Obituaries 09/03/26
Nealie Dixon, 77
Nealie Elizabeth Dixon, 77, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. She was born on October 6, 1948, at Troy Hospital in Troy, North Carolina, to Winford Reece and Lizzie Haywood.
Nealie grew up in rural North Carolina as the only girl among four brothers. Two younger sisters came along later whom she would love and care for. From an early age, she developed the toughness, strength, and determination that would become defining qualities throughout her life. At 6’ 2’’ tall, she earned recognition as a star center on the women’s basketball team. She graduated from West Montgomery High School in 1966.
In 1967, Nealie met and married Walter “Butch” Dixon, beginning a marriage that would last 58 years. Shortly after their marriage, she made a major change in her life, moving from North Carolina to rural Minnesota. There, she built a life centered on family, community, and service. Nealie served as the lead administrator of Hanover Elementary School for more than 30 years. Generations of students came to know and respect “Mrs. Dixon.” Many graduates testified that Nealie had “eyes in the back of her head.”
While Nealie devoted herself to her work and her family, she also found great joy in the things she loved to do. She was a loyal Legion Auxilliary treasurer for many years, she loved to fish large-mouthed bass and sunfish (with her cane pole), she was an avid crocheter, and an enthusiastic cook and baker. She especially loved preparing large meals for the people she loved, with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren among her favorite guests. Her family will remember the many meals she prepared and the special recipes that became part of their shared memories, including her signature pecan pie and no-crust quiche.
Nealie was preceded in death by her parents, Winford Reece and Lizzie; her brothers, Winford, Calvin Duncan, Bruce, and Brice; and her grandchildren, Stephanie and Robert.
She leaves behind her beloved husband, Walter “Butch” Dixon; her brothers, Ray (Mary) and Milton (Paula); sisters, Faye (Tom) and Swannie (Stanley); her children, Mathew (Beth), Robert “Reece” (Lisa), Kathleen and Diane; grandchildren, Andrew, Eli, Michael, Justyn, Megan, Ezra, Eden, Enoch, Eleora “Ellie”, Emanuel “Manny,” Mason, and Ezekiel “Zeke.” She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Oden and Lyla.
Nealie’s life was marked by strength, devotion, hard work, and above all, love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy in the many students she guided, the long and faithful marriage to her husband Butch, the family she cherished, her many deep friendships that lasted beyond the classroom (and legion hall) and the countless meals and memories she created along the way. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Funeral services for Nealie Dixon will be held on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover. Pastor Luke Schmidt will officiate.
Private interment St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery.
A visitation was held on Wednesday, September 2, from 4-8 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. A Prayer service was held at 7:00 P.M. Further visitation will be held on Thursday morning, September 3, one hour prior to services at the church.
Honorary Casket Bearers will be Andrew, Megan, Eden and Eleora Dixon, and Justyn Lindsay.
Casket Bearers will be Eli, Michael, Ezra, Enoch, Emanuel and Ezekiel Dixon, and Mason Lindsay.
The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Audrey Mainquist, 95
Audrey Verona (Krause) Mainquist, loving mother and community member, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026. Audrey was born in Buffalo, Minnesota, on November 24, 1930, to Freda and Julius Krause. Throughout her life, Audrey exemplified the virtues of love, faith, and family, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know her.
Audrey’s early years in Buffalo were marked by her academic excellence, culminating in her graduation as the valedictorian of the 1949 class at Buffalo High School. Her intellect and dedication to learning were the foundation upon which she built a life filled with love and service.
In May of 1955, Audrey married the love of her life, Stanley Mainquist, at St. John’s Lutheran Church — a place that held great significance throughout her life. Together, they raised their three sons, Kent, Jim, and Phil, in Buffalo, nurturing a family rooted in strong values and enduring bonds. Audrey was not only a devoted wife but also a steadfast support to Stan during his service in the United States Army during the Korean War.
Her career path was as diverse as it was meaningful. Audrey worked in various roles, from deputy auditor, to serving as a baker at the local Cub and working in the Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles, and her favorite — watching her grand kids. Yet, her most treasured roles were undoubtedly those of a mother, Sunday School teacher, and Cub Scout leader, where her nurturing spirit and dedication to others shone brightly.
Audrey’s life was deeply intertwined with St. John’s Lutheran Church, where she was baptized in 1930 and confirmed in 1945. Her lifelong involvement included participation in the women’s missionary fair, the sewing and quilting groups, and her cherished contribution of embroidered dish towels for church events. Her faith was the guiding light of her life, embodied in her confirmation verse, Matthew 6:23: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto thee.”
Beyond her commitments, Audrey found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She cherished her time at White Swan Lake, where she shared the joy of fishing and campfires with her family. Audrey’s love for baking, arts and crafts, and sports — particularly her enthusiasm for Minnesota’s teams and her grandsons’ football games — added a vibrant dimension to her life.
Her later years at The Waters of Plymouth were enriched by her active participation in community activities, including puzzles, arts and crafts, and games. Audrey’s direct communication, dry wit, and independent spirit endeared her to all, as did her boundless love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Predeceased by her husband, Stanley; and sisters, Luverne Erickson, Irene Becker, and Eloise Denny, Audrey’s legacy endures through her children, Kent, Jim, and Phil; her seven grandchildren, Susan, Reed, Mallory, Scott, Lucy, Oscar, and Milo; and her seven great-grandchildren.
In honor of Audrey’s life and her commitment to her community, contributions can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buffalo.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, September 3, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church – 302 2nd St. NE, Buffalo, MN, at 1:00 P.M. with visitation beginning at 11:30 AM. Interment to follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
RoseAnne McCoy, 79
RoseAnne Jeanette McCoy, age 79, of Monticello, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. She was born in Glenwood, MN, on August 29, 1946, to Harvey and Lucy (Bartos) Femrite.
