June 2025
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
June 2025
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
|
Larry Alstead, 80, Paynesville
With heavy hearts and plenty of stories to tell, we announce the passing of Larry Dale Alstead, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and all-around legend, who left us on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the age of 80. His life was full of service, love, laughter, and just the right amount of mischief. Larry was born Oct. 26, 1944, in Fergus Falls to Robert and Synnova (Bardahl) Alstead. Growing up near Evansville, Minn., Larry answered the call to serve his country early in life by joining the United States Navy. His sense of duty continued long after his sea legs steadied; he later served proudly as an officer with the Minnesota State Patrol, where his sharp instincts, quick wit, and sense of fairness earned him deep respect and lifelong friendships. Larry married Darcy Morelan on Sept. 9, 2000. They enjoyed dancing, fishing, and spending time together at the cabin in Nimrod, Minn. A dedicated member of his community, Larry went on to serve as commander of American Legion Post #271 in Paynesville multiple times, with his last being a duration of 10 years straight where he honored his fellow veterans with dignity and pride. He also worked with the caring team at Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville, helping families through their hardest moments with compassion and a kind heart. When he wasn't serving others, Larry could be found in the fields pheasant hunting or on the water fishing, just enjoying the peace and beauty of nature. And if you were lucky (or unlucky) enough to sit across from him at the Canasta table, you knew better than to underestimate him. He played with skill, grit, and a gleam in his eye that meant he was about to "whoop your ass" with a grin. Though he could stir the pot with the best of them, and his smartass comments were legendary, Larry's heart was bigger than his jokes. He was a deeply caring man - one who showed up, gave generously, and left people feeling better. Larry was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Synnova; and his brother Richard. He is survived by his wife Darcy; his children Nicholé (Melvin) and Jason (Kelli); grandchildren Kennedi (Jordan), Tucker (Lexi) and D'Jimon; nephews Troy, Christopher (Jen), Corey (Kristy) Alstead, and Sean (Wendy) Karsch; nieces Tiffany (Michael) Tangen and Courtney (Jesse) Stenseth; his beloved goldens Honey and Daisy; along with other relatives and countless friends, comrades, and people lucky enough to have been on the receiving end of his wisdom, his wit, and his charm. A celebration of his life was held on Monday, June 16, 2025, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville, Minn., and he will be laid to rest in Paynesville Cemetery with full military honors. In true Larry fashion, come ready to share a story. Fair winds and following seas, Commander. We'll miss you more than words can say. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Paynesville American Legion Post #271 in honor of Larry.
Clara A. Lieser, 87, of Paynesville, died on Tuesday, June 10, at the Paynesville Nursing Home. Her Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 13, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville with placement of her urn in the columbarium at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery. A rosary was prayed at 9:45 a.m. on Friday morning. Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, at the church and on Friday for one hour before the mass. Funeral arrangements were with Harvey Anderson - Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Clara was born March 18, 1938, in Belgrade, the daughter of Hilary and Mary (Goering) Brunner. She was raised in Belgrade, having been baptized and confirmed at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and graduated from Belgrade High School in 1956. After graduation, she moved to St. Cloud, where she began working at the St. Cloud Hospital. On June 14, 1960, she was united in marriage to Jerome Lieser at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Belgrade. Following their marriage, they farmed near Spring Hill before moving into Paynesville on April 1, 1989. Clara, while helping on the farm also worked in housekeeping at the Paynesville Nursing Home before retiring in the 1990s. She later worked at Johnson Funeral Home as an assistant, helping with anything from visitations, funerals, cleaning, and helping in the office. Surviving are: husband, Jerome, of 65 years (as of June 14); children, Brian (Lori) Lieser of Paynesville, Sandy (Jeff) Roelike of Belgrade, Jim Lieser of Paynesville, Mary (Wayne) Wiener of Murdock, John (Kris) Lieser of Alexandria and Steve (Vicki) Lieser of Montrose; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her brother, Hilary Brunner Jr. She was preceded in death by her parents; and by her sister, Maye.
Norma J. Froelich, 84, of Hawick, died on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at the Paynesville Area Hospital in Paynesville. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 6, at the Hawick Community Church in Hawick. Visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, at the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial was held in Roseville Cemetery in Hawick. Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in New London: www.hafh.org. Norma Jeane Froelich was born on July 22, 1940, in Savanna, Ill., the daughter of Norman and Helen (Munson) Clark. She grew up in rural Hawick, attended country grade school, and graduated from Atwater High School. On May 18, 1959, she was united in marriage to John Froelich at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. This union was blessed with two daughters and two sons. They made their home near Hawick, where she worked as a homemaker and did various jobs including the Willmar Cookie Factory and babysitting. Norma enjoyed sewing, shopping at Fingerhut with her daughters, label refunding, and collecting Avon products and porcelain dolls. Norma died on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Paynesville Area Hospital at the age of 84. She is survived by her children, Clayton Froelich of Hawick, Brenda Froelich of Willmar, Kim Schwalbe of Hawick, and Bradley (Michele) Froelich of Kerkhoven; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and brother, Jack Clark. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; by her parents; and by her brothers, Earl and Norman Clark.
