Obituaries 5/13/21
Kenneth Carlson, 75
Kenneth “Kenny” D. Carlson, of Buffalo, passed away April 26, 2021. He was 75 years old.
He is survived by: his wife of 41 years, Victoria D. Carlson; sons, Brett Carlson and Brian Carlson.
Kenny served for six years (from Nov. 20, 1963-Nov. 21, 1969) in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War on board the USS Whitfield County (LST-1169).
A Visitation will take place at Buffalo Assembly of God, 206 2nd Avenue NE, Buffalo, on Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 4:00-5:00 p.m., with a Service at 5:00 p.m
Jacqueline Groe, 50
Jacqueline “Jackie” Ann Groe (Walz), age 50, of Otsego, MN passed away peacefully at home after a two-and-a-half-year battle with metastatic melanoma on Wednesday, May 5, 2021. She was surrounded by her loving family and fur babies as she left this world and was welcomed into her eternal home.
Jackie was born on June 21, 1970 in St. Michael, MN to Elmer Walz and Mary Lou Walz (Schmit). Jackie graduated from St. Michael High School in 1988 and began working for National Computer Systems after graduation. She worked there (now called Scantron) for 33 years, most recently as the Call Center Manager.
Jackie married the love of her life, Scott Groe, on May 24, 2008. She also became a step-mom at that same time to Scott’s son, Ian. She loved these boys with everything in her heart and soul, and her life was so enriched by their love for her! They made their home in Otsego, MN where Jackie enjoyed decorating their home, cooking, baking, gardening, drinking wine and hanging out with family, friends and neighbors.
Jackie enjoyed doing things with the people she loved the most: shopping, long drives and talks with Ian; morning coffee, casino trips and special weekend getaways with Scott; puppy kisses and belly rubs with Lillie Lou and Harlie Jo; hanging out at her sister’s house with family and enjoying sister time, pool time, bantering with her brother-in-law and chatting with and loving up her nephews; visiting with her dad; spending time with April, Lincoln and Emmie; playing bingo and shopping with her best friend, Kelly; playing cards and drinking wine with her other best friend, Kim and all of the special things she did with others that are too numerous to list.
Jackie had a way about her, a zest for life, some would say a special recipe that others should follow. Jackie did everything big….she lived big, loved big, laughed big, argued big, hugged big, and gave of herself big. There was always sure to be laughter, fun and a lot of love when Jackie was around. We should all live like Jackie!
Jackie is survived by her loving husband, Scott; devoted, son, Ian; father, Elmer Walz (Judy); sister, Jennifer Holterman (Ron); nephews, Kaden Holterman and Landen Holterman; niece, April Neiber (Mike); great-nephew and niece, Lincoln and Emery Neiber; Fur babies, Lillie Lou and Harlie Jo; and many other family members and friends.
Jackie is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Lou Walz (Schmit); brother, Barry Walz; her grandparents; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A special thank you to Dr. Bryan Trottier and the team at Frauenshuh Cancer Center for the exceptional care of Jackie and, especially, for always giving her hope. We are forever grateful for your relentless pursuit of a cure and your compassion and empathy throughout her journey.
Visitation was held Monday, May 10, 2021 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael. Burial followed at St. Michael Cemetery.
Serving the family was The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home, 763-497-5362, www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Walter Judd, 82
Walter Richard Judd, age 82, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, in Edinburg, Texas. On November 11, 1938, Walter was born to Harry T. Judd and Martha H. Messenger in Seattle, Washington.
Walter graduated from Shoreline High School and joined the U.S. Navy. He served on the troop transport ship the USS W.A. Mann. He moved to Santa Monica, California, where he was a programmer at Systems Development Corporation. Later, he moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he met the love of his life, Betty (Elizabeth) Baune. They were married at the Basilica of St. Mary on April 26, 1975.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Robert, David and Paul; his sisters, Marlene and Donna.
Survived by his wife of 46 years, Betty (Elizabeth); brother, Darryl; and his sister, Carolyn Stevens.
Visitation will be on May 15, 2021 at 9:00 A.M. and Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary of Czestochowa, Delano, Minnesota. Inurnment at St. Anne Cemetery, Wabasso, MN, on May 22, 2021 at 1:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Lions Gift of Sight, University Enterprise Labs, 1000 Westgate Dr. #260, St. Paul, Minnesota 55114, (612) 625-5159, https://lionsgiftofsight.umn.edu/.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo MN assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.
