Obituaries 6/10/21
Donna Andersen, 80
Donna Lee Andersen, age 80, of Buffalo, MN, died May 29, 2021, at Region’s Hospital in St. Paul, MN.
Donna was born December 15, 1940, in Harvey, IL to Dale and Erma (McArtor) Schrotberger. She lived her early years in the suburbs of Chicago, IL, moving to MN in December of 1972.
Always putting her family first, she worked numerous jobs that allowed her to prioritize their care. She managed a home daycare, worked as a playground assistant, and transitioned to a secretarial position at Buffalo Parkside Elementary School where she retired in 2005. Volunteerism was also a priority for Donna: teaching Sunday School and serving as a hospice helper for a decade, ministering to families in need during difficult days.
Donna married Roger Andersen June 3, 1960, and they made their home in Buffalo, MN for most of their life.
Donna had an eye to see beauty all around her, and she also brought beauty into the world with her love of many artistic crafts: painting, crocheting, knitting, sewing, cooking, and tending her vegetable and flower gardens, which she enjoyed sharing with anyone she thought needed a little joy in their life. Her gentle, generous nature made anyone who met her feel welcomed and loved. Her love for art and reading, and the group of friends in those two circles, brought joy to her days.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents.
Donna is survived by her loving husband, Roger Andersen; her four children, Jory (Robert) Rohlin, Tara (Joel) Partridge, Staci (John) Scherber and Joel (Sheila) Andersen; her grandchildren, Lauren (Raymen) Rice, Robert (Elizabeth) Rohlin, Jacob (Courtney) Rohlin, Brittany Partridge, Matthew (Rachel) Partridge; Father, Jerek Scherber; Brother, Dain Scherber, Caleb (Liz) Scherber, Quinci Scherber (friend, Luke Schmidt), Ian Scherber (fiancé, Katlyn Jeurissen), Cole Scherber, Javonte Scherber, Jacobee Scherber, Justice Scherber, Josimari Scherber, Aaron Andersen, Austin Andersen, Hunter Andersen, Logan Andersen, Summer Andersen; and great-grandchildren, Dakota, Payton, Kamryn, Kasandra, Lukas, Isaac, Noah, Arlo, Samson, Scarlett, and soon-to-be Adalynn.
Per Donna’s wishes, there will be no formal memorial service. Buffalo, MN will be her final resting place.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Elroy Dahlin, 80
Elroy Vern Dahlin, age 80, was a lifelong resident of Cokato, a staple in his family and community, and a generous, gentle soul. He loved God, his family, people, collecting everything, and ice cream – all traits that will live on in his children and grandchildren. On May 31, 2021, surrounded by his family, he was called home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Elroy was born to Clarence and Ruth Dahlin on June 7, 1940, the eldest of three children. He was baptized on October 13, 1940.
A graduate of Cokato High School, Class of 1958, Elroy played center for the Cokato Cardinals during their infamous 27-game win streak. He went on to briefly attend and play football at Bemidji State University, but returned to Cokato to work at Don’s City Service. It was here that he would meet his future wife, Betty Lundeen. They were engaged July 2, 1965 and married at the Elim Mission Church in Cokato on September 25, 1965.
In 1974, together and with their partner, Denny Lundeen, they co-founded and operated Cokato Tractor Salvage. Their business began in an empty barn and over the next 36 years, grew to selling parts throughout the United States and several other countries. Elroy and Betty were additionally blessed with 44 years of marriage, two children, Kurt Dahlin, of Cokato, and Jill Pingel, of Maple Lake, and, eventually, seven grandchildren.
The personification of a “social butterfly,” Elroy had the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone and form a connection with complete strangers. You could often find him having coffee with the guys at the Marketplace, or breakfast at the Dairy Queen, or volunteering at the food shelf, likely chatting up anyone who walked by.
Given his love of people, it is not a surprise that he would be heavily involved within the community. Elroy served four years on the Cokato City Council, 25 years on the Corn Carnival Committee, was an Election Judge for the Cokato Township, and a member of the Cokato Museum Board. Elroy also volunteered for 56 years working the Corn Stand at the Cokato Corn Carnival. His family has fond memories of being able to skip the line to see Grandpa Elroy and, occasionally, sneaking out some extra ears of corn.
