December 2024
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
December 2024
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Arthur Johnson, 88, Willmar
Arthur H. Johnson, 88, of Willmar, Minn., and formerly of Paynesville, Minn., died on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, at Cura of Willmar. Art has donated his body to science at Mayo in Rochester, Minn., and a private graveside service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by K-M Funeral Home in Lake Lillian, Minn. Arthur Henry Johnson was born on April 1, 1936, at Sartell, Minn., to Arthur and Anna (Broberg) Johnson. He grew up in Sartell and graduated from Sartell High School. He then attended St. Cloud State University, graduating with teaching degrees in math and science. Art taught both math and science at Paynes-ville High School for 35 years. At the same time he was also a part-time police officer for 25 years, as well as serving as a civil defense director. Art married Alice Hanson on June 2, 1983, and they made their home in Paynesville for many years and, recently, in Willmar. Art enjoyed hunting, especially deer hunting with his family. Art was very handy, and many summers he did plumbing and assisted in building homes in the Paynesville area. He enjoyed passing on those construction skills to his family. Art was a member of First Reformed Church in Willmar and will be remembered for being a kind Christian man. Art will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him!
Eldon J. Hanson, 87, of Hawick, Minn. died on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024 at his home with family at his side. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, at Sunburg Free Lutheran Church near Sunburg. Visitation will be held for two hours prior to the service at church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in New London: www.hafh.org. Eldon James Hanson was born on Dec. 26, 1936, in Roseville Township to James and Viola (Schoenherr) Hanson. He grew up near Hawick and attended Paynesville High School. On June 8, 1963, he married Priscilla Sondrol at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Brooten. They made their home on the Hanson family farm. Farming was at the heart of Eldon's life from an early age. At just five years old, he received a lamb that sparked his lifelong love of raising sheep. Over the years, he expanded his agricultural pursuits, raising cattle, corn, and soybeans on his Minnesota farm and, later, on a property he purchased 30 years ago near Fort Ransom, N.D. In addition to farming, he spent 10 years as an over-the-road trucker, drove a ready-mix truck, and operated the wash plant at New London Materials. Known for his work ethic and stewardship of the land, Eldon took pride in his role as a shepherd and farmer. Above all, he loved his family, who will dearly miss his presence, wisdom, and quiet strength. Eldon lived a life marked by hard work, devotion to his family, and a deep connection to the land. Eldon is survived by his wife of 61 years, Priscilla; children, Pat (Ron) Suter, Greg (Jill) Hanson, David (Juliene) Hanson, Tami (Kenny) Bangasser, Susan (Matt) Erlandson, Bonnie (Jeff) Hansen, and Lori (Mike) Zimmermann; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and siblings, Janet, James, Donald, Verna, and Clinton. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Viola Hanson.
Harold (Harry) Paul, 89, of Paynesville, Minn., passed away at Paynesville Health Care Center on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. Harry was born on July 16, 1935, to Frank Paul and Mildred Sherman Paul of Eden Valley, Minn. He was married to his beloved bride, Annette Schreiner Paul, for 62 years, who proceeded him in death on April 1, 2019. Harry is also preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mildred; his brother, Don; and his sister, Carol; and son-in-law, Dave Yoder. He is survived by his children Kristin Yoder and Joe Cofran, Kathey Paul Chellsen and David Chellsen, Thom Paul and Jim Urbom, Dan Paul and Everett Eastman, Richard and Jill (Nepsund) Paul, David Paul, and Shauna Dulas; by grandchildren, Jessica and Jamie Scheevel, James and Molly Paul, Jennings Paul and Theo Wright, Brent Yoder, Greg Yoder, Nicholas and Claudia Chellsen, Brittaney (Chellsen) and Ricardo Pires, Alex Chellsen, Aaron Chellsen, Jonathan Chellsen, Audriona Chellsen, Angel Chellsen, Shekinah Chellsen, Rachel (Paul) and Ethan Turenne, Milee Peavey and Sebastian Ballesteros, Christ Paul, and Cati Paul and Hussein Fazal; and great-grandchildren, Zeke Turenne, Teague Paul, Josselyn Scheevel, Jeter Paul, Jilonnie Scheevel, Faith Blumke, Jemma Paul, Luke Blumke, Raya Paul, and R.J. Pires; and his brother Ken Paul. Harry graduated from St. John's Preparatory School in St. Joseph, Minn. in 1953. From September 1953 to May 1954, he attended St. John's University. Later in 1954, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed primarily in Germany as an assistant chaplin. On June 22, 1957, he married Annette (Nettie) Schreiner at the Assumption Catholic Church in Eden Valley, Minn. Harry spent his entire career in the insurance industry, working for bank agencies and Traveler's Insurance Company before forming a partnership with Eugene Schmitt and buying him out to form H.F. Paul and Associates. Harry enjoyed playing golf for many years and always enjoyed hearing and telling a good joke. He had a column in the Paynesville Press for several years called "Shooting the Breeze with Happy Harry," in which he shared a few jokes and insurance advice. Harry was also a faithful member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 35 years with his wife Nettie. He looked forward to being reunited with his beloved bride but will be greatly missed by his family and friends who will cherish their memories of him. Harry will be interred in the mausoleum at the St. Louis Catholic Church Cemetery in Paynesville. A visitation will be held at the St. Louis Catholic Church (505 Burr Street Paynesville, Minn.) on Friday, Jan. 3, at 9:30 a.m., followed by the funeral Mass at 10 a.m. A reception will follow after the funeral in the church hall.