William Neal, 74
William “Bill” Eugene Neal, age 74, of Buffalo, passed away May 3, 2021.
Bill was born on December 6, 1946 in Onawa, Iowa, to Charles and Mary Jane (Rouse). He spent his school years in Ames, Iowa where he excelled in track and field. He continued to be a track standout at Dana College in Blair, Nebraska.
After marrying his college sweetheart, Cheryl, in Sidney, Montana in 1969, they moved to the Twin Cities. He began his 36-year career at Security Life Insurance Company of America as an accountant/controller. He became a proud dad to Amanda in ’72 and Josh in ’75. He acquired another son when Amanda married Dale in ’97. The best was yet to come in the form of his cherished grandchildren, Elizabeth, Rachel, and Lucas. He was a devoted husband, dad, and grandpa who was delighted in the activities and accomplishments of the family. He rarely missed an opportunity to watch his kids and grandkids shine.
We’ve lost a humble, generous, and caring man who enjoyed reading, traveling, playing golf, and living on Wild Marsh Golf Course. Along with his brothers, Walt, Gerry, and Jim, spending a weekend in April golfing and attending the Drake Relays has been a highlight of each of the last 50 years.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary Jane.
He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl; daughter, Amanda (Dale) Lawrence; son, Josh Neal; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Rachel, and Lucas Lawrence; siblings, Walt (Vicki), Gerry (Patti), and Jim (Carol); and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
To honor Bill, a time of remembrance open house was held at Wild Marsh Golf Course from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Monday, May 10th.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Second Harvest Food Bank, or the charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Todd Nessett, 54
Todd Jay Nessett, 54, of Wheaton, Minn., passed away at his home on May 2, 2021.
Todd was born in Oct. 1966 to Ronald and Joann Nessett in Eveleth, Minn. He was baptized on Nov. 7, 1971, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Aurora, Minn. Todd grew up on the Iron Range and moved to Wheaton just before his freshman year of high school. Todd graduated from Wheaton High School in 1985. He then moved to Andover, Minn., where he met his first wife, Mary (Benton) Nessett. Shortly after, they divorced, and he started working as a painter in the Twin Cities area.
It is then that he met Deborah (Hornig) Nessett. They married on Oct. 5, 1996, and they had two beautiful children together, Amanda and Beau Nessett. Todd started his own painting business and eventually fulfilled his lifelong dream of building his own home in Howard Lake, Minn., in 2000. Todd and Debbie raised their children in that home until they parted ways in 2011; Todd then lived in St. Louis Park. He eventually moved back to Wheaton when he became disabled in 2014.
Todd loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, carpentry and being with family. He knew how to have fun and live life to its fullest. Todd was fearless when it came to outdoor sports such as four-wheeling, snowmobiling, boating and other water sports. He spent countless hours building his home along with his father and sister’s cabins and many others. He was his happiest helping others and took great pride in his work. He was the kindest soul. If you were in need, he would give you the shirt off his back! He had a way of lighting up a room and making people laugh that just isn’t found in many. Todd will be greatly missed by every life he touched.
Todd is survived by his children, Amanda Nessett, of Howard Lake, Minn., and Beau Nessett, of Fort Collins, Colo.; father, Ronald Nessett, of Wheaton, Minn.; brother, Mike (Terry) Beier, of Wheaton, Minn.; his sister, Rhonda (Dale) Hanson, of Wheaton, Minn.; brother, Jeff (Stacy) Nessett, of Dassel, Minn.; several nieces and nephews; and his God-children, Derek Nessett and Alyssa Enger.
Todd is preceded in death by his mother, Joann Sessing; stepfather, Orin Sessing; and stepmother, Doris Nessett.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 15, at 10 a.m., at Bainbridge Funeral Home in Wheaton, Minn. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
A short prayer service will be officiated by Pastor Cheryl Berg at the funeral home.
To sign the online guestbook, watch the video tribute, service recording or livestream visit www.bainbridgefuneralhome.com.
David Pearson, 85
David Bruce Pearson 1935 - 2021
It is with great sadness we announce David Pearson, of Buffalo, MN, passed away at the age of 85, on Friday, May 7, 2021, surrounded by loved ones.
