Obituaries 5/14/20

Frank Graunke, 74

Frank O. Graunke, age 74, of Buffalo, formerly of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2020 at the Park View Care Center in Buffalo. He was born on June 14, 1945 to George and Evelyn (Will) Graunke in Watertown, Minnesota.

Frank’s greatest loves were gardening, fishing, camping and spending time with family.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, George and Evelyn; siblings, Marlys Winsemann, Glen, Dale, Dennis, Barb, Judy and Ronald Graunke; brothers-in-law, Leo Svoboda and Duane Poliwoda; nieces, Bev Ehlers and Amanda Taylor.

He is survived by his siblings, Richard (Fran) Graunke, Pat (Larry) Snodgrass, Lois Svoboda, Leroy (Blythe) Graunke, Roger (Ginger) Graunke and Carol Poliwoda; sister-in-law, Audrey Graunke; special niece, Debbie Schmidt, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be in the Watertown Public Cemetery.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano.

 


Owen Kingstedt, 81

Owen Earl Kingstedt, age 81, died peacefully on Tuesday morning May 5, 2020.

Owen was born August 17, 1938 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He graduated from Buffalo High School in 1957.  Owen started working with his father and brother in the plumbing and heating family business.

In 1961, he joined the Army and shortly after married the love of his life, Lois Veches. He remained in the Army Reserves for six years and was honorably discharged in 1967. Owen and Lois were happily married for 58 years. 

He was a jack of all trades and mastered all skills he pursued. Some of which included: electronics, leatherworking, RC airplanes and working on automobiles. His intellect and mechanical aptitude were endless. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed riding with his family. Most of all, he was a very loving and caring father and husband who always put his family first.

Owen is survived by his wife, Lois; three children, Shawn Deppa (Ron), Jeffrey and Corey (Angie); four grandchildren, Patrick, Jessi, Jenna, and Derek.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Orion and Frances Kingstedt; siblings, Josephine Hoyhtya, Roger Kingstedt and Richard Kingstedt.

Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Howard Lake, Minnesota, www.swansonpeterson.com 320-543-3401.

 


Scott Lilja, 58

Scott Lilja, 58, passed away peacefully with family by his side May 3, 2020, after a long battle with multiple myeloma.

Scott was well-known and respected nationwide in the automotive retail and wholesale industries for his career as senior vice president of members services for the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association and vice president and chief operating officer of NADA Used Car Guide.

He earned accolades through his career while building strong business alliances and countless friendships.

Scott was an academic All-America football player at Macalester College in St. Paul, where he graduated with honors with degrees in political science and economics and a master’s degree in business administration.

He was a force of nature, strong and positive, who took every challenge and met it with no hesitation and no fear, and a mentor for many in business and in life.

He is survived by his sister, Amy Griffith (John); nephews, Patrick and Jack Griffith; nieces, Kirsti and Katie Lilja; and stepson, Justin Crook, and was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Jo Ann Lilja, wife, Linda Lilja and brother, Eric Lilja.

Burial will be at St. Timothy’s Cemetery in Maple Lake, Minn., at a date to be determined. A memorial/celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 (www.cancer.org), or Critter Cavalry Rescue, 608 Eastcastle Court, Franklin, TN 37069 (www.crittercavalry.com).

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

 


 Therese Mengelkoch, 55

Therese Marie “Terri” Mattson Mengelkoch, age 55, of Becker and formerly of Waverly, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2020 at her residence.

A Private Memorial Service will be held.

Private inurnment Swedesburg Lutheran Cemetery in rural Waverly.

A full obituary will be forthcoming.

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

 


Archie Peterson, 82

Archie Aldean Peterson, age 82, of Backus, MN went home to be with Jesus on May 5, 2020.

He is survived by his wife, Myrna; sons, Michael (Jane), of Eagle River, Ontario, Dennis (Lori), of Buffalo, MN, Jeffrey (Paige), of Maple Grove, MN, Todd, of Backus, MN, Randy, Ricky (Traci), of Zimmerman, MN; eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Archie was born November 14, 1937 in Buffalo, MN to Aldean and Idabelle Peterson. Archie attended Buffalo High School and then enlisted in the Air Force in 1955. After Archie married Myrna on May 4, 1957, they traveled and lived on multiple military bases before eventually raising their family in Buffalo, MN. 

Archie was a loving, hard-working man that shared his multiple gifts with many and will be greatly missed.

A celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later time.

Condolences: klinefuneralhome.com. Kline Funeral Home, 218-587-2067.

 


Nelson Schmidt, 42

Nelson Schmidt, 42, of St. Michael, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at his residence.

He was born on April 17, 1977 in Waconia, MN, the son of Randal and Cheryl Schmidt. He married Robin Lund of Delano, MN on September 5, 1997.

Surviving are his wife, Robin and their seven children: Sophia, Belle, Mason, Audrey, Nelson Jr., Harrison, and Abigail, all at home; his parents, Randal and Cheryl Schmidt, of Rockford, MN; his sister, Susanah Schmidt, of Rockford, MN; his brother, Philip (Kristin) Schmidt, of Peoria, IL; his grandmother, Patricia Amidon, of Centennial, CO; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Nelson graduated from Rockford High School in 1995 and received his electrician’s diploma from Minneapolis Community and Technical College. He later obtained his journeyman’s license and then became a master electrician.

Growing up, Nelson loved duck hunting. He would always find time to go to the marsh or river just to watch ducks.  It was one of his passions.  He loved having a big family and had a sensitive and compassionate heart. Nelson was known for his uniquely timed humor and funny insights. There are many memories of Nelson that bring great smiles and laughter.  He attended Legacy Baptist Church with his family in Buffalo, MN. 

