Obituaries 8/5/21

Ryan Bialke, 37

Ryan Andrew Bialke, 37, of Bemidji, MN, died Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at the Red Lake Hospital in Red Lake, MN.

Funeral Services were held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, August 2, 2021, at the Red Lake Humanities Building in Red Lake, MN. A wake began at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, August 1, 2021, at the Red Lake Humanities Building and continued until the time of the service. Interment will be at the Greenwood Cemetery in Bemidji, MN, under the direction of the Cease Family Funeral Home of Bemidji.

Ryan was born on February 2, 1984, in Buffalo, MN, the son of Michael and Lynnae (Sjelin) Bialke. He was raised and educated in Buffalo, MN, graduating from High School in 2002. He worked at Play it Again Sports in Buffalo, MN for four years, and at Rhino Inc. in Maple Lake, MN for six years. He attended the Grace Church in Wright County.

He got his degree in Law Enforcement from Rasmussen College. Ryan worked for the Red Lake Police Department for the last six years. He was an SOR officer, a breacher for the Emergency Response Team, and in charge of the Search and Rescue Dive Team. Ryan enjoyed helping where needed in the RLPD, he also enjoyed working at all the Pow-wows across the reservation. He married Hester Greenleaf in Las Vegas, NV, on May 22, 2021. He enjoyed hockey, fishing, hunting, road trips, singing his beloved country music out loud, being a practical joker, and Captain Coke’s with no ice. He loved spending time with family, friends, and serving Red Lake’s children and families.

He is survived by his wife, Hester Bialke, of Bemidji, MN; children, Paisley Bialke, of Bemidji, MN, Cayden Bialke, of St. Michael, MN, Austyn Bialke, of St. Michael, MN, Teagyn Bialke, of St. Michael, MN; step-children, Dylan Greenleaf, of Bemidji, MN, Kylie Jennifer, of Bemidji, MN; mother, Lynnae Bialke, of Buffalo, MN; brothers, Jeremy (Jen) Bialke, of Buffalo, MN, Daniel (Amanda) Bialke, of Barnesville, MN; nieces and nephews, Makenna, Kyler, Korra, Nolan; grandmother, Cecilia Bialke, of Colorado; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Mike Bialke; grandfather, Severyn Bialke; grandparents, Gordy and Eileen Sjelin; infants, Baby Bialke in 2020, and Baby Bialke in 2021.

Active casket bearers will be Daniel Bialke, Dana Lyons, Tyson Nelson, Jamus Veit, Joe Heyer, Alea Richardson, Chris Sumner, Ron Leyba, with alternates Dominic Hamre and Stephen Dow.

Honorary casket bearers will be: All of the Red Lake Police Department, Chelsea Clyne, Eric and Zack Sjelin, Maddie Schertz, Dana Lyons, Kelly Brunelle, Bill Brunelle, Walter Nevitt, Rachel Nevitt, Sam and Emily Sjelin, Amanda Mobley, Travis Small, Meagan Halstead, Tom Hughs, Laura Hughs, Amber Hughs, Wendy Shriver, Toby Dougherty, Aaron Gelle, employees at the Red Lake Courts, Red Lake Victim Services,  Red Lake Fire Department, Bemidji Police Department, Beltrami County Sheriff’s Department, Bemidji Fire Department, Leech Lake Tribal Police, Lower Sioux Tribal Police, White Earth Tribal Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

Condolences may be left at ceasefuneralhome.com.

 


Theresa Lindenfelser, 63

Theresa (Blue) Lindenfelser, 63, of Allentown, PA, formerly of Rockford, died suddenly at her home in Allentown, PA, May 27, 2021

A Celebration of Life is planned for August 28, 2021, at West Pulaski Park, 2021 Westridge Ct., Hwy 25 Buffalo, MN, Shelters 5 & 6, from 12 to 4 pm.

Theresa was born February 20, 1958, to Perry and Francis Blue. She was the seventh of ten children. She graduated from Rockford High School in 1976.

Theresa was married to George Lindenfelser in 1978, They had three children, Willie, Nicole, and Sam Lindenfelser.

George passed away in April of 2000. Theresa moved to PA in 2002. She always maintained her love for the Minnesota Vikings and was planning to move back to Minnesota to enjoy her retirement years with her children and grandchildren.

All are invited to share in the Celebration of Life and are asked to wear some sort of Vikings attire. Food and refreshments will be served.

Theresa is survived by her children, Willie Lindenfelser (Andrea Kolbinger), Nicole and Greg Beaty, Sam and Katy Lindenfelser; grandchildren, Maddison, Aiden and Keagan Beaty, Lainy and Megan Kolbinger; siblings and in-laws, Rose Schumacher, Paul Filmore, Barb (Pat) Stoddard, Jeannette Luoma, Mary (Mike) Stoddard, Rod (Sheree) Blue, Vicky Blue, Betty Jo (Tim) Reiss, Ricky Blue; mother-in-law, Barb Lindenfelser; many nieces, nephew, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Perry and Francis Blue; sister, Jean; brother, Randy; brothers-in-law, Leon Schumacher, Mike Coyle, Steve Luoma; father-in-law, Wilfred Lindenfelser.

