September 2024
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
September 2024
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Kenneth Eells, 86, Shakopee
Kenneth Martin Eells, 86, of Shakopee, Minn., died on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in the memory care unit at Benedictine Winder-mere Way in Shakopee. He suffered from multiple medical conditions, including Alzheimer's Disease, and had been in hospice care for over a year. Ken was born on May 2, 1938, in Sandstone, Minn. His parents moved to Paynesville, Minn., where Ken lived until he graduated from high school in 1956. He was enrolled in ROTC and received a BA in geography from the University of Minnesota. Upon graduation, he joined the Air Force and served for over five years, starting in pilots training and later was an aircraft maintenance officer. He was employed as a buyer for IBM, Minneapolis Moline, and Thermo King and sold electronics at Dayton's, and Circuit City prior to retirement. He married Sue Ann Anderson at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 25, 1968, and then joined Shepherd of the Lake Church in Prior Lake, Minn., after they moved there in 1976. Ken spent many years building the house in Prior Lake, where they lived until 2020, when they moved to an apartment at Benedictine Windermere Way in Shakopee. In his younger years, Ken enjoyed water and snow skiing and bowling. He had a private pilot's license for several years. He enjoyed hiking in national parks during their travels, as well as going on cruises and attending plays with Sue Ann. Ken and Sue had two children, Brent, who now lives in Rogers, Minn.; and Shawn, who married Janessa Anderson on May 7, 2016. They live in Minnetrista, Minn., with their two boys, Anderson, 7, and Everett, 4. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Rose. He is survived by his wife, Sue Ann; sons, Brent and Shawn (Janessa); grandchildren, Anderson and Everett; and sister, Marilyn. Services will be at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church (3611 North Berens Road NW, Prior Lake, Minn.) on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m., and the service at 10:30 a.m. (Livestream will be provided by Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church.) Lunch will follow the service. Burial with full military honors will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, in Minneapolis, Minn. (Please arrive by 1:15 p.m.) The family would like to thank the staff of Benedictine and Minnesota Hospice for the support and care given to Ken. Memorials can be directed in Ken's memory to the Alzheimer's Association (12701 Whitewater Drive, Suite 290, Minnetonka, MN 55343). Arrangements with McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, Shakopee.Condolences may be shared at www.mcnearneyfuneralhome.com.
Luan Marie Johnsrud, 69, of Paynesville died Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at Paynesville Health Care Center after a battle with brain cancer. Her memorial service was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 14, at Paynesville Lutheran Church. Visitation took place from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, and continued one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment was held at the Paynesville Cemetery. Arrangements were made with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Luan Marie Johnsrud was born on Feb. 15, 1955, to Kenneth and Anna (Norby) Johnsrud in Glenwood, Minn. Luan was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church. She attended Cyrus Public School through seventh grade. After the family sold the farm and built a home in Starbuck, Luan graduated from Starbuck High School and furthered her education at Alexandria Technical College and Cardinal Strich University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in finance. She was married to Richard Lahr, with whom she had four children. Although they later divorced, Luan's love and commitment to her family remained unwavering. Luan took great joy in caring for others, starting her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) while still in high school at Starbuck Hospital. Over the years, she maintained her license and continued to work part-time in home care, at assisted-living facilities, and in nursing homes. Many of the people caring for Luan at the end of her journey were previous co-workers, which she was very grateful for. Luan's career journey led her to a fulfilling role as a loan