Obituaries 4/15/21

Elyce Arvidson, 84

Elyce Arvidson, age 84, of Golden Valley, passed away peacefully April 1, 2021. She was born to J. Eberhart and Elsa (Froid) Lundquist in rural Buffalo, MN October 24, 1936. Following graduation from Monticello High School she graduated from Augsburg College. She married Marvin in April of 1960 in Little Falls, MN.

Elyce’s Christian faith was the foundation of her life - to her devotion to family, vocation, friendships, and service.

She spent her social work career first in child and family welfare, but largely in medical social work in Princeton, IL and Albert Lea, MN. In the later positions, she developed new social service programs to address unmet needs. Elyce served her community through volunteer work and on community boards as well.

Elyce was active throughout her life in music as a member of choral groups, a pianist, a choral director and an organist, especially in service with the churches to which she belonged. She was also active in other ministries of the church, including those of caring and hospitality ministries, such as Stephen Ministry.

She and Marvin spent retirement years in Buffalo serving at Buffalo Covenant Church, enjoying friends, and traveling widely in their motorhome. They moved to Covenant Living of Golden Valley in 2015, continuing hospitality to others and an active life. 

She is mourned by her husband, Marvin; children, Kirsten (David) Scott; Kaelene (Dan) Arvidson-Hicks; and a son, Kurt (Carin). She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Colin (Lindsey), Peter (Becca fiancee), Jacob (Heather), Hannah, Jared, Hans and Sannah. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Vernon.

Memorials may be directed to Covenant Living of Golden Valley Benevolence Fund or Arthritis Foundation. A memorial service will be held at a later time at Salem Covenant Church.

Carolyn Dangers, 80

Carolyn A. Dangers was born March 13, 1941 in Victor Township, Minnesota, the daughter of Alice (Birkholz) and Erwin “Pete” Shepperd. A lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church, Howard Lake, Carolyn was baptized and confirmed by Pastor E.N. Seltz. After graduating from Howard Lake High School, Carolyn enrolled in nurses training in Minneapolis.

On January 27, 1962, she was married to Donald “Bud” Dangers at St. James Lutheran Church by Pastor G. C. Michael. Bud and Carolyn were blessed with 51 years of marriage and three children. They made their home on the Dangers Family Farm south of Howard Lake. She ran a tight household, she was artistic, loved music, flowers and loved to read. In Carolyn’s younger years, she enjoyed being a part of the county’s home extension club. More recently, Carolyn enjoyed Bible study, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and visiting with her friends and family.

Carolyn spent the last seven-and-a-half years at beautiful Cedar Crest in Silver Lake, Minnesota. She received tender loving care at all times. Cedar Crest is highly recommended by this family. God Bless all of the workers there. Allina Hospice also played a special part in Carolyn’s last days. We appreciate them and all they did for Mom and us.

It was on Sunday, April 11, 2021 that Carolyn was called to her eternal rest having reached the age of 80 years, 29 days.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald “Bud” Dangers; her parents, Erwin and Alice (Birkholz) Shepperd; brother, Ralph and wife, June; brother, Arthur and wife, Marlana; sister-in-law, Dorothy Shepperd; and other dear family members.

Carolyn is survived by her daughters, Christine (James) Yukel, of Howard Lake, Cathy (Cory) Jones, of Rockford, and son, Michael (Sara), of Isle, Minnesota. Carolyn is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Samantha (Jared) Pierce, of Howard Lake, Jonathan Yukel, of Minneapolis, Andrew (Sarah) Jones and Jack Jones, of Rockford, Emma (attending Concordia University in Seward, NE), Jacob, Cole, and Libby Dangers, of Isle; as well as great-grandchildren, Gabe and Micah Pierce, also of Howard Lake; brothers, Victor (Gladys), of St. Paul, and Howard, of Stewartville; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Blessed be her memory.

The funeral will take place Saturday April 17, at St. James Lutheran in Howard Lake at 2 p.m. with internment to follow at St. James Cemetery near Dutch Lake. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.

Memorials preferred to St. James Lutheran School, Hutchinson Health Foundation (focus on mental health), Cedar Crest of Silver Lake and Allina Hospice. Masks and social distancing will be in place due to COVID-19 precautions.

Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Service Howard Lake and Cokato, 320 286 2534.

Nancy Dingley, 74

Nancy Carol Dingley, 74, passed away on April 4, 2021, with her family at her bedside. She was born in Minneapolis, MN to Erving and Jeanette Dingley on February 21, 1947.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Erving and Jeanette Dingley, of Robbinsdale; husband, Wayne Raymond Dolly, of Buffalo; husband, Bruce Christenson, of Willmar.

She is survived by her children, Roberta (James) Dolly, of Flora Vista, NM; Samuel (Rachel) Dolly, of Winsted, MN; and Edward (Rita) Dolly, of Temple, TX; step-sons, Evan Christenson and Ryan Christenson; sisters, Charlotte (Mike) Polad and Donna (Mike) Carpenter; grandchildren, Shelby Dolly, Mason Dolly, Dakota Dolly, Edward Dolly, Gabriel Dolly; nieces, Shauna (Jeremy) Bentley, Jessica (Josh) Jones, Jacquelyn (Nicholas) Brosius; numerous extended family and many friends.

