Obituaries 10/01/26
Hertha Dixon, 107
Hertha Lydia Dixon, age 107, of Buffalo, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Parkview Care Center in Buffalo.
A visitation will be held on Friday, October 2, from 5-7 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 Saturday morning, October 3, at the church one hour prior to services.
Funeral services for Hertha Dixon will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Greenfield.
Interment Salem Lutheran Cemetery in Greenfield.
A full obituary will appear in next week’s paper.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Barbara Frappier, 69
Barbara R. Frappier, age 69, of Annandale, died on September 20, 2026, at her home under the care of hospice and her family.
Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 9, 2026, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery, Annandale. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday and 10-11 a.m. on Friday, both at the funeral home. Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society.
Barbara Ruth Patnode was born on January 21, 1957, in Buffalo to Gilbert and Ruth (Phillips) Patnode. She graduated from Rockford High School with the Class of 1975. Barb spent a decade as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Annandale Care Center.
Barb started her family in Rockford and in 1992, Barb moved to Annandale, where she built a home filled with love. On New Year’s Eve in 1993, she married Don Frappier, with whom she shared 20 years of love before his passing in 2008. In 2010, Barb again found joy and companionship with Roger Petzel.
Barb enjoyed camping under the stars, traveling to new places, and cherishing moments spent with her grandchildren and friends. She loved supporting her kids, and now her grandchildren, in their activities. Barb will be remembered for her baked goods, compassion, and care for others.
Barb is survived by her partner, Roger Petzel, of Annandale; children, Jen (Scott) Jones, of Annandale, and Justin (Mary) Olsen, of Cokato; siblings, Beverley (Kenneth) Klein, of Buford, GA, Duane (Terri) Patnode, of Corcoran, and Donald (Marge) Patnode, of Nowthen; grandchildren, Xavier, Varner, and Avianna Jones, and Will, Jack and Adeline Olsen; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Donald Frappier.
Barb’s grandchildren will serve as urn bearers for the service. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and Service Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
Rita Heidelberger, 84
Rita Margaret Heidelberger, age 84, of Buffalo, passed away in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on September 23, 2026, surrounded by family.
She was born the daughter of Arthur and Viola (Kotten) Watkins on August 6, 1942, in St. James, Minnesota. Rita was the oldest of 12 siblings.
On January 16, 1965, Rita was united in marriage to Dennis Heidelberger in Comfrey, MN. God blessed their marriage with seven children.
Rita held many jobs during her life, from middle school cook and librarian to working at the Broen Nursing Home in Fergus Falls as a nutritionist and cook. She was also a master seamstress for years, sewing numerous dresses and drapes for family and friends. Her greatest love, though, was being a homemaker and mom. She loved the memories made, the meals had, and the time spent being a grandma.
Rita also loved quilting. She made many quilts for her family, Catholic functions, and also for Quilts of Valor. She volunteered at church making quilts and many bedrolls for people in need.
Rita received her first LVAD HeartMate in November of 2013. Along with the help of Dennis, she took meticulous care of her machines recording her numbers daily. Even the nursing staff said she needed to come teach everyone else how to care of the device. Over the last 13 years, she has had numerous appointments at the U of M and had three heart surgeries for new pumps.
She is survived by her children, Kenneth Heidelberger, Norman (Sarah) Heidelberger and their children, Kaitlin, James, Gabrielle, Christina and Ciaran; Rebecca (Kevin) Kolle and their children, Jared (Paige), Tanner and Easton; Teresa (Christopher) Meyers, and their children, Kiersten, Matthew, and Nicholas; Kevin (Lori) Heidelberger and their children, Garrett and Emily; Mark Heidelberger and his children Jayden and Melayna, and Barbara Heidelberger; siblings, Carol Watkins, Jessica Watkins, Peter (Tanya) Watkins, Patrick (Patricia) Watkins, Daniel (Cindy) Watkins, Samuel (Michelle) Watkins, Alice Wills, and Randal (Michelle) Watkins; also many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Viola Watkins; husband, Dennis Heidelberger; siblings, William (Anna) Watkins, Catherine Watkins, and Eugene Watkins.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN.