Memorials preferred to the family.

 


Rosella Muckenhirn, 91

Rosella Marie Muckenhirn “Rose,” age 91, of Buffalo, formerly of Delano, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at the Glenn Memory Care in Buffalo, Minnesota. She was born on September 24, 1929, in Buffalo, Minnesota, to Frederick and Ellen (LaPlant) Otten. She was the ninth child of fourteen.

Rose was united in marriage to Clemens L. Muckenhirn on October 9, 1952, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. They raised their four children on the family farm outside of Delano.

Rose was a loving wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma. She enjoyed spending time with family, dancing to polkas and waltzes, working in her flower gardens, canning, playing cards, doing word finds and putting puzzles together.

Her love of music (listening and singing) took her on a journey to the Vatican as a member of the St. Peter Catholic church choir. She was an active member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Delano.

She was a member of Homemakers, Delano American Legion Auxiliary, volunteer with 4-H, and worked in catering and cleaning at the parish office and rectory.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clemens; siblings, Leo (Adeline) Otten, Ed (Bernice) Otten, Emily (Oscar) Gilles, Leonard (Adelaide) Otten, Bert (Betty) Otten, Marion (Ray) Muckenhirn, Joe (Dee) Otten, Fritz (Marie) Otten, Adeline (Ambrose) Dalbec, Dick (Marlowe) Otten, Bob Otten, Bernard Otten, and Jim Otten.

She is survived by children, Jim (Patti), Tom (Valerie), Lori (John) Salonek, and Chuck; grandchildren, Michael (Erin) Muckenhirn, Rachel (Chad) Mortenson, David (Antoinette) Muckenhirn, Travis (Cali) Salonek, Lindsay (Andrew) Hirsch, Brittany Salonek, Lexi Salonek, Codee Muckenhirn, and Benjamin Muckenhirn,; great-grandchildren, Addie Muckenhirn, Andrew Muckenhirn, Blake Mortenson, Brody Mortenson, Kaeson Salonek, Kinley Salonek, and Grey Salonek; sisters-in-law, Rita Otten, Jan Otten, and Jeanette Otten; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 AM on Friday, August 6, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, St. Peter campus in Delano. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 5, from 4-8 PM, with a 3:30 PM Rosary service and continues Friday, 10-11 AM prior to the Mass, ALL at Martha’s Hall on the St. Peter campus. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Delano. A luncheon will be held after at Hanzel Hall at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Delano.

Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano.

 


Mitchell Nelson, 37

Mitchell Gerald Nelson, age 37, passed away Wednesday July 21, 2021.

Mitch was born December 18, 1983, in Longview, Washington to Gene Olson and Sheila (Ellsworth) Nelson.

Mitchell was preceded in death by his grandparents, Donald and Geraldine Olson; grandmother, Dahlia Ellsworth; aunts, Donna and Leah (Ellsworth); and uncle, John Olson.

Mitchell is survived by his beloved children, Eleanor Mae and Henrik Finn Olson; their mother, Ingrid Olson; special best friend, Nicole Potter; his sister, Elizabeth; and brother, Brion; father, Gene Olson; mother, Sheila Mae (Ellsworth) Cadotte; grandfather, Arnold Marcus Ellsworth; maternal aunts, Connie, Delilah, Bonnie, Louana, Theresa; and uncle, Lester Ellsworth; paternal aunt, Marie (Olson) Numedahl; uncles, Gary, Duane, Jeff and Roger Olson.

Mitchell went to school in Alexandria, MN. His high school swim team took the state tournaments a few times, and he put in a number of years at BSU Bemidji. Mitch loved music, gaming, technology, construction and his service in the National Guard. His trade and passion was being a cook. He will be missed by many patrons from the restaurant he worked at. He believed in love and humanity. Mitchell was smart, funny, handsome, and surrounded by people who loved him. Mitchell was very unselfish and giving to others. He loved on the deepest level. He loved his children most of all.

Our family asks anyone who is suffering from mental illness or suspects a loved one may be hurting to please seek help.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday August 8, 2021, 4-6 p.m., at Sturges Park downtown Buffalo. All who knew Mitchell are invited to attend.

Another Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday August 21, 2021, at 2 p.m., in Alexandria, MN, at the city park at the bandstand, 118 City Park Road, Alexandria. All who knew Mitch are invited to attend.

 


Sally Norgren, 89

Sally J. Norgren, age 89, of Buffalo, died Sunday, August 1, 2021, at home.

Funeral Services will be held 11:30 a.m., Friday, August 6, 2021, at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale, with Pastor Alex Becker officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Annandale. Visitation will be held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Friday at the funeral chapel in Annandale. The service will be live streamed on the funeral home’s website.