Nancy was a beautiful soul who had a smile, kind word, or a helping hand for everyone. She was fiercely independent and although her health declined in recent years, she kept her grace, positive attitude and love for God close to her heart.

Nancy wanted a Celebration of Life for all her family and friends, which will be held at a later date.

The Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted, Minnesota assisted the family with funeral arrangements.

On-line condolences can be directed to www.thechilsonfuneralhome.com.

Elvia Hayes, 95

Elvia Etta Hayes, age 95, of Buffalo, passed away on April 11, 2021.

Etta was born July 4, 1925 to Everett and Mary Cyrus. She was the youngest of five siblings and survived them all. She graduated from Howard Lake High School in 1943. She met Donovan Peter Hayes at the Howard Lake Strawberry Festival that year and married him in December of 1944. They were married 77 years until his passing in late December of 2020.

They were blessed with three children, Linda Tesch (deceased), Brad (Beth) Hayes, Kelso, WA, and Craig Hayes, Montrose, MN. They had ten grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-granddaughters.   

Etta was an organizer and cleaner. She collected genealogy information about the Cyrus family for well over 50 years. She worked as a house cleaner for many years. She was employed for Tonka Toys and brought home Christmas gifts of Tonka Trucks for her sons. She earned a Licensed Practical Nursing degree and worked as a nurse when her children had left the nest.

Etta was an excellent cook and baker. She said that family dinners were the happiest times. She enjoyed food, ate a healthy diet and no one ever left her house hungry. Her pie crusts were some of the most flakey and delicious. She was a caring grandparent. She had a good sense of humor. Etta kept in contact through letters that she wrote to relatives. She used a typewriter and photos to scrapbook memories for her children and grandchildren. She remembered birthdays and special occasions through cards and warm wishes.

Her Christian faith sustained her throughout her whole life. She taught confirmation and had led Bible studies. Etta will be remembered for the love and care she gave her husband and family, and for her friendships in church and ladies clubs.

Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN.

Terry Jensen, 75

Terry Lee Jensen, age 75, of St. Michael, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home with his family on April 5, 2021.

He was born on September 23, 1945 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Delbert and Ardis (Koskela) Jensen and grew up in Robbinsdale. He graduated from Robbinsdale High School with the class of 1963.

He was enlisted to serve in the United States Army on January 19, 1965, and proudly served his country; he was honorably discharged on June 12, 1965. Following his military service, he enrolled to further his education at the University of Minnesota, where he earned an associate’s degree.

Terry was a machinist, and owned his own small business selling precision machined parts. He had a very strong work ethic and was known to be organized and disciplined when it came to his profession. He was very goal-orientated, and ran his successful business until his retirement. In his free time from work, Terry enjoyed being outdoors either hunting, fishing, or camping. He built a cabin on Lake Carlos around 1980. Many memories were made with family and friends. He really enjoyed duck hunting and bowhunting with his son, Shawn, in and around the Alexandria area. Camping at Bear Lake with his family was also another favorite that he enjoyed in the fall with his parents, siblings, and others.

Terry was a loyal and honorable friend. He had a special group of friends who would get together whenever they could, and just “catch up on life.” A lot of his friendships were from high school, which was something that meant a lot to him over the years.

He was an avid card player, and would get together with his siblings to play all kinds of games. Everyone would have to watch out for his sharp wit, dry sense of humor, and competitiveness when playing. He really loved playing cribbage with his daughter, Lisa. Christmas time was special to Terry because he would go all out to make the holiday memorable for his kids and his grandchildren.

Terry is preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Ardis; sister, Judy; and brother, Tom.

He is survived by his children, Shawn and Lisa; grandchildren, Mason, Logan, and Natalie; siblings, Barb, Alex, Arlana, and Tim; and many other relatives and close friends.

Visitation was held Sunday, April 11, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 PM at The Peterson Chapel in St. Michael-Albertville. Funeral service was Monday, April 12, 2021 at 1 PM with visitation one hour prior at Holy Cross Lutheran Church:  5460 63rd St. NW, Maple Lake, MN. Interment with military honors followed at Riverside Cemetery – French Lake.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Craig Myrlie, 56

Craig Alan Myrlie, age 56, of Buffalo passed away on April 6, 2021 at the Buffalo Hospital.

Craig was born in Minneapolis on March 6, 1965 to Curtis and Patricia Myrlie. He was raised in Buffalo and graduated from Buffalo High School in 1983. He worked many years as a Foreman for West Side Equipment and later on for M&P.

Craig enjoyed catching sun rays by the water or the peacefulness of sitting in the woods while deer hunting. He was an avid NASCAR, Wild and Vikings fan and was always up for a game of Cribbage. He enjoyed socializing with friends but was also satisfied staying home and enjoying time with his dog, Abby.

