October 2024
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
October 2024
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Cyrilla Michael, 79, Freeport
Cyrilla A. Michael, 79, of Freeport passed away suddenly on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport Minn., with Father Daniel Walz officiating. The burial will take place at the parish cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, and from 10:30-11:15 a.m. on Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Christian Women and Goldenaires Senior Citizens will pray a rosary at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Cyrilla was born May 7, 1945, to Hugo and Loretta (Bertram) Lieser of Lake Henry, Minn. She graduated from Paynesville High School and married David Michael on Oct. 22, 1966. Cyrilla lived a full life doing all the things she loved best: farming with her husband, raising her five children, painting, bowling, dancing, quilting, and serving her community. She was a member of the Christian Women, the Freeport Homemakers group, and Sacred Heart parish ministries. She led the quilting group at Sacred Heart parish for many years and designed and built the MCCL float for the Freeport parade for decades. Recently, she took care of flower plantings at the Sacred Heart Cemetery. She donated blood, worked for funerals, delivered Meals on Wheels, and was always there whenever any of her many friends and neighbors needed a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or a ride to medical appointments. After she retired from her job at Hennen Floor Covering in Freeport, she and David traveled the world, went dancing as often as they could, enjoyed visiting family and friends, and attended their grandchildren's plays, concerts, and sporting events. Cyrilla is survived by her husband, David; and her children, Michelle (Ed) Miller of Sartell, Blaine (Kathy) Michael of Rogers, Marty (Susan) Michael of Shakopee, Rachel (Rueben) Nilsson of Baldwin, Wis., and Jason (Amy) Michael of Rogers; and her 17 grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Patty Stalboerger and Mary Ann Meyer; and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Hilary Brunner, Jerry (Clara) Michael, and John (Carol) Michael. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Cecilia Brunner; her brothers-in-law, Tony Stalboerger and Alvin Meyer; sister- and brother-in-law, Judy and Jerry Timp; and David's parents, Henry and Clara (Middendorf) Michael. Cyrilla's was a life of joy... exploration, ministry, and caring for others. Continuing that legacy, the family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Red Cross or the MCCL. Also, if you were to donate blood in her memory, she would be cheering you on from heaven. Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Freeport.
In loving memory, Lonnie Gene Schmidt, born on April 16, 1962, in Paynesville, Minn., passed away on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. He graduated Paynesville High School in 1980 and subsequently attended St. Cloud Technical College, attaining a degree in wastewater Treatment. He was employed in this field for more than 20 years in southern Minnesota. Lonnie loved outdoor activities, especially hunting and fishing. His favorite place to fish was Lake Koronis. He also loved dogs and fostered several pets throughout his life. Lonnie is survived by his parents, Eugene and Sharon Schmidt; his sister Lorie (Pat) Meagher; his brother Lee (Helen) Schmidt; sister Lisa (Paul) Bowden; and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, at Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will take place in the Paynesville Cemetery. A special thank you to the staff at Galeon Nursing Home in Osakis and CentraCare Hospice for the compassionate care Lonnie was given.
Jeraldine Rae (Johnson) Meyer, 89, of Hastings, formerly of Paynesville, died on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, with her youngest daughter holding her hand, at the Benedictine Living Community in Hastings. A celebration of life will be held at Paynesville Lutheran Church on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at 1 p.m. with a visitation beginning one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a memorial in Jeri's name, please direct them to: www.paynesvillelutheran.org or by mail. Paynesville Lutheran; 657 Maple Street; Paynesville, MN 56362. Jeri was born in Fergus Falls, Minn., to Jerald and Ruth (Solum) Johnson on July 15, 1935. After graduating from Moorhead High School, she attended nursing school in Rochester, Minn., at the Mayo Clinic. During her time in school, she met her future husband, Loren E. Meyer. They were married, and the couple settled in southern Minnesota, where Jeraldine started her long nursing career. In 1961, the family moved to Paynesville, where Jeri began her dedicated life as a steadfast partner supporting her husband, Loren, in all of his unique and adventurous business endeavors. No matter what type of hat she was asked to wear - accountant, DIY rehab specialist, landlord, and bartender - she mastered the skills needed. She realized she missed her first love and returned to nursing and worked at the Paynesville Hospital. She loved taking care of her patients and, oddly enough, loved working the night shift. Jeri was an active member of the community. She was a member of the Paynesville Lutheran Church and a volunteer EMT with the Paynesville Ambulance Service. The crackle of the ambulance scanner was a constant background sound in the Meyer household. Jeri loved to create beautiful things. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and sewing. She donated hundreds of handmade newborn caps, quilts, and prayer shawls over the years. She was the grandma that made her grandkids the most amazing clothes and Halloween costumes. She could take a quick look at one of her grandchildren and whip up a new outfit for them to wear without bothering with the inconvenience of finding a pattern. Jeri was a very fun grandmother, introducing many of her grandchildren to the joys of Super Mario World, since she was the first person they knew with a Nintendo set. After losing Loren after over 60 years of marriage, she moved to Stillwater, Minn., to be closer to family. With failing eyesight and declining cognitive functioning, she moved in with her daughter, Andrea, during Covid. Jeri is survived by her children: Eric (Susan) Meyer of St. Cloud; Kirsten (Roger) Gruber of Belgrade; and Andrea (Tony) Meyer Frenier of Lake Elmo; grandchildren: Robyn (Nicholas) Meyer-Thompson of Shoreview; Timothy (Hallie) Meyer of Los Angeles, Calif.; Katie (Matt) Baier of Pillager; Sarah Gruber of Hopkins; Maggie (Bennett) Weller of Hawley; Rebecca Gruber of Assendelft, Netherlands; Allison Gruber of Dickinson, N.D.; Kaela Jensen of Los Angeles, Calif.; and Thi Jensen of Chicago, Ill., and great-grandchildren Lucy and Theodore Thompson and Brody and Brooks Baier. She is also survived by her brother: Stephen (Crystal) Johnson of Dent, Minn.; and many nieces and nephews. Jeri was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Loren; her daughter Lori Jean; and her brothers Bruce and Keith.
Patricia Alyce Kavanagh, born on July 10, 1954, in St. Cloud, Minn., passed away on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, at 70 years old. Pat attended St. Cloud Tech High School and pursued her love for hair design at St. Cloud Beauty College. It was there that she met Bob Kavanagh, whom she married in 1978. Together, they established Kavanagh's Hairstyling in Paynesville. Their love and commitment were evident in the birth of their son, Casey, in 1981. Tragically, Bob succumbed to brain cancer in 1983, leaving Pat as a resilient single mother. She raised Casey alone for 15 years. In 1998, Patricia found love again when she married Wayne Chmelik. Their shared passion for dogs led them to establish Bryncrest Great Danes, where they bred and showed champion Great Danes at the highest level. A woman of many talents, Pat was not only a skilled hair stylist but also a gifted musician. Music was her true passion, and she formed a musical duo, Gemini Rising, with her sister-in-law Gloria Tentis. They enchanted audiences regionally, performing at many different events, private parties and children's shows in elementary schools. Her voice brought joy to those around her, and she had a unique ability to use that voice as a source of healing. She often provided comfort and support to friends and family during times of grief and loss. Known for her compassionate nature, she was a pillar of strength for those in need. Many sought her guidance, turning to her for advice and a listening ear. Her ability to empathize and offer comfort made her a cherished confidante to all who knew her. In 2017, after a stroke, Pat faced a difficult battle with vascular dementia. Despite the rapidly progessing disease, she faced each day with strength and grace. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Lawrence Danzl; her first husband, Bob Kavanagh, her sister Kathy Waxburg; and her brothers Dave, Bobby, and Bud Danzl. She is survived by her loving husband Wayne Chmelik; devoted son Casey Kavanagh; daughter-in-law Paula; and cherished grandchildren Grace and Oliver. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Patricia Alyce Kavanagh will be remembered for her resilience, creativity, and the love she shared through her music and comforting presence. A memorial service to celebrate Pat's life will be held at Daniel Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 11 a.m. May she rest in peace, and may her music continue to echo in the hearts of those she touched.