February 2025
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
February 2025
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Janette Niklaus, 55, Belgrade
Janette Rose Niklaus, 55, of Belgrade died from natural causes on Sunday, Feb. 9, at her home in Belgrade. A memorial service was held on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 2 p.m. at Crow River Lutheran Church near Belgrade. Arrangements were with Johnson Funeral Home in Belgrade: www.hafh.org. Janette Rose Blonigen was born on Aug. 13, 1969, to Chris and Amanda (Wieber) Blonigen in Melrose. She attended Melrose High School and graduated in 1987. Janette went on to school at the University of Minnesota - Morris and graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Janette was united in marriage to James "Jim" Niklaus on Oct. 26, 1991, at Crow River Lutheran Church. She worked as a financial transaction assistant at the North American State Bank and Stearns Bank of St. Cloud for many years. Janette was a great cook and enjoyed gardening and sewing. She even made her own wedding dress with help from her mother. Janette was a quiet and reserved person, but loved spending time with her family very much. Janette is survived by her husband, Jim Niklaus of Belgrade; son, Jesse Niklaus of Belgrade; brothers and sisters, Rosie (Roger) Walsh of New London, Roger (Sharon) Blonigen of Albany, Reuben Blonigen of Buffalo, Roman (Mary) Blonigen of Sauk Rapids, Marvin Blonigen of Cook, John (Renee) Blonigen of Melrose, Leon (Anna Blenker) Blonigen of Sauk Centre, Lora Larson (husband Wendell, deceased) of Belgrade, Vernon (Sherri) Blonigen of Sauk Centre, and Melvin Blonigen of Grey Eagle; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lowell (LaVerne) Niklaus, Steve (Sandy) Niklaus, Joe (Anne) Niklaus, Mary Lee Niklaus (husband Dave, deceased), and Mary Lou Niklaus; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Chris and Amanda Blonigen; and her parents-in-law, Leander and Genevieve Niklaus.
Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville, Minn., for Gary Edgar Hasbrook, 72. He died on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at the CentraCare Paynesville Hospital in Paynesville, Minn. Barb Jones will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Gary was born on Nov. 29, 1952, at Princeton, Minn., the son of Edgar and Anna (Jorgenson) Hasbrook. Gary moved with his family many times and eventually graduated from Kensington High School at Kensington, Minn. He was united in marriage to Beverly Sebring on Jan. 28, 1975, at Watertown, S.D. Through the years they lived in various locations in Minnesota and Kansas, where Gary worked for the Clay Center, Kan., street department and on various other jobs and farms. He retired in 2010 and moved to Paynes-ville in 2011. This has been his home since that time. In his retirement, he loved being a shade tree mechanic, flying drones, making his mom's pancakes, watching westerns, and spending time with his dogs and cats. He also never missed an auction or garage sale. His grandchild knew him for his whisker rubs and M&Ms. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Raymond, Walter, Richard, and Charles Hasbrook. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Beverly Hasbrook; one daughter Stacy (Mark) Erickson; three sons, Stuart (Maria) Hasbrook, Stanley (Bridget) Hasbrook, and Mike Hasbrook Kegg; 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lois Duchane and Edna Gallus; two brothers, Clarence and Donald Hasbrook; one sister-in-law, Jean Hasbrook; nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
James "Jim" Paul Losleben of Mendota Heights, Minn., passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. Born in Sleepy Eye to Theresa (Fischer) and Arnold Losleben, Jim attended elementary and high school at St. Mary's in Sleepy Eye. He attended college at Oklahoma State University, where he received an associate degree in engineering, and then finished at Mankato State University, where he earned a B.A. in industrial arts and business administration. He also served his country in the Air National Guard. Jim had a successful career in sales, selling everything from superconductors and solar panels to computers and car-charging stations. He also served 18 years on the Mendota Heights City Council. He was a long-time member of Church of the Assumption in Saint Paul. Jim was known for his talent at closing a deal, his love of polka music, and his MacGyver-like ability to fix just about anything. He is survived by his first wife Julie Losleben; and their children Heidi Losleben, Amy Garrity (Ted) and Carrie Harrington (Dave); and his second wife Helen Gotter. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Abigail, Claire, and Ian Garrity, and Morgan and Greta Harrington. A memorial service will be held at Church of the Assumption on Friday, Feb. 21. Visitation will be at 9 a.m. Mass will follow at 10 a.m., with a luncheon after. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association.