Celebrant will be Father Austin Barnes.
Casket bearers will be Rita’s grandsons, Jared Kolle, Tanner Kolle, Easton Kolle, Garrett Heidelberger, James Heidelberger, Matthew Meyers, Ciaran Heidelberger, Nicholas Meyers, and Jayden Heidelberger.
Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., Assembly Area 4.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Bernard Jansen, 67
Bernard “Bernie” Allen Jansen, age 67, of Buffalo, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026, at his residence.
Bernie was born in Mankato, MN, to the late Ray and Jeri Jansen on April 9, 1959. He grew up with his four siblings in Kasota, MN, and attended St. Peter High School. He continued his education at Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, graduating with a degree in Architectural Drafting. He began his career at Van Sickle Allen & Associates (now VAA, LLC since 2008). He demonstrated his intelligence and leadership skills as a project manager and eventually worked his way into a partner position. He was recently honored by Vigen Construction for 35 years of service as their “go to guy” for structural engineering year after year, project after project. He was a quiet, confident leader. His impact with VAA will never be forgotten.
Bernie lived his life with passion for work and play. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and loved to entertain friends and family at his lake home in Buffalo, MN. He wintered in the Florida Keys and enjoyed the island life and ocean boating and fishing there also. He was co-owner of Birch Haven Resort near Bemidji, MN, in the late 1980’s when he and his parents bought the small family resort, which they ran together for 17 years.
Bernie’s children, Bryce and Brooke, were the pride and joy of his life. He gave tirelessly, leaving his children a lifetime of love, security, and boundless support. Bernie was kind and generous. He was a friend to everyone and always willing to help anyone in need. He had a heartwarming smile, and hugs were always available. He will be missed by his countless friends and family members.
He is survived by his children, Bryce (Lauren) Jansen and Brooke Jansen; siblings, Sarah (Gary) Landmann, John (Amanda) Jansen, Lois (Larry) Corbett, and Bill (Shawn) Jansen.
A Celebration of Life for Bernard “Bernie” Jansen will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. at the Plymouth Community Center in the Plymouth Room – 14800 34th Ave. N, Plymouth, MN 55447.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Dale LaFave, 57
May 15, 1969 – September 23, 2026
Dale John LaFave, 57, of Fairhaven, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, at St. Cloud Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Dale was born on May 15, 1969, to Gerald and Judy Marquette LaFave. He was a hardworking man who spent his life doing many kinds of work. From sewer and water work as a pipe layer, to hanging drywall and driving tractors for local crop farmers, Dale was never afraid of hard work and was always willing to lend a hand.
Dale had a passion for welding and enjoyed working with his hands. He also loved cutting down trees and preparing the wood to keep a fire going. These simple things brought him enjoyment, and those who knew him will remember him for his hardworking nature, his determination, and the way he lived life in his own way.
Preceded him in death his son, Cody. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph and Gerald “Gunner;” and his sister-in-law, Kellie.
He leaves behind his parents, Gerald and Judy; family members, Bob and Donna, Tom and Heidi, and Darrel and Renee, Whitey; sisters, Chris-Harlan Mauk and Jeanne and Ron Weinand; along with extended family and friends who shared memories and moments with Dale throughout his life.
Though Dale’s passing leaves a deep hole in the hearts of those who loved him, the memories he made and the mark he left on the people around him will remain. He will be remembered for the life he lived, the work he was proud of, and the people he cared about.
A Memorial service for Dale John LaFave will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, Minnesota. Pastor Bruce Gatz will officiate.
Family and friends are invited to come together to remember Dale, share stories, and celebrate his life.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Jolene Schweisthal, 66
Jolene Marie Schweisthal, age 66, of Buffalo, MN, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026. She was born on March 29, 1960, in Faribault, MN, the daughter of Joel Turner and Marlene (Spitzack) Giefer, and stepdaughter of Lawrence Giefer.
Jolene was a cosmetologist for 46 years, proudly serving her community and clientele. She loved crafting, collecting décor, cross-stitching, and making gifts for her family and friends. She enjoyed vacationing anywhere warm and sunny, taking many trips with her family and traveling to exotic locations. She also enjoyed trap shooting with her husband and family and took pride in participating in the local trap shooting league.
