November 2022
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
November 2022
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Michael Jung, 53, Kimball
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Michael R. Jung, 53, of Kimball, who passed away on Sunday, Nov. 13, at Savanna Prairie in Kimball. Reverend Glenn Krystosek will officiate. Burial of the urn will take place in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Thursday, Dec. 1, at the church. Mike was born on July 18, 1969, to Robert and Lois (Soliah) Jung. He graduated from Paynesville High School and attended the University of Minnesota. He married Renee Albert in 1996, and they were later divorced. Mike worked most recently for the Seattle Housing Authority and retired due to his injury. He enjoyed writing poetry, cooking, Star Trek, Star Wars, and cats. Mike especially loved the time spent with close friends and family. He is survived by his parents; siblings, Marie (Tim) Lingl of Richmond, Susan (William) Lai of Pleasanton Calif., and Tom (Shelley) of Hastings; nieces and nephews, Sara, Amanda, Andrew, Stephanie, Alex, Samantha, Christy, and Walter; special friend, Deanna Montgomery; great nieces and nephews; and extended family. Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents; and one great nephew.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, at the St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Susan Elizabeth Voss, 81, of Paynesville. Reverend Glenn Krystosek will officiate. Burial will be at the St. Louis Parish Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4 -7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, at the St. Louis Parish Hall and one hour before her service on Saturday, Dec. 17. Susan passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022, at Asher Haus in Cold Spring, Minn., after a struggle with Alzheimer's disease. She was surrounded by her husband Joe and her children and in the hearts of the many family members and friends who loved her dearly. Sue was a mother to seven children, 17 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren (and counting). Despite her large family, Sue had such an abundance of love and empathy that she and Joe took in dozens of babies, children, and others who required comfort and protection in their times of need. There was always room for one more at her table and her doors were open to those who needed shelter. Susan was born on Feb. 27, 1941, in Brainerd, Minn., to Red and Tutz Brennan and grew up on the shore of Birch Lake in Hackensack, Minn., as the middle daughter of five children. While in her junior year at St. Francis High School in Little Falls, Sue roomed with Sally Voss, who soon introduced her to her brother Joe, and as a result, Joe and Sue were united in marriage in Hackensack in 1959 and remained married for the following 63 years. Joe and Sue moved to Paynesville in 1961, where they started a business and raised their children. Susan had an innate love of travel and exploration and was on a constant journey to uncover beauty and truth, often in the most unlikely of places. Her travels brought her to all corners of the planet and each experience added to the layers of her wisdom and perspective that made her such an inspiration and example to her family and friends. Susan had the soul of an artist and her creativity was boundless. Her passion for the beauty found in nature was a foundation in the aesthetic that guided her life. Her collections of seashells, pretty rocks, and art reflected her consciousness of a world of wonder that was readily shared to all who crossed her path, even for a short pause. Sue is remembered by her grandchildren as whimsical and playful, and that allowed for the stretching of imagination and creativity and at the same time instilling character through an enduring moral compass and an ardent dedication to the underdog. Her creative and artistic spirit is a legacy that remains embodied in that generation of offspring that so love Grandma Sue. Her family will miss her grace. Susan is survived by her husband Joe H. Voss of Paynesville; children Joseph (Kelley) Voss of Portland, Ore; Theresa Voss of Minneapolis; Paul (Mary) Voss of Atlanta, Ga; Anna (Tom) Richmond of Burnsville; David (Hannah) Voss of Regal; and Chris (Deborah) Voss of Kirkland, Wash; grandchildren Alison Voss, Megan (Rob) Regalado, Elizabeth Richmond, Joseph K. Voss, Victoria (Leif) Sundberg; Tony Williams, Gabrielle Richmond, Luke (CarolAnne) Voss, Susan (Timmy) Kallock, Tom (Ellen) Richmond, Maria Rose Voss, Cole (Bri) Williams, Hunter Voss, Tallie Voss, Jack Voss, Quinn Voss, and Brennan Voss; great-grandchildren Cooper Alliger, Wilhelmina Munger, Linus Sundberg, and Norman Voss; siblings Joe (Chris) Brennan and Patricia Brennan; and special friend Tess Thielen. Susan was preceded in death by her son Larry Voss; parents Cecil "Red" and Angeline "Tutz" Brennan; sister and best friend Mary (Don) Ciardelli; sister Ann (Allan) Bradshaw; and her beloved dog Thor. The Voss family is grateful for the exceptional love and care provided by Asher Haus and St Croix Hospice. Memorials will be passed on to Asher Haus and the Alzheimer's Association.