Obituaries 7/22/21

Joan Christiansen, 92

Joan Elizabeth Christiansen, passed into heaven, Thursday, July 15, 2021.

Joan was born August 6, 1928, to Willard and Martha (Dixon) Gilbert, in Buffalo, MN. She was united in marriage to Donald Christiansen on April 1, 1950. They were blessed with two children, Curtis and Jody.

Joan graduated from Buffalo High School and received her degree in education from St. Could State University. She taught first grade at the Buffalo Elementary School. “MRS. C” loved her first graders! Joan taught forty-plus years… teaching first grade and tutoring.

Don and Joan owned Wright County Ambulance for 20 years.

Joan is survived by daughter, Jody (Tom) Peterson; daughter-in-law, Margaret Christiansen Enns; grandchildren, Chuck Peterson, Buffalo, Jesse, Lucas and Aubrie Christiansen, all from Denver; great-grandson, Nick Peterson, North Carolina; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by parents; husband, Don; son, Curt; brother, Robert Gilbert; sister, Helen Bakke; sister-in-law, Joyce Gilbert; brothers-in-law, Lowell Sellin and Lester Bakke.

Funeral Service for Joan will be Monday, July 26, 2021, at 2:00 PM with visitation one hour prior to the service all at the Buffalo Evangelical Covenant Church, 1601 Hwy 25 N, Buffalo, MN. Officiating will be Pastor Reid Gilbert.

Casket bearers will be Jesse Christiansen, Lucas Christiansen, Gary Hill, Gary Haas, John Smelter, and Steve Hahn.

Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo, MN

Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN.

 


Catherine Elsenpeter, 88

Catherine Georgia Elsenpeter, age 88, of rural Buffalo passed away on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at her residence.

She was born on January 7, 1933, in Albertville, the daughter of Albert and Lena (Kasper) Barthel.

On April 28, 1962, Catherine Barthel and Clifford Elsenpeter were joined in holy marriage at St. Albert’s Catholic Church in Albertville. God blessed their marriage with five children.

She enjoyed quilting and baking. Catherine loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Catherine was a faithful member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo and served for many years on its Funeral Committee.

She is survived by her loving children, Jim (Pat) Elsenpeter, of Buffalo, Sue (Karl) Kiphuth, of Hanover, Joe (Jennie) Elsenpeter and George (Linda) Elsenpeter, all of Buffalo; a daughter-in-law, Janice (Keith) Mjoness; ten grandchildren, Jackie (Ray) Wurm, Kayla (Dave) Donner, Shannon Elsenpeter (Jonathan Barth), Angela Kiphuth, Steven (Brianna) Kiphuth, Jake (Kayla) Elsenpeter, Jay Elsenpeter, Lori (Kevin) Eckre, Ryan Elsenpeter and Tayler Elsenpeter; eleven great-grandchildren; sisters, Verena Zachman and Betty (Harvey) Zahler; sisters-in-law, Lois Liefert and Sylvia Barthel; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Clifford J. Elsenpeter; a son, John Elsenpeter; siblings, Alicetine Schroepfer, Florence Isenberg, Cecelia Fish, Clarence, Aloys, Louis, Ernie, Benno, Norman and Donald Barthel.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Catherine Elsenpeter was held on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Father Nathaniel Meyers was the Celebrant.

Interment followed at St. Timothy Cemetery in Maple Lake.

A visitation was held on Monday, July 19, at the church from 4-8 P.M. A prayer service was held at 7:00 P.M. Further visitation was held on Tuesday morning, July 20 at the church one hour prior to Mass.

Honorary Casket Bearers were Jackie Wurm, Kayla Donner, Shannon Elsenpeter and Tayler Elsenpeter.

Casket Bearers were Jake Elsenpeter, Jay Elsenpeter, Ryan Elsenpeter, Steven Kiphuth, Angela Kiphuth and Loralie Eckre.

The Peterson chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


Larry Geer, 73

Larry Douglas Geer, age 73, of Buffalo, MN, died peacefully on July 13, 2021, after a long battle with cancer. He was born May 23, 1948.

Larry grew up in Northeast Minneapolis and graduated from Edison High School in 1966. He served in the Navy right out of high school and then graduated from the U of M in 1977 with a degree in Industrial Education. He was employed by the City of Minneapolis for 29 years. 