His services were recognized and honored by the city as he was the recipient of the 1996 Cokato Corn Carnival Service Award, 1999 Business of the Year award, named the 2015 Grand Marshal of the Cokato Corn Carnival kick off parade, and 2018 Citizen of the Year.
Elroy dedicated himself to God and was an active member of the Elim Mission Church. Some of his favorite memories were of being a youth leader with his wife, Betty. He was also an usher, AWANA leader, and served as a Trustee and Chairman of Buildings & Grounds for several years.
Elroy lived his life in service to God, his family, and community. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and was an avid bowler – attending many tournaments across the country. He also loved to attend his grandchildren’s school events, whether it be a sporting event or a production of “Beauty and the Beast.” He was the best kind of father, grandpa, brother, and neighbor, always caring and selfless, although he did hide his Peanut Butter M&M’s so others wouldn’t eat his favorite candy.
Elroy is survived by his children, Kurt (Stephanie) Dahlin, and Jill (Chad) Pingel; grandchildren, Mikaela, Olivia, Natalia, and Kyle Dahlin; and Lexi (Jon) Christensen, Sadie, and Austin Pingel; siblings, Mary (Gary) Redmann, and Jim (Linda) Dahlin; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Although he has left loved ones and a community in mourning, we rejoice in knowing that Elroy has been reunited with those who preceded him in death, his wife, Betty; father, Clarence “Ky” Dahlin; and mother, Ruth Dahlin.
The funeral service took place on Saturday, June 5 at 10 a.m. at Highland Community Church. A visitation was held an hour prior.
Arrangements were handled by the Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Service.
Barbara Ernst, 68
Barbara Joan Ernst, age 68, passed peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus on June 4, 2021, after a seven-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was born in Redwood Falls, MN on April 28, 1953, to Bob and Shirley Dummer. On December 1, 1973, she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Randi Ernst.
Barb loved Jesus, her family, her dogs, and all people. There was never a kinder, sweeter soul to walk the face of this earth. She was a dedicated mother, wife, sister, and she especially treasured her role as a Nana. She poured her life into others - teaching Kindergarten Sunday school, praying for everyone with needs, passing out her “posters” proclaiming the Joy of The Lord is my Strength, and taking her therapy dog, Dinah, to nursing homes and elementary schools. Her goal was to bless every single person she came into contact with – whether it was in the chemotherapy chair, the grocery store, or the post office.
Her life was a living example of her favorite verse, Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Barb is survived by her husband of 47 years, Randi Ernst; brothers, Bob (Paulette) Dummer, Jim Dummer; and sister, Patricia Constans; daughter, Jenni (Andy) Lawrence; son, Travis Ernst; and two beloved grandsons – the joy of her life - Ryan and Kyle Lawrence. Plus, many beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. All of these people she loved and touched deeply.
Please join us in celebrating her life on Sunday, June 13 at 3 p.m. at Summit Heights Fellowship, 2340 FM-2869, Hawkins, TX 75765. Livestream available on Facebook at the Summit Heights Fellowship page; https://www.facebook.com/summitheightsfellowship/?ref=page_internal. Services will be followed by a casual fellowship and BBQ at Lake Hawkins; 3143 CR 3420. Hawkins, TX 75765. Sunset and bonfire will be part of these festivities, since she made sure to tell us she would be helping to paint those sunsets.
A celebration of life service will be also held in Minnesota on Sunday, June 27 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Cremation Society of MN, 7110 France Avenue South; Edina, MN 55435. This will be an open house style gathering, with a brief remembrance and prayer service at 6 p.m. Be on the watch for bowls of peanut M&M’s – her favorite candy.
In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations be made to Summit Heights Fellowship Kid Venture Program (2340 FM-2869, Hawkins, TX 75765), CaringBridge, or the READ program therapyanimals.org.
We would encourage you to submit a story about Barb – it’s such a joy to hear about how she touched others. Submit to Book of Stories with Forced Joy Project here: https://gmail.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c04e274d8291beda56bf1783&id=0f9afcb38c&e=9372652374.
Stella Kasper, 91
Stella Mary Kasper, age 91, of St. Michael, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.