Kathleen "Kathy" B. Maloney, 83, of Paynesville died on Monday, Feb. 10, at Koronis Place in Paynesville. Her memorial service was held on Monday, Feb. 17, at Paynesville Luth-eran Church. Burial was at the Paynesville Cemetery. Arrangements were with Johnson and Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Kathleen Bernadine Forster was born Oct. 31, 1941, to Roman and Gertrude (Scherping) Forster in Albany. She was baptized and confirmed at Seven Dolars Catholic Church in Albany. Kathleen attended Albany Holy Family Elementary School and later Albany High School, graduating in 1959. She then moved to St. Cloud, where she had various jobs throughout the area. Later, she moved to Paynesville, where she raised her family. During this time, she furthered her education at Willmar Vo-Tech, where she received her diploma to be a Certified Nursing Assistant. She worked at Koronis Manor as a CNA for 10 years, where she enjoyed getting to know and help the residence. Kathleen was a member of Paynesville Lutheran Church. She enjoyed Bingo, playing cards, reading, board puzzles, and word search. She was a loving mother, grandma, sister, and friend. Kathleen is survived by her children: Cynthia (Jim) Bahner and Stacie (Jaffar Zaidi) Maloney; sisters: Lorraine Zenzen and Pat (Ron) Toenies; and sister-in-law: Bernie Forster; grandchildren: Zach Bahner, Sam Bahner, and Chelsea Paglusch- Roloff; and great-granddaughter: Zoe Bahner. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Brian Paglusch; grandson, Nathan Bahner; brother, Roman Forster; and sister, Leona Altenhofen.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Joyce V. Hoppe, 87, of Paynesville, who passed away on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, at the Paynesville Health Care Center. Reverend Glenn Krystosek will officiate. Private burial will take place at the Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery in Little Falls. Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday, all at St. Louis Catholic Church. Joyce was born on Feb. 3, 1938, in Freeport, Minn., to Donatus and Geraldine "Tootie" (Ehlert) Elfering. She grew up on the family farm near Albany. She married Aloys "Pete" Hoppe at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany on Oct. 18, 1958. The couple lived in Paynesville most of their married life. Together they raised their eight children, instilling their love of family in each of them. Joyce was a homemaker, staying home with the children, later working as a cashier at Wally's G&T Foods, where she retired after 18 years. She was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Catholic United Financial, Christian Mothers, a eucharist minister, American Legion Auxiliary, Hospital Auxiliary, and volunteered at the clinic gift shop. Joyce enjoyed camping, gardening, baking, sewing, and happy hour. In retirement, they were able to spend 17 winters in Pharr, Texas. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. The little ones, especially, brought her immense joy and were her greatest blessings. Joyce's survivors include her eight children, Steve of Hackensack, Kevin (Paula Maus) of Hackensack, Sheila (Jeff) Spanier of Grantsburg, Wis., Pat (Kelly) of Becker, Jody (Mike) Kotschevar of Paynesville, Rod (Jessica) of Cannon Falls, Jennifer Hoppe of Minneapolis, and Maria (Chris) Croatt of Madison, Minn.; 15 grandchildren, Missy (Andy) Grosberg; Chala (Jesse) Medalen, Cassandra (Tanner) Cuka, Chase Hoppe; Michael (Denesa), Ryan (Jenny), and Brad (Mandi) Spanier; Josh Hoppe, Megan (Weston) Schug, and Amanda Hoppe; Krista (Kelvin) Listul and Eric Kotschevar; James Hall; Jenna and Jacob Croatt; 21 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; brothers, Don, Roger (Nancy), and Tim (Joan); sisters, Diane (Burt), Shirley (Joe), Dorothy (Ron), and Debbie (Dennis); sisters-in-law, Annette Elfering and Mary Lou Christensen; and many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Pete (2019); her parents; brothers Jerry and Kenny; and daughter-in-law Nancy Hoppe (2025). A special thank you to the staffs of Koronis Place, Paynesville Care Center, and Moments Hospice for all the support given to Joyce and to her family. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 17, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Marilyn A. Lieser, 80, of Paynesville, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, at the Paynesville Hospital due to complications from pneumonia. Father Glenn Krystosek will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Anthony Parish Cemetery in Regal, Minn., at a later date. Arrangements are with the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16, and one hour prior to the service on Monday, Feb. 17, both at St. Louis Catholic Church. Marilyn (Walz) Lieser was born on Nov. 21, 1944, to Walter "Buddy" and Leona (Worms) Walz. She grew up on the family farm near Greenwald, Minn., and graduated from Melrose High School. She was united in marriage to Eldred L. Lieser on June 30, 1962, and they celebrated over 62 years of marriage together. Marilyn was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved spending time with her family and created many memories by sharing her talents in sewing, painting ceramics, embroidery, crocheting, baking, and gardening with her children and grandchildren. Marilyn loved working hard on the farm, milking cows, and taking care of the baby calves. She also had many good stories about her time driving school bus and would often have kids from her past bus routes come up to her and reminisce about those days. She was a hardworking, strong, caring, and gentle woman who would often catch people off guard with her wittiness and colorful language. She loved to visit and play a game of 500 with her good friends each month, and was known for her cooking and baking skills, which filled the bellies of many with her delicious homemade meals and desserts, whether for family or the regulars at the Pilgrim Inn in Regal. Marilyn is survived by her loving husband, Eldred, of 62 years; her children, Denise (Harvey) Wuertz, Kim (Tony) Flannigan, Curt (Geralyn) Lieser, Heidi Riley (Andy Rollison), and Heather Schroeder (Rick Fredin), all of Paynesville; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Clarine Beier, David Walz, Anita (Steve) Burg, and Deb (Pat) Keller; as well as many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter "Buddy" and Leona Walz; and her brother, Daniel Walz. The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Paynesville Emergency Room department and hospital for all the wonderful care given to Marilyn during the past few weeks.
Patricia Rose Brennan was born on March 14, 1946, to Angeline "Tutz" King and Cecil "Red" Brennan of Hackensack, Minn. Patricia graduated from Walker High School in 1964 and quickly moved to California to pursue her nursing degree, escape the cold, and hob nob with the rich and famous. Her nursing career spanned 50 years in the Santa Barbara area, specializing in acute and chronic medical evaluation, geriatrics in home nursing, and healing touch. When she moved back to Minnesota in 2020, she taught her family introduction to dementia and compassionate care. She was a great teacher. Patricia loved dachshunds, nice things, quirky things, and heart-shaped rocks. She had an amazing, happy life and always had a smile and a kind word to say to everyone. She was preceded in death by her parents Tutz and Red; siblings Mary Ciardelli of Cross Lake, Minn., Ann Bradshaw of Wentzville, Mont., and Sue Voss of Paynesville; significant other George Brown of Montecito, Calif.; Clara, Perfetto, and several other animals. She is survived by brother Joe (Chris) Brennan of Connecticut; brother-in-law Joe Voss of Paynesville; and 22 nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Asher Haus and the Benedictine/Assumption Community for their kindness and care during her final four years and Father Glenn Krystosek for praying with her as she passed. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Louis Church in Paynesville, Minn., on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, starting at 10:30 a.m. with burial at St. Louis Cemetery.