officer, specializing in home mortgages and agricultural loans. Her deep-rooted connection to farming and agriculture was evident throughout her career and personal life. For 14 years, she lived on a farm near Paynesville while married to Richard, and her passion for agriculture remained a significant part of her. Luan used her broad knowledge of agriculture in her career working for Pope County Soil and Water in Glenwood. She moved on to work for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and retired in July 2022. Luan's talents outside of her career gave joy to many people. For the past year and a half, Luan found joy gardening, harvesting, canning, cooking, and spending time with her special friend, Gary Strodtman. For many years, Luan was also a very talented seamstress, sewing clothing for family members and herself plus doing alterations on beautiful dresses for proms and weddings. Luan's personality lit up the stage when performing in numerous plays and musicals with the Showstoppers while living in Glenwood. After retiring from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, she loved being a foster grandparent at Paynesville Area Elementary School, helping little people with snow gear, shoes, reading, random hugs, and wherever extra hands were needed. Luan was deeply committed to her faith in Jesus. Luan was a former member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glenwood, where she sang for many funerals and weddings, canted, and sang in the choir. After moving to Paynesville and joining Paynesville Lutheran Church, she was actively involved in the choir and taught religious education on Wednesday nights. Additionally, she dedicated her time to helping at Vacation Bible School. Luan is survived by her children, Michele (Tim) Roberg of Paynesville; Angie (Will) Paschke of Sartell; Ginni (Randy) Kerzman of Paynesville; and Ricky Lahr of Paynesville; grandchildren, Mikayla, Grace, Roman and Luke Roberg; Evan and Anna Paschke; Levi, Kevin, and Robert Kerzman; Mylee Lahr and Jeremy, Savannah, and Autumn Steinke; mother, Anna Johnsrud of Paynesville; sister, Judy (Bill) Dietzler; niece, Heidi Dietzler; nephews, Will (Tamara) Dietzler and Matt (Brittnee) Dietzler; and great-nephew, August Dietzler. She was preceded in death by her dad, Kenny Johnsrud. A special thank you to CentraCare Hospice and Paynesville Health Care Center for their excellent care for Luan during the end of her journey.
Randall Wayne Schaefer, 58, of Paynesville, Minn., passed away on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2024, of a spontaneous brain hemorrhage. Full service information will be announced on the Daniel Funeral Home website at danielfuneralhome.com. Randy was born on March 16, 1966, to Melvin and Doreen Schaefer in Paynesville, Minn. After Randy graduated from Paynesville High School in 1984, he studied computer programming at Alexandria Technical College. He went on to work in the corporate world, working for over 35 years at Wells Fargo. While there, he held 18 different titles, concluding with the title of senior vice president of desktop services. In 2022, he retired from the corporate world and moved home to his favorite place: Lake Koronis. In 2023, he began working as the executive director of the Paynesville Area Community Foundation. His passionate work for the foundation impacted the community far and wide. A lifelong Eagle Scout and devout Christian, Randy was a man devoted to his family, his faith, and his community. He was a loving husband to his wife, Susan Schaefer; and a caring father to his daughter, Ruth Hovel (Alex) and son, Aaron Schaefer (Amanda). Becoming a grandfather to Crosley Schaefer and Hudson Hovel was one of his most recent joys. Randy was preceded in death by Doreen Schaefer (mother). He also is survived by Melvin Schaefer (father) and his siblings, Maria Wight (David), Russell Schaefer (Becky), and Amy Horn (Dean). Memorial gifts can be made to the Schaefer Family Fund of the Paynesville Area Community Foundation at www.communitygiving.org/donate.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Geraldine E. "Gerry" Bowar, 98, of Paynesville. Gerry passed away peacefully at home with family at her side on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. Reverend Glenn Krystosek will officiate, and Reverend Thomas Clement will concelebrate. Entombment will take place in the St. Louis Parish Mausoleum in Paynesville. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Visitation will continue after 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, at the church. A rosary will be prayed at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday in the church. Gerry was born July 23, 1926, in Faulkton, S.D., to E.J. and Clara (Bauhs) Gebhart. She was raised in Orient, S.D., and graduated from Orient High School in 1944. She went on to attend college in Aberdeen, S.D. She had considered becoming a teacher, but received a three-year registered nursing degree from Presentation College in 1947. She became a member of the U.S. Cadet Nursing Corps. Gerry married Benjamin A. Bowar on Sept. 18, 1950 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Orient, S.D. They lived in Faulkton, S.D., where Gerry worked for the Faulk County Hospital as a registered nurse (RN). They moved to Miles City, Mont., in 1959, where Gerry continued to work as a registered nurse in the surgical department. They moved to Paynesville in 1964, where she held the position of director of nursing and director of the surgical cepartment at the Paynesville Community Hospital. She retired at the age of 70 after a 50-year nursing career. Gerry had a reputation for hiring and encouraging young people interested in a medical career. She was well respected by those she worked with at the hospital and many of her co-workers became lifelong friends. Following retirement, Gerry was honored as the grand marshal for the Paynesville Town and Country Days. She was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, where she was part of the Daughters of Isabella, Christian Women and Befrienders. She also volunteered for the R.O.S.E. Center and sat on their board at one time. Gerry was a Girl Scout leader, traveled as a nurse with the Paynesville High School marching band on a trip to San Francisco, Calif., and volunteered to call bingo at Washburne Court. Gerry enjoyed knitting and crocheting and was awarded a blue ribbon for an afghan at the Stearns County Fair. She enjoyed her home in the country. The flowers in the spring, the wild turkeys, the lone peacock, and deer that would cross her yard. She also had a sweet tooth and will be remembered for her homemade caramel rolls and pies. She enjoyed staying up late at night to watch old westerns on TV. She enjoyed big band music and going to dances when she was young. Once her kids were grown, she got interested in doll making and collecting. Gerry especially enjoyed spending time with family. Gerry had a strong faith, was a prayer warrior, and had a rosary collection. She spent a lot of time in prayer, so much so that she was an area leader for the "America Needs Fatima Rosary Rally." She also was involved in area pro-life organizations. Gerry is survived by her children Bev Bowar, Barb (Richard) Wagner, Marilyn (Bill) Anderson, Ginny (Steve) Chevalier, Craig Bowar (fiancée Brenda), Mary Bowar, and Carol (Steve) Kubista; 21 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two sisters-in-law Dee Gebhart and Shirley Gebhart; and many nieces and nephews. Gerry was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ben; son Terry (Connie); brothers Harold (Bernadine), Francis, Ralph (Phyliss), Donald (Mildred), and Richard Gebhart; and sisters Blanche (William), Dolores (Louis), and Dorothy Ann (Jerry). Blessed be the memory of Gerry Bowar.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Roscoe for Marie E. Mehr, 99, of Roscoe. Marie passed away Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at the Paynes-ville Health Care Center. Reverend Glenn Krystosek officiated. Burial took place in the St. Agnes Parish Cemetery in Roscoe. Visitation was held one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. Marie was born March 8, 1925, in Rice, Minn., to Peter and Kathryn (Langer) Sauer. She married Norbert Mehr Dec. 27, 1957, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids. They lived in Roscoe most of their married life. She was a member of Daughters of Isabella, St. Agnes Christian Women, and St. Agnes Parish. Marie is survived by her son David (Michelle) Mehr of St. Joseph; daughter LuAnn Gabrielson of Paynesville; grandchildren, Baylee (Colin Rodrigues) Mehr, Taylor (Evan Harris) Mehr, and Logan Mehr and Nicholas (Nicole Wander) Gabrielson; great-granddaughter Maya Rodrigues; and many other relatives and friends. Preceding Marie in death were her parents; husband Norbert (1995); and siblings George Sauer, Florence Mehr, Louise Sauer, Ed Sauer, Virgil Sauer, Andy Sauer, Sister Lorraine Sauer, OSB, and Theresa Pikus.