Stella was born on November 5, 1929 in Arban, MN to Sebastian and Frances (Young) Hartung. She was united in marriage to Andrew Kasper on June 24,1953 at the Catholic Church of St. Paul in St. Cloud, MN. God blessed their marriage with eight children. She was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
In her early years, Stella was employed at the St. Benedict’s Monastery and the St. Cloud Hospital working in food service and housekeeping. While living in the St. Cloud area, she met Andrew, the love of her life, and following marriage, they made their home in St. Michael. Throughout Stella’s life, she held a strong, unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her. Stella was a faithful member of the St. Michael Catholic Church, Council of Catholic Women and the Red Hat Society. She kept an immaculate house and turned this passion into a career, spending many years cleaning offices and houses. In addition, Stella worked for Wright Way Eggs and also spent countless hours working on their family farm. She enjoyed playing cards, especially euchre and 500, spending time with family and friends, gardening, canning, and making her famous “best in the world” dill pickles. Stella will be remembered for her big heart, strong faith and work ethic, contagious laugh and time spent feeding and caring for her family and friends.
Stella was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Kasper (Sept. 18, 2001); parents, Sebastian and Frances Hartung; parents-in-law, Leo and Rose Kasper; grandsons, Timothy and Zachary Kasper; great-grandson, Andrew Kittock; brothers, Anthony (AnnMarie), Edwin (Adeline), Frank (Evangeline), Leo (Catherine); sister, Sr. Eugenia Hartung; and sister-in-law, Eileen Hartung.
Stella is survived by her children, Linda (Michael) Valerius, Dolores (Robert) Helgeson, David (Ann) Kasper, all of St. Michael, Paul Kasper, of Buffalo, Ronald (Shelly) Kasper, of Big Lake, Larry (Kelly) Kasper, Dale (Joyce) Kasper and Cinthia (John) Woitalla, all of St. Michael; 29 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; brother, Victor Hartung; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Visitation was held Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 4 to 8 PM at The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, May 21, 2021 at 11 AM, with visitation beginning at 9:45 AM, at St. Michael Catholic Church. Burial followed at St. Michael Cemetery.
Serving the family was The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home, 763-497-5362.
Edward Thissen, 79
Edward “Bud” Thissen, age 79, of Otsego, MN passed away on June 4, 2021, after a long battle with Parkinson’s. Born November 28, 1941.
Survived by wife of fifty-seven years, Elaine; three children, Michele, Jon (Michelle) and Michael (Tricia); eleven grandchildren; a brother, Fred (Phyllis).
Funeral service Thursday, June 10, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. The Peterson Chapel St. Michael Albertville Funeral Home. Visitation Thursday, June 10, one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Arrangements for Edward Thissen are by The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Be Van Truong, 64
Be Van Truong, age 64, of Buffalo, passed away May 4, 2021, from stage four liver and lung cancer at North Memorial Hospital.
He was born on June 24, 1956 in Long Hoa-Saigon, Vietnam to Cau Van Truong and Nam Thi Trinh (Truong). He was sponsored by a church to come to the United States in July of 1975.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years of marriage, Christine (Bernardy) Truong; their three children, Jaymie, Jayson, and Jayanna; and six grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. at the Otsego County Park, 15198 96th St. NE, Otsego, MN.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Full obituary will appear soon.
Curtis Wood, 95
Curtis Wood passed away on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at the Bethesda Grand in Willmar, MN.
A Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, June 2, at 11:00 a.m. at the Faith United Methodist Church in Olivia, Pastor Krey Leesman officiated. Visitation was Wednesday at the church from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Interment was Wednesday, 2:15 p.m. at the Ripley Cemetery, Litchfield, MN. Curt’s funeral included a Masonic service and military rites.
A live stream of Curt’s service was available starting on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. by clicking on the following link: https://my.gather.app/remember/curtis-wood-2021
Curtis David Wood was born on May 5, 1926, to Inga and Clayton Wood on a farm near Paynesville, MN. Later, his family moved to Woodland, MN.
Curtis graduated from Mora High School. During WWII, Curtis enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Curtis moved to McGrath, MN after the family business and home at Woodland burned down about three weeks after he returned home from the service. He served on the town council and one term as Mayor while in McGrath. Curtis was married to his childhood sweetheart, Lillian Carpenter on September 25, 1948, and they were the parents of David, Zona, and Steven Wood. They celebrated 68 years of being married, before Lil passed away in 2017.