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Lake Henry for Edna M. Weidner, 89, of Lake Henry, who passed away peacefully, with family by her side, on Thursday, Nov. 24, at her home. Reverend Glenn Krystosek will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Margaret Parish Cemetery in Lake Henry. Visitation will be held from 4 until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 29, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday, all at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Lake Henry. Edna was born to Ted and Clara (Mehr) Krebsbach on Oct. 26, 1933, in Richmond, Minn. She moved with her family to Cold Spring in 1941 and graduated from St. Boniface High School in 1951.Ê She was employed at Fandel's Department Store in St. Cloud and then at the Old State Bank in Cold Spring. On April 19, 1958, she married Rembert Simon. Together, they had one son, Scott. Rembert died on July 25, 1961.Ê Edna married Larry (Bud) Weidner on Dec. 29, 1962, and moved to Fridley. In September 1964, they moved to Lake Henry where they owned and operated Weidner's Bar until 1972. Larry died Feb. 11, 1993. Edna retired in January 1999 after being employed by Armour and Gold 'n' Plump for almost 20 years.Ê She was a member of St. Margaret's Parish and St. Ann's Society. She was also city clerk of Lake Henry for a number of years. Edna enjoyed Lake Henry Lakers baseball, watching her children and grandchildren play sports,Êdoing word puzzles,Êcoloring, writing poetry, and spending time with family and friends. She is survived by her seven children: Scott (Joann), Kim (Gordon) Barten, Robert, Kristi (Dale) Wessel, Susan (Doug) Pietrowski, Amy (Steve) Bast, and Herbie; 15 grandchildren, Laura (Dave) Gongoll, Allison, Katie, Daniel (Anna), Mitchell (Jackie), Emily (Garrett) Leusink, and Max Weidner; Ryan (Krystal), Kaitlyn, and Erik Barten; Taylor and Carter Wessel; Levi and Cooper Bast; and Brynn Pietrowski, as well as seven great-grandchildren; brother, Ted (Alice) Krebsbach; brother-in-law, Michael Gresser and sister-in-law, Donna Weidner; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Rembert and Larry; brother, Charles Krebsbach; and sister, Joan Gresser. A special thank you to the staff of CentraCare Hospice for their loving and compassionate care of Edna.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Crescentia T. "Tuddie" Kraemer, 97, of Paynesville.ÊÊ Reverend Glenn Krystosek will officiate. Entombment will be in the St. Louis Parish Mausoleum.Ê Tuddie passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, at the CentraCare Paynesville, Koronis Manor. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23, at the church. Arrangements are with Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home, Paynesville. Tuddie was born on Oct. 13, 1925, in Roscoe to the late Harry and Anna (Solheid) Lenzmeier. She was united in marriage to Dennis Kraemer on Sept. 6, 1948, at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Lake Henry. They farmed near Lake Henry, and Tuddie was a loving and devoted wife and mother of five. After retiring, she moved to Paynesville and cleaned cabins for Bug-Bee Resort for many years. Tuddie was a member of St. Louis Parish, Catholic United Financial, Christian Women, and St. Margaret's Rosary Society in Lake Henry. Tuddie enjoyed quilting, embroidering, gardening, playing cards, trips to Branson, Mo., and the highlight of her day was going for coffee. She treasured being with family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Tuddie will be remembered for her excellent cooking and amazing pies. Tuddie is survived by her children, Charlene (Rich) VanDrehle of Melrose, Connie (Duane) Olmscheid of Paynesville, Cyndi (Jerry) Humbert of Paynesville, and Dean (Ruth) Kraemer of Paynesville; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Jane Lenzmeier; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Dennis, in 2020; infant son Jeffrey; brothers, Earl and Virgil Lenzmeier; and sisters, Lorraine Becker, Luella Hess, Mary Ann Raiche, and Dorothy Ulrich. A heartfelt thank you to the staff of CentraCare Ð Paynesville/Koronis Manor for their exceptional care.