November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
August 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
January 2016
December 2015
November 2015
October 2015
September 2015
August 2015
July 2015
June 2015
May 2015
April 2015
March 2015
February 2015
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014

Obituary Archives

Lorraine Davidson, 92, Paynesville
Lorraine M. Davidson, 92, of Paynesville, died Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, at Koronis Manor in Paynesville. Her funeral service was held on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville. Burial was at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Minneapolis. Lorraine Mildred Davidson was born on Jan. 27, 1924, in Deer Creek, Minn. She was born to Rev. Edward G. “E. G.” and Stella (Wolthausen) Podoll. As a minister’s daughter, Lorraine attended different schools throughout her youth before moving to Paynesville, where she graduated from high school in 1942. After high school, Lorraine went on to attend business school where she met and fell in love with Leonard Davidson. Lorraine and Leonard were married, by her father, on June 14, 1946, in St. Paul. This union was blessed with a daughter and a son. The family made their home in St. Paul, where Lorraine worked in the office for Farmer’s Union Central Exchange, and later as the office manager for Mendakota Country Club. In 1977, Lorraine and Leonard moved to their retirement home on Lake Koronis, that Leonard and their son, Cal built. On March 21, 2010, Leonard passed away. They shared 63 years of marriage before his death. Lorraine was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville, where she was a former church secretary and active in the ladies circle. She enjoyed playing the organ, sewing, and collecting Mickey Mouse memorabilia; she loved Mickey Mouse. Christmas was her favorite time of year. She loved baking Christmas cookies and entertaining family and friends. More than anything else, Lorraine loved spending time with her family. Lorraine is survived by her son, Calvin (Marsha) Davidson of Paynesville; daughter, Debra (Steve) LaForge of Kansas City, Mont.; three grandchildren: Charlie (Missy) of Belle Plaine, Jenny (Kevin) Hand of Kansas City, Mont., and Katy (Alec) Graham of Elko New Market, Minn., and five great-grandchildren. Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, Marlo Podoll.

Dorothy Buermann, 90, Paynesville
Dorothy M. Buermann, 90, of Paynesville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Koronis Manor in Paynesville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m., at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Reverend Glenn Krystosek will officiate. Entombment will take place in the St. Louis Parish Mausoleum in Paynesville. A rosary will be prayed at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday in the church, led by Catholic United Financial, Christian Women, and the Daughters of Isabella. Dorothy was born on Feb. 22, 1926, in St. Martin Township (Stearns County). She was born to Frank and Gertrude (Thull) Eickhoff. She married Robert Buermann on May 8, 1946, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich. They shared 65 years of marriage. Together they farmed for over 40 years, both dairy and poultry, in the Paynesville area. Dorothy enjoyed all aspects of farming, which included gardening, canning, driving tractor, and cutting lawn. She also enjoyed sewing, quilting, crocheting, playing cards, fishing, and bird watching. She and Robert enjoyed square dancing and were members of the Eager Beavers Square Dance Club in Melrose. They also enjoyed traveling and visited Germany, Ireland, Canada, New York, and Tennessee. She was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, Christian Women, and Catholic United Financial. Dorothy is survived by her daughters: Mary Lahr (Dan Scepaniak) of Cold Spring; Carol Ann Buermann of Sauk Centre; sons: Gerald (Mary Jo) Buermann of Paynesville; Jeff Buermann of Paynesville, and Rich (Karen) Buermann of Paynesville; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings: Ray Eickhoff of Albany, Juletta Frericks of Sauk Centre, Al (Marion) Eickhoff of Anoka, Melvin Eickhofff of New Munich, and Regina (Archie) Meemken of Melrose, as well as many nieces and nephews. Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, husband (2011), son James (2008), grandson Christopher Buermann (2015), and siblings Marie Euteneuer, Lorraine Hoppe, Evelyn, Norbert, and Larry Eickhoff. Dorothy’s family sends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at CentraCare Health in Paynesville and the Koronis Manor for the exceptional care they have given Dorothy these past few years.

