January 2025
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
January 2025
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Ovonne Selix, 84, Starbuck
Funeral services for Ovonne Selix, of Starbuck, Minn., were held on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Starbuck. A visitation was held on Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Starbuck Funeral Home and continued one hour prior to the services at the church on Monday. Burial was in the church cemetery. Ovonne Doris Thorp was born in Paynesville, Minn., on Oct. 8, 1940, the oldest of three children born to Bernhard and Ovila (Anderson) Thorp. She grew up on a farm between Paynesville and Eden Valley. Ovonne attended country school through the eighth grade and then finished her education at Eden Valley High School and was the salutatorian of her graduating class of 1958. After her schooling, she began working at the Eden Valley bank for 13 years. In 1970, Ovonne was introduced to Bert Selix, they began dating, and were married on Aug. 14, 1971, at Paynesville Lutheran Church in Paynesville. Following her marriage, she joined her husband on the farm, southwest of Starbuck, and worked at First National Bank in Starbuck for seven years. After 10 years of marriage, Bert and Ovonne adopted their first child, James, in the summer of 1981, and in the fall of 1982, they adopted their daughter, Mary. Ovonne helped her husband on the farm, all the while caring for two young children and her aging parents, who she helped out a lot. She was active in her local church, Immanuel Lutheran, serving as treasurer for 13 years, teaching Sunday School, the Homemaker's Club, quilting, and other various jobs within the ministry. Ovonne had many interests and hobbies throughout her life. She loved to read and learn. Ovonne enjoyed the outdoors - picnicking, fishing, camping, gardening, road tripping, and taking photos. Music, signing, bowling, playing cards, and games were also interests she enjoyed. Ovonne had a great love for animals and conversations with family, friends, and neighbors over a cup of coffee and cookies and desserts... that were all baked with love. While living her journey with dementia, she was still a great example of being a loving, caring, faithful, and loyal mother, sister, aunt, and friend to all. She spent her final years living on her farm with her children and her beloved kitty, Patches, where she enjoyed 'Peace in the Valley.' Ovonne passed away peacefully with her two children by her side holding her hands on Friday, Jan. 17, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minn.; she was 84 years old. Ovonne is survived by her children: James Selix of Bloomington and Mary Selix of Starbuck; brother, Paul (Kathy) Thorp of Vadnais Heights; sister, Sandy (Stan) Wieber of Olney, Ill.; bonus sister (cousin) Lorraine (Richard) Raveling of Paynesville; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bert; parents; brother, and sisters-in-law; and many aunts, uncles, and dear friends. Starbuck Funeral Home was in care of arrangements for Ovonne. To send condolences to the family online, visit www.starbuckfh.com.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Joseph L. Spaulding, 83, of Coon Rapids. Joseph passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, at home. Joe was born March 13, 1941, in Paynesville, Minn., to George and Alvina (Anderson) Spaulding. He married Joyce Spaulding on July 14, 1962, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Joe worked at the Farmers and Merchants State Bank in Paynesville for over 30 years. He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and the Paynesville chapter of the Jaycees. Joe was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who had a deep love for Minnesota sports and treasured every moment spent with his family. In his spare time, Joe enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golf. Joe is survived by his children Susan (Mark) Lingl of Litchfield, Steve (Mary) of Coon Rapids, and Kent (Naznin) of Chanhassen; eight grandchildren Zach (Danielle) and their children Sam and Eli, Nicholas (Katie), Isaac (Amy), Andrew (Bethany), Allison (Noah), Max, Quinn, and Sophia; along with step-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents; daughter Kim (1985); wife Joyce (2011); and brothers George Jr. and Donald.