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in St. Cloud for Mildred Pelzer, 94, of St. Cloud, who died on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Augusta. Burial will be at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Pearl Lake. Visitation was 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at the Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in St. Cloud and one hour prior to services Wednesday at the church in St. Cloud. Mildred was born Oct. 21, 1928, in Luxemburg to Oswald and Frances (Kruchten) Schabel. She married Sylvester F. Pelzer on July 8, 1948, at St. Wendelin Catholic Church in Luxemburg. Mildred worked as a beautician in her early years and then raised her children and family. She was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in St. Cloud and was involved in the Christian Women and volunteered for 35 years as the area leader for the funeral lunch group. She was also a member of the VFW Post #428 Lady's Auxiliary. Mildred loved her family very much, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild. She enjoyed spending time quilting blankets, sewing, working on puzzles, baking, and cooking; one of her specialties was making homemade noodles and bread. She is survived by her children, Robert (Diane) of Lake Henry; Patricia (Frank) Hemmesch of Paynesville; Michael (Debra) of Rice; Yvonne (Dale) Brambrink of Princeton; Mary (Randy) Mick of Foreston; Jim of St. Cloud; and Elaine of St. Cloud; daughter-in-law, Nancy of St. Cloud; sisters, Florence Warnert of St. Cloud, Idella Schneider of Avon, and Marilyn Ranelle of Ramsey; 21 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Sylvester in 2000, son Gary in 1958; daughter Diane in 1966; son Tom in 2019; and granddaughter, Nikki Hemmesch in 2009. Special thanks to the staff at Quiet Oaks Hospice House for their wonderful and compassionate care to Mildred.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Robert "Bob" B. Hemmesch, 79, of Paynesville. Bob passed away on Sunday, Nov. 20, at the Paynesville Care Center. Reverend Glenn Krystosek will officiate. Burial will take place in the St. Louis Parish Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25, at Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday, Nov. 26. Bob was born Nov. 17, 1943, in Melrose, Minn., to Henry and Elizabeth (Kollmann) Hemmesch. He married Sandra Ann Schoenberg on May 14, 1966, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spring Hill. Together they farmed and raised six children north of Paynesville. He was a member of St. Louis Parish, where he served as a trustee on the board for many years, St. Louis Knights of Columbus, Paynesville Farmers Union Co-op, Zion Township board, and Paynesville American Legion Post #271. Bob loved playing with his grandchildren, spending time with family, and playing solo. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, dedication to farming and fixing things, his kindness, patience, and love for family. Bob is survived by his children Steve (Robin) of Minnetonka, Roger (Lisa) of Paynesville, Rita (Kent) Kopp of Alexandria, Lois (Rod) Gertken of Richmond, Linda (Scott) Hoeft of Paynesville, and Scot (Stephanie) of Delano; 21 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters Jeanette (Bob) Lieser, Ron Hemmesch, Henrietta Hemmesch, and Jarrett (Mary) Hemmesch; in-laws Joan (Al) Patton, Chuck (Sharon) Schoenberg, Tom (Patty) Schoenberg, Dick (Marilyn) Schoenberg, Bill (Jan) Schoenberg, Mary (Pete) Budner, Mona (Doug) Ritter, and Nick Schoenberg; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was proceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law; wife Sandy; and four infant grandchildren. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
Roger Alan Hurd, 83, of Plymouth, born and raised in Paynesville, Minn., passed away on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022. Roger served in the United States Air Force, and he worked for many years in the automobile industry and later in residential real estate. Roger is survived by his wife, Cindy; his children, Jeff (Jenny), Mark (Kelly), Heather (Tom), and Erik (Tara); grandchildren, Nickolas, Kevin, Miranda, Laura (Aaron), Ryan, Jessica (Greg), Thomas, Darin, and Desirae; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Izabella, Isabella, Svea, Madison, and Edda; his former wife, Alice Hurd; brother-in-law, Scott Gillette (Cindy); nephews, Scotty, Travis, and Cameron (Abby); and many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Floyd Hurd; and his sister, Gloria Potter. A gathering in celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Serving the family are Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel of Plymouth (www.gearty-delmore.com).
