Death Notices - Paynesville Press, Paynesville, Minnesota
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Death Notices
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.

November 2024


Johnson Funeral Home


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Obituary Archives

Evelyn Moore, 92, Paynesville
Evelyn J. Moore, 92, of Paynesville, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 10, at Koronis Place Assisted Living. A dedicated mother, grandmother, and community member, Evelyn will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and remarkable life. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville. Visitation was held from 5 to7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, at Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Burial followed at Paynesville Cemetery. Evelyn was born on Jan. 12, 1932, to Theodore and Bernice (Eighner) Foreman in Paynesville Township. She attended elementary school in Paynesville, graduated from Paynesville High School in 1950, and married Donald E. Moore on April 7, 1962, in Watseka, Ill. Together, they raised two children, Diane and David, until Donald's passing in 1970, after which Evelyn carried on with incredible resilience as a single mother and caregiver for her own aging parents. Evelyn worked as a bookkeeper for Hoiseth Ford and Mercury, later Yarmon Ford, until the remarkable age of 90. A familiar face in her community, Evelyn was a devoted member of Grace United Methodist Church, a volunteer in community tax preparation, and an active member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She contributed her time by driving a school bus, delivering Meals on Wheels, and teaching water aerobics. A lifelong learner and nature enthusiast, Evelyn had a deep knowledge of wild edible plants and mushrooms, which she loved to share with others. Evelyn found great joy in gardening and flower shows, where her blooms won many ribbons. She was also a proud lifetime member of the Paynesville Historical Society. Evelyn is survived by her daughter Diane (Brad) Nelson of Rogers, Minn.; son David (Audrey) Moore of Fairfax, Va.; grandsons Nathan (Madi) Nelson, Nicholas Nelson, Alexandre Moore, and Edward Moore; sister Bonnie Kamps of Sun Valley, Calif.; brother Charlie Foreman of Cambridge, Minn.; and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, her late husband Donald, and her older sister Ellen Bills. Her family and friends will forever remember Evelyn's loving and caring nature, her resilience, and her commitment to her community. Donations may be made in her name to a charity of your choice, honoring her generous spirit.


Valarie Lass, 79, Richfield

Valarie was born Nov. 22, 1944, in Wayzata, the daughter of Roderick Carlock and Violet Owen (Pratt). She grew up in Paynesville, Minn., with her five siblings: Roderick David Owen of Baldwin, Wis., Rosemarie (Richard) Cloakey of Staples, Verna (Curt) Gruber of Buffalo, Terry Owen of Zimmerman, and Timothy Owen of Minneapolis. She graduated from Paynesville High School in 1963. Val has five children: Mycheal Gheparde of Everett, Wash., Dawn (Frank) Reese of Shorewood, Steven (Krista) Lass of Ramsey, James Lass of Shakopee, and Robin (Wesley) Myers of Eagan. Val also has 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren with two more on the way. Val was preceded in death by her parents and two grandchildren. Val worked as a daycare provider for many years. She also worked in a few offices doing clerical work, filing, mail, data entry, and answering phones. She retired from Information Providers, and in March 2023 she moved in with her daughter Dawn, son-in-law Frank, and grandson John. On June 15, 2024, Val suffered a stroke, and after 12 days in the hospital she moved to Lake Minnetonka Shores in Spring Park, Minn. The family thanks LMS (Lake Minnetonka Shores) for the kind and compassionate care Val received.


Bill Brinkman, 77, Paynesville

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for William A. "Bill" Brinkman, 77, of Paynesville. Bill passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the CentraCare - Paynesville Hospital. Reverend Glenn Krystosek officiated. Private burial took place in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery in Cold Spring. Visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Visitation continued on Saturday at the church. Bill was born Oct. 13, 1947, in St. Cloud to Leonard and Vitalia (Theisen) Brinkman. He graduated from St. Cloud Cathedral High School and then St. John's University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1970-1972. He married Bernadette "Bernie" Esplan on July 27, 1974, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring. Bill taught a few years in Michigan and New Ulm, but spent over 30 years teaching math in Paynesville. Bill enjoyed the outdoors, both fishing and hunting. He enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge. For many years, he and Bernie enjoyed winter cruises. He was a member of the St. Louis Catholic Church, where he sang in the choir and taught religion. Bill loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. Bill is survived by his wife Bernie; his sons David (Emily) and Andy (Mindy), both of Shakopee; his grandchildren, Ben, Josh, Max, Olivia, and Wyatt; his siblings Rob (Barb) of St. Joseph, Karen (Ron) Valentine of Blooming Prairie, Steve (Jeanette) of Cold Spring, John (Mitzie) of Avon, Tom (Diane) of Naperville, Ill., Peter (Jan) of Otsego, Paul (Jodi) of St. Joseph, and Scott of St. Joseph; and brother-in-law Bob Gray (Rhea) of White Bear Lake. Preceding him in death were his parents; sister Sue Gray; godson Timothy Valentine; and sister-in-law Eileen Brinkman. Memorials are preferred, in lieu of flowers, to the R.O.S.E Center in Paynesville.


