelyn Bjorklund, 93
Evelyn M. Bjorklund, age 93, of Buffalo, passed away Thursday, March 24, 2022. She was born in Cokato on April 25, 1928, the daughter of Simon and Emma (Olson) Lundeen. She graduated from Buffalo High School in 1946.
On May 4, 1948, Evelyn M. Lundeen and Bert W. Bjorklund were joined in holy marriage at The Evangelical Covenant Church in Buffalo. She was employed at the elementary school for 20 years in the lunchroom/cook. Evelyn was known by many people for her exceptional cooking and baking skills. Evelyn was a faithful member of The Evangelical Covenant Church in Buffalo.
She is survived by three sons, Joel Bjorklund, Kent (Pam) Bjorklund, and Dale (Lisa) Bjorklund; 11 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bert Bjorklund; infant son; twin daughters, Lynn and Lora; a great-grandson, Daniel Hoverson; and by her sister, Helen Bailey.
Funeral services for Evelyn M. Bjorklund will be held on Thursday, March 31, at 11:00 A.M., at The Evangelical Covenant Church in Buffalo. Interment Swedish Mission Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday, March 30, at the funeral home, 4-7 P.M. Further visitation one hour prior to services at the Church on Thursday, March 31st.
A special thank you to the staff of Lake Ridge Assisted Living and to Guardian Angels Hospice.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Charles Blesener, 86
In Loving Memory of Charles “Chuck” Blesener, 86, November 11, 1935 – March 22, 2022.
Charles Blesener was peacefully called Home the morning of March 22, 2022, after a brief bout with cancer. He was born in Northfield, Minnesota on November 11, 1935.
He began working for Northwestern Bell shortly after high school and worked there for 42 years until his retirement. He married Carol Hanchett in 1956. To this union were born two sons, Rod and Steve. They divorced in 1984. He was remarried to Carol Jean (Wickey-Dammen) in 1987.
After retirement, he relocated from Eden Prairie to St. Michael with his wife, Carol, where they quickly became fixtures in the local community and Catholic Church. Together, they enjoyed serving their neighborhood and church communities, as well as the National Red Cross. Later, they started a community garden at the church with Sunday produce sales providing donations to the local food shelf.
Chuck is survived by his brothers, Joe (Charlette), of St. Paul, and Jerry of Northfield; sister-in-law, Grace, of St. Paul; sons, Rod (Janelle), and Steve (Diane); grandson, Nate (Katie); and great-grandsons, Charlie and Zach; granddaughter, Jennifer (Brian) and great-grandchildren, Braydon and Olivia; and grandson, Jeff (Megan); step-son, Ken (Karen) and their daughter, Grace; step-daughter, Lorie and her children, Megan and Madelyn and her grandchildren, Major and Maverick.
He was preceded in death by wives, Carol (Hanchett) Blesener and Carol (Wickey-Dammen) Blesener; siblings, William and Betty; and parents, Arthur and Mary Blesener.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, March 28, 2022, at 11:00 A.M., with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M., at St. Michael Catholic Church, 11300 Frankfort Pkwy NE, St. Michael, with Father Joe Zabinski as Celebrant. Interment at St. Michael Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Michael Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home, 763-497-5362, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Harvey Botzet, 83
Harvey George Botzet, of Orono, MN, age 83, passed away peacefully Monday, March 21, 2022.
He was born November 23, 1938, at his home in Sprucehill Township (Miltona), MN, the son of Nicholas and Annie (Becker) Botzet. Harvey graduated from Alexandria High School in 1956, at the age of 17, and immediately enlisted in the United States Army. He married Patricia Ludwig in November 1962, and raised four children in Buffalo, MN. In 1988, he and Pat purchased their dream home on Lake Miltona, which they later retired to.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, James Botzet and Laverna Kaufman.
Harvey is survived by his wife, Pat; sons, Joe (Audry) Botzet, of St. Louis Park, MN, Rick (Val) Botzet, of Buffalo, MN; daughters, Jackie (Burnie) Kittock, of Delano, MN, Becky (Shane) Botzet, of Long Lake, MN; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; siblings, Violetta (Wayne) Luetgers and Marvin Botzet; and many nieces and nephews.
No services are planned at this time.
Jennifer Fobbe-Brunn, 53
Jennifer Fobbe-Brunn, age 53, of Buffalo, MN, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, March 21, 2022. She was born December 11, 1968, in Plymouth, MN, to Douglas and Margaret Fobbe.
