Obituaries 4/7/22
Jim Bagley, 62
Jim “Bags” Bagley, age 62, of Hanover, passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2022. He was born in Marshall on August 8, 1959.
Jim enjoyed anything outdoors, especially hunting and fishing for pike and cats on the river. He treasured his family and friends, whom he treated like gold. His friends’ children and grandchildren often referred to him as “Uncle Jim.” He had a special bond with his sidekick, his sister, Jan.
Jim had a no-BS personality and gave it how it was with a little chuckle. He was always the life of the party and best friend to many. He had a huge heart and would do anything for anyone. He will truly be missed by everyone who knew him!
He was preceded in death by his mother, Jeany Bagley; and many dear friends.
Jim will be sorely missed by his father, Robert Bagley; sister, Jan (Shawn) Pithey; and other family and numerous friends.
A visitation was held Friday, April 1, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M., at The Peterson Chapel, 300 Main St. N, St. Michael, MN. Everyone was invited to wear camo and jeans!
In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please take a child hunting or fishing!
Serving the family was The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home, 763-497-5362, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Ernest Berland, 89
Ernest Bradley “Ernie” Berland, age 89, of Buffalo, Minnesota, and formerly of Victor, Montana, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2022.
He was born in Lake Park, Minnesota, on February 22, 1933, the son of Gotfred and Bertha (Skaare) Berland.
He honorably served his Country in The National Guard.
On August 25, 1954, Ernest B. Berland and Sally M. Tangen were joined in holy marriage in Hawley, Minnesota. God blessed their marriage with three children.
He was employed many years in electronics as a radio and TV tech.
Ernie enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, walking and golfing. He was a former active volunteer.
Survived by his loving wife of sixty-seven years, Sally M. Berland; children, Laurel Ross, of Plymouth, Minnesota, Lynn Berland, of Montana, and Larry (Rebecca) Berland, of Florida; three grandchildren; a special granddaughter, Piper; three great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; (special sons) Rick and Al; other relatives and many friends.
Preceded in death by parents and eight siblings.
Per Ernie’s wish, no formal service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested for The Plentywood Lutheran Church and Habitat for Humanity- Ravalli County Chapter.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Diane Cardinal, 77
Diane Lee (Kleven) Cardinal, age 77, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away March 30, 2022.
She was born on November 24, 1944, in Willmar, Minnesota, to Curtney and Eunice (Magnuson) Kleven. When she was a young girl, her family raised horses, and she would participate in riding events and games with her brother. Her love for horses stayed with her throughout her life.
In 1961, she was introduced to the love of her life, Orlan. From the moment they met, they both knew they were destined to share a life together. After a brief engagement, they were joined in marriage in Willmar in September of 1961. They lived in three different places, before purchasing their first house in St. Bonifacius. They lived there for 18 years before moving to Buffalo. They reached their dream of owning their own farm.
Diane worked on the family farm and held several jobs throughout the years. She worked at Tonka Toys in Mound, Jude Vending in Maple Lake, and was a security dispatcher in Rockford.
Her proudest job she held was title of wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a natural provider and always made sure that her family and friends never left her home hungry. She was always testing out new recipes, and everyone loved her cooking. Diane was talented at crocheting, canned all kinds of farm fresh vegetables, and liked to spend time with her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Curtney and Eunice; and brother, Dennis Kleven.
Diane is survived by her husband of 61 years, Orlan; children, Linda (Brenda Rohr), Larry (Shelly), and Kevin; grandchildren, Brittany, Tyler (Janessa), Lance, Trevor, and Devon; great-grandchildren, Aidyn, Makailyn, Damian, and Alexander; aunt, Peggy Uitz; and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at 2:00 P.M. with visitation one hour prior at Holy Cross Lutheran Church -- 5460 63rd St. NW, Maple Lake, MN. Interment will be at the Maple Lake Community Cemetery following the service.
Memorials in Diane’s honor may be directed to: Annandale Care Center, c/o Activities, 500 Park St. E, Annandale, MN 55302.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Patricia Jossart, 84
Loving wife, mother and grandmother, Patricia Ann Jossart, age 84, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on Monday, March 28, 2022. She was born on November 13, 1937, in Bowlus, MN, to Edward and Theresa (Jendro) Klisch.
Pat grew up on the family farm West of Bowlus, MN, and graduated from Upsala High School with the class of 1955. She furthered her education at St. Cloud State University for education.
Pat was Miss Little Falls in 1958, which led to her meeting her future husband, Merle. One day while watching a parade, Merle noticed the beautiful Miss Little Falls riding on a float waving to the crowd. As soon as he saw her, he knew he had to meet her! Patricia and Merle Jossart were joined in marriage on May 3, 1958, in South Dakota and happily raised five children together. The family made their home in New Hope, MN, for many years, with Pat and Merle later retiring and moving to Buffalo, MN in 1998.
Pat especially loved her family and was able to spend the time at home to raise her children. When their children were older, Pat began a career with Chicago Cutlery for 15 years. In retirement, Pat worked at Walmart in Buffalo.
