Death Notices - Paynesville Press, Paynesville, Minnesota
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Death Notices
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.

May 2022


Johnson Funeral Home


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Obituary Archives

Ralph Miller, 93, Paynesville
Ralph Miller, 93, passed away at the Paynesville Care Center on Thursday, May 5. Ralph and his twin brother Richard were born March 21, 1929, in Union Grove Township, the sons of Leonard and Ethel Miller. He went to country school at Manannah and graduated from Litchfield High School in 1947. He was united in marrage to Patricia Klimstra on Nov. 8, 1947, at the First Presbyterian Church in Litchfield. They then farmed the Miller home farm and were blessed with sons Steven, Joel, and Jeffery. In 2009, they moved into Litchfield. Ralph attended church at the Manannah Union Church, where he accepted the Lord as his personal savior, teaching Sunday School, and was on the church board, as well as serving on many other boards.While the church was closed, they attended services at Grove City Baptist Church. Ralph enjoyed flying and owning his own plane. In 2020, Ralph and his wife moved to Paynesville when Ralph became a resident of Paynesville Care Center. He is survived by his wife Patti; sons, Steve (Sandra) of Atwater and Jeffery (Ann) of Paynesville; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Ralph was proceeded in death by an infant son Joel; his parents; twin brother Richard and his wife Carol; and sister Phyllis and her husband Elwood. A private family graveside service was held at the Manannah Cemetery. The family of Ralph would like to thank staff at the Paynesville Care Center for all their care of Ralph.


David Neuman, 74, Paynesville

David E. Neuman, 74, of Paynesville passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 8, 2022, at Meeker Manor Rehabilitation Center in Litchfield.Ê A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. David Eugene Neuman was born on July 25, 1947, in Estherville, Iowa, the son of Joseph C. and Opal (Nelson) Neuman. He grew up on a farm near Bancroft, Iowa.Ê His family later moved to a farm they purchased north of Grove City, Minn.Ê Dave graduated from Grove City High School in 1965.Ê After high school, Dave went on to graduate from heavy-duty diesel mechanics school at Alexandria Vocational School in 1966.Ê On April 22, 1967, Dave was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Adolph at St. Philips Catholic Church in Litchfield.Ê This union was blessed with a son. The family made their home in Fridley, Mayer, and Grove City before moving to Willmar, where Dave was employed with the Depart-ment of Transportation as a heavy-duty diesel mechanic.Ê In 1977, they bought a 40-acre farm south of Paynesville, where Dave started his own repair business while continuing to work for the D.O.T. in Willmar.Ê After their retirement, the couple wintered in Arizona for a few years before moving into Paynesville.Ê Dave enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, and four-wheeling.ÊHe also loved to spend time with his special dog, Jake, who passed away on Oct. 10, 2008.Ê Dave is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Patricia of Paynesville; son, Steve (Kim) Neuman of Gibbon; four grandchildren, Brooke Neuman of Gibbon, Hannah Neuman Cichoski of Maple Grove, Katie (Chris) Servin Bosma of Hutchinson, and Cody Servin of Mankato; and four great-grandchildren, Gentry and Reiden Cichoski of Maple Grove, Jasper and Harley Bosma of Hutchinson.Ê Dave is also survived by his siblings:Ê Joseph D. (Ruth) of Eden Valley, Larry (Jean) of Avon, Donna Baker of Happy Valley, Ore., and Carol (Ralph) Schultz of Belle Plaine; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.Ê Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Opal Neuman; brothers-in-law, Ben Baker, and Mark Adolph; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald and Mildred Adolph.ÊÊ