He was born to Reinert and Ragna (Olson) October 24, 1935 in Anoka, MN. David was a lifetime farmer who tilled the dirt for over 70 years. He married Sharon Parker in 1961. From this marriage, they had three children, Jon, Charlotte, and Gerald. David and Sharon separated in 1980. David met Bonnita Robertson, and they married in 1984. She and David divorced in 1990. David met Sandra Scott with daughter, Angela, at a square dance in 1991. Sandra and David married Dec 31, 1991 and continued dancing for 29-plus years.
David was an active member of Buffalo Free Church and enjoyed greeting all who came in the door. David was also a member of County Line Square Dancers in Monticello and Single Circles in Maple Grove. He was an accomplished square dancer and was a welcomed helper for new square dancers learning to dance at lessons each year. He enjoyed traveling with groups of dancers to other clubs. David also had a love for “Old Time” dancing. He also belonged to IH tractor collectors club and the Oliver tractor collectors club, lifetime member and participant of Western MN Steam Threshers Reunion at Rollog MN, and the Elk River FFA Alumni. He loved traveling and going to tractor shows. David’s family meant the world to him. Although they were spread out in different directions, he always enjoyed being with them whenever he could. David always had a warm welcoming smile for everyone! He was a blessing to all those people whose lives he had touched. He will be deeply missed by his family.
David is survived by wife, Sandra, of Buffalo, MN; brother, Alan Pearson (Betty), of Ramsey, MN; children, Jon Pearson, of Stacy, MN, Charlotte Pearson-Lind (Charles), of Stacy, MN, and Gerald (Tracy), of Elk River, MN, and Angela Scott; grandchildren, Seth, Alexa, Tiffany, Kalina, Keanna, and Jasmine; and great-grandchild, Skyler.
David is preceded in death by his parents, Reinert and Ragna; brothers, Dennis and Jon.
David requested a memorial service of which place and time will be posted at a later date.
Juanita Robasse, 78
Juanita “Nita” Robasse, age 78, of Annandale, passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at The Annandale Care Center.
She was born on February 8, 1943 in Everett, Massachusetts, the only child of Neil and Marion Hoke. Her family moved to California, after her dad was stationed there.
Juanita married John Robasse on September 28, 1958. Together, they moved back to Minnesota where they raised their five children. She had worked as a bartender for many years. Her passions were spending time with her dog and coloring and painting.
She is survived by her children, Michelle (Ralph) Marquette, of South Haven, MN, Theresa (Frank) Wyman and John (Heidi) Robasse, of Barstow, CA; daughter-in-law, Kim Robasse, of Annandale; grandchildren, Matthew Campbell, Elisa (Ricki) Gallardo, Miranda Brown, Clyde (Michelle) Marquette, Chrystal (JJ) Nelson, Frank (Kelly) Wyman, Jesse (Melissa) Wyman, Jamie (Paul) Overman, Randi Robasse (Dustin), Sascha (Katie) Klick, John Robasse (Deana), Nick Robasse (Allie); twenty-six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; six sisters-in-law; six brothers-in-law; and a lifelong friend, Gregg Cook, of Davis, CA.
Preceded in death by her parents, Neil and Marion Hoke; husband, John Robasse; daughter, Kathy Biscarro; son, Michael Robasse; in-laws, Lawrence and Georgina Robasse, Ernie, Bill, Dick and Roy Robasse, Ron Andreas, Jack Demaris, Jack and Delores O’Flanagan and Dorothy Ramthun.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Juanita “Nita” Robasse will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Father Nathaniel Meyers will be the Celebrant. A Time of Gathering will be held on Tuesday, May 18 one hour prior to Mass at the Church.
Urn Bearers Jamie Overman, Miranda Brown, Elisa Gallardo and Chrystal Nelson.
Honorary Urn Bearers, Matthew Campbell, Clyde Marquette, Frank Wyman, Jesse Wyman, Randi Robasse, Sascha Klick, John Robasse, and Nick Robasse.
Lorraine Schaust, 92
Lorraine Catherine Schaust, age 92, of Delano, passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Good Samaritan in Waconia. She was born July 6, 1928 to John P. and Angeline P. (Dunn) Kittock in Watertown, Minnesota.
Lorraine was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, of 67 years; son, Joe; grandson, Craig Peterson; brother, Joe (Bernice) Kittock; and sister, Kitty (Martin) Van Lith.