Jenni attended St. Timothy Catholic School in Maple Lake, MN, before graduating from Maple Lake High School in 1987. She was an outstanding athlete, competing in track and volleyball, and a wrestling cheerleader for the Irish. Jenni was also a former Miss Maple Lake. She received her bachelor’s degree from Mankato State University in 1990, and married Dennis Brunn at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake, MN, in 2002. They resided in Buffalo, MN.
Jenni is survived by her husband, Dennis Brunn; parents, Doug and Marge Fobbe; brothers, Tom (Jean) Fobbe, Scott (Chris) Fobbe, Bill (Doreen) Fobbe; parents-in-law, Lenny and Millie Brunn; brothers-in-law, Douglas Brunn, Darren (Jessica) Brunn, and the Rev. Nathan Brunn; and several nieces, nephews, and numerous friends. She will be sorely missed by her furry pals, Scout, Dex, and the three cats.
Jenni made friends wherever she worked and wherever she went, and never failed to have a smile on her face. No one was more cheerful.
Visitation was held Sunday, March 27, 2022, from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M., with a prayer service at 7:30 P.M., at The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home, 300 Main St. N, St. Michael, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, March 28, 2022, at 11:00 A.M., with visitation one hour prior, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 8 Oak Ave. N, Maple Lake, MN. Burial followed at St. Charles Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Jenni’s family.
Serving the family was The Peterson Chapel in St. Michael-Albertville, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Margaret Hunger, 84
Margaret Ellen Hunger, of Delano, Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 20, 2022, at the age of 84.
She was born in Fargo, North Dakota on August 8, 1937. She enjoyed needle point, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. She especially enjoyed time spent at Whitefish Bay Camp where she and her husband owned a fishing camp for 22 years on an Island in Lake of the Woods, Ontario, Canada.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Robert G. Hunger; her children, Christopher Blackwell (Connie), Rebecca Peppin (Paul), Elizabeth Hartneck (Randall), Stephen Blackwell (Gayle), and Timothy Blackwell (Robin); 13 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
The family of Margaret wishes to thank the caregivers at Allina Buffalo Crossroads Clinic, Virginia Piper Cancer Center, Allina Mercy Unity Campus Hospital, and a special thank you to JA Wedum Residential Hospice facility and staff.
A celebration of her life will be planned for a later date.
Lloyd Olson Jr., 86
Lloyd Miles Olson Jr. was born March 11, 1936, to Lloyd and Lorraine (Hokanson) Olson, of Milaca, MN.
He grew up on the family farm and attended a one-room country school. He graduated from Milaca High School in 1954. Lloyd served in the National Guard for three years and served two years in active duty in the Navy as a radio operator aboard transport aircraft.
On July 8, 1961, Lloyd married Marcie Krohn, of Wahpeton, North Dakota. Lloyd and Marcie built a home and raised their family in the country near Buffalo, Minnesota. Lloyd loved being outdoors and working in his many gardens, earning him the nickname of “Onion Man.” He and Marcie filled two freezers and hundreds of canning jars with produce each year. Lloyd was an active leader in the Wright County 4-H program, helping area youth develop leadership skills. Fishing was a favorite hobby, both on Minnesota’s various lakes and, in retirement, the Gulf waters of Florida.
After retirement from Honeywell and Alliant Techsystems as an electronics technician, Lloyd and Marcie traveled extensively by car throughout North America. After visiting all 50 states and National Parks, they began traveling internationally. Favorite destinations included China, India, Israel, Egypt, Thailand, Peru and more.
In his later years, Lloyd enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He delighted in being a part of their lives and watching them grow into amazing young adults.
Lloyd passed away on Monday, March 21, 2022, at home in Buffalo. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Gloria.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marcie; daughter, Susan (Ron) Boe, of Phoenix, AZ; son, Tom (Janet) Olson, of Stacy, MN; and grandchildren, Alexis and Logan; along with many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held Monday, April 4, 2022, at 11:00 A.M., with visitation one hour prior at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN. Interment will be held at a later date at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Buffalo.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Phyllis Priebe, 81
Phyllis A. Priebe, age 81, of Princeton, MN, formerly of Maple Lake and Rockford, passed away surrounded by her family on Tuesday, March 22, 2022.
A Celebration of Phyllis’ Life was held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Zion Lutheran Church with a visitation one hour prior to the celebration at the church. Pastor Steve Tischer officiated. Burial was in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Princeton.
