March 2024
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
March 2024
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Brian VanderBeek, 64, Roscoe
A Celebration of Life will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Roadside Tavern in Roscoe, Minn., for Brian Gerrit VanderBeek, 64, of Roscoe. Brian passed away at the St. Cloud Hospital on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Brian was born July 21, 1959, to Gerrit and Marlene (Harding) VanderBeek. He was a Paynesville High School graduate (Class of 1977). He married Mary Albrecht on June 30, 1979. They later divorced, but remained close friends and co-parents. He worked 25-plus years at Paynesville Cenex Farmer's Union Co-op. He was an avid fisherman and loved spending time with his grandchildren and family. He loved to watch all of his grandchildren in sports. Since retiring in 2018, he had done a lot of woodworking and projects for family and friends. Brian had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone who crossed his path. He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. Brian is survived by his mother Marlene, son Chris VanderBeek (Vanessa Reichert) with grandsons Bryce, Brayden, and Bryton; and daughter Amanda Mattheisen (Jon Pflueger) with granddaughter Kasey and grandson Jeffrey. Brian is also survived by his siblings Diane (Mike) Keller, Carol (Mark) Spoden, Jeff (Susan) VanderBeek, and Angie (Justin) Braun, as well as many nieces and nephews. Brian was preceded in death by his father Gerrit VanderBeek; and nephew Ryan Keller.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Church of Our Lady in Manannah for JoAnn P. Topp, 87, who passed away Thursday, March 14, at Garden View in Watkins. Rev. Jeffrey Horejsi will officiate, and burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. on Friday, March 22, at Church of Our Lady and also one hour prior to services Saturday at church. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday at church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Eden Valley. JoAnn was born July 8, 1936, in Litchfield to Arthur and Margaret (McCoy) Johnson. She attended rural District #27 through eighth grade; then she attended Paynesville High School, where she graduated in 1954. She married Victor Topp on Nov. 23, 1957, at Church of Our Lady in Manannah. She was a member of Church of Our Lady and Legion Post #381 Auxiliary. JoAnn was a farmer, milking cows for over 29 years. Then she worked at BI in Eden Valley for 10 years, processing rebates and doing data entry. JoAnn loved traveling, having coffee dates, going to Manannah to listen to old country music, spending time with her grandkids, attending their sports events, and quilting with her church ladies. She was the type of person who could talk to anyone, was always smiling, and had a very strong faith. JoAnn is survived by her children, Dan (Bonnie) Topp, Bob (Elyse) Topp, Lori (Larry) Topp, Jim (Tara) Topp, and Kevin (Shannan) Topp; sister, Madonna Miller; brother, Jeff Johnson; 17 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Victor on July 7, 2022; daughter Jody; sister, Janice; brother-in-law, Harold Miller; and sister-in-law, Becki. Obituary, guest book and video tribute are available at: www.williamsdingmann.com.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, Minn., for Florentine C. Hammer, 88, who died on Friday, March 15, at CentraCare Health, Paynesville. The service will be livestreamed at www.christcatholic.com. Her burial will be in the St. Margaret Parish Cemetery, Lake Henry. There will be a visitation from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday evening, March 19, and on Wednesday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond. Flo was born on June 6, 1935, in Greenwald, Minn., to Ben and Rose (Kortenbusch) Wenker. She married Ken Hammer on July 26, 1969, in St. Margaret Catholic Church, Lake Henry. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren, and enjoyed celebrating holidays, Sunday dinners, managing the daily farm operations, quilting, embroidery projects, and fishing with her family. She is survived by her sons, David (Kathleen), Jeffrey (Amy), and Michael (Heather); grandchildren, Anna (Josh) Miller, Joseph, Jacob, Michaela, Katelyn, Brittny (Greg) Bringgold, and Justin (Ami) Anderson; siblings, Clarence (MaryAnn) Wenker and Adeline (Stan) Schaefer; and sisters-in-law, Radi Wenker, Rita Mehr, and MaryAnn Hammer. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ken; siblings, Herbert, Edmund, Raymond, Sylvia, Marie, Edna, Adolph, and Larry. Services are with the Wenner Funeral Home, Richmond.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at St. John's Abbey/University Church in Collegeville, Minn., for Charles Lauer, 73, who died Thursday, March 7, at the St. Cloud Hospital due to complications of Parkinson's disease. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Parish Center on Fruit Farm Road, Collegeville. Chuck was born on Jan. 18, 1951, in St. Cloud, Minn., to Robert and Margaret (Meyer) Lauer. He married Janet "Jan" Frank on Oct. 26, 1973, in St. Louis Catholic Church, Paynesville, Minn. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1970-1976. Chuck worked as a machinist and in sales until retiring in March 2020. He enjoyed trips to BWCA, camping and fishing with family and friends, and family time at the Lauer Lodge. He is survived by his wife, Jan; daughter, Christy (Jim) Sexton and their children, Camden and Claire; daughter, Katie (Cory) Eggert and their children, Sadie, Kyrianne, and Christian; grandson, Logan Krueger; son-in-law, Dean (Kristen) Krueger and their children, Zoey, Austin, and Hudson; great-grandchildren, Oliver, and Nora; siblings, Mary Hagen, Randy (Mary) Lauer, Jill Wiser, and Patrice (David) Roberts; in-laws, Karen (Bob) Scheierl, Arlene (Joe) Neuman, and Allan (Pam) Frank; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Joleen Krueger; parents; in-laws, Vern and Marcella Frank; and brother-in-law, Wayne Hagen. The family wishes to thank the staff at the St. Cloud Hospital and VA Healthcare System. Memorials preferred to the Friends of the Boundary Waters. Their website is: www.friends-bwca.org/donations. Arrangements are with the Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring.
Jerald Edward Starks, 54, of Keosauqua, Iowa, and formerly of Minnesota, passed away on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, at his home after a brief battle with leukemia. As were Jerald's wishes, cremation has taken place. An informal open house to remember Jerald and share stories with family will take place at his home (17248 Highway 1, Keosauqua, Iowa) on Sunday, March 24, from 2-4 p.m. His life will be celebrated in the St. Luke's Lutheran Church (1701 W. Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, Minn.) on Saturday, April 27, 2024, with doors opening at 1 p.m. and the service beginning at 2 p.m. and a meal to follow. A private burial, with military honors, will be in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Memorial contributions in Jerald's honor may be directed to Michelle to be used for family expenses or to go to American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge of Iowa City. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com. How to capture Jerald in an obituary? He was larger than life and was loved more than he ever believed. His mother-in-law called his mind the "Eighth Wonder of the World," with an insatiable thirst for knowledge and understanding about philosophy and history, which shaped his views on politics and religion. He was actively searching for answers daily. He grew to become a man of high integrity and was unbending on his positions about facts and truth, yet highly valued individual freedom and would defend people to the end for their rights. He was a fiercely loyal and trustworthy friend. He loved to sip a good scotch, enjoyed eclectic music, and watched endless YouTube videos, ranging from awkward bloopers to religious discussions. He was deeply serious and hilariously goofy at the same time, with too many "Jeraldisms" to count. Jerald was born in Minneapolis on Aug. 15, 1969, the son of Dennis and Marie Starks. He grew up in Bloomington, alongside his brother Andy and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School, where he was active in choir and his church's youth group. He joined the U.S. Army and served in some capacity for approximately 16 years. He spent most of his adult life in careers of service in the military, law enforcement, and most recently with the United States Postal Service. He enjoyed his time as a Freemason and, most recently, loved getting to know Van Buren County through participation in the historical society and conversations with members of the community. He grew up a city kid and ended up a country man, loving his barn, John Deere, and three acres in Iowa far more than he expected. Jerald met and married Angela Maze. They spent 17 years together before their paths in life took them in different directions. After being friends in high school and losing touch for decades, Jerald reconnected with Michelle (Buss) Johnson on Facebook. They were married on July 3, 2011. He considered Michelle and stepson Alex Johnson his "highest values." They enjoyed time with Alex, snuggling with dog Sugar, trips, concerts, outings with friends, long talks, playing the card game "Hand and Foot" while listening to Chicago and "yacht rock," and watching and rewatching "Scrubs" and other binge-worthy shows ...all was well, just as long as they were together. They resided in Paynesville, Minn., until moving to Iowa in 2022. Jerald worked hard, and succeeded, to make Michelle's dreams come true, as well as to instill values and life lessons in Alex. Not only was he a devoted stepfather, but a proud uncle to Thomas, Finnigan, Samuel, Brady, and Connor. Jerald was preceded in death by father Dennis Starks and stepfather Howard Holm. He is survived by his mother Marie Holm; brother Andrew (Heather) Starks; wife Michelle Starks; and stepson Alex Johnson.
