December 2023
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
December 2023
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Evangeline Elmhorst, Paynesville
Evangeline Elaine Elmhorst was born at her family's home north of Paynesville, Minn. on June 29, 1940. She graduated from Paynesville High School and went on to get a biblical degree from North Central Bible College in Minneapolis. From there, she attended St. Cloud State University and received her teaching certificate. She married Mike M. Elmhorst of Neillsville, Wis., on June 3, 1967, at Gospel Tabernacle Church in Minneapolis. Evangeline worked many years as a school teacher, as she worked alongside Mike raising seven children and running a small dairy farm in central Wisconsin. The family moved to her home place in the late 1980s. Evangeline loved flowers and gardening, baking, making favorite meals for her family on special occasions, and playing marbles with Mike, as her partner, against her sisters, Ruby and Gerry. She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed playing little pranks on those around her. Evangeline's first love was her Lord and Savior and her love of Him was seen in every area of her life. She was singing to the Lord up until a few minutes before she passed from this Earth into His loving arms. At age 83, she went home to the Lord at the family farm where her life began. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, at the Paynesville Evangelical Free Church in Paynesville. Rev. Thomas Radtke, of the Willmar Bible Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Salem Cemetery in Zion Township. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday, Dec. 29, at Paynesville Evangelical Free Church in Paynesville.
Janet L. Morin, 89, of Paynesville, and formerly of Belgrade, died on Tuesday, Dec. 19, at Koronis Place Assisted Living in Paynesville. A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m., on Friday, Dec. 29, at the Koronis Place Assisted Living Chapel. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. in the chapel. Burial will take place in St. Francis de Sales Cemetery in Belgrade. Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Janet Louise Smith was born on March 27, 1934, to John and Barbara (Knoblach) Smith in Avon. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Avon. Jan went to elementary school in Avon and then she attended Tech High School in St. Cloud. She decided to further her education at St. Cloud Business College and graduated in 1953. Jan worked at a bank in St. Cloud as a bookkeeper until she met her husband, Lloyd. She married Lloyd Morin on Feb. 20, 1960. The couple moved to Belgrade, where she continued to work as a bookkeeper for the Ford Company and then for Coast to Coast. Jan was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Belgrade. She served as treasurer of the Christian Mothers for almost 15 years and spent much time serving for funerals and weddings. Jan also worked for Crow River Township for 15 years. She will be remembered for her strong work ethic and her bubbly personality. Jan is survived by her daughter, Pam Pearson of Spokane, Wash.; daughter-in-law, Teri Youngdahl of Elk River; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; son, Jeff Morin; her parents; and by her 13 brothers and sisters.
Sandi Hatcher, 75, of Watkins, Minn., passed away on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. She was born on Feb. 23, 1948, in Green Bay, Wis., to Harold and Doris Jurgensen. Sandi grew up in Wisconsin until 1963 when her family moved to Minnesota. She graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1966. She married Bill Ruth in 1966, and they had two children, Ann Marie and Victor. They were divorced in the early 1970s, and Sandi raised her children on her own. She married again in 1986 to Elton Hatcher. They were married for over 37 years. Sandi enjoyed watching Elton bowl in tournaments, bird watching, cooking, and helping Elton buy and sell his record collections. In her healthier years, she loved dancing, listening to music (especially Elvis Presley), and gardening. Since her health declined about ten years ago due to cancer and the treatments, she became more of a homebody. Then, she enjoyed computer games and chatting with her friends and family on the phone and on Facebook. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister Teri DeBroux. She is survived her children Ann Marie Cook (Tim) of Richfield, Minn.; and Victor Allen Ruth of Florida; and Elton's two sons and a daughter, Elton Keith Jr. (Tina), Jeffry (Mitzy), and Jacqueline Kopplin. Sandi is also survived by her two sisters - Pamela Vaughan of Crosslake, Minn., and Peggy Zellmer (Randy) of Maple Grove; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by her loving husband, family, and long-term friends. A celebration of life will be held for family and friends on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at 3 p.m. at the Triple R Grill and Bar in Kimball, Minn.