A memorial service for Jerome "Jerry" A. Westrup was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Assumption Catholic Church in Eden Valley. Rev. Donald Wagner officiated, and burial followed at Assumption Catholic Church Cemetery. Visitations were held on Monday, June 9, at the Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Eden Valley and also one hour prior to the services at the Church on Tuesday morning. Prayer services were held on Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Jerry was born on Nov. 27, 1942, in Richmond to Albert and Veronica (Ruhland) Westrup. He spent his life working on the family farm until he was unable to. At that time, he continued to help by driving tractor and supervising. Jerry also worked as a welder and was enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. Jerry loved the outdoors, engaging in activities ranging from hunting and fishing to bird watching. He especially enjoyed playing hand and foot and all of the discussions that happened around the card table. Jerry spent his Tuesday nights playing poker, which was the highlight of his week. Though he lived alone with his darling cat, Miss Kitty, he had his list of people to talk with over the phone. Jerry is survived by his son, Robert Westrup of New Bern, N.C.; daughter, Alisha (James) Schmidt of New Bern, N.C.; and sister, Judy Thul of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Gracie and Garrett; nephew, Brian (Meaghan) Thul; niece, Gwen Degolier; and great niece and great nephew, Owen Thul and Ashley Degolier. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Harold Thul. Obituary, video tribute and guest book available online at: www.williamsdingmann.com.
Larry Snodgrass of Eden Valley, Minn., passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the age of 87 at Meeker County Memorial Hospital in Litchfield, Minn. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Eden Valley, Minn., on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., and services will follow at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will follow the service at Sassies Tavern (formally The Valley Inn) at 198 State Street, Eden Valley. Interment will happen at a private ceremony at Camp Ripley at a later date. Larry was born on May 1, 1938, in Portsmouth, Ohio, to James and Catherine Snodgrass. He graduated high school and entered the U.S. Air Force, where he served from 1959-1963. He was stationed at various bases across the United States. He met Patricia in 1960, and the two were united in married on June 4, 1960. They moved to Everett, Wash., in 1960, and in 1963 they were blessed with their first daughter, Cindy. They moved back to Minnesota and were blessed with two more daughters, Cheryl in 1968 and Christy in 1969. Larry spent his working years in the technology/computer field, first with IBM in Minneapolis, Minn., and then with Fingerhut in St. Cloud, Minn. After retirement, he worked miscellaneous jobs for local companies in the area to keep himself busy. He was actively involved in the American Legion Post #381 in Eden Valley, Handheld Radio Club of St. Cloud, Sky Warn Weather Watchers of St. Cloud, and the Paynesville Sportsman's Club, where he taught firearms safety classes for many years. He was also a member of the board for Breezy Point Timeshare in Brainerd, Minn. He participated in many other organizations and clubs. He enjoyed working in his garage, and he liked spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren teaching them how to hunt, fish, and swim. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Patricia Ann Snodgrass; and daughter, Cindy Ann Klang; parents: James and Catherine; his brother; and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. He is survived by his daughters: Cheryl (Charles) Rodel of Richmond, Minn., and Christy Swafford of Eden Valley, Minn.; son-in-law, Greg Klang of Fargo, N.D., seven grandchildren, Tony Fuchs (Amber), Brandon Rodel (Abby), Makayla Rodel (Aaron), Monica Rodel (Collin), Tyler Swafford (Mandy), Gavin Swafford (Kayla), and Brady Swafford; seven great-grandchildren, Caleb and Katlynn Fuchs, Eliana and Elizabeth Rodel, and Jadyn, Jaxen, and Lillian Swafford; and many other family members and in-laws. The family would like to thank the entire staff of Ecuman and Bethany in Litchfield, Minn., for the care and compassion they showed both Larry and Pat.
