Obituaries 4/4/19

Garry Brausen, 73

Garry Edward Brausen, age 73, of Buffalo,  passed away at the St. Cloud VA Hospital on Saturday, March 23, 2019 after a short illness.

Garry was born on November 17, 1945 in St. Cloud, to Larry and Marcy (Schaubach) Brausen. They lived in several locations until settling in Annandale, when Garry was in the 7th grade. He was an honor student and an excellent athlete and graduated from Annandale High School in 1963. He enlisted in the Army after high school, being honorably discharged after serving for 3 years, and was stationed in Korea for a major part of his military service. In January of 1971, Garry married Carol Graunke and they raised four children while living in the Annandale area. He was involved in the frozen food business with his father and later owned the business himself. He later worked at the main post office in Minneapolis until his retirement. For the past 13 years, he and Carol resided in Buffalo.

Garry is survived by: his wife, Carol; and 4 children, Julie (Terry) Morrow of Buffalo, Jill Schrupp of Hibbing, James (Kris) Brausen of Annandale, Jenna LeLoup of Buffalo. He and Carol were blessed with 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Garry is also survived by 2 sisters, Kathy (Ron) Hoglund of Big Lake and Barbara Brausen of St. Cloud. And very importantly, he is survived by his beloved best friends, his dog, Samantha.

Garry was preceded in death by: his parents; and younger brother, Steven Brausen.

Participating in and watching sports were important and enjoyable parts of Garry’s life. One of his recent favorite activities was proudly supporting his grandson, Logan, playing hockey. He was a devout and faithful member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, and a proud military veteran, and member of the American Legion and VFW.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, April 5, 2019 at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. A private family interment will take place at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.

Condolences may be sent to the Brausen Family at 817 Fox Trail, Buffalo, MN 55313.

 


Joseph Carriveau, 84

Joseph “Joe” Carriveau, US Army Veteran, age 84, of Glenwood, formerly of the Monticello/Big Lake area, passed away on March 27, 2019.

Joseph was preceded in death by: wife, Irene; and son, Steve.

He us survived by: children, Julie, Susan (John), Joanne, David (Shayni); step children, Patti, Gary (Mary) and Linda; brother, Tom; sisters, Harriett, Mary and Marjorie; many grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, April 5 at 2 p.m. with visitation one hour prior at Peterson Grimsmo Funeral Chapel in Monticello. Interment Riverside Cemetery.

 


Mary Ann Erickson, 83

Mary Ann Erickson, age 83, of Buffalo, passed away Friday, March 29, 2019. She was born March 21, 1936 in Monticello, the daughter of Charles and Connie (Diedrick) Decker.

Mary Ann was a 1954 graduate from Monticello High School. She was a very devout Catholic who was a member of the CCW and sang in the church choir at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo.

Mary Ann was also a member of the Buffalo American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed reading, watching movies, traveling, gardening and planting flowers, and she loved babies and dogs. She was always up for a good laugh and had a spit-fire personality.

She was preceded in death by: her first husband, Kenneth Erickson Sr.; grandson, Richard Noling; parents, Charles and Connie Decker; brother, Charles (Marion) Decker; sisters-in-law, Helen Decker, Marilyn Decker; and brother-in-law, Tom Casey.

Mary Ann is survived by: her husband, Lee Peterson; children, Kathy (Jim) Krotzer, Debbie (Dan) Noling, Julie (Gary) Skjod, Laurie (Jon) Olson, Kenneth Erickson Jr. (beloved dog, Benji); stepchildren, Jason (Jessi) Peterson, Erik Peterson, Molly (Damon) Neilson, Kevin Peterson; 12 grandchildren; 7 step-grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; siblings, Bernard Decker, Arlene (Dale) Lesser, Dianne Casey (Tom Slack); and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, April 8, 2019 at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in Buffalo.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.

 


Roger Fields, 77

Roger Fields, age 77, of Buffalo, Minnesota, died Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at the Glenn in Buffalo, of natural causes peacefully in his sleep. He joins his wife, Nancy Fields, in Heaven where he will also be welcomed by his entire family.

Roger leaves behind his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates; his daughter, Tracy Sexton; son, Brad Fields; as well as his two grandchildren, Brittany and Zachary Sexton.

Born and raised in Billings, Montana, the son of Charles and Lillian Fields. When he graduated high school, he moved to Great Falls, Montana.