Mary Korman, 93, Watkins
Mary Elaine Korman died on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016. Mary was one of four children born to Irving Clinton and Lillian Clinton (Beck). She was born on August 20, 1923, in Watkins. Mary graduated from Litchfield high school as the valedictorian of the class of 1941. On Oct. 16, 1943, she married Norbert Korman, also of Watkins. Shortly thereafter they moved to Eden Valley and started and ran successfully for many years their own business, Korman Feed and Hatchery. Later, they operated their own mink ranch and, finally, their own real estate brokerage. Mary was especially proud of completing her college education late in life, graduating summa cum laude from St. Cloud State University in 1989. After Norbert’s death in 1994, she married Kenneth Peterson on March 3, 2000 and moved to Paynesville, Minn. In her later years she lived at Cherrywood in Richmond, and then moved to the Gardenview Apartments and the Hilltop Care Center in Watkins until her death. Mary always loved reading and collected books throughout her life. In her younger years, she was an avid reader of Reader’s Digest Condensed books and other works of fiction. Mary enjoyed flower gardening. She was a card shark, especially bridge and 500. Her travels took her all over the world, including every continent. Mary was a highly skilled artist. Her charcoal drawings of her children and grandchildren are prized possessions in each of their homes. Mary was preceded in death by both of her husbands, parents, siblings: Earl Korman (World War ll), Sylvia Ophoven, and Francis Clinton; and son-in-law Mike Eshleman. She is survived by her eleven children: Dennis (Roxanne) Korman of Cloquet, Minn., Pat Korman of Eden Valley, Dan (Elaine) Korman of Dallas, Texas, Bill (Sue) Korman o f Hawick, Tom Korman of Plymouth, Minn., Mike (Mary Kay) Korman of Clearwater, Minn., Peter Korman of Eden Valley, Barb (Tim) Hagemeier of Eden Valley, Casey (Jim) Finken of Granite Falls, Minn., Paul (Ria) Korman of Overland Park, Kan., and Jeff (Lynn) Korman of Lakeville, Minn. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. The family would like to express our gratitude to the wonderful staff at Hilltop Care Center for the kind and compassionate care of our mother this past year. To honor Mary’s wishes, a private family memorial service was held. Condolences can be mailed to the Korman family in care of: Barb Hagemeier, 61244 MN Hwy 55, Eden Valley, MN 55329.

Monroe Stenerson, 89, Bloomington
Monroe A. Stenerson, age 89, of Bloomington, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016. Service was held on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Morris Nilsen Chapel in Richfield. Interment was at Ft. Snelling. Special thanks to the loving staff at Sunrise of Edina. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association or donor’s choice. His career as a banker began at Richfield Bank and Trust Co. and spanned almost four decades. He was dedicated to his customers, built strong relationships with people, and was active in many civic and community organizations. After retirement, Monroe volunteered at Southdale Fairview Hospital and the Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport. Monroe was a family man who loved weekly Sunday get-togethers after playing lots of golf! As a young man, he walked into the Paynesville Bakery and ultimately married the girl who sold him dozens of glazed doughnuts. Monroe was proud of his service to our country and served in the Merchant Marine and US Army. His loving handshakes, smiles, and hugs will be missed, as will his many funny expressions and jokes. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lolita; brothers: Stanley, Kermit, Wesley, and Dean; and sister Marion. He is survived by his daughter, Lynne (Craig) Meyer; son, Kevin (Kari) Stenerson; grandchildren: Mitchell, (Valerie Jensen) Meyer, Collin (Britta) Meyer, Ian Stenerson, and Anna Stenerson; great-grandson, Henrik Meyer; and many nieces and nephews.

Enid Olson, 95, Paynesville
Enid left her earthly home on the morning of Sunday, Nov. 27. She was born in Beresford, S.D. to Rev. Ernest and Mrs. Esther (Dime) Martell. On April 25, 1942, she married Lawrence Olson of Worthington, Minn. They had two daughters, Dawn and Lane. They made their home in Urbana, Ill., where Enid taught English at Urbana High School. She later went to work for the National Council of Teachers of English in Champaign, Ill. She also worked for a couple of years as director of publications of books at Reader’s Digest in New York. Enid was a fountain of knowledge. One could “google” her brain for names, dates, and events. She remembered everything. Enid authored the book ‘Poems of Faith,’ for the Christian Year and wrote numerous manuscripts for radio, as well as writing a poem each year for the family Christmas card. She had a passion for all types of literature and poetry. She was a life-long member of the Lutheran Church (ELCA). She was a diligent, hard worker, whether in her personal or professional life. She was considerate of all of her fellow human beings, whether they were of another race, culture, nationality, or religion, as she felt there was knowledge to be gained in everyone she met. Enid and Larry moved to Spicer, Minn. when they retired, where they provided fun summers for grandchildren’s visits at their home on Green Lake. Her grandchildren were a source of joy in her life and in whom she instilled a love of learning, books, and reading anything and everything. She also instilled the art of cleaning fish. This trait was not absorbed by all the grandchildren. Enid was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Esther Martell; sister, Gloria Benson; and her husband, Larry, in 1994. Left behind to carry on her legacy are her two daughters: Dawn (Jim) Beckley of Rochester, Minn. and Lane (Joe) Updegrove of Fort Wayne, Ind.; grandchildren: Amy (Curtis) Clancy of Fort Wayne, Ind., Michael (Sharon) Beckley of Pleasanton, Calif., Monica (Chris) Chapman of Dallas, Texas, Stephen (Marisa) Beckley of Katy, Texas, and Natalie Beckley of Byron, Minn.; great-grandchildren: Donovan and Garrison Bryan, Ashton and Gabriela Beckley, and Daniel, Paul, and Issac Beckley; and nine nephews and nieces. There will be a memorial service at a later date in Paynesville and a graveside service in Illinois where she will be buried next to her husband. Thank you to all at Stearns Place, Koronis Manor, and Heartland Hospice who cared for our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. “Remember me when I am gone away, gone far away into the silent land, when you can no more hold me by the hand, nor I half turn to go yet turning to stay.” -Christina Rosetti