Jolene was preceded in death by her parents, Joel Turner and Marlene (Spitzack) Giefer; former spouse, Richard Burgess; and brother, Jeffrey Turner.
Jolene is survived by her loving husband, Jeffrey Schweisthal; children, Casey (Burgess) Melville (Ryan Melville), Tyler Schweisthal (Kristina (Tiedeman) Schweisthal), and Taylor Schweisthal; grandchildren, Colin Melville and Theodore Schweisthal; brother, Lawrence Giefer (Joan (Reinarts) Giefer); stepfather, Lawrence Giefer; and many other family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life for Jolene Schweisthal will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Lester Sheets, 67
Lester Sheets, age 67, of Rockford, MN, passed away on September 23, 2026, in Robbinsdale, MN.
Lester was born the son of Lewis Clarence and Lana Rose (Honeycutt) Sheets on November 5, 1958, in Redwood Falls, MN.
He will be remembered as a man who could do just about anything and who never seemed to meet a project he couldn’t figure out. He was a true hands-on person who enjoyed working with his mind and his hands, whether he was building model cars, rebuilding classic cars, or simply finding a way to make things work.
He had a lifelong love of cars, especially classic cars and car shows. He enjoyed building model cars and took great pride in rebuilding and restoring classic automobiles.
Fishing was another important part of his life. He spent many memorable days fishing with his brother and brothers-in-law in Canada and many other places. Lester would take his girls fishing all the time and created great memories along the way. He especially enjoyed fishing for walleye and was affectionately known as the “Walleye King” and also “Les Meister.”
Lester also enjoyed bowling and participated in a bowling league at Huikko’s in Buffalo. He had a curious and adventurous spirit and loved finding “treasures” wherever he went—even things others might overlook along the side of the road or in a dumpster.
Above all, he treasured the people in his life. He is survived by his former wife and best friend, Gayle Roesler; daughters, Brenda (John), Kristina, Samantha, Jessica (Tim), Sarah (A.J.) Self; grandchildren, Jonathan, Jacob and Joshua, Nickolas, Noah, Jordan and Tommy, Lincoln and Jameson; great-grandchildren, Belle and Benito, with another great-grandchild on the way; siblings, Lewis Jr. “Butch” (Betty) Sheets, Kenny Sheets and Bruce Sheets; brother-in-law, Charles Benson; also many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Lana Sheets; brothers, Lee Sheets and Sherman Sheets; sister, Linda Benson.
Time of Sharing will be held for Lester on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the sharing at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Private family interment to be held at a later date.
Arrangements were entrusted to The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN.
Mary Stevens, 90
Mary Terese (Schoenecker) Stevens, of Buffalo, MN, passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 90 years of age. She was born in Spokane, WA, on May 26, 1936, to Norbert and Mary Schoenecker. She was the third of ten children.
Her family moved to Maple Lake in 1940, where Mary graduated from Maple Lake High School. She married Dick Stevens in 1956, and they raised six children.
Mary worked at Burkland’s Clothing Store from 1973-1981, then Cohen’s Department Store from 1982-1992. Mary always had a love for fashion; people came from miles to be styled by her or even just to see what she was wearing that day. After Cohen’s, she then went to work for the family business, Stevens Drilling & Environmental Services Inc, from 1993 – 2013 when she retired.
After her retirement, she was able to take the time to spend endless hours with her family. She gave her time, love, and energy without hesitation and with extreme dedication. Mary was also very generous and supportive of her community in many ways, including various forms of the arts. Her laugh, encouraging words, and her love will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Preceded in death by her husband, Dick; and her daughter, Patty (Stevens) Hankinson.
Survived by Michael (Jean) Stevens, Tim (Tamara) Stevens, Lisa (Kevin) Bursch, Mary Sue Stevens and Jeff Aldrich, Jeannie (Dan) Hintz; 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Wake is on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo from 3-6 p.m.
Celebration of life will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Buffalo American Legion from 1-5 p.m.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