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Eden Valley for Audrine E. Rost, 87, of Paynesville and formerly of Fairmont and Faribault. Audrine passed away at her home on Friday, Nov. 11. Rev. Ben Hollingsead will officiate. Burial will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Faribault. Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville and one hour prior to services on Friday at the church. Audrine was born Sept. 26, 1935, in Wannaska, Minn., to Lawrence and Cora (Aasen) Larson. She married Lowell Rost on July 26, 1958, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Faribault. She enjoyed tying quilts, cooking, baking, canning, and reading. Audrine was devoted to her family and to homemaking. Audrine is survived by her loving husband; children Lori (Bill) Bruns of Redlands, Calif.; Randi (Teresa) Rost of Loveland, Colo.; Tim (Gwen) of Plano, Texas; and Jolene (Jeff) Long of Champlin; grandchildren Tony (Megan) Long, Ben Long, Chloe Long, Rachel (Caleb) Spencer, Hannah Rost, Zachary Rost, Hayley Rost, Tommy Rost, and Janna Bruns; one great-granddaughter Rosalynn Mae Spencer; sister Marilyn Dahlquist; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and by siblings Darlene Gray, Lars Larson, Donna Koktavy, and Sharon Klapperich.
Susan Elizabeth (Sand) Mertesdorf, 67, of Georgeville, Minn., passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany surrounded by her loving family. Sue was born in Sauk Centre, Minn., on July 10, 1955 to Shirley (Eckberg) and Clarence Sand. She graduated in the Class of 1973 of Paynesville High School, then attended St. Cloud Beauty College for cosmetology. She worked in many different fields during her lifetime: cosmetology, bartender, nurse's aide, then her career at Jennie-O. Sue started in Litchfield on the line working her way up to supervisor at the Willmar Avenue Plant, retiring after 37 years with the company in 2016. She had one son, Michael John, born in 1984. He has blessed her with two grandchildren, who were the absolute loves of her life, Michael Timothy and Lilyanne Mae. She married to Scott Anthony Mertesdorf on Oct. 16, 1998. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, crocheting, casino trips, trips with her sister Sandy, and spending time with family and friends. Sue is survived by her husband, Scott; son, Michael; grandchildren, Michael Sand and Lily Smith Grosen; sisters, Sandra (Dennis) Stanger and Shelly (Richard) Lecher; niece, Trisha Stanger; nephews Zach and Adam Lecher; and great nieces and nephews, Zeke and Ollie Beek, Zaya and Artemis Lecher. Sue was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Timothy Lee as a child; and many aunts and uncles. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Daniel Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. A Celebration of Life will be held at later date.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Marilyn F. Klaphake, 78, of Sauk Centre. Marilyn passed away on Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Sauk Centre Care Center. Reverend Glenn Krystosek officiated. Burial took place in St. Louis Parish Cemetery in Paynesville. Visitation was held one hour prior to services on Tuesday at the church. Marilyn was born Jan. 3, 1944, in Melrose, Minn., to Bernard Klaphake and Mary Magdalen Bertram. She lived on a farm as a child and grew to love animals, especially dogs. She attended country school and graduated from Melrose High School in 1963. She worked as a waitress, did child care for others, and for a time worked at the St. Cloud Hospital. In the past, Marilyn enjoyed embroidery and drawing projects. She liked old-time country music and hymns and is remembered for a beautiful singing voice. She enjoyed trivia, playing BINGO, and Hallmark movies. Her favorite holiday was Christmas, and she enjoyed decorating, singing carols, and Christmas Mass. Marilyn is survived by her brothers Eldred (Phyllis) Klaphake of Lake Henry and Roman (Nona) Klaphake of Spring Hill, as well as many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a son, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents; sister Joann; and brother Melvin. A special thank you to the Sauk Centre Care Center and Father Glenn Krystosek.