Violet Manz, 84, Paynesville
Violet Lavone Manz, 84, of Paynesville, died Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, at the Belgrade Nursing Home. A private family service will be held. Violet was born on March 2, 1932, on the family farm in Paynesville Township. She is the daughter of Henry and Martha (Glenz) Manz. She grew up in Paynesville and attended the Brown Country School. Violet received the love of farming at a young age. After her schooling, she remained at home and helped her family work the farm. Violet specifically enjoyed raising chickens and ducks, and selling raspberries from their vast garden. In addition to working the farm, Violet also worked at Lake Koronis Assembly Grounds. Violet retired in 1994 and moved into town where she lived until her death. Violet was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville. She was active as a member of the funeral committee for over 20 years. Violet also enjoyed hunting, fishing, ball games, rock hunting, and gardening vegetables and flowers. She is survived by her sisters: Marvis Manz of Paynesville, and Nadeen Manz of Paynesville; a niece, Bety (John) Danielson of Kandiyohi and their children: Barry Danielson (son, Christopher) and Kari (Shane) Steinbeisser (daughter, Kendra); and her cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Martha; brother, Orval Manz; sister, Corrine Wartenberg; and brother-in-law, Donald Wartenberg.

Todd Johnson, 78, Paynesville
Todd “Doc” Johnson, 78, of Paynesville, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. He was surrounded by his loving family at CentraCare Hospital, in his beloved town of Paynesville. A memorial service was held on Monday, Dec. 5, at Paynesville Lutheran Church. Inurnment was at the Paynesville Cemetery. He was born and raised in Clara City, Minn. He attended St. Olaf College and graduated with a BA from the University of Minnesota in 1960. He then attended the University of Minnesota Veterinary school and graduated with a DVM in 1963. He married the love of his life, Lois Swanson Johnson, in 1961. She was also a Clara City graduate, yet they did not have their first “real” date until after they had both graduated with their BA’s. His awesome veterinary skills and passion brought him and his family to Spring Grove, Ortonville, Ruthton/Tyler, and then to Paynesville, where he established his practice in 1975 and retired in 2001. He was a giver, and he was involved. He was on the Ruthton School Board for eight years, and then the Paynesville School Board for another 12 years, serving as Chairman of the Board for much of this time. He devoted countless hours to the Paynesville Youth Hockey Association, both as a coach and a board member. He is also a member of the local hockey Hall of Fame. Paynesville Lutheran Church was also lucky enough to have him as an active member and on the Financial Board for several years. He absolutely loved to hunt with his many Labrador Retrievers. He also loved to fish, golf, and simply hang out with his family at his favorite place in the world, Lake Koronis. Doc was hard working, funny, friendly, loving, had a strong faith in God, and was genuinely interested in anyone he came across. His greatest joy and happiness was being with his family and friends. Always supportive, and always there with his quick, goofy wit that left many shaking their heads and wondering, “how does he come up with this stuff?!” He is survived by his wife, Lois, of 55 years. She was the absolute light of his life and he absolutely adored, respected, and loved her. He was also so very proud of his children and grandchildren: Tom (Leslie) Johnson, Lindsey, and Ben; Karin (Max) Winders, Jeremy, Tommy, and Jack; Dave (Dee) Johnson, Ella, Eric, and Luke; Dan (Karen) Johnson, Alex, and Maggie. He also leaves behind his brothers: Ward (Ann) Johnson, Vaughn Johnson, and their children.