Rosalind "Rose" Strodtman, 87, of Paynesville died on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at the Paynesville Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at the church, and one hour prior to the Mass on Thursday morning. Burial will be in the St. Louis Catholic Cemetery. Rosalind Mary (Larson) Strodtman was born on June 12, 1937, to George and Bertha (Eifert) Larson. She spent her early years on the family farm near Parkers Prairie, Minn., before the family moved into town in 1945. Rosalind attended school in Parkers Prairie and graduated in 1955. In June 1955, she married DeWayne Strodtman, and together they raised seven children. Rosalind played an integral role in her husband's many ventures, including the Recreation Bar, auctioneering, and a furniture business. In 1984, after the closure of Koronis Furniture, Rosalind embarked on her own entrepreneurial journey. She purchased and managed the Whirla Whip ice cream franchise at the Kandi Mall in Willmar, Minn. After two years, she transitioned to opening a deli at the Centre Point Mall in downtown Willmar, which she successfully ran for seven years until 1994. Following her deli business, Rosalind worked in the office for her son-in-law, Bill Graves, at Domino's Pizza. She devoted 21 years to the role before retiring in December 2015. Throughout her life, Rosalind cherished traveling with her family. She visited England, Germany, Spain, Italy, and attended the Athens Olympics - an experience she described as the trip of a lifetime. Rosalind is survived by her children: Gary Strodtman of Paynesville, Minn., Mark (Donna) Strodtman of Loveland, Colo., Karen (Dale) Bachman of Paynesville, Mary (Ted) Espinoza of Cheyenne, Wyo., James (Penny) Strodtman of Kimball, Minn., LeAnn (Steve) Johannes of St. Cloud, Minn., and Susan Graves of Flower Mound, Texas; 28 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren; 27 step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; sister Linda (Curt) Kalpin of Osakis, Minn.; special friend, Harold Thoennes of Urbank, Minn.; sisters-in-law, Shirley Larson, Pat Larson, and Pauline Larson; and brother-in-law, Bob Simonson. Rosalind was preceded in death by her husband, DeWayne Strodtman; her infant son, Harry George; her parents, George and Bertha Larson; her siblings: Carole Simonson, Robert Larson, George Larson, James Larson, Richard Larson, and Jon Larson; sisters-in-law Kendora Larson and Mary Larson; and her son-in-law, Bill Graves. Rosalind's hard-working spirit, loving heart, and zest for life will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.
Phillip Allan "Bogo" Bajari was born on May 20, 1941, to Pat and Shirley (Harring-ton) Bajari in French Lake, Minn., where he resided the remainder of his life. He attended Lee School, west of French Lake, until eight grade and then Annandale High School. When young, he worked for Barton Sand and Gravel and French Lake Auto Parts. He married Diana Dawson in 1961. They celebrated their 63rd anniversary on July 24, 2024. He bought Windy Hill Auto Parts from Roger Christianson in 1964 with his dad Pat acting as a somewhat silent partner. With his brother Larry, they grew five acres and 150 cars into 160 acres and over 10,000 cars, specializing in "classics" that drew customers from all over the world. He worked there until the day before his death, which was one day short of his lifelong wish. He also owned Sisseton Salvage from 1977 to 1983 and spent many happy years crushing cars on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations in South Dakota. Bogo was an avid reader with interests spanning from World War II and the Korean War to Native American, Finnish, and Russian culture. His love of music ranged from Tom T. Hall, Waylon and Willie, Merle Haggard, and Patsy Cline, to Buddy Red Bow, John Lee Hooker, CCR, Neil Young, and Steppenwolf. Although a confirmed atheist, he lived a Christian life - opening his home to hitchhikers, young people with bad home lives, stray cats, and anyone else that needed help. He anxiously awaited Lenten fish fries. He loved little kids, working, coffee, saunas, and interesting people. He proudly never drank, yet failed to admit to his last 13 years of smoking after a 40-year hiatus. He will forever be remembered for his remarkable memory, efficient conversations, his work ethic, being a good neighbor and champion of the underdog, a penchant for not suffering fools, and an ability to get a hold of people even before cell phones. He had a stoic (or crabby) exterior but a very soft heart. He is survived by his wife Diana; children Davey (Rita) of French Lake, Hannah (David) Voss of Paynesville, and Willie of New London; grandchildren Greta (Kyle) Johnson of Buffalo, Halley Bajari of French Lake, Storm (Lydia) Bajari of St. Cloud, Susan (Timmy) Kallock and great-granddaughter Eden of Paynesville, and Hunter (Katie Holtzclaw) Voss of Paynesville; siblings Betty Jane Schaefer of Sun Lakes, Ariz., Jerry Joe (Ann) Bajari of French Lake, Larry (Pam) of New London, Linda (Pat) Kerrigan of LaCrescent, Minn., and Joey (Brad) of Wisconsin; sister-in-law Wanda (Dwayne) Lamprecht of Florida; and 18 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter Riika; parents Pat and Shirley Bajari; in-laws Babe and Ada Dawson; brother-in-law Allan Schaefer; brother-in-law Ollie Dawson; niece Sarah Schaefer Lange; uncle Melvin Alama; unadopted son Thomas G. (Heavy) Hanson; and best friend Allan Peterson. A funeral was held at the Kingston Community Center on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 12 noon with visitation one hour before. In his honor, read a book. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cokato and Howard Lake.