Beverly Jean Haagenson, 91, of Crystal, formerly of Paynesville, died on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at her son's home in Plymouth, Minn. Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at Nordland Lutheran Church near Paynesville. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Nordland Lutheran Church or your local hospice organization. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Beverly Jean Haagenson was born on June 12, 1933, in Union Grove Township to Peter and Lola (Spaulding) Anderson. She graduated from Paynesville High School in 1951. On June 1, 1957, Beverly married Gerald Haagenson in Paynesville. They shared 65 wonderful years together until Gerald's passing on Dec. 13, 2022. They initially lived in Minneapolis before moving to Crystal in 1960, where they resided until 2020. Most recently, they had called Plymouth their home. Her professional life included a fulfilling role as an administrative assistant at Carl Sandburg Junior High, where she made lasting impressions on many students and colleagues. An active and devoted member of the Lutheran community, Beverly was a member of Nordland Lutheran Church and a former member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley, where she generously volunteered in the children's youth and music ministries. Beverly had many passions outside of her community service. She enjoyed playing cards with friends and family, delving into various crafts, and indulging in her love for needlework, especially quilting. Her love for music and playing the piano made a lasting impression on her three boys, instilling in them a deep appreciation for music and the joy it brings to life. Beverly's warmth, kindness, and unwavering faith touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for her loving spirit, dedication to her family, and her commitment to her faith community. Her legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in peace. Beverly is survived by her sons, Dean (Debbie) Haagenson, Steve (Kris) Haagenson, and Jeff (Anna) Haagenson. She was a proud grandmother to Nicholas, Kelly, Ryan (Brianna), Peter (Kayte), James (Sloane), Brent (Annalyse), Leslie, Matthew, and Adam, and a cherished great-grandmother to Andrew, Grace, Sadie, Lucy, Lola, and Nelle. She is also survived by siblings, Peter Anderson and Sharon (Willis) Greeley. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; her parents; grandson, Andrew; great-grandson, Oliver; daughter-in-law, Jill; and numerous siblings and other family members.
Susan "Sue" Hecht, 78, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and community leader, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, at Paynesville Lutheran Church. Visitation will be on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 5-7 p.m. at Paynesville Lutheran Church and one hour prior to the funeral on Friday morning. Burial will be at the Paynesville Cemetery in Paynesville. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Sue was born on Sept. 15, 1945, in Torrance, Calif., to Conrad and Barbara (Wengel) Gundlach. The family moved to Minnesota when Sue was two years old. She graduated from Anoka High School in 1963. She continued her education at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus, where she earned a BS (bachelor of science) degree in foods and business in 1967. She was an active member of the Lambda Delta Phi Sorority House in her junior year. Sue married Harlin Lee Hecht on Aug. 5, 1967, and together they built a life filled with love and dedication. After their marriage, the couple moved to Evansville, Minn., where Sue began her career as an Extension home economist for Douglas County. Following the birth of their first son, Howard, Sue became a devoted stay-at-home mom, contributing to the establishment and operation of the Hecht purebred Charolais cattle herd, Double-H Charolais. In 1971, the Hecht family moved to Paynesville, Minn., where Sue continued as a homemaker and, with Harlin, co-managing the Double-H Charolais cattle operation. In 1980, Sue transitioned back into the workforce. She joined the Paynesville School District as assistant director of Community Education and later pursued additional studies at the College of Saint Benedict to become a registered dietician. Sue then worked for the Paynesville Area Health Care System, managing the dietary department and serving as a certified diabetes educator for 16 years. Her career continued at the Affiliated Community Medical Clinic in Willmar, Minn., from which she retired at age 65. Sue was passionate about supporting the success of her grandchildren, both inside and out of the cattle show ring, tending to her flowers, and caring for her dog. She was an active member of Paynesville Lutheran Church, where she served on the education committee for four years. Her dedication to the Charolais cattle industry was evident through her involvement with the American International