Pat was a faithful member of House of Hope Church in New Hope, MN, and Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN. She enjoyed helping with Sunday School, bowling, golfing, cross-stitching, quilting, crafting and scrapbooking, and relaxing in the hot tub when traveling- especially to Breezy Point, Arizona, and Washington. She greatly enjoyed chocolate, always sharing a treat with her grandchildren from her candy dish. Pat was also devoted in following her children’s sports games, never missing a single one! She was an avid sports fan, especially MN sports, and hockey being her favorite.
Pat was extremely loving and caring to everyone. She had an elegant poise, with her fashion and personality. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her!
She was preceded in death by her beloved, husband, Merle Jossart; parents, Ed and Theresa Klisch; and siblings, Marcy Boros, Jim Klisch, and Rosanne Klisch.
Pat is survived by her children, Paul (Terry), Ruth, Dale, Gary (Francie), and Chad (Bobbie); 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother; eight sisters; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
A memorial service is planned for Thursday, April 7, 2022, at 6:00 P.M., with visitation one hour prior, at The Peterson Chapel, 300 Main St. N, St. Michael, MN.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Janice Miller, 84
Janice J. Miller, age 84, of Tomah, WI, and formerly of Buffalo and Minneapolis, MN, passed away on Friday, April 1, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family.
She is survived by her children, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Queen of the Apostles Parish in Tomah. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Thursday. Burial will be held at a later date in the St. Henry’s Catholic Cemetery in Monticello, MN.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Claudia Moench, 69
Claudia Grinnell Moench, age 69, of Howard Lake, passed away Friday, April 1, 2022. She was born June 13, 1952, the daughter of James and Charlotte (LaBrash) Grinnell.
Claudia graduated from St. Peter and Paul High School. She enjoyed her careers in banking with her dad and family at Rockford State Bank, and as medical support staff.
On August 11, 1984, Claudia Grinnell and Mel Moench were united in marriage.
Claudia loved spending time with her family and being active with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed fishing, swimming, traveling to Cole Lake, gardening and growing herbs, tending to her hobby farm, and shopping with her daughters. She was a member of Redvest Softball in Rockford and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, volunteering at school and being part of Ladie’s Group. She also spent time volunteering at Lakeside in Buffalo and attending Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Charlotte “Cookie” Grinnell.
Claudia is survived by her children, MeLea (Garrett) Ralph, and their children, Silas, Journey, Dayton; Kessie Moench-Pletcher (Adam Pletcher), and their children, Torin Price, Anthym, Bain, Orion, Mira; Nathan (Cassie) Moench, and their children, Samantha, Chloe, Mason, Cami, Cali, Hunter; siblings, Tom (Jan) Grinnell, Nancy (Hank) Lehn, Peg (Gary) Janisch; many loved pets, including Dixie May; numerous close friends throughout her life; and many other family. She is also survived by her loving husband, Mel Moench.
Claudia was a very, very special person who was warm and compassionate to all who she came into contact with. As her soul mate, I was privileged to spend almost 40 years with the lady and virtually never got tired of her company. She was a great mother and grandmother who loved the little ones.
Her humor remained intact until the very end—even as we ate pizza and took a family photo in the ICU entitled, “Claudia’s Last Supper.” The photo was taken the night before her last day on this earth. My heart hurts, but I feel comfort in that she is in the company of God. Thanks to all your prayers and support. It made these last 40 days more “bearable”.……………..Mel
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 9, 2022, at 11:00 A.M., with visitation beginning at 9:30 A.M., at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 300 1st Ave. NW, Buffalo, MN. Interment to follow at St. Francis Cemetery.
In memory of Claudia, please wear her favorite color, red!
Services may be livestreamed by joining our Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85352975183?pwd=a3oweG9qK0FZODBSQlRKWWhrbTM2Zz09, Meeting ID: 853 5297 5183, Passcode: 386396.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Elaine Peterson, 101
Elaine Arminta Peterson was born May 5, 1920, at home in Cokato, MN. She passed away peacefully March 29, 2022, at the Cokato Manor.
Elaine spent most of her life living at their home in Cokato, which she enjoyed along with her family. She broke her hip and went into the Cokato Manor for her care. She was alert and good, up until the last few months. She lived through COVID and never complained when she was there. She has been the “rock” of our family and always had a great mind. God gave her strength all these years with everything in her life.
She is survived by her five children, Ramona Franke, of St. Cloud, MN, Lana Trippel, of Ottertail, MN, Linda Keith, of Buffalo, MN, Jeanette Reinfeld, of Tallahassee, FL, and Timothy Peterson, of Cokato, MN; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Luella Midtling; husband, Laurel Peterson; son, Daniel Peterson; granddaughter, Heather Martinson; sisters, Betty Midtling, Mardell Harkman, and Ivanell Degn; brother, Duane Midtling; sons-in-law, Tom Franke, Don Trippel, and Ralph Reinfeld.
She is sadly missed by her large family and many friends. We all loved her, and she loved us. You never can replace a mother or grandmother like she was. Her gentleness revealed her strength. Her beauty was her gift. Blessings – she gave to us all!
A funeral service was held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cokato with visitation one hour prior at church.
Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato, 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com.