Dorothy Mohr, 86, Paynesville

A celebration of Dorothy Mohr's life will be held on Thursday, May 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hilltop Truck Stop in Paynesville. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Minnesota Institute for the Blind at MBTBL, 388 SE Sixth Ave, Faribault, MN 55021. Dorothy was born April 14, 1936, in Litchfield, Minn. Her father Pat Wood and mother Borgie (Fosso) divorced when she was young. She then lived with her mom and loving step-dad Jim Gunter. Dot was the eldest of nine children. She married Kendall Larry Mohr, settling on a farm in Paynesville, where they raised their five kids. She was an avid reader, lover of music of all genres and an accomplished pianist. Her sense of humor was probably what she's remembered most for. She found her niche as a good farm wife and amazing mother. After raising her kids, she utilized her compassion for others by working as a nurse's aide at the Litchfield Hospital. She also loved interior decorating/painting and as such, pursued a part-time career with Ideal Lumber in Litchfield as a decorator, followed by 41 years of painting for the local nursing homes. During her hospital stay, she was surrounded with love by her kids, their spouses, and her adult grandchildren. Dorothy died of heart failure at CentraCare Health in Paynesville. All had to rejoice as the last breath she took here was her first breath in heaven in the arms of Jesus Christ our Lord, fully alive. Dorothy is survived by her five children: Kevin (Margie), Brad (Cindy), Todd (Elly), Nate (Shelly), and Susie (fiancŽe Rick Austin); 13 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren; five sisters, Gerry (Duane) Watt, Anita McDonald, Cookie (Ken) Fenner, Lola (Ron) Thomton, and Julie (John) Bergstrom, along with several cousins, step-brother, in-laws, outlaws, and numerous friends of the family. She was preceded in death by her husband Larry; her father Pat Wood, mother Borgie Gunter; step-father Jim Gunter; grandson Christopher Mohr; brothers Steve Gunter and Dale (Woody) Wood; and sister Brenda Gunter. Dorothy was the Matriarch of her family and the shining light that will be forever missed. Blessed be her memory until we see her again. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." ~ John 3:16


Will Schwandt, 39, Litchfield

A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Eden Valley for William "Will" Schwandt who passed away Monday, May 9, at the Buffalo Hospital from injuries received in a motorcycle accident. William Keith Schwandt was born April 26, 1983, in Hutchinson to Keith and Bonita (Knisley) Schwandt. He lived in Hawick, Wellington, Kan., New London, Eden Valley, Paynesville, and Litchfield. Will worked as a crane operator for Kraemer for over 15 years and was a member of Union Local 49. He enjoyed the outdoors, horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, and snowmobiling. Will could fix anything with wheels and motors, and was working on obtaining his pilot's license. He was sweet, hard-working, had a great sense of humor, and was a big kid with an even bigger heart. Most importantly he enjoyed spending time with family, sitting down for family dinners, and would do anything for anyone. His kids meant the world to him. Survivors include his children, Devin of Willmar, Morgan of Spicer, and Cash (German shepherd); father, Keith (Leah) Schwandt of Mayfield, Kan.; girlfriend, Erin Nelson of Forest Lake; sisters, Jessica (Brandon) Burke of Derby, Kan., Amanda Schwandt of Litchfield, and Ashley Schwandt of Wellington, Kan,; nieces and nephews, Trevor, Emma, Ava, Luke, Kate, Brett, and Leighton; numerous aunts and uncles; and the mother of his children, Shelly Hess of Spicer. Will was preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie; and his grandparents. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Obituary, guest book, and video tribute available online: www.williamsdingmann.com.


Evelyn Carlson, 95, Eden Prairie

Evelyn (Wahl) Carlson, 95, of Eden Prairie, Minn., died on Thursday, April 21, 2022. She was the first of three daughters born to Harvey and Ethel Wahl of Paynesville and was the first Ice Cream Days queen in Paynesville in 1949. She studied music at Hamline University, met her husband Dick in her freshman English class, and became a school librarian until her four boys Ð Dave, Doug, Ken, and Jeff Ð came along. She moved to assisted living in 2013 and to a memory care facility in 2017. A celebration of life is anticipated at a later time.