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Rich-mond, Minn., for Joseph Buermann, 88, who died on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House. Entombment will be in the parish mausoleum. The service will be live-streamed at www.christcatholic.com. The visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday Dec. 20, at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation will continue on Thursday, Dec. 21, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Joe was born on the farm in Richmond to John and Elizabeth (Blonigen) Buermann. He married Elizabeth Wilmes on May 19, 1959, in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waite Park, Minn. Joe was a dairy farmer and operated the 100-year-old family resort with Betty. He cherished the relationships he built while operating Joe's Last Resort. He loved playing euchre, ice fishing, traveling, listening to KASM radio, getting away to the casino, and being with his family. Joe was a devout Catholic, a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, of the Knights of Columbus, and of the Big Lake Aquatic Association. He is survived by his wife, Betty; children, Cheryl (Chris) Denn, Mark (Linda), Brian (Karen), Kim (Jim) Krutchen, and Kristy (Mike) Heying; 12 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant child; and siblings, Martin, Edmund, Alma, Norbert, Robert, Rosalia, Irma, Eleanor, Martha, Roman, Herbert, and John. The family would like to thank Quiet Oaks Hospice House, CentraCare Clinic, the St. Cloud Hospital and chaplin, CentraCare Hospice, CentraCare EMTs, Chain of Lakes Fire and Rescue, Father Mark, Father Isaiah, Father Bernie, Father LeRoy, and Father Eb. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Arrangements are with the Wenner Funeral Home, Richmond, Minn.
Mary Jane Carroll, 95, formerly of St. Louis Park, Minn., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, at the Paynesville Health Care Center ("the Manor") in Paynesville, Minn. She was born on Feb. 14, 1928, in Melrose, Minn., to Richard and Alma (Mohs) Hoppe. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Daniel John Carroll; her parents; brothers Richard ("Dick"), Donald, John ("Jack"), and Thomas Hoppe; and her infant sister, Judy Hoppe. Mary is survived by her loving children, Kevin (Maureen) Carroll of Rosemount, Kolleen (Gary) Afeld of McHenry, Ill., and Kathleen (Jeffrey) Smith of Arden Hills; her cherished grandchildren, Norah Carroll, Connor Carroll, Shannon Carroll-Rolfe, Sarah (Afeld) Jablonski, Lindy Afeld, Mollie (Afeld) Crutchfield, Emma Afeld, Brandon Smith, and Tyler Smith; her great-grandchildren, Garett, Theodore, and Maclin Jablonski, Kerry and Beau Crutchfield, and Kanaan Anderson; her siblings Robert Hoppe, Edwin ("Daniel") Hoppe, LaVon ("Lovey") Theis, Evelyn ("Evie") Schmidt and Darlene ("Babe") Theis; her sister-in-law Kathleen (Carroll) Norine; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30, with visitation one hour prior, at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel (5000 West 50th and Highway 100, Edina, Minn., 55436). Mary will subsequently join her late husband Daniel in their final resting place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. A more extensive obituary and a "Tribute Wall" can be found at www.Washburn-McReavy.com. Mary's family would like to convey their profound and heartfelt thanks to the staff at Our Lady of Peace Hospice (St. Paul), Moments Hospice (St. Cloud), and the Paynesville Health Care Center for the helpful advice, personal support, and loving care that they provided over the last nine months. Their exemplary professionalism helped ease Mary's many burdens during the final phase of her remarkable life.
Kenneth J. "Ken" Groetsch, 75, of Sauk Centre passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, Dec. 21, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Greg Paffel officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Sauk Centre United Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Thursday at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. A rosary will be prayed at 10 a.m. on Thursday morning at the church. Kenneth Joseph Groetsch was born April 19, 1948, in Melrose, Minn., to Leander and Erma (Tschida) Groetsch. He graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1968. Ken was drafted immediately after high school and served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. After being honorably discharged, Ken attended Veteran Agricultural School. He was united in marriage to Florence Bertram on Nov. 13, 1971, at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin, Minn. Ken and Florence farmed south of Sauk Centre until he officially sold the farm in 2005 but he never stopped farming Éfarming was his passion. He was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre, American Legion Post #67, Paul F. Donart VFW Post #2853, and the Sauk Centre Township board. Ken enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, going to auctions, traveling, playing cards and Carbles, and eating salty food! He loved spending time with his family and the countless hours he spent driving tractor. Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Florence Groetsch of Sauk Centre; sons, Jonathan Groetsch (and children Justin, Katelyn, Bradley, Amber, and Hunter); Jamey (Shannon) Groetsch (and their children Alexis and Elijah); Joel (Crystal) Groetsch (and their children Clayton, Logan, and Jack); and Joshua (Stacy) Groetsch (and their children Blake and Hayden), all of Sauk Centre; son-in-law, Brock Leagjeld (and his children Brooke and Landon of Forada); and brothers, Dennis (Alice) Groetsch and Randy (Marlene) Groetsch, both of Sauk Centre. Ken was preceded in death by his parents; and hs daughter, Jessica Leagjeld on Nov. 8, 2019. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.