Curtis was busy with his trucking business, Wood’s Transfer, where he and his crew delivered agricultural limestone to a large area in Northern MN. During the winter months, Curtis and his crew hauled logs from the Gunflint Trail. Curtis expanded his business to include selling Case Farm Machinery and the Feed Store for the farmers, bottle gas, the Ox Yoke Dance Hall and roller-skating rink. Hunters enjoyed many breakfasts in the hall before heading out to hunt.
In August 1961, Curtis and Lil purchased the Nursing Home in Olivia, MN. As needs for care grew, so did the nursing home. When they sold it in 1977, it had grown from 32 to 90 residents. Curtis served on the local and State Nursing Home Association for 17 years. During this time, he was on the Board and held the position of Director of the Association. Curtis and Lil built the Island Manor Assisted Living in Bird Island and were one of the four that built Tower Hill’s Senior Condo’s in Buffalo, MN. Curt liked to keep busy so for fun, he worked as a realtor in his retirement. For over 35 winters, Curt and Lil lived in Lake Havasu City, Arizona during their retirement.
Curtis was active in and served as the 1st president for the Olivia Lion’s Club. He helped organize the first parade for the Olivia Corn Capital Days. He was an active member of the Faith United Methodist Church in Olivia. Curtis was a member of the Olivia Mason receiving 50 years of membership. Curt and Lil traveled with the Tucson Shriners and were members of the Elks Club. Curtis enjoyed learning to fly and eventually owned his own plane. He also enjoyed old cars, collecting clocks, playing golf, and traveling. Curtis enjoyed coffee with friends and when losing the dice shaking, he would purchase coffee for everyone. He loved time with his family, including seven grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
Curtis is survived by his children, David (Dianne) Wood, of Independence, WI, Zona Smith, of Buffalo, MN, Steven (Pam) Wood, of Willmar, MN; and sister, Joan Wood Swanson, of Daytona, FL.
Curtis was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Carpenter Wood; son-in-law, David Smith; his sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Harlan Roth; and his brother-in-law, Royal Swanson.
Blessed Be His Memory
Arrangements were with Dirks-Blem Funeral Service of Olivia, MN, 320-523-1102, www.dirksblem.com.
Margaret Wurm, 92
Margaret Ann Wurm, age 92, of Annandale and formerly of Maple Lake Township, passed away on Monday, May 31, 2021.
She was born in Maple Lake on October 1, 1928, the daughter of Julius and Grace (McAlpine) Beck.
On October 15, 1949, Margaret Ann Beck and Thomas M. Wurm were joined in holy marriage at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake. God blessed their marriage with five children. Margaret and Tom farmed in Maple Lake Township, Wright County for many years. She was also employed as a CNA at The Buffalo and Monticello Hospitals and Ebenezer Nursing Home. Margaret enjoyed shopping, playing 500, traveling and dancing. She belonged to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Margaret was also a former greeter at Walmart.
She is survived by her children, Dennis (Donna) Wurm, of Clearwater, Steven Wurm, of Buffalo, Mary (David) Schmidt, of Annandale, and Daniel (Jacqueline) Wurm and John (Lois) Wurm, all of Buffalo; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Marilyn Beck, of Buffalo; many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas M. Wurm in 1991; by her parents; a sister, Mary (Thomas) Hammes; and by a brother, Robert F. Beck.
Mass of Christian Burial for Margaret Wurm was held on Friday, June 4, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Father Nathaniel Meyers was the Celebrant. Interment St. Timothy’s Cemetery in Maple Lake. A visitation was held at the church on Friday, June 4 one hour prior to Mass.
Casket Bearers were Thomas Wurm, Theodore Wurm, Thomas Piram, Kurtis Beck, Steve Beck and Justin Beck.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Celebrations of Life
Jo Ann
Fadden
A celebration of life will be held for Jo Ann Fadden on Sunday, June 13, 1-4 PM, 5242 90th Street NW, Maple Lake, MN. Beautiful garden party to honor Jo Ann.