The family takes comfort in knowing according to the scriptures that at this present time, by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and not by works, that Nelson is alive with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and will be for all eternity.  

Due to COVID-19, Nelson’s memorial service will be held at a future date.

 


Mary Steinle, 91

Mary Magdalene Steinle, age 91, of Buffalo, MN passed away May 3, 2020 in Buffalo Hospital. Born May 16, 1928 in Mankato, MN to Joseph and Ethel (Petrick) Gonzalez.

She married Robert Steinle Nov. 27, 1956. Preceded in death by husband, Robert and parents. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She had a great passion for her home, yard and drawing. She is survived by son, Scott; grandson, Cord Paumen (Erin); and great-grandchildren, Ava and Wyatt Paumen, and cousins, along with loving friends. She will be greatly missed.

A memorial service for Mary will be held at a later date. Washburn McReavy in Hopkins is serving the family. Washburn-McReavy.com, Strobeck Johnson, 952-938-9020.

 


Merlin Swanson, 82

Merlin Edward Swanson, age 82, of rural Buffalo, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2020 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

He was born on January 21, 1938 on the family farm in Marysville Township, Wright County, the only son of Marvin D. and Lois E. (Anderson) Swanson.

Merlin was baptized on July 17, 1938 and confirmed on September 14, 1952 at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo.

He graduated from Buffalo High School in 1955.  Following graduation, Merlin served his Country in the United States Army for six months and Army Reserves for six years.

Merlin engaged in dairy farming on the family farm with his father and mother for many years.   After their passing, he continued to farm and later enjoyed driving truck for Fullerton Lumber in Buffalo and Mayer.

Merlin and Virginia Bengtson were united in marriage on August 28, 1959, their marriage was blessed with a son, Daniel and a daughter, Jean.

On August 9, 1985, Merlin E. Swanson was united in marriage to Ruth Wirtjes.

Merlin and Ruth enjoyed traveling, dancing, playing cards with friends and watching wildlife from the front windows of their home.   They also enjoyed spending their winters in Texas.

Merlin was a member of The United Methodist Church in Buffalo.

We have many great memories of Merlin as a great friend and neighbor to the Bonk families.

Merlin is survived by his wife, Ruth A. Swanson; a son, Daniel Swanson, of Alaska, and by a daughter, Jean (Ron) Corona, of Colorado; step-daughters, Renae (Jeff) Vetter, of Fairmont, and Rita (Dave) Sarvie, of Buffalo; grandchildren, Kajsa (Ed) Rossetto, Aaron (Bridget) Corona, Jessica Vetter, Joshua (Lacy) Vetter, Megan Sarvie and Dustin Sarvie; great-grandchild, Nora Rossetto; many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Lois Swanson.

Private inurnment will be held at a later date at Swedesburg Lutheran Cemetery Marysville Township, Wright County.

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

 


Duane Thorpe, 59

Duane “Dewey” Robert Thorpe, age 59, of rural Montrose passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020 at his residence.

He was born on May 4, 1960 in Minneapolis, the son of Maynard and Mavis (Grondvold) Thorpe.

He was formerly employed as a welder.

Dewey enjoyed fishing, duck hunting, playing pool, cards, cribbage and grilling.

Survived by three children: Alison Thorpe, Andrew Thorpe and Austin Thorpe; siblings: Barbara Jean Thorpe, of Annandale, Diana Kay Thorpe, of Rochester and Brian Keith Thorpe, of Montrose; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Maynard and Mavis Thorpe and by two brothers, Allan and Eugene Thorpe.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Duane’s home at a later date. Please contact family for details. 

Inurnment will take place at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester.

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

 


Joanne Tolzman, 82

Joanne (Muehring) Tolzman passed away peacefully of natural causes on Sunday May 3, 2020. Born in Holyoke Minnesota on January 28, 1938 to Orson and Agnes (Embree) Longshore, she experienced many changes in the world throughout her eighty-two years.

She was married to Willard Muehring and went on to raise a family. She was a caring mother, committed wife and overall giving person. She was a lifelong resident in the Rockford area and a longtime member of Salem Lutheran Church. She worked many years in the food industry as a waitress. She was widowed and later married to Melvin (Dutch) Tolzman.

Joanne always loved spending time with family and friends and was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They all meant the world to her. She loved to laugh and joke around. If there was something happening, she was on the go to be a part of it. She was always ready for a game of Bingo and enjoyed watching all game shows. Old-time music was her favorite, and you could often catch her singing along and tapping her foot. She proudly collected pop tabs for donation to the Ronald McDonald House and made sure everyone knew to save them. She was a little bit sassy, a little bit stubborn, never hesitated to tell you what she thought and always kept a positive attitude.  

Joanne is survived by brothers, Stanley Longshore (Jeannie) and Dennis Longshore (Judy); children, Cynthia Faue (Louis), Joan Lindquist and Jeffery Muehring (Ruth); nine grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by parents, Orson and Agnes Longshore; brother, Leroy Longshore; husbands, Willard Muehring and Melvin Tolzman; daughters, Vicki Dellwo (Mike) and Baby Kimberly; and son-in-law, Mike Dellwo. She was loved by many. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.  

A sincere Thank You to all of her family and friends for your support and prayers during this time.

Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, a public memorial service will not be held in order to follow the guidelines and to keep her cherished friends and family safe. A small group of her immediate family will gather to celebrate her. Cards can be sent to: Peterson Funeral Home, Joanne Tolzman Family, P.O. Box 397, 119 Central Ave., Buffalo, MN 55313. 

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

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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