Greg L. Anderson, 64, of Belgrade died peacefully Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, at his home near Belgrade. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, at Grace Lutheran Church in Belgrade. Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Johnson Funeral Home in Belgrade and for one hour prior to the service at church. Burial was in the Grace East Cemetery. Gregory LeVern Anderson was born on May 4, 1959, at the Glenwood Hospital, the son of LeVern Sr. and Emma (Roos) Anderson. He was baptized at Crow River Lutheran Church on June 19, 1959, and confirmed there as well on May 19, 1974. Greg attended Belgrade elementary and Belgrade High School in the Class of 1977. He farmed with his dad from a young age and continued through high school and after. In April 1981, his sister Deb brought home a college friend, Cheryl Johnson from Beardsley. Although Greg was a little shy, he seemed to take a liking to her, which was evident by him tossing a skin-on hotdog across the table onto her plate, and then displaying his smirk, and so began the courtship. When Cheryl passed the tests of tossing bales of hay and swinging a pitchfork as well as Greg, they became engaged on Oct. 2, 1981, and were married on July 24, 1982, in Sisseton, S.D. Greg and Cheryl moved onto the home farm next to Emma and LeVern. He lived his entire life, as the third generation, on the Anderson Farm, which he eventually took over. In 1984, their son Kyle Gregory was born and Dustin Michael in 1987. He was very proud of his two sons. After Greg and Cheryl sold the dairy cows, he drove semi before starting work at the Belgrade CO-OP Agronomy Center doing chemical application for 12 years. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. He enjoyed camping with friends, a cold pop with a Snickers bar, country music, a good bonfire, and visiting around the neighbor's swimming pool. The last few years he enjoyed car and four-wheeler rides, being outdoors, walking around his farm, and spending time with family and friends, especially visits from his grandkids. Greg is survived by his wife of 41 years, Cheryl; sons, Kyle (Joelle) Anderson of Sauk Centre and Dustin (Jessica) Anderson of Eden Valley; grandchildren, Logan, Zoey, Harper, Keegan, Wesley, Eleanor, Everett, and Emilia; siblings, Bruce (Tammie) Anderson of Murdock, Deb (Tim) Anderson-Bergstrom of Grove City, Allen Anderson of Pennock, and LeVern Jr. (Connie) Anderson of Willmar; mother-in-law, Shirley Johnson of Beardsley; brothers/sisters-in-law, Gary (Sharon) Johnson, Lori (Dave) Kuschel, and Jason (Sara) Johnson; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, Gary and Trudy Lieser. Greg was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Dwayne Johnson; brother-in-law, Ronnie Johnson; and niece Megan Kuschel. To the family, friends and caregivers who have traveled this 14-year journey with Greg and his family, they gratefully and humbly thank you.