She is survived by her children, Mary Peterson, Pat Honebrink, Tom (Marlene) Schaust, Rick (Tammy) Schaust, Larry (Joyce) Schaust, Vicki Schaust; 16 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Deloris Schaust, Arlene Litfin, Jean Farniok, Estelle Schaust; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, St. Peter’s Campus in Delano, Minnesota. Visitation took place from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday at the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota. Visitation continued Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home prior to leaving for Mass. Interment was in the Calvary Cemetery in Delano, Minnesota.
Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.
Anthony Sunlitis, 93
Anthony “Tony” Joseph Sunlitis, age 93, of Buffalo, Minnesota passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at his residence.
He was born on February 12, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Anton and Bertha (Becvar) Sunlitis.
He served in The United States Air Force and was stationed in Okinawa and in New Mexico.
Anthony graduated from The Milwaukee School of Engineering. He worked for Honeywell, Inc. until he started his own company in 1972, Trol-Matic Services, Inc. He sold his business and retired in 1991.
Married the love of his life, Marie (nee Erickson) on January 9, 1988, and had a wonderful, happy marriage.
Tony and Marie enjoyed an active life playing golf and cards with family and good friends. After retirement, they traveled south for the winters, first going to several different locations, buying a winter home in Florida in 2010. They enjoyed 33 years of a wonderful marriage. He was loved and will be dearly missed.
Survived by his wife, Marie Sunlitis; daughters, Debra (Norm) Wertanen, Nan Kalke (Sally Witham), Charlene (Tom) McDonnell and Karen (Russell) Point; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and other loving relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Bertha Sunlitis; one brother, Joseph; and one sister, Louise Trombitias.
A Memorial Service for Anthony “Tony” J. Sunlitis was held on Monday, May 10 at 6:00 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN. Pastor Dean Brown officiated. A visitation was held at the funeral home on Monday, May 10, beginning at 4:00 P.M. until the time of service.
Organist was Philip Rossin. Special vocal music by Char McDonnell, Karen Point, Philip Rossin, Kandace Point, and Karin Bellomo.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Marvin Valenta, 95
Marvin L. Valenta, age 95, of Buffalo, passed away on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at Lake Ridge Care Center in Buffalo.
He was born on July 21, 1925 in Renville, Minnesota, the son of Philip and Leona (Sckoviach) Valenta. Marvin was employed many years as a painter at The Ford Motor Company in St. Paul. He previously had farmed. He enjoyed fishing, collecting walnuts for the squirrels, and riding his electric senior scooter around Buffalo.
He is survived by his children, Gary (Carol) Valenta, of Maple Plain, Linda Trontvet, of Buffalo, and Cathy Blevins, of Ft. Myers, Florida; ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; former wife, Ruby Valenta; special niece; Geri Faucett; special nephew, James Valenta; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra Valenta; a grandson, Christopher Trontvet; his parents; and by a sister, Gladys Perisian.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Marvin L. Valenta will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Catholic Church in Buffalo. Father Nathaniel Meyers will be the Celebrant. Inurnment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery. A Time of Gathering will be held on Saturday, June 18, one hour prior to Mass at the Church.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchaple.com.
Norma Wandersee, 97
Norma F. Wandersee (Von Bank), age 97, of Delano, passed away peacefully in her home on Mother’s Day, May 9, 2021.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy; her parents, Gerhardt and Clara (Endres) Von Bank; sisters, Leona (Zigmond) Holovnia, Armella (Roy) Simms, Lucille (Leonard) Ludescher; grandson, Mark Thomas DeWitte; nephews, Gene Barfknecht, Lloyd Simms, Michael “Ziggy” Holovnia; nieces, Irma Nicolai and Janet Hamilton.
She is survived by her daughter, Mary (Michael) DeWitte; grandchildren, Jon (Billie Jo) DeWitte, Michelle DeWitte, and Patrick (LoughRee) DeWitte, great-grandchildren, Cody Nelson, Maria Manuel, and John Manuel.
Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, St. Peter’s Campus, Delano. Visitation 4-7 PM with a 7 PM Rosary service on Wednesday, May 12 at the Iten Funeral Home, Delano. Visitation will continue from 9:30-10:30 AM Thursday at the Iten Funeral Home prior to Mass. Interment in Calvary Cemetery in Delano, Minnesota.
Celebrations of Life
Betty Curran
A Celebration of Life for Betty Curran of Buffalo, MN, will be held on Friday, May 28, 2021 from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon with a visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m., all at Zion Lutheran Church, 1200 Hwy. 25, Buffalo. Internment to follow at Zion Cemetery.