Charolais Association and the Minnesota-Wisconsin Charolais Association. Sue was honored with the AIJCA Conference Dedicatee award in 1990 and the AIJCA Junior National Show Dedicatee award in 2023. In 2018, she and Harlin were inducted into the AICA Hall of Fame. Sue's commitment to community service extended to organizing the Koronis Konquerors 4-H Club, serving as a 4-H leader, and receiving the Honorary Chapter FFA Degree in 2017-18. She also contributed to the Central Minnesota Credit Union on its board of directors for six years. Sue is survived by her loving husband, Harlin Lee Hecht; their three sons, Howard Lee Hecht (wife Laura Bower Hecht and their children Christopher, Alyssa, and Emily); Mark Harlin Hecht (wife Rebecca Poncelet Hecht and their children Taylor, Payton, and Riley); and Dale Hugh Hecht (wife Jill Richter Hecht and their children Dallee, Georgia, and Josie). She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Stan Thorud and Arvid Hecht. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Cathleen Thorud. Sue's warmth, dedication, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Donations will be directed to the American International Charolais Foundation to establish a scholarship in Sue's name.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at Paynesville Lutheran Church in Paynesville for Henry Richard Jensen, 89, of Paynesville. He died at his home in Paynesville on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. Pastor Paul Shumaker will officiate. Inurnment will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Grace Lutheran (West) Cemetery at Belgrade, Minn. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville and on Thursday, Sept. 5, one hour prior to the services at Paynesville Lutheran Church. Henry "Woots" was born on Nov. 18, 1934, at Belgrade, the son of Earl Einer and Hilda Louise (Lampe) Jensen. He grew up in Belgrade and graduated in 1953 from Belgrade High School. While in high school he was active in baseball, basketball, and track. After school he farmed near Belgrade, owned the Belgrade Bowling Alley, and was a bus driver for the Belgrade School District. He was united in marriage to Shirley Ardell Peterson at Sisseton, S.D., on Dec. 12, 1977. They then lived near Belgrade, and Henry continued farming. He sold the farm in 1988 and then worked as a meat cutter at Wally's G & T Foods and Rainbow Foods. They moved to Paynesville in 1998. He later worked maintenance for Pay-nesville Township. He retired in 2017. Henry's hobbies included, splitting wood, visiting the casinos, playing cards with family, golfing, and bowling He has been a member of Paynesville Lutheran Church since 2006 In addition to his parents, Henry was preceded in death by: two grandsons, Aaron Theis and Jacob Larson; his brother, Lawrence; his sister, Janice Rapp; his sister-in-law, Maxine Jensen; and his brother-in-law, Wayne Maroschek. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children, Cindy (LeRoy) Theis, Candy (David) Bevis, Mike (Jane) Jensen, Nancy (Mark) Lensing, and Todd (Beverly) Jensen; stepdaughters, Susanne (Rick) Torgerson, Dawn (Randy) Larson, and Amy (Kimba) Coleman; 24 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren; his sister, Loey Maroschek; nieces and nephews; other relatives; and many friends. A sincere thank you is extended to the staff at Koronis Place and Centra Care Hospice.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 30, at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin, Minn., for Jack Holthaus, 88, who died on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, at the St. Cloud Hospital surrounded by his family. The burial was in the parish cemetery. Visitation was held on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, at the St. Martin Parish Hall. Visitation continued on Friday morning before Mass.. Jack was born in Farming, Minn., to Herman and Christine (Moser) Holthaus. He married Doris Schmitz on Sept. 7, 1959, in St. Martin Catholic Church. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a tank driver. Jack worked in construction, then as a trucker and as a farmer. Above all things, Jack loved his family. He enjoyed the game of baseball and was an avid Twins fan. He played for the Farming Flames, managed the St. Martin Martins, and is in the Farming Baseball Hall of Fame. Jack was a former commander for the Lake Henry Legion. He was a member of the St. Martin Lions, the St. Martin Parish, Catholic United Financial, the St. Joseph Society, and the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Doris; children, Cindy (Jim) Cawson, Rick (Heidi), and Lisa (Jerry) Burg; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; siblings, Betty Dingmann, Don (Mary) Holthaus, Delores Spanier, Denis (Carol) Holthaus, and Tom (Clarice) Holthaus; in-laws, Barb Schmitz, Lillian Notch, Don (Luella) Schmitz, Alcuin Schmitz, and Flip (Rose) Schmitz; and many nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Michael Holthaus; great-grandson, Jack Klaphake; brother, Joe; in-laws, Lawrence Dingmann, Delbert Spanier, Lucille (Don) Hart, Walter (Arlene) Schmitz, Ernest Schmitz, Virgina (Aloys Jr.) Pfannestein, Angeline (Delbert) Gilletzer, Elmer Notch, and Genny Schmitz. Arrangements were with the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond, Minn.