Annabelle Elizabeth (Theel) Krupke, 96, of Paynesville passed away on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, with her son and granddaughter by her side at Koronis Manor. Her service will be held in the spring for friends and family. Ann was born to Harold Alvin Theel and Bernice Catherine Pinch on Oct. 23, 1927, in Paynesville, Minn. She had 14 siblings: Donald, Carl, Denton, Milton, Lloyd, Floyd, Tom, Faye, Norman, Dorothy, Myron, Victor (Jackie), Andrea, and Judy. Ann married William Adolph Krupke on Feb. 18, 1957, in Tampa, Fla. They had two sons Darryl and Brady and three stepdaughters Peggy, Gloria and Paulette from William's previous marriage. Ann had a full and happy life. She was an extremely hard worker and was all about her family. Ann was a strong, determined woman who never stopped moving. She was a role model to her family, showing her strength against life's challenges, and they loved her greatly. Through obstacles or injuries, she never stopped and always showed her spirit. Ann enjoyed building cabins with her husband and splitting time between their place in Florida, cabin on Lake Koronis, and a farm outside of Paynesville. She enjoyed working as a waitress/hostess at Perkins, working at the State Fair for many years, and was the owner of Hilltop Video. After her husband passed, she loved spending time at her place in North Fort Myers, Fla., and coming back to stay with her family in Minnesota for the summers. Some of her favorite hobbies included playing cards, bowling, dancing, playing piano, going to the casino, and visiting friends and family. Always on the move, Ann could be found the last six years roaming the halls of Koronis ManorÉor trying to sneak off to Casey's! Her fiery personality, white-cotton hair, and steely blue eyes will not be forgotten. She left behind a growing family and made a lasting mark. Annabelle's family would like to extend a special thank you to all her caregivers at Koronis Manor over the years. They appreciate you! Annabelle Elizabeth Theel is survived by her son Brady; six granddaughters Nikki Green, Christa Krupke, Alicia (Scott) Varner, Erin Krupke, Shelly Worrel (Scott), and Cami (Brian) Schwantz; and three grandsons Jay (Kristy) Jones, Chad (Lisa) Renwick, and Cory Renwick. She also has 14 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and five surviving siblings: Carl (Laura) Theel, Denton Theel, Faye (Eileen) Theel, Norman Theel, and Judy (Theel) Espelund. Her heavenly angels waiting to greet her are her parents, Harold and Bernice Theel; husband, Bill Krupke; son, Darryl Krupke; granddaughters, Kayla Krupke and Tiffany (Krupke) Gnirck; and siblings, Donald Theel, Lloyd Theel, Floyd Theel, Milton Theel, Tom Theel, Andrea Calendar, Dorothy Theel, Myron Theel, and (Jackie) Theel. They will always carry your memory in their hearts!
Evelyn Guggisberg, 78, of Glenwood died on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, at West Wind Village in Morris. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, Dec. 1, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glenwood. Interment was in the Calvary Cemetery in Glenwood. Arrangements were with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. Evelyn Agnes (Blonigen) Guggisberg was born on July 21, 1945, to Herman and Magdalena (Fuchs) Blonigen. She was the youngest of 10 children. Evelyn grew up on a farm near Saint Martin, Minn., and began her Catholic religious journey at the Church of St. Martin. As an adult, she attended Glenwood Sacred Heart and Assumption in Morris, Minn. She attended school in Paynesville, Minn., and graduated in 1963. She went on to college at the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and theater. Evelyn married Steven Guggisberg on July 12, 1969, and shortly after moved to a home near the Catholic Cemetery in Glenwood, where they started their family. They later moved to a farm between Starbuck and Morris, where they continued raising their six children: Deanna, Greg, Ann Marie, Melissa, Dan, and George. Evelyn worked as a substitute teacher for a short time in different school districts. She also did various hostess, waitressing jobs, and worked at Fingerhut as a seamstress. Evelyn worked at the Minnewaska House until they opened a Lindsay EcoWater Systems business where she did various jobs. She also managed their rental properties and the WaskaWash Laundromat and Drycleaning. Later in life she worked at Perkins and OfficeMax in Alexandria and group homes in Morris, until she became ill and finally retired. Evelyn was a part of several organizations and groups, but a few that stand out are: the Christian Mothers, Public Square Rosary Leader, ProLife or MCCL organizations, officer and delegate for Pope County Republicans, song leader, many religious choirs, and as a kid 4H for sewing. She enjoyed church, Bible study, and writing. She LOVED gardening of all kinds, including a rock garden that she spent many hours perfecting. She enjoyed spending time with friends, canning, sewing, and even cooking later in life. She was always taking pictures and making picture books for her family. She liked being a part of several different choir groups and singing in general. Evelyn will be remembered for her great love for God and religion. She could always find the silver lining and was easy to talk to. She was always good for a laugh with her quirky sense of humor. She was a gifted seamstress and singer! For her wedding, she sewed her own wedding dress, her mother's dress, and Steven's suit, which he said was the best fitting suit he ever wore. For her children, she would sew all their dresses, making them extra special. Evelyn was greatly known for her card giving and the ability to time them so that they would arrive on the exact day of the celebration. Evelyn died on Nov. 26, 2023, at West Wind Village nursing home due to kidney failure. It was the same exact day that Evelyn's husband, Steven, passed away 12 years ago. Evelyn is survived by her children Deanna (Gary) Vieaux, Greg (Stephanie) Guggisberg, Ann Marie (Jaime) Gallo, Melissa Guggisberg (partner Michael Martin), Dan (Holly) Guggisberg, and George (Angie) Guggisberg; her grandchildren Alex, Elizabeth, Catherine, Joe, Leslie, Jacob, Thomas, Miaya, Miyka, Gavin, Gabby, and Kane; honorary grandchildren Avery and Liam Martin; her brother Victor; and her sisters Cecilia and Jeanette. Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband Steven Guggisberg; her parents Herman and Magdalena Blonigen; her brothers Florian, Leroy, Adelbert, Father Aloysius Blonigen CMN (Arnold), and Gerald; and her sister Alverna. The family would like to give a special thank you to all her friends, West Wind Village care givers, and Knute Nelson Hospice care givers. To send online condolences, visit hoplinhitchcockfuneralhome.com.