Jacob Puchalski, 40
Jacob Hugo Puchalski, age 40, of St. Louis Park, MN, passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at his home. Jake was born July 10, 1981, in Elbow Lake, MN.
He was baptized and confirmed at Lincoln Lutheran Church in rural Barrett, MN. He attended West Central Area Schools in Elbow Lake, MN, from K-8. He then finished the remainder of his education in Buffalo, MN.
Jake had a heart of gold. He was always ready to help a friend or stranger in need.
He had many interests throughout his life. He enjoyed all kinds of water sports, camping with his grandparents, hunting with his dad, and traveling with his stepdad and mom. He always loved to draw and was quite talented. In the past three to four years, he continued to draw but also had started painting and writing. He always strived to keep fit and loved running, working out, and yoga.
At one point, Jake was very active in the New Beginnings Waverly Alumni. He had served on their board for a short time.
Jake’s family was very important to him. He loved spending time with his elderly grandfather, taking him for daily walks, drives, and helping around with his daily care. Jake’s nephew, Ethan Schlief, was especially important in his life. There was always a new adventure, which often included some type of lesson. Jake was close to his sister, Kari, always being there for her. The two of them could talk for hours, and there was always laughter.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ken and Joan Moen, Hugo and Dora Puchalski; and aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Jake is survived by his parents, Brenda and Denny Rosin, of Buffalo, MN, Gerald and Zina Puchalski, of Barrett, MN; sister, Kari Puchalski, of Minot, ND; stepbrothers, Steafun Skogsberg, of Prescott, WI, Tony Marunsenko, of Topeka, KS, Logan Kincaid, of Thief River Falls, ND; nephew, Ethan Schlief, of Crystal, MN; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 9, 2022, at 1:00 P.M., at Buffalo Evangelical Free Church, 2051 50th St. NE, Buffalo, MN.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Curtis Varner, 76
Curtis Paul Varner, age 76, of Montrose, passed away on March 31, 2022.
Curt was born the son of Lafayette C. and Harriet B. (Cronk) Varner on July 16, 1945, in Monticello, MN.
Despite Curtis’s battle with serious medical issues, he showed his courage and strength facing his battles with a smile. Through his pain and struggles, he came out a hero, never losing his humor, wit, or kindness. He passed peacefully with his family by his side, surrounded by love.
Curtis was a very independent person and fought with great courage to live on his own until the end. He loved life and his freedom and was thankful to family and friends who helped keep him that way.
A humble veteran of the USAF and 30 years a union machinist with Advanced Machines. Curtis loved music, picking guitar, cars, and a good flea market or antique store. Always up for a trip for ice cream or a good burger!
Curtis was a kind person, and all were welcome without judgment. He was a great friend to many and looked at a person’s heart, not wealth or status. His wit, charisma, and humor will be sorely missed, leaving a huge mark on all who knew him.
Curtis was a father to four daughters and two sons, Mary, Linda, Tracy, Scott, Nicole and Lance; also, a grandfather and great-grandfather; his family will try and continue with his wit, humor, and shenanigans.
Memorial service for Curt will be held Saturday, April 16 at 10:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service all at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN. Light reception to follow the service at the chapel.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN. Online condolences for the family can be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Breann Winters, 31
Breann Lee Winters, 31, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, passed away unexpectedly Friday, April 1, 2022, after a short battle with chronic illness.
A Celebration of Life and visitation with family present will be held Sunday, April 10, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Schriver’s Fellowship Hall in Aberdeen, SD.
Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to: Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, SD 57401.
Breann Winters was born on December 3, 1990, in Fridley, Minnesota, to Jerry Winters and Lisa Casey. She attended school in Buffalo, Minnesota, where she formed many lifelong friendships. After attending school, she moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota, where she brought her son Jace into the world.
Breann was a devoted, loving mother to her son and enjoyed spending time with him and watching him grow into the kind and gentle young boy he is today. She enjoyed animals, dancing, cars, frisbee golf, gardening, clothing, shopping, and making people laugh. Breann would walk into a room as a stranger and leave as everyone’s friend. She had an outgoing personality, which allowed her to make friends with anyone. She was a carefree person that always danced like nobody was watching and didn’t care if they were.
Breann is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Joseph Casey; paternal grandmother, Bonnie Hagen; great aunt/godmother, Judy Opheim; aunt, Sharon Hart; and uncle, Scott Winters.
She is survived by her parents; son, Jace Doyle (father, Levi Doyle); grandmother, JoAnn Casey; aunt, Shelly Velde; uncle, Bob (Carey) Casey; sister, Brittany (Charles) Tiffany; half-sister, Melissa Thompson; cousins, Kaylee Velde, Cassidy Jergensen, and Lindsey (Dylan) Hansen; boyfriend, Kurt Himanga; and many other relatives and friends.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Joan Schmitz
Joan Celia (Leopold) Schmitz, age 78, of Monticello, MN, passed away December 3, 2020. A Celebration of Life – Open House will be held for Joan on Sunday, May 15, 2022, from 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. at the Bison Creek Event Center (Huikkos) in Buffalo, MN. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Online condolences may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