Phyllis Ann Lucht was born to Harold and Augusta (Neumann) Lucht on June 29, 1940, in Minneapolis. She was the second of three children growing up on the family farm and at an early age learned to love the simple things in life. She was baptized on July 28, 1940, and confirmed August 13, 1953, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Osseo. Her faith remained important to Phyllis all of her life. Luther and Phyllis were married, shortly after she graduated from Osseo High School, on July 12, 1958, at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
They made their home in Maple Grove and two years later began growing their family. Phyllis worked as a Dental Assistant, but when Michelle and Bethany were born, she was blessed to stay home with them. In 1971, the family moved to Rockford where they enjoyed gardening, canning vegetables, working together, and enjoying the outdoors. She was a loving mother, always putting her husband and girls above herself. Phyllis was a classy and gracious lady; she was quick to forgive and loved her family with everything she had.
Phyllis will be deeply missed by her husband of 63 years, Luther; daughters, Michelle (Joel) Schulze and Bethany (Tony) Burda; grandchildren, Derek (Jackie) Schulze and Troy (Alyssa) Schulze; great-grandchildren, Landon, Nolan, Carter, and Luke; step-grandchildren, Deven Burda, Alex (Rachel) Burda, and Philip Burda; and step-great-grandchildren, Thea, Layla, Lacey, and John; and siblings, Darlene (Victor) Buller and Tim Lucht.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and great-granddaughter, Lila Ann Schulze.
Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Princeton, MN, served the family, 763-389-1131. https://www.williamsdingmann.com/
Rodney Sawatzke, 65
Rodney “Hot Rod” Sawatzke, age 65, of Monticello, passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at his residence.
He was preceded in death by mother, Joanne.
He is survived by wife, Kathy; father, George “Smokey;” and 10 siblings; children, Sonja Ess (Trent), Tim (Linda), and Pam (Rory Foss); grandchildren, Camryn, Avery, Jason, Abby, Josie and Devon.
Service will be held Friday April 1, 2022, at 11 A.M. at the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle, 20000 County Rd. 10, in Corcoran, MN, with visitation one hour prior to the service.
Arrangements with Peterson-Grimsmo Chapel, 763-295-2918, www.petersongrimsmochapel.com.
Lori Swanson, 58
Lori J. Swanson, 58, of Rockford, MN, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2022, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital after a long battle with chronic illness.
Lori was born on October 20, 1963, in Olivia, MN, to Richard and Alice Penke. She was baptized in infancy at her parents’ home in Olivia and confirmed in faith at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Danube, MN. She attended BOLD Schools and furthered her education in accounting at Willmar Vocational School.
In June 1987, she married Douglas Swanson. They were blessed with four children, Allison, Zachary, Jacob and Sydney. Lori worked a variety of jobs over the years to support her family until her health no longer allowed. While her illnesses prevented her from doing many things, it did not stop her from living her life the best she could. She remained a constant source of love and wisdom to her children. She adored and spoiled her grandchildren as much as possible and took a lot of pride in being their Nana. Her grandchildren were the entirety of her world.
Lori enjoyed many activities including going out (to eat or shop), cooking, baking, sharing recipes and advice, especially when it came to flowers or gardening, country music, and simply spending time with her family. Her persistence, fiery spirit, sense of humor and unwavering faith was admired by those who knew her. She will be remembered for being a generous, loving, and devoted Mother and Nana.
Lori was preceded in death by her parents, Alice (Standfuss) and Richard Penke; grandparents, August and Johanna (Seehusen) Penke, Albert and Helen Elizabeth (Zapp) Standfuss; aunts and uncles, Waldemar and Katherine (Standfuss) Penke, Harland and Geri (Standfuss) Krueger, Ordell Penke, Lester Jakel and Joyce (Standfuss) deNeui; brother-in-law, Lynn Hess
Lori is survived by her husband, Douglas; her children, Allison (Ben) Holthaus, Zachary (Brittany), Jacob, and Sydney; grandchildren, Annabelle, Evelyn, Lucy, Katherine, Kylie, Brielle, Paxton and grandchild due March; her sisters, Carolyn (Jerry) Nachreiner, Jolyn (Paul) Abbas, Kate (Jerry) Hentges, Donna Thorne; and brother, Joel (Jackie) Penke; her Aunt Yvonne (Shafer) (Penke) (Jakel), Uncle Marlton (Bud) deNeui; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A visitation to celebrate Lori’s life and memory will be held on Saturday, April 2, from 1:00-3:00 p.m., at Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Her family is thankful for the well-wishes and prayers during this difficult time. She will be missed every day, but there is comfort in knowing her soul is peacefully and eternally at rest in Heaven.
