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Obituary Archives

Obituary Archives

Virgil Klein, 86, Paynesville
Virgil A. Klein, 86, of Paynesville, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, at the St. Cloud V. A. Hospital in St. Cloud. Memorial services celebrating his life were held on Monday, Jan. 29, at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Reverend Denny Curran officiated. Entombment took take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Virgil was born on March 2, 1931, in Albany, Minn., to Joseph and Veronica (Rakotz) Klein. He served honorably in the United States Air Force. Virgil was united in marriage to Patsy Jo Kelley on Dec. 2, 1951, at First Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas. He worked at A.M.P.I. for 22 years. Virgil enjoyed photography and videography. He loved the time spent with family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his children: Carol (Gerard) Schreiner of Blomkest, Michael (Nicole Hines) of Alexandria, Della (Bryan) Tazelaar of Montevideo, Brenda Klein of St. Cloud, and Kelley (Kelly) Mohr of Mesa, Ariz.; 17 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; brother, Eugene Klein of Minneapolis; and many nieces and nephews. Virgil was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patsy Jo in 2016; and numerous brothers and sisters. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers. A special thank you to all those who have given the exceptional care to Virgil over the years.

Delbert Spanier, 81, Paynesville
Delbert C. Spanier, 81, of Paynesville, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, at the Koronis Manor in Paynesville. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Reverend Glenn Krystosek officiated. Burial was in the parish cemetery. Arrangements were with the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Delbert was born on April 6, 1936, in Paynesville, to Michael and Theckla (Lieser) Spanier. He married Dolores Holthaus on June 29, 1960, at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Farming. Delbert farmed for 27 years before driving truck. He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Council #3820, and Catholic United Financial. He played as a pitcher for St. Martin baseball. Delbert enjoyed snowmobile trips with friends. He especially loved all the time spent with his family and friends. Delbert is survived by his wife; children: Dale (Sue) Spanier of Paynesville, Donna Halbur of Slayton, Dean (Jeanne) Spanier of Paynesville, Diane (Steve) Welle of Spring Hill, Darla Spanier of Monticello, and Danelle (John) Gournaris of Lakeville; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother and sister, Harold (Wendy) Spanier of St. Cloud and Marcy (Dale) Voss of Waite Park; nieces and nephews; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Deborah Ann. A special thank you to the staff of Koronis Manor for the excellent care given to Delbert during his stay.

Thomas Lahr, 64, Paynesville
Thomas "Tom" R. Lahr, 64, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, Jan. 20, at Assumption Catholic Church in Eden Valley. Rev. Aaron Nett officiated, and burial was in the parish cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Eden Valley. Thomas was born on July 3, 1953, in Litchfield, to Frank and Mabel (Lounsbury) Lahr. He married his best friend, Jill Albrecht, on Nov. 23, 1985, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Tom was employed as a farmer, working on the family farm, and he was also employed as a machinist for Columbia Gear in Avon, until his retirement (due to health reasons). He was a member of Assumption Catholic Church in Eden Valley and proudly served his country in the Marine Corps Reserves. Tom enjoyed cutting and bailing hay with his son, Max, and watching the harvest grow each year. He was passionate about his family and always made time for his children. Tom had a joyful spirit, gave everyone a hard time, and was a giant child at heart. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Tom is survived by his wife of 32 years, Jill of Paynesville; children: Stacy (Mark) Roberts of Robbinsdale, Max (Krista) Lahr of Paynesville, and Katie (Cody) Eisenschenk of Oak Park; siblings: Linda (Thomas Whittet) Abraham of New Ulm, Ronald of Eden Valley, Joyce (Wayne) Henfling of Eden Valley, Gene of Grey Eagle, Wayne of West Concord, Harry (Shannon) of Buffalo, Lynn Kay (Vance) Kesler of Roseville, Nancy (Jim) Segal of North Andover, Mass., and Joann (Jerry) Leimer of Cloquet; two grandchildren that Tom absolutely idolized, Dexter and Elsie Roberts; and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Gary, Frank Jr., and Dale; sister-in-law, Linda Lahr; and brother-in-law, Glenn Abraham.

Alcuin Blonigen, 79, Paynesville
Alcuin 'Tex' Peter Blonigen, 79, of Eagan, formerly of Paynesville, died on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018, at his sister's home in Eagan. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Jan. 15, at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin. Burial was in the church cemetery. Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Alcuin was born on March 25, 1938, in Freeport. He was the son of Nick and Ida (Terhaar) Blonigen. He grew up on the family farm near Freeport and attended grade school in District #125. He moved with his parents to St. Martin in 1971. After the death of his father in 1977, he moved to Paynesville with his mother. In 2016, he moved to Eagan to live with his sister. He is survived by his siblings: Bill Blonigan, Mary Decker, Jenny (Severin) Sand, and Carol (Roman) Thull; and sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Blonigen and Bonnie Blonigen. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jerry Blonigen and Freddy Blonigen; brother-in-law, Jim Decker; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Blonigan.