A Celebration of Life will be held starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville for Roger Peter Theisen, 84, of Paynesville. Roger passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, at the Paynesville Care Center. Reverend Ric Koehn will officiate. Burial will take place in the Paynesville Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will begin on Saturday, Jan. 25, after 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Roger was born June 5, 1940, in Richmond, Minn., to Henry and Anna (Lehnen) Theisen. After attending high school in Cold Spring, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1958 to 1962. He married Kay Albrecht in 1964, and they later divorced. He worked for the Minnesota Highway Depart-ment for 28 years, mostly out of the Paynesville hub, and retired in 1995. He enjoyed woodworking and gardening and had a special bond with his twin brother Roman. He later found happiness with his beloved companion Doris Nehring, who preceded him in death. Also preceding Roger in death were his parents; and siblings Robert (Bernice), Stella Vogt. and Alice (Archie) Phillips. Roger is survived by his daughter Kim Sage of Prior Lake; granddaughters Samantha and Delaney; sister Mary Jopp of Buffalo, brother Donald (Mary Jane) of Cold Spring, and twin brother Roman of Cold Spring, as well many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. A special thank you to the staff of Paynesville Care Center and hospice for the care he received.
Joseph J. Karsky, 68, of Paynesville died on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at his home in Paynesville. A celebration of his life is being planned for in the spring. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Joseph James Karsky was born on May 16, 1956, in Graceville, Minn., the son of Richard and Mildred (Chalupnik) Karsky. As a child his family moved to Rapid City, S.D. Joe married Julie Nieters on Sept. 4, 1978, in Albany, Minn. They made their home in Rapid City until moving to Minnesota the following year. They lived throughout Stearns County in their early years of marriage before settling in Freeport, where they lived for 25 years and raised their six children. Joe enjoyed working the night shift and ran a commercial cleaning service for 10 years. He then held down a variety of jobs ranging from custodial work and carpet cleaning, before getting hired by Fingerhut in St. Cloud, as a bill collector. He then went to work for Bayer Built in Belgrade for nine years doing night maintenance. The couple moved to Paynesville to enjoy retirement. Joe was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Joe was an avid reader of history growing up. As he got older, his interests turned to meeting veterans and hearing their stories of their time spent in the military first hand. This inspired him to expand his talent of pyrography (woodburning) in a way which honored those who have served. His beautiful pieces of veteran art are spread throughout the U.S. and Israel. Joe is survived by his wife Julie; children, April (Rabbie), Joe Jr., Barbara (James), Elisabeth (Matt), Ruth (Marcus), and Brenda (Maggie); grandchildren, Oliver and Sydney (April), Lily and Tommy (Joe Jr.), Julie and Emma (Barbara) Joseph and Wednesday (Elisabeth), Marcus, Savannah and Louis (Ruth), and Phineas and Stella (Brenda); three brothers; and four sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles; and sister, Susan.
On Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, Mary Downs (Berg) passed away at Quiet Oaks Hospice House, St. Cloud after a long battle with Pancreatic Cancer. She was 81 years young. Mary is survived by her daughter Kirsten Erin Downs of St. Cloud. Many cousins, classmates, and friends along the way. And her beloved companion and housemate, Mary's dog Hatchi. She was preceded in death by her husband William (Bill) and sons Todd and Eric. Also, she is preceded by her parents Bessie Augusta Berg (Pollei) and Ingolf Turner Berg of Madelia and younger brother Thomas (Tom) Berg. Mary was born on May 4, 1943, in Brown County, Minn. She attended the Madelia Public School system where her mom was sometimes assigned to Mary's class. Made for some fun conversations in the Berg household. She graduated from Madelia HS and became a member of the illustrious class of 1961. She maintained a recurring role as their Class Reunion organizer to 2024. She went on to attend various Minnesota Universities for studies to eventually getting one credit short of receiving her Master's in writing. Mary married Bill on Jan. 29, 1966. In 1966 