David Sorum, 91, Maryland

David William Sorum, 91, of Havre de Grace, Md., passed away on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Born to Kermit and Corolla Sorum on Feb. 9, 1933, in Minneapolis, he was a source of joy and resilience throughout his remarkable life. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Kermit Jr.; sister-in-law Bertha (Babe); son Daniel; and great-granddaughter Emma Grace. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda of Havre De Grace, Md; sister Karen (Ralph) Tully of Edina, Minn.; and five sons: Michael (Diana) of Scottsdale, Ariz., Mark of Sacramento, Calif., Matthew (Adriane "Ace" Harper) of Palm Springs, Calif., David Jr. (Alicia) of Churchville, Md., and Jacob of Havre De Grace, Md. He also leaves behind six grandchildren: Sarah (Art) Clark, Terra (Jason) Van Zant, and Juliette, Alexander, Madaleine, and Lou Ellington Sorum; and seven great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family, including Stacy Wood, who was like a daughter to him. David's memory will forever be etched in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.  He attended Wooddale grade school in Edina and was a member of Edina High School's first graduating class in 1951. He went on to earn a BA from the University of Minnesota and was a member of Chi Psi Fraternity. He began his career as a stockbroker. He later went on to become a dedicated educator, who touched the lives of countless students as a math teacher and as a high school wresting coach within the Whittier Union High School District in California. With a passion for shaping young minds, he instilled a love for learning that transcended the classroom.  A lifelong lover of horses, Dave raised thoroughbreds on his farm in Paynesville, Minn., and raced many of them from Hollywood Park to Canterbury Downs. His passion inspired his sons Michael and David Jr. to become veterinarians. In the late 1960s. he took a sabbatical from teaching and traveled across Europe in a Volkswagen bus. fostering a spirit of adventure that inspired his son Matt to become a world-traveling musician. Dave also worked in a logging camp in Alaska, bringing along his son Mark, who later became an arborist and tree surgeon. Known for his charisma and humor, Dave cherished time with his family and friends and was the life of every gathering, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met. He often joked about his age skewing much younger, embodying the philosophy that aging is merely a state of mind. His family finds solace in their faith, believing he is now in the presence of God, experiencing eternal joy, peace, and freedom from earthly struggles.. A memorial service was held on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, at 12 noon at Green Lake-Spicer Funeral Home in Spicer, Minn., followed by a procession around Green Lake. David will be laid to rest beside his son, Daniel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Daniel J. Sorum Scholarship Fund at Community Christian School (1300 19th Avenue SW, Willmar, MN 56201). Rest in peace, David. You will be loved forever  Online condolences may be made to www.zellmanfuneralhome.com.


Robert Jung, 93, Paynesville

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Robert F. "Bob" Jung, 93, of Paynesville. Bob passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at Koronis Place Assisted Living in Paynesville. Reverend Glenn Krystosek will officiate. Burial will take place in the St. Louis Parish Cemetery in Paynesville. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. The Knights of Columbus will pray a rosary in the church at 10:15 a.m. Bob was born March 6, 1931, in Sauk Centre, Minn., to Walter and Adelaide (Nathe) Jung. He graduated from Sauk Centre High School and then St. Cloud Teachers College (now St. Cloud State). He married Lois Soliah on July 25, 1959, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. He taught math at Paynesville Middle School for 34 years, where he touched the lives of thousands of students. Bob was a man who did not sit still. During the summers, he painted houses with two other teachers. He was an active member of St. Louis Catholic Church, where he was the choir director for many years. He taught firearm safety locally and was a member of the St. Louis Knights of Columbus Council #3820. He was well known for his woodworking; his carved ducks were his claim to fame. When he was not in his workshop or spending time with his family, he was hunting, fishing, or out in "the woods," where he made trails and built an old-fashioned log cabin with his son, Tom. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Lois; his children Marie (Tim) Lingl of Richmond, Susan (William) Lai of Pleasanton, Calif., and Tom (Shelley Kurzeka) Jung of Hastings; his grandchildren Sara (Chris), Amanda (Aaron), Andrew (Kristen), Stephanie (Travis), Alex, Samantha, Christy (Jesse), and Walter; 10 great-grandchildren; his sister Norene Stallworth of Knoxville, Tenn.; and his brother-in-law Chuck Soliah of Eagan, as well as many nieces and nephews. Preceding Bob in death were his parents; son Michael (2022); great-grandson Finnian Lingl; and brother-in-law William Stallworth. A special thank you to the volunteer drivers at the R.O.S.E. Center and the staff at Koronis Place and CentraCare Hospice. Memorials are preferred, in lieu of flowers, to the R.O.S.E. Center in Paynesville.