Laura Gladys Hanks, 97, of St. Louis Park, Minn., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Born in Siren, Wis., on Sept. 4, 1927, she grew up a block from the school, where her father, JB, was mayor and ran several businesses. Laura spent her childhood playing piano, riding horses, and swimming at the family cabin on Clear Lake. After graduating from Siren High School, she earned a business degree from Macalester College in 1948. Laura met her future husband, Lyle Hanks, in Elk River. They were married for 62 years until Lyle's passing in 2012. Together, they built a life full of love, family, and adventure. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Benjamin and Laura Gladys Hanson; her brother, John G. Hanson; her son-in-law, John Otterson; and her husband, Lyle W. Hanks. She is survived by her children: James (D'Anne) Hanks, Gerald (Patricia) Hanks, Judith Otterson, and John (Heather) Hanks; her seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Laura lived a full life, balancing family, community, and personal passions. She traveled the world after retirement and spent her summers at the Rice Lake cabin, which she'd shared with Lyle since 1967, and her winters at her condo in Vero Beach, Fla. A 70-year member of Aldersgate Methodist Church, Laura frequented Paynesville Lutheran Church later in life and also enjoyed her last 12 years at Park Shores. An accomplished artist and knitter, she shared her creations with family and charitable causes. Known for her competitive nature, Laura excelled at bocce, shuffleboard, and card games. Her indomitable spirit will live on in the hearts of those who cherish her memory. Memorial donations preferred to Minnesota Masonic Charities and STEP.
With sadness, the family announces the passing of Larraine Louise Stewart-Anderson on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, after a brief and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on April 9, 1943, in Anoka, Minn., Larraine's life was defined by dedication to her family, love for those around her, and kindness to all those she met. Her warm approach was delightful, and she had a remarkable ability to listen and make everyone feel special. On Nov. 28, 1969, Larraine and Philip (Phil) Stewart married and started a beautiful life together, raising her four young children from a previous marriage and welcoming a fifth child into the family a few years later. Together, they lived briefly in Anoka, several years in Annandale, and over 20 years in Paynesville. Following Phil's sudden death in 1995, Larraine moved to Big Lake and was again blessed to meet Richard (Dick) Anderson. They expressed their vows of love at a surprise Christmas wedding on Dec. 23, 2000, and she embraced Dick's daughter into the family. Together they lived in Elk River, with summertime at their cabin on Big Sandy Lake near McGregor, Minn. In 2017, they moved to Alexandria. For almost 24 years, they enjoyed time with family, friends, travels, home projects, gardening, games, bird-watching, and a little scoop of ice cream each night. Over the years, Larraine cherished many special moments with her family - instilling the values of family, faith, and kindness. She is fondly remembered for her magical holidays, annual cookie day, cabin time, story-telling, and the many quilted gifts she lovingly stitched for the family. She is well-known for her creative talents, especially decorating, sewing and crafts, and gardening. Larraine held several occupations including retail, office receptionist, and an entrepreneurial endeavor with her Hen House Boutique at their farm in Elk River. She also enjoyed many volunteer activities in her community, such as being a member of the Paynesville Lionesses, hospice visitor, and quilting at First Lutheran Church. She is survived by her husband, Richard (Dick) Anderson; her children, Jody (Craig) Hemmesch, Jim (Char) Provost, Jeff (Sheila) Provost, Julie (Gary) Dosdall, and step-daughter Aimee (Steve) Lawson; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by siblings, Daryl (Theresa) Hathaway, Donna Meier, Sharon (Mark) Crooker, Gary (Pat) Hathaway, and Georgia Thompson; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo "Bud" and Elvena Hathaway; daughter Jackie Dee Scheel; husband Philip Stewart; sister Darlene Lundquist; brother Steven Hathaway; and brothers-in-law Miles Meier and Steve Thompson. A memorial service is planned for Larraine on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 at the First Lutheran Church located at 1655 South McKay Avenue, Alexandria, Minn. Visitation is at 12 noon with the service at 1 p.m. with a luncheon to follow. A private burial is planned at West Oak Grove Cemetery in the spring. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the caring staff at Hospice of Douglas County. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation at https://hospicedouglascounty.org/donate/, with "Larraine Stewart-Anderson" noted in the memo. |