'Larry' Thielen, aka 'PeeWee of Paynesville,' passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 17, surrounded by his devoted and loving family. He was preceded in death by many and is survived by a big, attractive Thielen clan and numerous adoring fans. He was born June 2, 1938, on the sunny side of the street during the Great Depression, the youngest member of a large family of little means. In high school, where he enjoyed many extracurricular activities and none of the curriculum, Larry learned the value of hard work as a pin-setter at the bowling alley. That and his many other side hustles allowed him to buy his own clothes and a car while still in high school, accomplishments he remained proud of his entire life. After graduation in 1956, Larry joined the U.S. Navy and described his time aboard ship as some of the best years of his life. Once again, he enjoyed the extracurricular activities of spinning hit records sent by his sister TD, pitching in softball games, and seeing new lands more so than the required duties of a helmsman. After his six years of honorable service ended, he married the love of his life and they raised four successful children, Terrianne, Lisa, Larry, and Kelly. Grandpa Larry was also very proud of his eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and the relative he was MOST proud of, #19 Adam Thielen of the Minnesota Vikings. Larry's naturally optimistic disposition served him well, as he encountered many big challenges along the way and truly beat the odds his whole life. He loved parties and never needed a reason to celebrate. He lived and loved with his whole heart, took big chances, and received big rewards. His charisma was contagious, and his smile had a way of brightening any room he entered. He was goofy, fiercely loyal, hardworking, loving, and open-minded. His most famous line was "I love LIFE! And so do YOU!" ZOOM visitation will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at Holy Cross Catholic Church (1621 University Avenue NE, Minneapolis). His visitation will start at 10 a.m., and Mass at 11 a.m. Mass will be live-streamed. For the Zoom link for the online visitation or the livestream link for the Mass, please send an email to jones.terrianne@gmail.com. Memorials preferred to Common Bond Communities, https://commonbond.org/donate/.
Dan Nierenhausen was born in Paynesville, Minn., on Aug. 11, 1934, to Nicholas Nierenhausen and Lucille Hartmann. He graduated from Paynesville High School, where he lettered in football, basketball, and track. Shortly after graduation, Dan joined the U.S. Air Force with his brother, Germain. They were both deployed to Spangdahlem AFB, Germany. While in Germany, Dan met the love of his life, Ursula Heinrich, and they were married on May 15, 1956. The two enjoyed 29 years of marriage until Ursula's untimely death in 1985. He was the proud father of five children, Dawn Nierenhausen (deceased 1988), Chris (Jim) Kolakowski of Paxton, Mo., Mike (Nancy) Nierenhausen of Rantoul, Mo., Scott Nierenhausen of Kansas City, Mo., and Kim (Tim) Lavin of Champaign,. He was the proud grandfather of Danielle, Allison, Brian, Jennifer, Kyle, Jeffrey, Sammie, and Casey, as well as a great-grandfather to six. Dan is also survived by his brother, Darrell (Linda) Nierenhausen of Stewartville, Minn. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and two brothers. Dan was extremely proud of his 29-year military career and accomplishments. He attained the rank of chief master sergeant. He served in the Korean and Vietnam wars and was stationed throughout the U.S. during his career. After retiring from the Air Force in June 1981, Dan resided in Knob Noster, Mo., where he lived with his best friend and four-legged companion, Lillie. He lived in Knob Noster until November, when he moved to Brookstone Estates. Dan was ever the sports enthusiast Ð he specifically loved watching tennis and football and was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. If you were in the room with him, you quickly became a Chiefs fan as well. In addition to sports, he enjoyed woodworking and refinishing antiques. He also had a love for country western music and crossword puzzles. Dan loved, and was loved by, his family. He led a life of service to his country and to those he loved. Dan was cremated, and his ashes will be buried next to his wife in Knob Noster, Mo. There will be a celebration of life/funeral on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Sweeny-Phillips and Holden Funeral Home in Warrensburg, Mo. Memorials in his name may be made to the U.S. Department of Veterans Association.