Jean H. Thomas , 99, of Paynesville, died on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, at Koronis Manor in Paynesville. A private graveside service will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery in Duluth. Jean Hope Thomas was born to Lynn and Emma (Myren) Hulett, on Oct. 21, 1917, in Duluth. She grew up in Duluth, where she attended Jackson Grade School and graduated from Central High School with the class of 1936. On May 29, 1942, Jean was united in marriage to George Thomas in Duluth. This union was blessed with four sons and two daughters. The family made their home in Duluth. On March 14, 2008, George passed away. They shared 65 years of marriage before his death. In July of 2014, Jean moved to Paynesville to be closer to her daughter. Jean loved listening to music, completing crossword puzzles, reading, chocolates, keeping up on current events, and seeing the full moon in the night sky. Her family and friends will remember that when they asked her “How are you doing?”, that she was “Fine, fine, fine!” Jean is survived by her children: Diane (Bill) Keller of Paynesville, Bill (Lynda Lehrman) Thomas of Golden Valley, Gregg (Diana) Thomas of Dallas, Glen (Leslie) Thomas of Saginaw, and Nancy (Ross Ronnenberg) Thomas of Eugene, Ore.; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Lynn and Emma; husband, George; son, Ronald; grandson, Skip; and her brothers Lynn and Robert Hulett.

Thomas Mueller, 64, Gilman
Tom Mueller, age 64, of Gilman, Minn., died Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, at the St. Cloud Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, Dec. 2, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Gilman. Rev. Leo Moenkedick officiated. Burial was in the Parish Cemetery. Thomas Robert Mueller was born on June 13, 1952, in Paynesville, to Robert and Helen (Schoenberg) Mueller. He married Linda Holper on Nov. 18, 1988, in Paynesville. The couple raised their family in Gilman for over 30 years. Tom worked for Landwehr Construction for nearly 29 years. Tom was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved anything that involved shooting a gun or outsmarting the DNR. Tom also maintained multiple extravagant gardens. With his green thumb, he harvested everything from radishes to grapes, horseradish, and raspberries. One of his favorite things to do was operating heavy equipment, such as backhoes and loaders. He was a member of the Local 49ers Union of Operating Engineers, as well as a member of the SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, Linda; children: Sam (Stacy) of Elk River, Mandy (Jon) of Rotella, Crystal (Adam) of Gilman, Chad (Katie Kotsmith) of Gilman, Christina (Dave) of Hagen, and Tosha (Eric) of Vincent; grandchildren: Tyler, Jayse, Ava, David, and Dylan; brothers and sisters: Richard (Katie) of Paynesville, Herb (Nancy) of New London, Andy (Kelly) of Paynesville, Mike (Lisa) of New London, Louise (Kurt) Fasen of Monticello, Charlie (Edie) of Rushford, Angie (Rick) Kraus of Becker, and Lori (John) Seehafer of Burnsville. He was preceded in death by his parents. Tom will be remembered as a husband, father, and a friend to all.

Irene Hemmesch, 95, Paynesville
Irene E. Hemmesch, age 95, of Paynesville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, at the Koronis Manor in Paynesville. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, Dec. 2, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Reverend Glenn Krystosek officiated. Burial took place in the St. Louis Parish Cemetery in Paynesville. Irene was born on Aug. 25, 1921, near St. Martin to the late Jacob and Mary (Schlangen) Schmitz. She married Paul Hemmesch on April 28, 1941, at St. Martin Catholic Church. They lived and farmed north of Paynesville for 50 years and retired to Paynesville in 1991.  She was a member of the St. Louis Catholic Church, St. Louis Christian Women, National Catholic Society of Foresters, and the Paynesville American Legion Auxiliary. Irene enjoyed quilting, crocheting, playing cards, gardening, fishing, cooking, baking, watching her Minnesota Twins, and dancing with Paul.   Irene is survived by her children: Ken (Jane) of St. Cloud, Donna Ahrens of Paynesville, LaVon Gustafson (Ray) of New London, Kevin (Mary) of Sauk Rapids, Bev (Patrick) of Minnetonka, Keith (Sandy) of Paynesville, Craig (Jody) of Elk River, Paula Jo (Brad) of Elk River, Kurt (Bonnie) of Cold Spring, and Kellan (Shelly) of Sartell; daughter-in-law, Pat of Bloomington; 19 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; brother, Ben Schmitz; sister, Mary Ann (Rausch) Mikrot; sister-in-laws: Virginia Schmitz, Bernadette Schmitz, and Christine Hemmesch. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul (June 08, 1997); son, Con (Nov. 11, 2016); infant son, Kernan (1954); son-in-laws: Chuck Gustafson and Lew Ahrens; brothers: Christ, Linus, Elmer, Marvin, and Alvin; and sisters: Marcella Kollman, Miranda Hemmesch, and Alma Mathison. She was proud to be a wife and mother, and she encouraged her children to seek higher education. She was extremely proud of her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was greatly loved and will be dearly missed by her family. A special thank you to the staffs at Washburne Court, Paynesville Hospital, and the Koronis Manor for the excellent care she received.

Return to Top • Return to Paynesville Area

Obituary Archives