Keith Alan Clementson was born to George and Helen (Anderson) Clementson on April 25, 1943 in Detroit Lakes, Minn. He grew up in Erskine, Minn., and graduated from Erskine High School, Class of 1961. He attended Bemidji State University, receiving a bachelor's degree in dducation. He taught science for 35 years, retiring from BBE in May 1999. On Oct. 12, 1963, he was united in marriage to Shirley Ardell Peterson in Erskine, Minn. Their union was blessed with four daughters. On Dec. 7, 1977, he was united in marriage to Carol Lee (Snyder) Lehmkuhl. They enjoyed playing volleyball, camping, cards, canoeing, and walking in the woods. Keith enjoyed deer hunting, especially traveling to Henning to hunt with his grandsons. He also enjoyed many trips to the Boundary Waters with his family. Keith was an honest and caring man who was always helpful to others. He was so proud of his family and his grandkids were his pride and joy. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carol; children Susanne (Rick) Torgerson, Dawn (Randall) Larson, and Amy (Kimba) Coleman; step-children Michele (Tim) Moser, Stephen (Brenda) Lehmkuhl, Scott (Joan) Lehmkuhl, and Melissa (Scott) Powers; 23 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren; sisters Meredith (Tom) Brown and Rochelle Clementson; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Helen Clementson; sister Beverly Viall, brother David Clementson, infant daughter Heidi Ardell, and grandson Jacob Larson. The family would like to thank the Paynesville R.O.S.E. Center, Paynesville CentraCare Hospital and Home Care, and Fresenius Medical Care in Willmar. A celebration of life will take place on Friday, July 19, from 2-5 p.m. The location will be announced later. In lieu of flowers/plants, please send memorials to the Paynesville R.O.S.E. Center: 1105 West Main Street, Paynesville, MN 56362.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Crystal Hills Assembly in Paynesville for Lynn Lorraine MacRae, 58, of Spicer. Lynn passed away peacefully in her sleep, with the love of her life Lee at her side, on Sunday, Feb. 25, at her home in Spicer. Pastor Dan Courtney officiated. Burial will take place in the Zion Cemetery in Paynesville Township, Stearns County, at a later date. Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, March 4, at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Visita-tion continued on Tuesday morning at the church. Lynn was born Nov. 20, 1965, in Melrose, Minn., to Bernard and Tillie (Blonigen) Bussmann. She attended K-12 in Melrose. After high school, she attended the St. Cloud Business College. She started a long career in the finance industry soon after. Lynn met the love of her life Lee MacRae on Oct. 30, 1987. They were married on April 22, 1989, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose. They were married 34 years. Lynn's 35-year career in the finance industry began at Dain Bosworth Financial Consultants, where she received her Series 7 and 63. She enjoyed working at other firms as well, which included Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo and ended her career with True Journey Investments on June 17, 2023. Lynn was diagnosed with kidney cancer in September 2022. She fought up until the very end with a positive attitude and a strong faith. Lynn had been welcomed to the Crystal Hills Assembly in Paynesville, where she made several friends that became another family. Lynn and Lee were baptized again as a reflection of the strong faith they have in the Lord. She is now without pain and with her savior, Jesus Christ. Lynn was loved and will be missed by so many families and friends. We will meet again and celebrate again in Heaven. Lynn is survived by her loving husband Lee; her parents Bernard and Tillie Bussmann; her siblings Ronnie (Marylou) Bussmann, Karen (Jim) Sand, Jenny (Rick) Mayers, Bonnie (Phil) Poepping, and Brenda (Nick) Knick; and 13 nieces and nephews and their families on the Bussmann side. She is also survived by her in-laws Jon (Lisa) MacRae, Lynn (Mary) MacRae, Jay (Kris) MacRae, and Lon MacRae, with 11 nieces and nephews and their families on the MacRae side. She was preceded in death by Bob and Darline MacRae. |