Norma Mae Gabrielson, 92, of Paynesville, Minn., passed away on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, at her home in Paynesville. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Paynesville Lutheran Church in Paynesville with interment in Ripley Cemetery in Litchfield, Minn. Pastor Paul Shumaker officiated, Paula Geier was the organist, Nathan Martinson was the soloist, Lori Gabrielson was the eulogist, and readers were Christopher Gabrielson, Holly Thiede, and Nicholas Gabrielson. Urn bearer was Jon Gabrielson, and honorary urn bearers were grandchildren: Christopher Gabrielson, Ryan Gabrielson, Holly Thiede, Marina Ledford, and Nicholas Gabrielson Norma Mae (Kohls) Gabrielson was born on Dec. 28, 1929, at Hutchinson Community Hospital in Hutchinson, Minn. She was the daughter of Emil and Esther (Smith) Kohls. Norma was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith as a youth on June 14, 1942, both at Acoma Lutheran Church in Cedar Mills Township, Minn. She received her education at District #54 until the seventh grade, then transferred to Litchfield, and was a graduate with the Litchfield High School Class of 1947. On Jan. 11, 1948, Norma was united in marriage to George Gabrielson at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Acoma Township, McLeod County, Minn. Norma and George moved from their Lake Ripley home to their farm near Green Leaf Township, in 1958. Together they raised four children on the farm, Michael, Julie, Lori, and James. In 1977, Norma and George sold the farm and moved onto Lake Koronis in Paynesville, Minn. They shared 71 years of marriage before George passed away on Nov. 19, 2019. Norma kept herself busy over the years working for several businesses including 3M, a hardware store, other various retail stores, and being the bookkeeper for many years for Gabrielson Excavating, but she mostly worked out of her home. She had always dreamed of becoming an artist. In high school, she would make posters and draw fashion models and paper dolls. After studying with a few well-known artists such as Drew Jones and Janice Beck, and traveling to Provence, France, for a painting tour, Norma opened her own custom painting business. She could paint portraits, animals, landscapes, home sites, and anything in-between with charcoal, pastels, oils, and watercolors. Norma was a member of Paynesville Lutheran Church. She was also a member of First Lutheran Church in Litchfield for many years. Norma enjoyed dancing, music, gardening, and painting. She loved sewing and opened her own drapery business, which she ran out of her home, sewing curtains, drapes, bedding, and even her own children's clothes. Norma especially enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren, and friends. Blessed be her memory. Norma is survived by her: children, Julie Ledford and her husband, Bill of Anthem, Ariz., Lori Gabrielson of Minneapolis, Minn., andJames Gabrielson of Paynesville; daughter-in-law, Julianna Gabrielson of Sauk Rapids, Minn.; grandchildren, Christopher Gabrielson and his wife, Sarah; Ryan Gabrielson; Holly Thiede and her husband, Will; Jon Gabrielson; Marina Ledford and her husband, Rouby; and Nicholas Gabrielson; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Sophia, and Michael Gabrielson, Zachary and Tyler Gabrielson, and Rhea, Rayna, and Rayla Abraham; and any other relatives and friends. Norma was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Esther Kohls; husband, George Gabrielson; and son, Michael Gabrielson. Arrangements by the Hantge Funeral Chapel in Darwin. Online obituaries and guest book are available at www.hantge.com. |