they also welcomed Todd into their family, followed by Eric in 1970 and Kirsten in 1974. They moved to Phoenix where Mary was employed as a department manager for Sears. After the deaths of her husband and two sons in 1974, Mary and Kirsten moved back to Minnesota where she dabbled in real estate speculation along with continuing her education. Eventually being employed by St. Cloud Hospital and Rice Memorial Hospitals as Managers of Public Relations and development from 1987 to her retirement. She left the hospital system for a new retirement career as the owner of Downs Creative which was a graphic and website design service in Paynesville from her lake home on Lake Koronis. She loved her Mac computers and lake views! She also enjoyed reading many novels by Minnesota Authors in her spare time. A visitation for Mary is scheduled for 10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, followed by her service at 11 a.m. at Nordland Lutheran Church, Paynesville, Minn. Luncheon to follow service. Burial service at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Madelia, Minn., will be scheduled for a later date. Mary's family requests that any donations be directed to the Tri-County Humane Society, St. Cloud, Minn., or to Mary's home church of Nordland Lutheran Church.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Lake Henry for Ermenia M. Loxtercamp, 94, of Lake Henry. Ermenia passed away peacefully, with family at her side, on Friday, Jan. 10, at Cherrywood Assisted Living in Richmond. Reverend Glenn Krystosek will officiated. Burial took place in the St. Margaret's Parish Cemetery in Lake Henry. Visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Visitation continued one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday. Ermenia was born Feb. 27, 1930, in New Munich to Theodore and Elizabeth (Leukam) Thull. She married Raymond Loxtercamp on August 22, 1950, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich. They made their home in the town of Lake Henry until moving to their farm just outside of town in 1979. She raised her six children and had a heart of service for family and church. She was an active member of St. Margaret's Parish, Catholic United Financial, Catholic Order of Foresters, St. Margaret's Society and Christian Women. She also enjoyed quilting, sewing, crafting and being on the farm. Faith and family were most important to her. Ermenia is survived by her children Diane (Bruce) Fuchs of Paynesville, Linda (Tom) Eveslage of New London, Mary (Chuck) Hennen of St. Martin, Karen (Curt) Atkinson of Hawick, Ruth (Randy) Knowles of Euless, Texas, and Mark (Renee) Loxtercamp of Cold Spring, 18 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, one great great grandson, siblings Linus Thull of Greenwald, Anthony (Rose) Thull of Meier Grove, Herb (Lori) Thull of Melrose, Lucille (Ron) Lieser of Paynesville, sister-in-law Rita Loxtercamp of Sauk Centre, as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Ermenia is preceded in death by her parents, husband Ray (2014), two infant daughters, sister Jeanette Utsch, brother Robert Thull and sister-in-law Annella Thull. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
Douglas Herbert Petersen was born on July 19, 1957, to Herbert and Shirley (Gillispie) Petersen in Northfield, Minn. Doug was the third of seven siblings and spent his childhood living on a working dairy farm. Doug graduated from Northfield High School in 1975, where he lettered in Football and Baseball. Doug went on to attend Saint Cloud State University, where he met his future wife, Joann Bue. Doug graduated with degrees in English and Finance in 1982. Doug also spent formative years during his 20's serving in the Navy, achieved the rank of PO2, E-5, and was stationed at Dahlgren Navy Base in Virginia as an Aegis Systems Instructor. After his time in the service, Doug reconnected with Joann and they married on July 12, 1991. They moved to Bloomington, Minn., and welcomed their daughter, Riley Michelle, in August 1993 and their son, Christian Herbert, in January 1997. Doug went back to school, taking night classes at Metro State University, and received a degree in Accounting. He worked for numerous private businesses during his 35-year career as Controller and CFO. He truly loved joining an organization, improving their internal accounting & procedures, and then moving onto the next challenge. Doug's two children were his pride and joy. He was a beloved father who supported all his kids' various extracurriculars. He also developed a passion for coaching and