Larry was a kind and generous man with many friends. He was a wonderful husband, father, and doting papa to his two grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling and spending the winters in Lake Havasu, AZ. He was a talented carpenter, welder, and a frustrated but aspiring golfer. 

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; daughter, Jamie (husband, Ryan); and two granddaughters, Dahlia (3) and Finley (2). 

He was preceded in death by parents, Cliff and June Geer; and daughter, Jessica. 

Larry left behind many friends and relatives who loved him. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Buffalo Food Shelf. 

A Celebration of Life for Larry to be held at the Buffalo American Legion on Saturday, July 24, 2021, from 2-5 pm.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


Burton Horsch, 90

Burton Raymond Horsch was born on Tuesday, June 30, 1931, on the farm in Middleville Township, Minnesota, to Raymond and Lillie (Melinsky) Horsch. He was baptized on July 19, 1931, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church of Howard Lake on March 25, 1945. Burt graduated from Howard Lake High School in 1949.

Burt met Marlys Nelson roller skating in Cokato. They were united in marriage on April 16, 1955, at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. In 1963, they purchased their current residence, a family farm in rural Victor Township. Marlys passed away February 5, 2015.

Burton was very active in and around Howard Lake. He served for 21 years on the Wright Hennepin Electric board, was currently a member of the Victor Township board, a member of the Minnesota Farm Bureau, AMPI, and C&H Ag Board. He was very active at St. James Lutheran Church where he had been Elder, Secretary, usher, and sang in the choir.

A lifelong farmer, he also drove school bus for Holt Motors and Howard Lake schools. He enjoyed gardening, reading, singing, and cutting wood. He was instrumental in special remembrance of his Uncle Harlan Melinsky who died during WWII, but whose remains were not recovered until recently, his dog tags were located.

Burton passed away at the Lodge Assisted Living, in Howard Lake on July 14, 2021. He had reached the age of 90 years, and 16 days.

Survivors include his children, Aaron (Stacy) Horsch, Amy (Carl) Fredricks; grandchildren, Adam and Noah Horsch, Jasmine Meservey, Cassandra (Seth) Shultz, and Stacie (Shane) Derichs; great-grandchildren, Charlie and Benjamin Shultz, and Zoey and Mallory Derichs.

He is further survived by brother, Donald (Noreen) Horsch, Harlan Horsch, John “Chub” Horsch; sisters, Margy Holm, Verla (Roger) Olson, and Pauline (Bob) Bellah.

Funeral Service was held 11 AM Monday, July 19, 2021, at St. James Lutheran Church of Howard Lake. Visitation was Sunday afternoon, 4-7 PM, at St. James Lutheran Church of Howard Lake, and one hour prior to funeral service on Monday. Interment was at Sunset Cemetery in French Lake Township, Minnesota.

Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Service Howard Lake and Cokato, 320-286-2534 or 320-53-3401.

 


Maxine Hoseck, 77

Maxine Ann Hoseck, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2021, at the Buffalo Hospital in Buffalo, MN.

Maxine was born on July 28, 1943, in Watertown, MN, the daughter of Joseph and Evangeline (Weiland) Burke. After growing up in Mound, MN, her family moved to Hopkins, where Maxine graduated in 1961.

In September of 1962, Maxine and Dan Stinson were united in marriage and to this union two daughters were born, Melissa Marie and Sheila Theresa. 

Maxine moved to Buffalo and spent most of her life in the Buffalo community. She worked at various hardware stores and retired from Wright Lumber. Maxine was known for her knowledge of hardware and, especially, for her expertise in the paint department.

Maxine loved playing softball, coaching young girls’ softball, and she established many close friends as a result. She was an active member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Buffalo, serving on many different committees.

She loved spending time with family, friends, neighbors, and her dogs. Her most treasured times were trying to teach the grandkids how to fish, especially since Maxine loved to fish herself. Maxine was most passionate about trout fishing in the streams of SE Minnesota. She enjoyed going to Jaden’s baseball games and to Avery’s school dance programs. Maxine loved to visit her brother, Mike, and his wife, Linda, at their lake home.

On July 21, 1981, she married Brad Hoseck and passed away just 10 days short of their 40th wedding anniversary.