Russell Charles Schmidt, 88, of Paynesville passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at Cura of Melrose. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., on Monday, Feb. 10, at Nordland Luthe-ran Church near Paynesville, with burial at Irving Mission Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Russell was born on Oct. 8, 1936, in South Haven, Minn., to William and Pearl (Rud) Schmidt. On April 10, 1955, he married Joan Flanders near Paynesville, and together they built a life and raised three children. Russell dedicated 25 years to farming and spent another 15 years working in excavation in the Paynesville area. A committed public servant, he served Irving Township for 34 years as both clerk and supervisor. A man of many talents, Russell was known as a "MacGyver," always tinkering, problem-solving, and finding creative ways to make things work. He was an active member of Nord-land Lutheran Church, where he sang in the choir, served on the church council, and lent a hand with maintenance projects. He loved fishing, scenic drives, and making homemade ice cream for Christmas Eve gatherings. Russell is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Joan; his children, Debi (Oluf) Johnson of Paynesville, Charles "Chuck" Schmidt of Paynesville, and Richard (Kathy) Schmidt of New London; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Ramona Frank of Paynesville. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, David Schmidt and Stanley Schmidt. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Nordland Lutheran Church.
Eileen M. Werner, 84, of Paynesville died on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at St. John's Hospital in Maple-wood. Funeral services were held on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville. Visitation was one hour prior to the services at church. Burial was in the Paynesville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Grace's audio visual fund or Koronis Ministries. Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Eileen Mae Larson was born on May 2, 1940, in Wendell, Minn., the daughter of Raymond and Bessie (Beach) Larson. She was united in marriage to Rev. Earl Werner on Sept. 22, 1961. They served the EUB/United Methodist Churches in Minneapolis, Pipestone, and Eyota. In July 1974, they moved to Paynesville where Earl was appointed business manager at Koronis Ministries. Eileen worked as a teaching assistant at Paynesville Elementary School before completing her elementary teaching degree from SCSU in 1985. She then taught first grade at the Paynes-ville Elementary School, where she retired in 2002. In retirement she enjoyed volunteering in the community and at Grace United Methodist Church. She also enjoyed reading and jigsaw puzzles. Spending time with her whole family on vacation or attending concerts, dances, and ballgames made for many good memories. Eileen is survived by her daughter, Renae (Steve) Carr; son, Mark Werner; granddaughters, Alex (Jody) Bayne, Megan (Michael) Tieszen, Erin Werner (fiancé Matt), Britta (Mark) Kleinwolterink, and Kiera Werner; great-grandchildren, Levi and Nora Kleinwolterink, Samuel and baby girl Tieszen (due on March 8, 2025) and Parker Bayne; sister, Marilyn Ricks; brother Larry (Elaine) Larson; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Earl; and by her parents.
Donna Jean (Herrick) Fry, 64, of Paynesville died on Sunday, Feb. 9, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. Arrangements were with Johnson and Harvey Ander-son Funeral Home. In accordance with Donna's wishes, no services will be held. Memorials may be given to Aberdeen Humane Society. She requested this poem with her obituary. When I've come to the end of my journey and I have traveled my very last mile. Forget if you can that I've frowned Remember only my smile... Forgive unkind words I have spoken Remember some good I have done Forget I ever had heartache And remember only our fun... Forget that I've stumbled and fumbled And sometimes fell by the way Remember: I fought some hard battles But had you at the close of my day... Do not grieve for my going I would not have you sad this day But in time gather some flowers And remember the place where I lay... Perhaps in the shade of evening When the sun paints the sky in the west Come stand a few moments above me Remembering only the best... ~ Lyman Hancock