He served with distinction in the United State Marine Corps, and serviced the City of Great Falls as a Police Officer. Roger also worked for the Anaconda Mining Company before becoming a police office, and he became a truck driver after being on the police force.

Roger took pride in being in the movie “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot,” beating George Kennedy in a poker game, and was part of the Teamsters.

Roger loved his sports, country music and his family.

A private service will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local hospice in Roger’s name.

 


Wayne Holland, 78

Wayne Douglas Holland, age 78, of Buffalo, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at the REM Home in Buffalo.

Wayne was born the son of Roy and Doris (Mielke) Holland on July 2, 1940 in Buffalo.

He was baptized at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church as an infant and confirmed his faith there also on May 6, 1956.

During his life Wayne loved to watch the trains go through town, especially the Holiday Train at Christmas.  He enjoyed listening to country western music and loved the cheeseburgers at McDonald’s.  Wayne loved going to Larry’s, to watch the hay baling and just to be on the farm.

Wayne will especially be remembered for his large collection of hats and also sunglasses.  He wore them with pride and sometimes more than one at a time.

Wayne was preceded in death by: his parents, Roy Holland and Doris Holland-Alford.

He is survived by: brother, Larry (Shirley) Holland; sister, Nancy (Jan) Doebbert; step siblings, Mike Alford and Michele Alford; also, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation for Wayne was held one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday, March 30.  Funeral services were held Saturday, March 30 at 1 p.m. at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Officiating was Pastor Ryan Clark. Burial followed at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo.

Casket bearers were Wayne’s nieces and nephews Kayla Tronson, Amalia Doebbert, Derek Stevens, Shaun Daniels, Josh Doebbert and Isaiah Huisman.

Serving the family was the Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. 

 


Elaine Nelson, 83

Elaine A. Nelson (nee Greenhagen), 83, long time resident of Greenfield, went home to the Lord on Tuesday, March 26, 2019.

She was born and raised in Howard Lake. Elaine was a long-time employee of the Hoover Company. She enjoyed hunting, fishing and snowmobiling with her husband and brothers. She also enjoyed travel, visits to the casino and knitting.

Elaine was preceded in death by: her husband, Earl; parents, Henry and Hilda Greenhagen; brothers, Alfred, Arnold, Vernon, Roland, Duane, Donald, Howard; and sisters, Dorothy and Gladys.

She is survived by: her sister, Vernice Bersie of Minnetonka; and sister-in-law, Ann Greenhagen of Buffalo; 35 nieces and nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at church.

Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Howard Lake.

 


Carol Pemble, 80

Carol Ann Pemble, age 80, of Buffalo, passed away Monday, March 25, 2019.

She was born March 17, 1939, the daughter of Albin and Anna (Hanson) Johnson. Carol was raised in Robbinsdale with her brothers, Alan, Donald and Jerry.

On April 16, 1966, Carol Johnson and Melvern Pemble were united in marriage at Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley. They were blessed with three children.

Carol enjoyed working at the King’s House in Buffalo for many years. She also enjoyed going on walks on sunny days, singing in the church choir at Buffalo United Methodist Church, and watching game shows. She especially enjoyed the time she spent with her family.

She is preceded in death by: her husband, Melvern Pemble; son, David Pemble; parents, Albin and Anna Johnson; and brothers, Alan Johnson, Donald Johnson.

Carol is survived by: her daughters, Sheri Pemble and Becky Pemble both of Buffalo; grandchildren, Kyle House, Dan House, Jamie Pemble, Jon Pemble; great-granddaughters, Rory and Abigail; brother, Jerry Johnson; her cat, Desi; and many other family and friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 3:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior, at Buffalo United Methodist Church with Pastor Bill Reinhart officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.

 


John Peterson, 68

John A. Peterson, age 68, of Buffalo, passed away March 22, 2019.

John is survived by: a son, John Peterson (Caroline Young); 2 granddaughters; sisters, Sharon Madsen, Betty (Rob) Pipenhagen and MaryLou (Jeff) Foss.

He was preceded in death by: son, Craig K. Peterson; his parents, Kenneth & Ruth Peterson; sister, Dawn Peterson; and by  brother-in-law, Arlen Madsen Sr.

A private service will be held. 