Colleen Vinkemeier, Annandale

Colleen E. Vinkemeier, 73, of Annandale, died on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at her home knowing she was deeply loved. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Annandale, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Rev. Alex Becker will officiate. Private family burial will be held at Nordlund Lutheran Cemetery, near Paynesville. Colleen Edna Olson was born on Sept. 16, 1951, in Willmar, Minn., to Murlin and Edna (Borgstrom) Olson. She grew up in Paynesville, alongside her two siblings. She was a 1969 graduate of Paynesville High School. She continued her education at Alexandria VoTech. She entered the workforce as a key punch operator for State Farm Insurance but was in constant search for her career and where she fit. She returned to Paynesville and enlisted in the Army Reserves because she saw an ad in the paper. On a return to the cities, she worked at the VA, where one day she met a man with beautiful eyes, and she knew where she belonged. She fell in love with Gary, his dairy farm, and two beautiful children who needed a mother. Gary and Colleen were married on Sunday, May 9, 1982. She took to farming like a calf in spring pasture. In retirement they moved to Lake John in Annandale. She was a steadfast caregiver to Gary as he faced his diagnosis of MS. Colleen's life was characterized by her unwavering love for her family and friends. Her joyous nature was seen in her welcoming smile and conversation with everyone she encountered. She never lost a friend, only added one more chair, one more phone number, and one more experience. She carried on after Gary's passing, embracing travel with her friend Maggie and others. On yearly trips to the North Shore with her "Ya-Ya Sisters," she re-arranged the geology of the state by collecting rocks. She loved antiquing and buying clothes. The stock prices of QVC will fall with her passing. Her winters in Florida and Arizona collected more friends. She delighted in her ever-growing family. As a grandma, Colleen made her time with them memorable with her laughter and energy. Throughout this journey her faith deepened. When she faced her own life crisis, Christ was at her side. When she passed at dawn, her favorite time of day, she was handed from loving arms on earth to the loving arms of God. She will embrace heaven like a calf in spring pasture. She is survived by her children, Jeff (Tina) Vinkemeier of Norwood Young America and Amy (Dave) Halquist of Henderson; grandchildren, Courtney (David) Waller, Carley (Trev) Schroyer, Collin (Olivia), Caleb, Canton, and Cadee Vinkemeier, and Morgan, Olivia, and Montgomery Halquist; great-grandchildren, Ellerie, Bentley, Hudson, Noah, and Isla Waller, and Landon and Liam Schroyer; sister, Patty Crawford; in-laws, Martha Olson, Harlan (Nena), Ed (Kathy), and Dean (Pat) Vinkemeier, Kathy (Doug) Ernst, and Steve (Wendy) Schilling; many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Murlin and Edna; husband, Gary; brother, Douglas Olson; and brother-in-law, Gene Vinkemeier. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale. Obituary, guestbook, video tribute, and funeral webcast available online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.


Paulette Renwick, 79, Pine City

It is with heavy hearts that the family announce the passing of Paulette Elaine Renwick, a devoted wife, mother, cherished grandmother, and beloved friend. Paulette passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at the age of 79. Born on her family's farm in Paynesville, Minn., she was known for her unwavering kindness, her witty remarks, and the incredible meals she lovingly prepared. Paulette was a pillar of strength for her family, always offering unconditional love, wisdom, and support to her children and grandchildren. Her warmth extended to her daycare families, who were as much a part of her life as her own, protected and cherished by her love. Her legacy is one of selfless devotion and deep connections that she built and nurtured over a lifetime. She is survived by her loving husband, Dan; her children Shelly (Scott) Worrel of Savage, Chad (Lisa) Renwick of Lakeville, and Cory Renwick of Shakopee; her grandchildren Megan, Ryan, and Tyler Engle, and Gavin, Ashley, and Grady Renwick; brother-in-law Jim (Betty) Jones of Ottertail; and nieces and nephews. She will also be dearly missed by her grandpups, Hobey, Lyra, and Bentley, who held a special place in her heart. Preceding Paulette were her parents Bill and Fern (Heitke) Krupke; and her sisters Gloria (Willie) Scheel and Peggy Jones. A celebration of Paulette's life will be held 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, followed by a fellowship luncheon at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Pine City, Minn. A time of reviewal and visitation is planned an hour and a half prior at church. Interment will take place at a later date in the Salem Historical Church Cemetery in Stearns County near Paynesville, Minn. In honoring her memory, we gather to celebrate a life filled with love, laughter, and the many beautiful memories she leaves behind. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel at www.funeralandcremationcervice.com.


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