Bob Cushman, 86, Paynesville

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. for Robert "Bob" Allen Cushman, 86, of Paynesville at Bug-Bee Hive Resort (29659 Queen Bee Lane, Paynesville). Bob passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021. After a series of health issues, he had been placed in hospice in Rogers, Minn. Bob always considered Paynesville his home and enjoyed writing for the Paynesville Press. His first job was dispatching cab for his dad's cab company in Minot, N.D. From there, Bob had several jobs including: deejay at his local radio station, history teacher, foreman of a sugar beet crew, high school guidance counselor, Sunday school teacher, drug and alcohol counselor, hotel desk clerk, group facilitator, and the one he was most proud of Ð actor. Bob and two of his best friends wrote and performed "Frank and Nat: Their Way," a tribute to Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. Bob was young at heart and loved supporting kids of all ages. He loved laughter and used comedy for much of his teaching, coaching, and healing others. He also enjoyed all sports but was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, not as much when they left St. Louis, but he would still catch as many of their games as possible. He also loved to play golf especially at Koronis Hills. This was an all-time, favorite happy place for him. His wife, Mary (Quarfot) Cushman, 79, also passed away on Jan. 26, 2022. Bob was proceeded in death by his parents, Jack and Lucille Cushman; and his brother Jack Cushman, Jr. (Jeannie). He is survived by sister: Joy Soltis (Robert "Bob"); children: Jodi Cushman-Purcell (Bruce), Mark Cushman (Becky), Troy Boyle (Laurie), and Rebecca Cushman; grandchildren: Megan Pingry, Jordan Beecham, Brice Boyle, and Kelly Boyle; great-grandchildren: Rylan Pingry, Kyrie Beecham, and Amarie Beecham; and numerous nieces and nephews. A big thank you to all of Bob's friends and fans, he enjoyed writing and telling stories right up to the end.


Matthew Billo, 65, St. Cloud

Matthew Joseph Billo of Detroit, Mich., died after a long battle with cancer on Sunday, April 10, 2022, at his home in St. Cloud, Minn. Matt was born on Oct. 28, 1956, the son of Thomas and Patricia (Burns) Billo. He joins them in his passing, as well as brothers Daniel and Patrick Billo, sisters Chris Brown, Noreen Judson, and Bridget Dobrowski. He is survived by sisters K.C. Smith and Ellen Doyle. Matt was married for 49 years to Patricia (Lareau) Billo. They raised four wonderful children: Thomas (Taften) Bilbaugh, Catherine (Jason) Hoff, Bridget, and John Billo. Matt had one grandson, Tavean Twedt-Coulter. He was an exchange student father to Marlene Holderle (nee Kopke) of Berlin, Germany. Born in Detroit, he grew up in Walled Lake and attended Walled Lake Western High School. He served in the U.S. Navy as an electronics technician in 1976 and achieved a rank of E3 before his honorable discharge. Post military service, he began a long, passionate career as a computer engineer. He could often be found in front of his CNC machine, computer, or soldering iron working on multiple projects. He frequently invited guests to look at what he was working on. He was an avid boatsman and snowmobiler. A true extrovert, Matt made friends wherever he went. He enjoyed discussing topics such as technology, science fiction, psychology, religion, and conspiracy theories. Matt loved movies, music, the stage, and television. He had an especial love for a beautiful lake, a snowy forest, and thorough technical documentation. A cocktail party and memorial service in his honor will be held in August (more details to follow). Arrangements are made through Benson Funeral Home in St. Cloud, Minn.


Anthony Eickhoff, 88, Paynesville

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, April 29, 2022, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Anthony W. "Tony" Eickhoff, 88, of Paynesville. Tony passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 26, surrounded by family at the Paynesville Care Center. Reverend Glenn Krystosek officiated. Burial was in the St. Louis Parish Cemetery in Paynesville. Tony was born May 16, 1933, in Belgrade, Minn., to William and Augusta (Hoppe) Eickhoff. He married Laura Hopfer on May 17, 1954, at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Lake Henry, Minn. Together they raised four daughters and farmed near Eden Valley for many years. Tony also worked at A&C Farm Service as a mechanic and did lawn care. They retired to Paynesville in 2008. He was a member of the St. Louis Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Tony enjoyed time fishing, snowmobiling, casino trips, dancing with his wife Laura, and spending time caring for his animals on their hobby farm. He loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Tony is survived by his daughters, Karen Brutger of Albertville, Linda (Gary) Nordmann of St. Joseph, Diane (Tom) Utsch of Paynesville, and Joan (Wayne) Schmitz of Rice; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; sisters-in-law Mary Jane Eickhoff and Sandy Eickhoff; and brothers-in-law Art Hopfer and Larry Allmaras. Preceding Tony in death were his parents; wife of 66 years Laura (2020); son-in-law Larry Bauer, great-granddaughter, Madilyn Marie Utsch; great-grandson William Anthony Schmitz; an infant great-granddaughter; brothers Bonnie (Agnes), Jerome (Delores), Ervin, and Dick; sisters Martha (Helge) Nelson and Betty (Norman) Nelson; and in-laws Bill (Martha) Hopfer, Rosie Hopfer, and Billy Langner. Tony was a very gentle and kind man who will be missed by many. His family would like to extend a special thank you to all the family and friends who visited and all the staff at the Paynesville Care Center for their kindness.