Faye Annette Hartert died peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Friday, Nov. 30, after an eight-year battle with cancer. Born on March 26, 1947, the second-born child of Donald and Vivian (Bjork) Jacobson, she was raised and resided in Payensville. She has four sisters and a brother. Faye married Delvin Lund Nepsund in 1964. Together they had two daughters, Jill Annette and Sheri Ann. Delvin died in 1967. Faye and John Lawrence Hartert met through a mutual friend and were married on Aug. 10, 1968. Together they had a son, Kent John. Faye and John were married for 55 years. Faye was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother to 11 and great-grandmother to 10. Faye was also referred to as Mrs. Grandma, Grandma Faye, and Mom by some of Jill's and Sheri's friends. She served for 34 years as a para educator in the Paynesville Area School District. Faye was active in various church activities and a fixture of support attending her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren's activities. Faye enjoyed family, as well as quiet time with coffee and a good book, camping, needlework, being on the lake, various arts and crafts, painting, gardening, and dancing. Faye is survived by her husband John; children Jill (Richard Paul) of Paynesville, Sheri Nepsund of Eden Valley, and Kent (Trudy) Hartert of Paynesville: siblings Valynn (Dwayne) Putzke of Washington state, Carol Bras of Alaska, Ruth Almos of Virgina, Janice (Larry) Matthison of Paynesville, and Dave (Barb) Jacobson of Paynesville; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Feye was proceded in death by her parents Donald and Vivian Jacobson; father- and mother-in-law Art and Floura Hartert; first husband Delvin Nepsund; and brother-in-law Dick Hartert. A memorial service will be held at Paynesville Lutheran Church at 11 a.m. WHEN? with a light lunch to follow. A family burial will be held at Nordland Lutheran Church at a later date. Faye, John, and the family request, in lieu of gifts, that donations be sent to the R.O.S.E. Center in Paynesville.
Peter C. Larsen, 56, of Eden Valley passed away on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at the Saint Cloud Hospital after a year-long battle with leukemia. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville at 3 p.m. with visitation from 1-3 p.m. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contrubutions be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Pete. Pete Larson was born on Nov. 19, 1967, at the Paynesville Community Hospital, the son of Kenneth "Jack" and Nancy Larson. Pete attended school in Paynesville, graduating in 1986. After numerous local employments, Pete began his company, Sureflo Inc., a prosperous business that stretched across the continental United States, Hawaii, and Japan. In 2004, he met his life partner, Valeda, with whom he shared their home south of Eden Valley. Pete spent his precious free time with friends and family boating, hunting, traveling, motorcycling, home remodeling, and attending NHRA events. Foremost, Pete enjoyed using his mechanical abilities to help others and his communication skills to make new friends. Pete is survived by his partner, Valeda Learue; sons Scott (Holly) Learue, Andrew Williams, and Tyler Williams; grandchildren Leon, Celeste, and Atlas Learue; brothers Paul Larsen and Carl (Yong) Larsen; numerous other family members; and the many friends that Pete held dear. Pete was proceeded in death by his parents, Jack and Nancy Larsen. |