Maxine and Brad enjoyed many trips to the Rocky Mountain region to visit Brad’s family, and they both shared Maxine’s love of fishing.

Maxine was preceded in death by her grandparents; parents, Joseph and Evangeline Burke; siblings, Michael Burke and Patricia Short; daughter, Melissa Scherf; several aunts, uncles, in-laws; and cousin, Mary.

She is survived by her husband, Brad Hoseck, of Buffalo, MN; daughter, Sheila Stinson, of Buffalo, MN; grandson, Jaden Perkins, of Hanover, MN; granddaughter, Avery Scherf, of Rogers, MN; sister-in-law, Linda Burke, of Merrifield, MN; several cousins, nieces, nephews; by her beloved aunt, Betty Weiland, of Mound, MN; also, many wonderful friends and neighbors.

Memorial services for Maxine will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m., all at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Buffalo. Luncheon to follow the service at church. Officiating will be Pastor Ryan Clark. Private family interment to be held at a later date.

Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN.

 


Roger Kirscht, 83

Roger William Kirscht, age 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, July 15, 2021. He was born in Albertville, Minnesota on April 30, 1938, to John George and Agnes (Thulen) Kirscht. He grew up in Albertville, Minnesota and graduated from St. Michael High School.

Roger was united in marriage to Phyllis Kurtzhals on November 30, 1963, in Coleridge, Nebraska. The couple settled on the Kirscht family farm in Otsego Township, Wright County, Albertville, Minnesota. To this union four children were born.

Roger was a farmer and then began a career in construction. He then worked for Minnesota Diversified (Diversifoam) for over 15 years until his retirement. After retiring, Roger continued to dabble in construction, worked assisting his son with electrical work, traveled with his wife and, eventually, became her caregiver.

He loved playing cards and piano, spoiling “Snoopy” (his dog), and could fix just about anything. Roger was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was known for his rhubarb strawberry jam, refrigerator pickles, and he continued, Phyllis; cookie-baking legacy making chocolate chip cookies to share and providing them for Caring and Sharing Hands.

Roger was a lifetime member of St. Albert Catholic Church in Albertville where he volunteered in a variety of activities. He also served on the Albertville Fire Department for 32 years.

Roger is survived by his children, Karen (Tim) Barthel, of Albertville, Denise (Scott) Olson, of Zimmerman, Paul Kirscht, of Albertville, and Michael Kirscht, of Buffalo; six grandchildren, Alexis and Kami Barthel, and Colton, Chase (Alyssa), Dawson and Graham Olson; five great-grandchildren, Gabe, Braylee, Ethan, Tyson, and Jackson. He is also survived by his siblings, Edward Kirscht, of Plymouth, Minnesota, and Eugene Kirscht, of LaPlata, Maryland.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Kirscht; parents, John George and Agnes Kirscht; sister, Mary Jane Kirscht; and brothers, Louis and Bennet Kirscht.

Visitation will be held Sunday, July 25, 2021, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, at The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 26, 2021, at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at St. Albert Catholic Church in Albertville, Minnesota.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to family and friends who visited and provided support during this difficult time, to the North Memorial Hospice team, and to Stacy Jensen and her group of nurses for their caring and compassion shown to Roger during these last months.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home, 763-497-5362, www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 


Dana Sampson, 59

Dana Lynn Sampson (nee Shaw), 59, passed away Wednesday, May 12, in North Memorial Hospital, Robinsdale, Minn.

Dana was born in Midland, Texas, and moved to Minnesota in 1980.

She was an active member of Buffalo United Methodist Church, often helping with Christmas dinners, Meals-on-Wheels, as well as a variety of events held at the church. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and playing card games with family. She also enjoyed dancing.

She is survived by her husband, David Sampson; daughter, Lindsay Shaw; step-child, Rian Ferrini; father, Morris Shaw; mother, Lynda Rosdahl; sisters, Kim Manno, Jennifer (David) Haggberg, Terri Vaught and Deanna Hoerauf; grandchildren, Maya and Ada; dogs, Spencer and Peanut; and cat, Miracle.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Buffalo United Methodist Church, 609 8th Street NW, Buffalo, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. and a light lunch to follow.

 

 


Leland Schut, 90

Leland John Schut was born October 29, 1930, in Corinna Township (southwest of Silver Creek) in Wright County, Minnesota, to John and Laura (Klemz) Schut. He died on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota, at the age of 90 years, 8 months, and 16 days.