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

 


Steven Saccoman, 67

Steven John Saccoman, age 67, of Buffalo, passed away Saturday, March 30, 2019. He was born January 27, 1952.

Steve was a kind-hearted man who loved to be around people, and was one of a kind. He never let anyone tell him what he couldn’t do and proved it time and again. He will be enormously missed.

Steve is survived by: his loving wife, Jane Saccoman; daughter, Hayley Saccoman; mother, Kay (Richard “Dick”) Wilske; step-mother, Shirley Andreason; brother, Robert “Robbie” (Taren) Saccoman; sister, Paula (Art) Schaub; beloved sidekick, BJ; cuddle buddy, Louie; and many special friends and family.

He was preceded in death by: his father, Jack Saccoman; and brother, Mickey Saccoman.

A visitation will be held Monday, April 8, 2019 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 10:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Monticello.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the University of Minnesota Foundation, PO Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266.

Those who would like to make a memorial gift via check can write in the memo line: Steven Saccoman. The checks can be made out to UMF and mailed to: UMF, PO Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.

 


James Sahli, 82

James Jack Sahli, age 82, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Saturday, March 30, 2019. He was born July 3, 1936 in Aberdeen, SD, the son of Balzer and Christina (Burgard) Sahli.

Jim is survived by: his children, Susan Hegdahl, Michael (Janet) Sahli, Timothy (Suzanne) Sahli, Richard Sahli, James (Rhonda) Sahli Jr., Robert (Zara) Sahli, Sr.; 17 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and 3 on the way; and many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by: his wife, Ottilia “Tillie” Sahli; brother, Robert Sahli, Sr.; sister, ClareAnn Grote; and son-in-law, Jim Hegdahl.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.

 

 

 


Brian Schleif, 60

Brian Dale Schleif, age 60, of Boise, ID, formerly of Big Lake, went to be with his Lord on March 14, 2019, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was surrounded by family at the time of his death.

Brian was born in Buffalo, MN. He graduated from Monticello High School. Brian worked as a carpenter for many years for Solid Construction. Brian lived in Big Lake up until he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He and his wife then moved to Boise, ID to be near his children and grandchildren.

Brian was an avid hunter. He also enjoyed fishing and was known also as a talented photographer.

Brian leaves behind: his devoted wife, Deborah; loving daughters, Melissa (Alan Plusquellec, Melinda (Steve) Truman-Coleman; step-daughter, Renee (Tom) Benes; grandchildren, Moriah, Allison, Alex, Evan, Tyler, Hunter, Emily, Danielle, Destiny, Kaida, Madden; siblings, Diane (Curtis) Smith, Judy Schleif, Brenda (Kenny) Spike, Bruce (Lori) Schleif; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Brian was blessed to belong to such a loving family. He will be greatly missed.

Preceding him in death were: his parents, Dale and Esther Schleif; and sister, Barbara.

Memorial/Celebration of Life Service will be held April 13, 2019 at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to service, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 413 3rd St. E., Monticello.

 


Vernetta Schmidt, 92

Vernetta Schmidt, 92, of Thornton, Colorado, formerly of Buffalo, Minnesota passed away on March 23, 2019 at Greenridge Place in Westminster Colorado. Vernetta was born December 24, 1926.

Vernetta was preceded in death by: her husband, Erven; mother, Minnie; father, Ernest; son, Ryan; daughter, Wanda; sister, Jeanette; and brothers, Elroy and Jerry.

Vernetta enjoyed volunteering at the Buffalo Community Toy shop (now named after her husband “The Erv Schmidt Toy Shop” in Buffalo, Minn.) She enjoyed assembling and painting the 1000’s of toys built and donated to fire departments, police departments and hospitals to be given to children.

Vernetta worked on the farm, held full time jobs but most of all was a loving and caring Spouse, Mother and Grandmother. Vernetta and Erven were married for 67 Blessed years before Erven’s passing.

She is survived by: her sons, Gary (Carrie) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Allen (Pam) of Thornton, Colorado; 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Arlene.

Arrangements for a Service/Celebration of life are being planned to take place in Buffalo, Minn. along with a private burial service at Fort Snelling in Minneapolis.

Cards can be mailed to the family at: 9595 Pecos St. #123, Thornton, Colorado 80260.

Publication: 

The Drummer and The Wright County Journal Press

PO Box 159
108 Central Ave.
Buffalo MN 55313

www.thedrummer.com

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