Craig is preceded in death by parents, Curtis and Patricia Myrlie, Michael Myrlie (brother), Connie Chillstrom (sister) and Pete Chillstrom (brother-in-law).

He is survived by his sister, Mona Myrlie, step-mother, Marilyn Myrlie; nieces, Caroline (Troy) Cunningham and Marie Myrlie; nephews, Jacob (Kristen) Stumme, Peter (Karee Hanneman) Stumme, Gabriel Stumme, Curtis (Lauren) Chillstrom and Thomas Chillstrom; best friend, Todd (Tammy) Larson, along with many other family members and friends, and his fur baby, Abby.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 23, 2021 beginning at 12:30 PM until time of service at the Church. A Memorial service for Craig Myrlie will be held beginning at 2:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Minnesota. Inurnment to follow at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Buffalo, Minnesota.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, Minnesota assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Cindy Nelson, 61

February 19, 1960 – March 28, 2021, Age 61, a wonderful, generous and loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Cindy Lou Nelson, of Andover, MN, formally, of Buffalo, MN passed away peacefully at home with family by her side. She courageously battled metastatic melanoma for several years. Cindy had an infectious smile on her face at all times, even right up to the end. She loved her family, gardens and pets (Zoi and Al).

She was blessed with many and loved all of her grandchildren, Calista, Tyler, Kylah, Talia, Ana, Bella and Sienna.

Cindy is survived by her husband, Brad; son, Benjamin Barney (Stacy), of Watertown; stepsons, Brian Nelson (Jeana), of Isanti, Kevin Nelson (Josie), of Moorhead; brothers, John Wicks (Pat), of Howard Lake, Kurt Wicks, of Motley; nephew, Quinton Wicks (Vanessa), of Motley; brothers-in-law, Jeff Nelson (Cathy), Wyoming, Robert Nelson, of Fridley, John Nelson (Whitney), of Crystal; mother- and father in-laws, Charlie and Joni Nelson, of Browerville.

Preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Beverly Wicks.

Celebration of life on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Buffalo American Legion, 304 10th Ave S., Buffalo, MN 55313, 12 noon – 5 p.m.

Mary Ann Poirier, 92

Mary Ann Poirier (Salonek), age 92, passed away April 3rd, 2021.

She was preceded in death by parents, Sart and Julia Salonek; husband, Anthony (Tony) Poirier; son, Gordon Poirier; brother, Harold Salonek.

Mary Ann was a long-time member of the VFW Auxiliary. She loved gardening, fishing, making crafts and wedding cakes for others. She worked as a chef, seamstress, and waitress. She had jewelry and makeup parties and was a bookkeeper for Tony’s many business ventures. She even helped build houses!

She loved going dancing to polka bands. Her most loved possession was her cabin, especially during her battle with Alzheimer’s, she always thought she was at her cabin (her happy place). All of this while she was the mother of 12 children!

She is survived by children, Thomas Poirier (Sharon), David Poirier (Gail), Linda Stafford, Rosemary Burggraff (Bob), Clifford Poirier (Deb), Debra Poirier, Rita Brummer (Gary), Bernard Poirier (Coleen), James Poirier, Michelle Godfrey (Mike La Plante), Joseph Poirier (Joy Hoglund); 26 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, April 9, 2021 at 11 AM Church of St. Henry, 1001 7th St. E., Monticello, MN 55362, visitation was one hour prior to service at the church. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery Waverly, MN. She will be greatly missed by her loving family and friends.

Arrangments entrusted to Peterson-Grimsmo Chapel, 763-295-2918, www.petersongrimsmochapel.com.

Sandra Vergin, 78

Sandra Ann “Sandie” Vergin, age 78, of Buffalo passed away Saturday, April 3, 2021.

She was born on December 13, 1942 in Minneapolis, the daughter of Robert and Olive (Streibel) Richel.

Sandie graduated from Wayzata High School in 1960.

On June 11, 1962, Sandra Ann Richel and Gary O. Vergin were joined in holy marriage at St. George Catholic Church in Long Lake. God blessed their marriage with a daughter, Heidi.

She enjoyed their lake home in Cornucopia, Wisconsin and watching the wildlife at her home.

Sandie was formerly employed at School District #877 as a Para in Special Education. She retired in 1998.

She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo.

Survived by her loving husband of fifty-eight years, Gary O. Vergin; a daughter, Heidi (Brian) Dahlin; a granddaughter, Brenna Dahlin; other relatives and many friends.

Preceded in death by her father, Robert Richel; by her mother, Olive Richel; and by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Otto and Delores Vergin.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Sandie Vergin was held on Wednesday, April 14 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Interment Elmwood Cemetery in Rockford. 

A visitation was held at the Church on Wednesday, April 14 one hour prior to Mass.  

Casket Bearers were Ron Bruhn, Tony Bresina, Richard Lund, Wally Etzel, Larry Etzel and Randy Hatcher.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.