Leland was baptized into the Christian faith by Rev. A. Cloeter on November 23, 1930, and affirmed his faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the rite of confirmation on December 31, 1944, with Rev. W. A. Lemke officiating. Both of these blessed events were conducted through Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Corinna Township.

He grew up on farms southwest of Silver Creek and moved with his family to the current farm home in 1947. He attended Annandale School grades 1-7; Silver Creek rural school (SW of Silver Creek), grade 7 (last 2 months) – 8th grade.

Leland married Donna Rotsolk on October 21, 1950, at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Silver Creek with Rev. C. F. Kurzweg officiating. They lived on the farm in Maple Lake Township during their married life. Leland was in the military service in the U.S. Army in 1954-1955, and spent eight months in Massachusetts, while stationed at Fort Devens outside of Boston.

He was a lifetime Dairy farmer, worked part time a few years for Bergstrom Bros. Farm Store in Buffalo, Minnesota, as a mechanic, he worked part time with his brother, Richard Schut in construction, and did fine cabinet work at home and around the area. He retired from dairy farming on April 15, 1995. He served on the Maple Lake Township Board for 32 years (1980 -2012) and many of those years as chairman.

Leland enjoyed woodworking, playing guitar, singing duets with his sister, Lola for many events at church, spending time reading, especially the Bible, which he taught with great knowledge of salvation history in the person of Jesus Christ, and creating layouts for model railroads after retirement began.

He was active in church at Immanuel, Silver Creek for many years as Sunday Superintendent, Youth Bible Study teacher, Treasurer, and choir member. At Hosanna Lutheran Church in Buffalo, where he currently held membership, he served as Treasurer and Trustee, and Choir member.

Survivors awaiting the resurrection include, son, Bruce (wife, Jan) Schut, of Scribner, Nebraska; two grandsons, Jordan Schut (fiancée, Katelyn Bean), of St. Louis, Missouri, and Micah Schut, of Ogallala, Nebraska; three sisters, Lola Veches, of Buffalo, Carolyn Krengel, of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, and Janet Frederick, of Dawson, Minnesota; one brother, Richard Schut (wife, Marcia), of Becker; one sister-in-law, Delores (husband, Jim) Hayes, of rural Maple Lake, Minnesota, and their two sons, Mark (wife, Sharon), of rural Buffalo, and David (wife, Shirley), of rural Monticello, Minnesota; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Leland was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna (August 2015); four brothers-in-law: Wayne Frederick, Ken Krengel, Gene Veches, and Charles Rotsolk; and sister-in-law, Eunice Rotsolk (in infancy).

The funeral was held last Monday, July 19, 2021, at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Buffalo. The Rev. Rob Jarvis conducted the service with members of Hosanna Church singing. Burial was at the Corinna Lutheran Cemetery between Silver Creek and Annandale.

 


Diane Veches, 65

Diane Barbara Veches, age 65, of Buffalo, passed away on Sunday, July 18, 2021, at Monarch Estates of Delano.

Funeral arrangements are pending at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com. 

A full obituary will appear in next week’s paper.

 


Celebrations of Life

 

Mary Cady

 You are invited to a get-together to remember Mary Cady, at the home of Tim Cady, 5251 Christen Ave. NE, Buffalo, on Saturday, August 7, at 12:00 noon. Lunch served from 12:00-3:00 p.m. Bring a fold-up chair, if you wish. Music by Wagon Wheelers Band. Tent available in case of rain or snow. Stay as long as you can, everyone Welcome!

 

 

 

 


Janice and Ivan Erickson

A Celebration of Life for Ivan and Janice Erickson, of St. Michael, will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021, with visitation at 9:00 a.m., and service at 10:00 a.m., Buffalo United Methodist Church, 609 8th St. NW, Buffalo, MN. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, Lovetotherescue.org.

 

 

 

 


Amy Beth Jones

Please join us in a Celebration of Life and 50th Birthday Party for Amy Beth Jones on Sunday, July 25, 2021 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at O’Ryan Event Center, 786 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN.

Amy passed away unexpectedly in January. We had planned to throw her a special party for her 50th birthday this month. We are hoping she will be enjoying her party with us from her new home in heaven.

 

 

 

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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