Sally Jean Norgren was born February 11, 1932, in Minneapolis, to Harry B. and Gladys D. (Dale) Juliot. On October 14, 1950, she was united in marriage to James H. “Jim” Norgren in Minneapolis; they were blessed with three children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Sally and Jim lived in New Hope for 13 years and during that time, she worked for the Robbinsdale School District. In 1973, Sally and Jim moved to their new home in rural Buffalo. Sally was known as a kind-hearted lady who loved her family, collecting Precious Moments figurines, crocheting, cooking, and making her famous chocolate cakes. She enjoyed her trips to Branson, MO, and all her friends in the Wright County Car Club.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Jim, of Buffalo; children, Jim (Judy), of Brooklyn Park, Bonnie Norgren and fiancé, Rick Ryan, of Minneapolis, and Tim (Rosemary), of Annandale; grandchildren, Jessie Conrad, Jason, Josh, Trent, Kendra and Rilee Norgren; great-grandchildren, Ashley and Kaylee; many nieces and nephews.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Gladys Juliot; sisters, Eva Slupske, Lorraine Kehr and Ramona Morrison; brothers, Douglas, Harry Jr., Bernard and Larry Juliot.

Sally’s grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.

Obituary, Guestbook and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.

 


James Weldele, 83

James Francis Weldele, age 83, passed away peacefully at home in rural Buffalo, surrounded by loved ones on July 31, 2021.

Jim was born on September 8, 1937, in Buffalo Township at the Weldele Farm on Pelican Lake. He was the son of Fred Jr. and Clara (Kirscht) Weldele. He attended Pelican Lake Country School through eighth grade and then attended Buffalo High School where he graduated in 1955.

On June 19, 1965, Jim and Judy (DesMarais) were joined in holy matrimony at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. They moved to the farm they purchased and have lived there throughout their 56 years of marriage. Together, they had three children, Danny and twins Debbie and Diane.

Jim was an avid hunter. He loved duck hunting season on Pelican Lake and deer hunting throughout Minnesota. He hunted moose in Canada for 20 years with a few close friends. Jim also enjoyed ice fishing on Lake Mille Lacs and summer fishing with his grandchildren.

Jim was an NRA member for over 40 years and a Buffalo Conservation Club member for over 30 years. Jim and Judy were Farm Bureau members for over 50 years. In 1994, Jim and Judy were named Wright County Farm Family of the Year.

Jim and Judy enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, attended many years of Bluegrass Festivals, and cherished time on summer family vacations with their children and grandchildren.

Jim’s health issues started in 2014, and he was on oxygen for the last years of his life, which kept him close to home. He spent many hours putting puzzles together and was able to drive a tractor until the year before his death.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Judy; children, Danny (Adrean) Weldele, Debbie (Sinisa) Djukic and Diane (Jamie McCue) Toohey; grandchildren, Kinley and Corinne Toohey, Luca and Marco Djukic, Amber (Tony) Dickhausen, Cassie Carlson (fiancee Andrew Bryan), Dylan (Regan Kostka) Westrum, Samantha Westrum; great-grandchildren, Cadence, Cooper, and Hazel; a sister, Mary (Doug) Quady; many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, Fred Jr. and Clara; sisters, Lorraine (Vernon) Spike, Catherine (Jack) Rachel; and brother, Bill Weldele.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, August 4, from 4-7 p.m., at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Further visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, August 5, one hour prior to Mass. Mass of Christian Burial for James Weldele will be held on Thursday, August 5, at 11 a.m., at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo. Father Nathaniel Meyers will be the Celebrant. Interment St. Mark’s Cemetery-Pelican Lake. Luncheon and Celebration of Life will follow at Huikko’s.

Honorary casket bearers will be Luca and Marco Djukic.

Casket bearers will be Dylan Westrum, Bruce Schmidt, Scott DuCharme, Bruce Quady, Curt Quady and Jerry Smith.

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

 


Madasin Woodford, 10

Madasin Rain Woodford, age 10, of Hamel, and formerly of Annandale, passed away on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at her residence.

She was born on March 1, 2011, in St. Cloud the daughter of Devon A. Wicktor and Francine E. Woodford.

Madasin enjoyed swimming, camping, the out of doors and gymnastics. She was an all-around active little girl who loved her brother. A beautiful soul!

Madasin is survived by her father, Devon Wicktor; her mother, Francine Woodford; a brother, Cloud; her paternal grandmother, Pamela Wicktor; maternal grandfather, Michael Woodford; her maternal great-grandfather, Keith Woodford; aunties, uncles, and lots of cousins.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Willias Simcoe Jr. and her maternal grandmother, Tammy Woodford.

A Memorial Service for Madasin Rain Woodford will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. at The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home.

The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

 

 


Celebrations of Life

 

Kay Adele Strand

Kay Adele (Lundsten) Strand, formerly of Buffalo, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 8, 2020. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 8, 2021 at the United Methodist Church in Willmar. Feel free to bring a painting of Kay’s to display. We’ll have easels set up around the church. Wear something colorful -- Kay would love that.

 

 

 

 

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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