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at the Church of God in Eden Valley for Walter Coulter, 66, who passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. Rev. Anne Fischhaber will officiate, and burial will be at Old Eden Lake Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, at the Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Eden Valley and from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the church. Walter Frank Coulter departed this world on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, at the age of 66. He died peacefully after nine months of care from family and the wonderful hospice team. Walter was born Jan. 4, 1958, in Paynesville to his parents, Wilber and Bety Lou (Knebel) Coulter. He lived in the Eden Valley and Paynesville area all of his life, attending Eden Valley-Watkins High School, and graduating in 1976. Walter married the mother of his children, Sheree Twedt, on April 1, 2006. Walter grew up helping on the family farm and moved on to see many parts of the United States. He was a strong man who worked construction when he was younger. Most of his career was driving a 16-wheeler both locally and cross country, with the last four years being at CentraSota. When he wasn't working, he was tinkering with his tools on some project: fixing cars or lawnmowers; building bikes and go-karts for his kids; or out helping a friend in need. He enjoyed being in the outdoors hunting and fishing. When his family moved out into the country, he built paths in the woods out in back of their house. Walter is survived by his mother, Bety Lou Coulter of Eden Valley; children, Edwin Twedt-Coulter of North Mankato and Hollynd Coulter of St. Cloud; stepson, Shannon (Steph) Twedt of Sauk Centre; siblings, Tom (Diane) Coulter of Eden Valley, Carol Leichter of Oakland, Paul (Cindy) Coulter of Hawick, Susie Fyle of Atwater, and Abe Vadner of Eden Valley; grandchildren, Ace, Wyatt, and Sophia Twedt and Travean Coulter; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; his longtime friends, Rick Mesna and Jim Rettig. He was preceded in death by his father; and wife, Sheree. Obituary, guest book and video tribute available at: www.williamsdingmann.com.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville, Minn., for Jerman B. Lieser, 35, who died on Friday, Oct. 11, at North Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving wife and family. His burial will be at a later date. The visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at the church and will continue from 9 to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, prior to the services. Jerman Lieser was born on Feb. 7, 1989, in Paynesville, Minn., to Donald Lieser and Kathy (Borgerding) Lahr. He married Dacia Breitbach on May 20, 2023, in Paynesville, and they are expecting their first child in February. Jerman worked for Koronis Builders for the past 16 years. He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Ducks Unlimited, Minnesota Dark House Association, and Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. Jerman's hobbies included hunting (especially bow hunting), ice fishing, and spearing. He enjoyed anything outdoors and time spent with his dog, Axel. Jerman was a perfectionist who was motivated about everything. Survivors include his wife, Dacia; parents, Donald Lieser and Kathy (Virgil) Lahr; siblings, Josh (Linda) Lieser, Amanda (Derek) Johnson, Tim (Tammy) Lieser, and Dani (Mike) Hennen; step-siblings, Steve (Sara) Lahr, Nancy (Daryl) Tritabaugh, and Joe (Cristy) Lahr; mother-in-law, Deb Breitbach (Mark "Mikey" Weller); brothers- and sisters-in-law, Dustin (Tiffany) Breitbach and Danielle (Joe) Donahue; grandmother Elnora Lieser; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Kimberly and brother, Joseph; nephew, Isaac Lieser; father-in-law Gary Breitbach; and grandparents, Alcuin and Margeret Borgerding and Elvin "Smiley" Lieser.
David Frank Schoenborn, 83, of Spring Hill passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at Cura Care Center of Melrose in Melrose, Minn. A private memorial service will be held in November after harvest is done, just as David would have wanted it. David Frank Schoenborn was born on Sept. 9, 1941, in St. Cloud, Minn., to Louis and Mary (Schulzetenberg) Schoenborn. He grew up in rural Spring Hill and graduated from Melrose High School in 1958. David was a farmer his entire life and owner of Spring Water Acres in Spring Hill. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spring Hill. David was a Spring Hill Township supervisor for many years, and he was on the FSA county committee from 1997 to 2009. He loved his family and friends, but most of all he enjoyed farming. Survivors include his sisters-in-law, Bernice Schoenborn of St. Cloud and Lidwina Schoenborn of Corcoran; brother-in-law, Alcuin Illies of St. Cloud; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews; and lifelong farming partners and friends, Tom and Dustin Frieler. David was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Mary Schoenborn; brothers and sisters, Norbert Schoenborn, Hildegard Schmiesing, Arthur Schoenborn, Rosemary Schoenborn, Dorine Illies, and Jerome Schoenborn. David's family is grateful for the staff at Park View Place, Cura of Melrose Care Center, and CentraCare Hospital - Melrose for their wonderful care and support during the years he called his apartment home. Arrangements are being made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Melrose.