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Lawrence C. "Larry" Schmidt, 88, of Paynesville, who passed away on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, at the Paynesville Health Care Center in Paynesville. Reverend Glenn Krystosek officiated. Inurnment was held in the St. Louis Parish Cemetery Columbarium in Paynesville. Visitation was held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday, Aug. 31, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Larry was born on Aug. 2, 1936, to Earl and Olivia (Dingmann) Schmidt in Paynesville. He grew up in the Paynesville area, eventually moving to the family farm in 1943 at seven years old. He graduated from Paynesville High School in 1954. In 1956, Larry was drafted in the United States Navy and honorably served aboard the U.S.S. Walke until 1958. During his tour of duty, he served in Honolulu, Hawaii, Japan, San Diego, Calif., and Kodiak, Alaska. Upon returning home, Larry began his career in construction, eventually partnering with Gary and Phil Johnson to form J&S Construction. Their business primarily focused on road construction and constructing sewer ponds for municipalities. In his free time, Larry enjoyed visiting with others, going for coffee, and fishing. He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Larry is survived by his siblings, Jeanette Noyes of Redfield, S.D., Joyce Drange of Grove City, Eugene (Sharon) of Alexandria, Tom (Carole) of Forest Lake, and Jim (Betty) of Paynesville; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Donald, Dianne, and Dolores; brothers-in-law, Bill Noyes and Gerald Drange; and sister-in-law, Sharon Schmidt. A special thank you to the staff of Moments Hospice and the Paynesville Health Care Center for their loving and compassionate care of Larry. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Joseph Schramel, 79, of Belgrade died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, at the St. Cloud Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, Sept. 7, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Belgrade. Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the church with a rosary at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Belgrade: www.hafh.org. Joseph Martin Schramel was born on Aug. 31, 1944, to John and Christine (Moehrle) Schramel. He grew up on the family farm, located six miles northeast of Belgrade, and graduated from Belgrade High School in 1962. After graduation, Joe joined his parents in managing the family dairy farm. He married Renee Roelike on Sept. 9, 1967. In November 1971, Joe and Renee joyfully welcomed their son, Joseph, into their home. Two years later, in February 1974, their family grew with the arrival of their daughter, Cheryl. In December 1981, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Karen. Retiring from farming in 1984, Joe took on various careers throughout the years. He started driving bus for the BBE School District. This new venture gave him the opportunity to support his children by often being the driver for their many extracurricular activities. Joe was proud of the work he did as a bus driver, especially the bonds he created with the students and their families over the years. He also enjoyed driving charter buses for Peterson Bus Service, which gave him the opportunity to travel to new and exciting places. Later, he drove for People's Express. These jobs combined his passion for driving with his love of socializing. In 1993, Joe earned an auto parts sales and management diploma from Willmar Technical College, fueled by his enthusiasm for working with engines, both large and small. His love for hands-on activities extended beyond vehicles, as he also enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially fishing. Throughout his life, Joe found great satisfaction from engaging in activities that allowed him to utilize his skills. Joe was incredibly active in the Catholic church, embodying a deep faith and a love for the community. He served in various roles, including usher, eucharistic minister, and parish center custodian. One of the highlights of his involvement was his pride in contributing to the success of the sausage supper. He was also a fourth-degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus and played a key role in establishing the Belgrade council. He is survived by his two daughters, Cheryl (Chad) Suter, and Karen (Justin) Banken; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and former wife Renee Schramel. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Joe; and grandchild, Angel. |