umpiring, primarily baseball & softball, and many in the community knew him as Ump or Coach. In 2017, Doug fulfilled his dream by retiring early and living on a lake when he & Joann moved to Lake Koronis near Paynesville, Minn. During retirement, Doug enjoyed all his hobbies including boating, golfing, napping, hunting, and fishing. He was always up for a game of darts, Bananagrams, cribbage, or poker. He was most often found working on the daily crossword puzzle, fixing whatever needed a little DIY, enjoying a stiff drink, or chatting with loved ones near & far. Doug passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024 in Paynesville, Minn., at the age of 67. Doug was an organ & tissue donor upon his death and was cremated per his wishes. Loved ones will host a celebration of life in Doug's honor and lovingly invite all who knew him to attend, more details to come. Doug was preceded in death by his parents; Herbert and Shirley, parents-in-law; Clayton and Norma (Ochs) Bue, and close friends Robbie Barsness, Jeff Barsness, Jose Alberio, and Stanley Ross. Doug is survived by his wife, Joann, and two children, Riley and Christian. He is also survived by his siblings; Terry, Pam (Dave), Loren, Marilyn (Dan), David (Amy), and Becky (Marc), nieces and nephews; Anna, Cassie, Brent, Rachel, Caleb, Amanda, Chloe, Spencer, & Tegan, aunts; Arlene (Neil) & Geraldine, uncles; Gene (Sig), Russell, Curtis, and Kevin (Bonnie), cherished cousins, neighbors, and friends. He will be dearly missed.
Kenneth Hennen, 87, died on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at his home surrounded by family. A visitation for family and friends was held on Monday Jan. 6, 2025, at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond, Minn. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls, Minn. Kenneth Peter Hennen was born on March 20, 1937, in Mayhew Lake, Minn., to Carl and Agatha (Kneip) Hennen. He married Kathleen Pung on May 5, 1965, in St. Martin Catholic Church, St. Martin, Minn. Kenneth served in the U.S. Army for six years. He was the Roscoe Grain operator/owner. Kenneth enjoyed riding horses, mowing lawn, and spending time with his grandkids. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; children, Brian Hennen, Brenda (Jason) Wersal, Kevin (Jessica) Hennen, and Kari Hennen (Scott Warnberg); brothers, Vernon Hennen, Jim Hennen, and Jerry Hennen; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his brother Donald Hennen. Arrangements were with Wenner Funeral Home, Richmond.
Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Dale J. Schlangen, 65, of Lake Henry was held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Lake Henry. Dale passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. Reverend Glenn Krystosek officiated. Burial was in the parish cemetery. Visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5, and after 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, both at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Lake Henry. Catholic United Financial prayed a rosary at 3:45 p.m. on Sunday at the church. Arrangements were with Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home, Paynesville. Dale was born on Jan. 18, 1959, in Paynesville to Daniel and Juanita (Renneker) Schlangen. He married Julie Spanier on Oct. 16, 1982, at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Lake Henry. Together they raised five children on their farm near Lake Henry. Dale was self-employed in construction and farming all his life. He was a member of St. Margaret's Parish, Catholic United Financial, St. Joseph's Society, the Lake Henry Lions and the Knights of Columbus. Dale loved going to auctions, always looking for a good deal and usually doing a little PR work, resulting in some odd jobs. If you knew him, there is a good chance he helped you move, lift, or build something. Even though he had everyone's phone number memorized, he liked driving to see if someone was home instead of calling. Dale didn't take vacations, but he travelled every back road from Renville to Sauk Centre, Holdingford to Eden Valley. (He believed they were faster.) He did take one road trip with the family to Nebraska, where he sat in the back because he was the only one who didn't get car sick. He enjoyed farming when he didn't have to fix something. Dale was always willing to start up a skid loader or tractor to make the grandkids happy, and he enjoyed teaching young people the skills of construction. He maybe didn't say it, but he showed his love daily. He is survived by his wife, Julie, of 42 years; children, Nicole (Adam) Larson of Prior Lake, Tony (Pam) of Sauk Centre, Jacque (Wade) Kelly of Lake Henry, Andrea (Marshall) Benzine of Bloomington, and Erika (Elliott) Skogen of Ramsey; nine grandchildren, Hailey, Luke, Addison and Emma Schlangen, Cooper, Carly and Cullen Kelly, Isaac Benzine, Everett Skogen; sister, Jane Konz; brothers, Karl, Gary (Janet), Leo (Marlene), and Scott (Mary); and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Virgil and Kevin Schlangen. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