Ruth Moorman, 84, Paynesville
Ruth Edna Moorman, 84, entered eternal life on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018. Ruth was born in Paynesville, Minn., to the late Benjamin and Edna Zimmerman. She will be remembered for her loving and faithful dedication to her family and her adventurous spirit. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Edgar Zimmerman; and brother-in-law, Phil Baldwin. Survivors include her husband, Jack Moorman; son, Jay Moorman (Karen); grandchildren: Claire, Ben, and Grace Moorman; sisters, Pearl Grove (Joe) and Lorraine Baldwin; and sister-in-law, Ardys Zimmerman. Private funeral services with entombment will occur at Louisville Memorial Gardens East in Louisville, Ky. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Online condolences may be shared at www.ratterman.com.

James Gronli, 93, Paynesville
James Sigville Gronli, 93, of Paynesville, died on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, at the St. Cloud Hospital. He was a resident of Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany. His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Jan. 13, at Crystal Hills Assembly of God. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in New London. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Services are entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. James was born on Feb. 8, 1924, near Hawick, Minn. to Jens and Sena (Monson) Gronli. He grew up on the family farm where he attended a small country school. On March 8, 1944, James was united in marriage to Janet Wegner in Paynesville. This union was blessed with two daughters. The family made their home in rural Paynesville where they farmed. In addition to farming, James also worked for Halvorson Implement in Spicer for many years. In 1993, they retired and moved into Paynesville. On March 26, 2005, Janet passed away. They shared in 61 years of marriage before her death. James was a lifetime member of Crystal Hills Assembly of God Church in Paynesville. He was active as an usher, and enjoyed helping with the building and lawn maintenance. James also enjoyed having coffee at Hilltop with his friends and cherished spending time with his daughters and grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, Harriet (Duane) Bartell of Waite Park; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter. James is also survived by his brother, Burton Gronli of New London; sister, Helen (Gordon) Glenz of Paynesville; brother-in-law, Virgil Wegner of Deming, N.M.; and many nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janet; daughter, Joyce; brother, Gorden Gronli; and sisters-in-law, Inez (Burton) Gronli and Von (Virgil) Wegner.

Carol Buermann, 66, Sauk Centre
Carol Ann Buermann, 66, of Sauk Centre (formerly of Paynesville), passed away on Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, at Koelln Homes in Sauk Centre. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, Jan. 6, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Rev. Glenn Krystosek officiated. Entombment was in the Parish Cemetery Mausoleum. Carol Ann was born on Sept. 9, 1951, in St. Cloud, to Robert and Dorothy (Eickhoff) Buermann. She lived at home until the age of 16. Carol has been a resident of Koelln Homes in Sauk Centre for the past 30 years. She was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Survivors include her siblings: Mary Jane Lahr of Cold Spring, Jeff Buermann of Paynesville, and Rich (Karen) Buermann of Paynesville; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, James and Gerald Buermann; and nephew, Christopher Buermann. The family would like to thank Koelln Homes and staff for their loving care of Carol Ann for the past 30 years.

Arnold Minette, 92, Paynesville
Arnold 'Arnie' Edward Minette, 92, of Paynesville died on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud. His funeral service was held on Saturday, Jan. 6, at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville. Arnie was born on Aug. 23, 1925, in Long Prairie, Minn., to John and Lily Minette. He spent his childhood in Long Prairie and graduated high school in 1943. After high school, Arnie entered the Navy in August of 1943, making him a WWII vet. When Arnie returned from the Navy, he began college at St. Cloud State and graduated in 1949. On Nov. 15, 1946, Arnie was united in marriage to Emily Ann (Peggy) Olson. This union was blessed with five children. Arnie was a teacher for 36 years in Paynesville. He taught drafting, industrial arts, drivers education, snowmobile safety, and motorcycle safety. Arnie was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and a member of the American Legion. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, waterskiing, boating, snowmobiling, motorcycling, traveling, and cars, cars, cars!!! While at home, he enjoyed watching the many birds and animals that visited the residence, playing cards with family and friends, and loving his many dogs and cats. On May 6, Arnie and his son, Scott, had the honor and privilege of going to Washington D.C. on the Honor Flight. Arnie spent the last two years of his life at the St. Cloud VA Hospital where he enjoyed making new friends, playing cards and bingo, and being visited from lifelong friends and family. Arnie is survived by his children: Linda (Pete) Fisk, Pam (John) Latson, and Scott (Laura) Minette; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Maurice Minette; two nieces; and one nephew. Arnie was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Mary Lynn; son, James; wife, Emily Ann; and his parents, John and Lily.

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