R. John Larson, 78, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at Paynesville Lutheran Church in Paynesville, Minn. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, with the service following at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at a later date. Born on Nov. 7, 1945, in Willmar, Minn., to the late Walter and Esther (Peterson) Larson, John grew up in Grove City, where he attended school and graduated from Grove City High School in 1963. On Feb. 2, 1963, John married Marcia Piepenburg in Grove City. The couple lived in Atwater from 1964 to 1990, before moving to their beloved home on Lake Koronis near Paynesville, where they resided until 2022. They then relocated to Paynesville. John worked as a pipefitter for Holm Brothers for 15 years before starting his own business, American Industrial Refrigeration. John's work family held a special place in his heart. He loved recalling the various work events such as fishing trips, Christmas parties, birthday celebrations, and just lunch time chatter. In his younger years, John served as president of the Luther League at Trinity Lutheran Church and helped maintain the cemetery grounds. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying snowmobiling and four-wheeling with family and friends. After retiring in 2004, John and Marcia spent their summers at Lake Koronis, where he took pride in maintaining their beautiful lake property, and winters in Arizona. He loved hosting gatherings on Lake Koronis. Making sure everyone was having fun was an important focus for him. John was currently a member of Paynesville Lutheran Church, where he continued his lifelong commitment to faith and community. He will be remembered for his generosity, dedication to his work, and his care for others. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marcia; children: Stacey (Rich) Junghans of Stillwater, Kristen (Blaine) Larson Dumke of Victoria, and David Larson of Paynesville; six grandchildren; his brother, Dan (Alice) Larson of Baxter; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Esther; his sisters Judy Christenson and Sandy Larson; and three infant siblings. If you wish to make a memorial in John's name, please direct them to: CentraCare Foundation for hospice services (1406 Sixth Avenue North, St. Cloud, MN 56303 or online at CentraCare Hospice Services).
Lois Elaine Roberg, 93, of Paynesville passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at her home. Her funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Nordland Lutheran Church near Paynesville. Visitation was held from 5 to 8 p.m., on Monday, Oct. 7, at Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville and continued one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial was in the Nordland Cemetery. Arrangements were with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Lois Elaine Hufford was born on July 16, 1931, in Surrey, N.D., the daughter of Daniel and Bernice (Hansen) Hufford. She attended country school and graduated from Minot High School. Elaine married Dwaine Roberg on Dec. 10, 1949, at Crow River Methodist Church. After they got married, they made their home on the family farm. Elaine had a love for farming, especially milking the cows. The couple moved to Lake Koronis in 1979. Elaine was a very active member of Nordland Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and was president of the Ladies Aid. Elaine was also a member of the Lady Lakers group. Elaine was a woman of many talents and hobbies. She took pride in quilting and made every grandchild and great-grandchild a quilt as a graduation gift. Everyone also knew Elaine for her angel food cake, and she always made sure there was a cake at every celebration. She also had a joy for sewing, canning, gardening, making butter horns, and going on pontoon rides. She especially loved music. Elaine and Dwaine attended many bluegrass festivals, and she never missed any type of concert of her grandchildren or great-grandchildren. Elaine was the queen of hospitality; no matter who it was, her door was always open. She is survived by her children, Larry (Joyce) Roberg of Paynesville, Gary (Fern) Roberg of Paynesville, Debra Roberg of Arlington, Texas, and Loren (Janet) Roberg of Paynesville; grandchildren, Jackie, Angela, Tim, Stacy, Amy, Jason, Jennifer, Heather, and Zach; 29 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Adeline Roberg. Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Dwaine Roberg; parents; great-granddaughter, Olivia; and brother-in-law, Howard Roberg.
Ruth Busta passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 16, at Trails of Orono Hospice. She is survived by her husband Craig Heitke; six sisters; and one brother; as well as step-children Anne and Aaron Heitke and three grandchildren Ezekiel, Alexandra, and Arriana. Ruth was a CPA and an attorney. After graduating from the University of Iowa in 1970, she started work as an auditor for a Big 8 accounting firm. She became one of the first female financial executives. Her early work was mostly in Europe. She later officed in numerous cities including Caracas, Venezuela, and Toronto, Canada. She became the CFO for the Harlem Globettroters and escorted them thru Japan. She returned to Edina, Minn., to work as a CFO and trustee until marrying her husband Craig Heitke and moving to Paynesville. Ruth walked the Great Wall of China and the gametrails of Africa and grasslands. She saw civilizations from India and Myanma to Monte Carlo and Italy. She appreciated and fully lived life. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life at her home (26038 Co. Rd. 281 Paynesville, Minn.) from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12. Cookies and coffee, as well as wine and cheese, will be served. She was comfortable in both worlds. Any memorials should be sent directly to the charity of your choice. Say to each passing moment, "Wait, you are so beautiful." |