She attended school in Howard Lake and graduated from Delano High School in 1964.
In 1968, the Femrite family faced tragedy when they experienced a housefire and four of RoseAnne’s siblings passed away from the fire.
On October 16, 1971, RoseAnne Femrite and Marvin McCoy were united it Holy Matrimony at St. Peter Catholic Church in Delano, MN.
RoseAnne was the most kind and generous person who dedicated her career, and personal life, to serving others. She was the best “take-in-the-street-kid Mom” to many. She cared for so many and always rooted for the underdog.
She enjoyed Polka dancing, attending the Monticello flea market, and garage sales, traveling and visiting family along the way, camping and staying overnight in Catholic Church parking lots, puzzles, reading books, crossword puzzles, solitaire, tending to her flower gardens, cooking, and she especially loved spending time with her family and friends. In 2001, RoseAnne took a trip to Ireland, learning how to drive on the wrong side of the road, kissing the Blarney Stone, seeing the Cliffs of Moher, and drinking beer with one of the mayors. This trip was four days prior to 9/11, she ended up being stranded in Ireland for about a month. She said it was scary to be an American in Ireland at that time.
She is preceded in death by her son, Jeff Femrite; daughter-in-law, Taunia Femrite; parents, Harvey and Lucy Femrite; and siblings, Eugene, Ronnie, Mary, Richard, Jimmy.
RoseAnne is survived by her loving husband, Marvin McCoy; children, Greg Femrite (Michelle), Andria Femrite, Jennifer McCoy-Lay (Chad Lay); grandchildren, Tarisa Anderson, Carrina Femrite, Cassandra Femrite, Ashley Femrite, Tarissa Femrite, Breanna Femrite, Willa Femrite, Tawni Walker (Joseph), Raven McCoy-Lay, Cylas McCoy-Lay; great-grandchildren, James, Elias, Maddie, Joshua, Jordan, Jenaea, Heidi; siblings, Robert, Leona, Kathleen, Lucyann; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 11:00 A..M, with visitation one hour prior, at the Church of Saint Henry, 1001 E 7th St, Monticello, MN.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Church of Saint Henry.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel of Monticello, MN, 763-295-2918.
Wayne Mero, 85
Wayne Perry Mero, age 85, of Milaca, passed away peacefully at the VA in Saint Cloud with his family by his side on August 30, 2026. A celebration of life will be held Friday, September 4, 2026, at the Peterson-Johnson Funeral Home from 2-5 P.M.
Wayne was born in Maple Lake, Minnesota, on June 27, 1941. He attended school in Buffalo. He worked in construction early in life in Buffalo, where he met Janice, and they were married. They resided on Crawford Lake. Later, they moved to Milaca, where he took up farming until retirement and moved to town. He recently resided at the VA in Saint Cloud.
Wayne is survived by his sons, Todd (Nam) Mero, of Raeford, NC, and Chad (Theresa) Mero, of Emily, MN; grandchildren, Sunny and JC Mero, CJ Monse, Kristine (Eli) Starr, and Logan Mero; great-grandchildren, Domenick, Lincoln, and Zoe Starr.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice; son, Shawn; brother, Norman; sister, JoAnn, and parents.
Loren Peterson, 75
Loren Wayne Peterson, age 75, of Monticello, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at his residence.
Funeral services for Loren Peterson will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 12 noon at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9141 County Road #101, in Corcoran.
Visitation AT THE CHURCH two hours prior to services.
Interment with military rites St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery.
A complete obituary will appear in next week’s paper.
The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Karla Walberg, 58
Karla Kay Walberg, age 58, of Maple Lake, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
She was born on December 4, 1967, in Beatrice, Nebraska, the daughter of Arnold W. and Ruth E. (Ladda) Goerke.
She was baptized in Beatrice, Nebraska, on December 24, 1967.
Karla was also instructed in the Lutheran catechism and confirmed in the Christian faith on May 1, 1983, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Anoka.
On October 11, 1997, Karla K. Goerke and Randy Walberg were joined in holy marriage at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Middleville Township, Wright County, Minnesota. God blessed their marriage with two children. The couple later divorced.
Karla was formerly employed at Altron in Anoka and also at Pace in Maple Lake.
She enjoyed bowling, bingo, playing cards, and going to the State Fair.
Karla was a faithful member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church where she belonged to LWML, helped with Vacation Bible School, and served snacks after church.
Survived by her loving children, Steven Walberg, of Maple Lake, and Kaylee Walberg, of Waverly, and fiancé, Austin Johnson; sisters, Deborah (Jim) Schaufler, of Maple Lake, Rebecca “Becky” (Mark) Himmelspach, of Apache Junction, Arizona, and Renee (Daren) Demarais, of Maple Lake; other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, Arnold W. Goerke in 2017 and Ruth E. Goerke in 2020.
Funeral services for Karla Walberg were held on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Middleville Township, Wright County. Pastor Brian Thorson officiated. Mrs. Jennifer Thorson was the organist.
Interment followed in the church cemetery.
A visitation was held on Sunday, August 30, from 4-8 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. A Prayer service will be held at 7:00 P.M. Further visitation will be held on Monday morning, August 31, at the church one hour prior to services at the church.
Casket Bearers were David Barstow, Ryan Remer, Spencer Wright, Jaret Demarais, Justin Demarais, and Heather Schaufler.
Jayce Demarais was the Cross Bearer.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Kenneth Weese, 78
Kenneth Benjamin Weese, age 78, of Buffalo, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at The Cokato Manor in Cokato, MN.
A full obituary will appear in next week’s paper
Funeral arrangements are pending at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