Ronda Kay Arnold, 56, of Paynesville, Minn., passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter. A celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, June 7, at Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. Born on April 21, 1969, in Ida Grove, Iowa, to Kay (Andresen) and Ron Christiansen, Ronda was a woman who made every moment count. After graduating from St. Cloud State University, she began her career as a hospital medical technologist and later became a respected medical records analyst and consultant, always passionate about helping others. Ronda married Mike Arnold in Paynesville, and together they built a life full of adventure and family. She was a devoted mother to Nathan, Heather, and Jake, and she beamed with pride when Jake and his wife, Vanessa, welcomed little Elizabeth into the world. Ronda adored her only grandchild, and Elizabeth especially brightened her final days. Whether basking in the sun-drenched beauty of the Florida Keys during winter or enjoying peaceful summer nights at the family cabin on Lake Koronis, Ronda found joy in simple pleasures. She had a talent for turning everyday moments into cherished memories. She is survived by her loving husband, children, and granddaughter; her brother Brian Christiansen (Omaha, Neb.) and his five daughters; and her stepbrothers Jeff and Jason Hasbrouck. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kay and Ron. Ronda's warmth, quick wit, and fierce love will echo through the lives she touched.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Eden Valley for Bernice D. Dittman, 91, who passed away on Monday, May 26, at Quiet Oaks Hospice in St. Cloud. Rev. Benjamin Hollingsead will officiate, and burial will be at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls at a later date. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the church. Bernice was born Nov. 29, 1933, in Eagan to Harry and Lydia (Weierke) Kirchner. She married Loren Dittman on Aug. 14, 1954, at Trinity Lone Oak Church in Eagan. Bernice was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, involved in Bible study and Ladies Aid. She belonged to the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Eden Valley and volunteered at the Paynesville Hospital. Bernice was a bank teller for Farmers and Merchants for 35 years. She liked baking, traveling, spending time outdoors, and riding on the golf cart. She loved spending time with her family. Bernice is survived by her husband of 70 years, Loren of Eden Valley; children, Alan (Tammy) Dittman of Prescott, Wis., Cheryl (David) Turner-Nelson of Maple Grove, and Lori (Roger) Linn of Avon; five grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Lydia; and siblings, Willard, Rita, Harry, Stella, Roland, Iona and Margie. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Quiet Oaks, Dementia Society and Alzheimer's Association. The family would like to thank the staff of Arlington Place and Quiet Oaks for their caring dedication to Bernice. Also, Dr. Andrew Mulder from St. Cloud Orthopedics for his professional care. Obituary, guest book, and video tribute available online: www.williamsdingmann.com.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Saint Martin Catholic Church in Saint Martin, Minn., for David M. Heinen. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. The visitation will be Thursday, June 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Friday, June 6, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the Saint Martin Parish Hall. Heinen, 83, of Saint Martin passed away peacefully at tbhe Paynesville Health Care Center on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Dave was born to Matt and Eleanor (Hormann) Heinen. He grew up on a farm near Roscoe. Dave graduated from Paynesville in 1959. After his graduation, he joined the army. He was a proud and active member of the Lake Henry Legion. The best decision of David's life was going to Al's Tavern in 1973, where he met Boni Mehr. They got married on April 26, 1975, and just celebrated their 50th anniversary. Dave enjoyed being a part of a small-town community. He was a member of the city council, church choir, fire department, and the St. Martin city band. He loved to play the drums and accordion. Dave drove for Coca-Cola and then worked at the Cold Spring Brewery for 35 years. He enjoyed baseball, playing cards, deer hunting (with a record one deer in 30 years), polka music, talking about the weather, and spending time with his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Boni; children, Michael (Racheal), Jennifer (Zach), and Kristie (Issam); grandchildren, Falon, Ismail, and Jett; brother, Don (Mary); and sister, Julie (Ken) Schefers. Dave was proceeded in death by his parents; sister, Ione; and in-laws, Frank and Irene Mehr. The family would like to thank everyone who helped Boni and Dave for the last couple of years, including neighbors, the fire department, family, friends, the staff at the Paynesville nursing home, and staff with St. Croix Hospice. It truly takes a village, and Dave and Boni had a great one. Arrangements are with the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond, Minn.
Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Gary L. Scheierl, 75, of Paynesville will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Gary passed away peacefully on Friday, May 30, 2025. Rev. Glenn Krystosek and Rev. LeRoy Scheierl will con-celebrate. Burial with military honors will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, and after 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, both at St. Louis Catholic Church. Arrangements are with Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home, Paynesville. Gary was born on July 24, 1949, to Sylvester "Pete" and Alvina (Albrecht) Scheierl. He graduated from Paynesville High School in 1967 and St. Cloud Area Vocational Technical School in 1968. Gary was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War where he received the Bronze Star Medal and was honorably discharged in April 1975. Gary loved hunting, camping, working on his farm, having coffee with his friends and a good buffet. Before his retirement, he was a farmer and commercial plumber. He was a lifetime member of St. Louis Parish and a 50+ year member of the Eden Valley American Legion. Gary was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #3820 and of the Plumbers Local 15. Deeply mourned by his wife Linda, stepson Chris Torres (Weilan), brother-in-law Larry Himes, nieces Sharon Albrecht-Quast (Richard), Sandra Lambert (Dan), great-niece Christina Quast and her son Kailin, and many cousins. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, half-brother Dennis Albrecht, and sister-in-law Betty Albrecht. Memorials are preferred to Saint Louis Catholic Church in honor of Gary's memory. |