Merlin Krupke, 87, Paynesville

Funeral services were held on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville for Merlin W. Krupke, 87, of Paynesville, who passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at Savanna Prairie Assisted Living in Kimball. Rev. Ric Koehn officiated the service. Burial was in Grove Cemetery in Roseville Township. Merlin was born on July 8, 1934, to Walter and Mary (Brauchler) Krupke on the farm east of Regal, Minn. He attended elementary school in Regal and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1952. He was united in marriage to Elda Mae Rosenow on Dec. 3, 1955, at St. Matthew's Evangelical and Reformed Church in Forest City. He enjoyed bowling, playing cards, deer and pheasant hunting, riding his Honda motorcycle, going on family trips, and watching his grandsons wrestle and the Paynesville wrestling team with his wife and friends Hub, Wes, and Jack. He also enjoyed watching his daughters and granddaughters in their school sports. He was proud to be the first FFA state delegate in 1952 from Paynesville. He was the proud father of one son and five daughters. He was a proud and happy farmer all of his life. Merlin and Elda Mae were in partnership with Kristi and Ken Wendlandt, called K Korner Farms, since 1982. He is survived by his wife, Elda Mae; his daughters, Lori (Kenny) Rohe of Hawick, Kristi (Ken) Wendlandt of Paynesville, Kari (Ozzy) Osendorf of St. Martin, Cindi (Randy) Schoenberg of Spring Hill, and Tami (Aaron) Swanson of New London; 23 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; brother, Stan (Carol) of Cedar; nephews (like second sons), Scott (Tara) and Brad (Tanya) Krupke; niece, Cara (Russell) Goebel; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Randall; two infant grandchildren; sister, Lois; and nieces, Shannon Gode and Lindsay Krupke. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. A special thank you to the staff of Moments Hospice and Savanna Prairie Assisted Living for their loving and compassionate care of Merlin. God bless the memory of Merlin Krupke. Please visit Merlin's obituary atÊwww.danielfuneralhome.com.


Jeanne Ent, 80, College Station

Jeanne (Peterson) Ent (formerly of the New London-Spicer area) passed away on Nov. 4, 2019, at College Station, Texas, as a result of pancreatic cancer. A Celebration of Life and burial will be at Nordland Lutheran Church, rural Paynesville, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2022 with visitation one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and may be directed to Nordland or to any charity that benefits children or animals. Jeanne Ardis Peterson was born on her grandmother's farm west of Spicer, Minn., on Aug. 12, 1939, to Walter and Julia (Anderson) Peterson. She was baptized and confirmed at Nordland and graduated from New London High School in 1957. Jeanie was a secretary for almost 25 years at Pillsbury, Ralston Purina, and other companies in Minneapolis, Denver, and Houston. In 1983, she began a 10-year career in outside sales Ð selling, installing, and conducting training sessions on fax machines all over southeast Texas. In 1987, she married Larry Ent, and they enjoyed 32 years together until her death in November 2019. She is survived by her beloved husband, Larry; stepsons Gregory (Barbie) Ent and Tedrick (Karla) Ent, and Timothy (Heather) Ent; her younger sister and forever friend, Shirley (Robert) Fletcher; a nephew, nieces, many cousins, and many very close friends.



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