Peter John Jacobson, 81, of Paynesville passed away on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, at the Paynesville Health Care Center from complications of Parkinson's Disease. His visitation will be held on Friday, March 28, at Paynesville Lutheran Church from 4-7 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Paynesville Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 29, at 11 a.m., with visitation starting again on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. Peter was born on June 12, 1943, in Willmar, Minn., to Herbert Palmer and Esther Bertine (Sunde) Jacobson. He grew up on a farm near Hawick, Minn., attending County School #97 through sixth grade. He graduated from Paynesville High School in 1961. He attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis, graduating with a bachelor of science in physics in 1965. Peter married his high school sweetheart, Lynne LeMasurier, on Aug. 14, 1965, at Nordland Lutheran Church. He taught science at the Breck School in Minneapolis from 1965 to 1968. In the summer of 1968, he received a National Science Foundation grant to earn a master's degree in physics at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. Returning to Minnesota in 1969, he taught at Wayzata Junior High School until 1973, when he became the publisher of the Paynesville Press, succeeding Lynne's father, Earle LeMasurier. Peter was an active member of the Paynesville community: being president of the Paynesville Chamber; serving as a Lions Club member for over 50 years; serving as Jaycee president and regional director and being named a JCI Senator; and being an active member of the Koronis Lake Association, including serving as president for over 20 years. He was the building chairman in 1985 when the current Paynesville Lutheran Church was built and president of the congregation in 2000 when major additions and remodeling occurred. He also sang tenor for years in the church choir and served as a lay minister at PLC. Peter served as president of the Minnesota Newspaper Association in 1991 during the association's 125th anniversary. Peter and Lynne retired in 2006, selling the Press to their son Michael. Peter loved driving his IH tractors, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. He like to "putter" in his workshop and around his farm, which had been in the Sunde family for over 100 years. He and Lynne loved to travel, to play cards, to entertain, and to be with family. He is survived by his wife, Lynne; his daughter Laurie Rappa of Milwaukee, Wis.; his son, Michael (Geri) of Paynesville; granddaughters, Margaret (Maggie) Rappa and Delaney Ignace; sister, Karen (David) Haugen of Minneapolis; bonus daughter, Mary (Audy) Lack and sons, Robert and Soloman; nieces, Kristine and Ingrid Haugen; brother-in-law, George (Fran) LeMasurier and nephew Guy and niece Sarah; and by many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; special uncle Henry (Edna) Sunde; his in-laws, Earle and Margaret LeMasurier; and nephew Nathan LeMasurier. The family wishes a special thank you to Paynesville Health Care Center, CentraCareHospice, home aides Terri Winter and Cece Scheierl, and other caregivers for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Koronis Lake Association, Paynesville Lutheran Church, or to the donor's choice. Arrangements are with Daniel Anderson Funeral Home of Payneville: www.danielfuneralhome.com.
Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Mary Lou Garding, 90, of Paynesville was held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Mary Lou passed away on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Hilltop Care Center in Watkins. Reverend Glenn Krystosek officiated. Entombment was in St. Louis Parish Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation was held one hour prior to services on Friday, Jan. 31, at the church in Paynesville. Arrangements were with the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Mary Lou was born on May 27, 1934, in Sauk Rapids, Minn., to Aloys and Johanna (Scheerhorn) Sumbs. She married Marcellus F. "Louie" Garding on June 13, 1953, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids. They resided in Kimball and Freeport prior to building their home in Paynesville in 1958. In addition to raising her family, Mary Lou worked outside the home cleaning homes and cabins. She was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church. Mary Lou enjoyed baking, cooking, collecting porcelain dolls, playing cards, crafting, decorating, and the holidays (Christmas being her favorite). She especially enjoyed ice skating in her youth and was able to teach all her girls how to ice skate. She is survived by her daughters, Debbie Wendt of Monticello; Judy Johnson of Litchfield, Linda (Tom) Schaefer of Phoenix, Ariz.; grandsons, Eric (Ivy) Wendt, Travis (Johanne) Johnson and Keith Johnson; great-grandchildren, Avery John-son, Sienna Johnson, Hurley Wendt, and Hailey Wendt; sister, Kathy Ripley; and nieces, nephews, and extended family. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Louie in 2016; grandson, Cory Wendt; son-in-law, Curtis Wendt; and brother, Aloys Sumbs Jr. A special thank you to the staff of Hilltop Care Center for their compassionate and professional care. |