Carole D. Looman, 93, of Watkins died on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, at Hilltop Care Center in Watkins. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at Lake Union Church, rural South Haven with Pastor Tyler Menssen officiating. Burial followed at Lake Union Cemetery. Visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Kimball and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday, Jan. 7, at the church. Carole Dawn Norgren was born on June 16, 1931, in South Haven, Minn., to Albert and Ellen (Erickson) Norgren. She grew up in South Haven and attended school in Annandale, graduating in 1949. On Jan. 7, 1950, Carole was united in marriage to Melvin "Buck" Looman at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Kimball. Together, they made their home in the Kimball area, where they raised their three children. Carole lived a life that embodied compassion, love, and service to others. She was known fondly as the "singing nurse," passionately lifting the spirits of her patients at Paynesville Hospital, where she worked diligently as a nursing assistant. Her soothing voice brought comfort to many, especially those in their final hours of life. She had a remarkable ability to share warmth and solace through song, embodying the essence of kindness that characterized her every interaction. Carole cherished the connections she made within her community and organizations. She was a member of the Kimball and Paynesville saddle clubs, as well as the Lake Union Covenant Women. Her life was enriched by her deep faith and commitment to her church, where she was a lifetime member and was the eldest member of the congregation. She found immense joy in everyday pleasures, like savoring a cup of boiling, hot coffee or going out to share a meal with family and friends. Carole's legacy lives on through her loving family. Each of them carries forward the values of compassion, joy, and music that she instilled in their lives. She is survived by her sons, Bruce (Nandra) Looman of Paynesville and Brad (Kerri) Looman of Kimball; six grandchildren, Corey Olmscheid, Dustin, Derek, Brandon, Preston, and Logan Looman; 11 great-grandchildren, Scarlett and August Looman, Javan Olmscheid, Devean Donnay, Emma Olmscheid, Miles, Eli, Easton, Oakley, Waylan, and Parker Looman; siblings, Joyce Waataja of Minneapolis, Shirley Waataja of Minnetonka, Marleigh Rumsey of Annandale, Sherry Bates of Green Isle, Diane Hess of Hutchinson, and Dellas Norgren of South Haven; nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Ellen Norgren; husband, Buck; daughter, Connie Olmscheid; granddaughter, Deidra Looman; and brother, Harlan Norgren. Carole's grandchildren will serve as casket bearers. Pat Nelsen and Dawn Savat will provide music for the service. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Kimball. Obituary, guest book, video tribute, and service webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
June Marion (Schoenleben) Spaulding of Paynesville, Minn., died peacefully on Friday, Dec. 27, at the age of 86 years. June was born on Feb. 13, 1938. She spent much of her childhood in Minnesota and Oregon and graduated from Paynesville High School. She married Don Spaulding in 1958 and raised four children. In addition to raising her children, June worked in retail, and had her own painting business. June was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church. June is survived by sons Dennis (JoAnn) and Tom (Debra) and daughters Tanya (David) and Denise (Sohaib); and 11 incredible grandchildren Jena, Jordan, Benjamin, Emma, Richard, Matthew, Christopher, Adam, Sarah, Natasha and Hana; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Don; and her parents, Marion and Vern. Family and friends may attend a visitation on Saturday, Jan. 4, at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville, Minn. Reverend Glenn Krystosek will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Paynesville Senior Center or St. Louis Catholic Church of Paynesville. Cremation services by Neptune Society. |