December 2025
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
December 2025
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Grace Gruenes, 86, Surprise, Ariz.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at Assumption Catholic Church in Eden Valley for Grace Ann Gruenes, 86, of Surprise, Ariz., and formerly of Eden Valley, Minn., who died surrounded by her family on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. Rev. Donald Wagner will officiate, and burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday, Feb. 21. Grace was born on March 23, 1939, in Independence, Wis., to Carl and Augusta (Reck) Kampa. Grace was raised on a farm in Independence, Wis., where she was instilled with a strong work ethic. She was beloved in high school, where she was elected Homecoming queen her senior year. She married Pete Gruenes on Aug. 22, 1964, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Independence, Wis. She lived in Wisconsin until moving to Eden Valley, Minn., with her family in 1976. Grace always put others before herself, caring for people as a registered nurse for Good Samaritan Home in Paynesville, at Immanuel Nursing Home in Litchfield, and Hilltop Care Center in Watkins, retiring in 1995. Throughout her life, her faith in God was unwavering. She loved deeply through her faith, family, and friends, seeing the good in everyone she met. A member of Assumption Catholic Church, she was active in the altar guild and taught religion classes. Even as she faced health challenges, Grace took good care of her family, especially her husband, Pete of 56 years. She made every stranger she met into a friend, always intensely curious to learn about others lives and make connections. Grace embodied radiant sunshine, with a contagious smile and laughter that would make you want to join in. When at home, you could often find Grace watching the Green Bay Packers, the Twins, or the Cubs. She also enjoyed traveling, golfing, bird watching, and reading. Above all, she was most enthralled spending time with family, watching her grandchildren play sports, going out to eat (salad bar!), and going on trips to the casino. Always proud of her Polish heritage, Grace expressed the phrase "Jeny kochany!" (Oh my goodness) in moments of excitement. Survivors include her children, Tim Gruenes of Becker, Kristin (Chip) Tancil of Surprise, Ariz., and Paul Gruenes (Dana Anderson) of Becker; sister, Bernadine (John) Lovelin of Waukesha, Wis.; brother, Vitus (Sue) Kampa of White Hall, Wis.; grandchildren, Evan (Eric) Somers-Gruenes, Zoe Gruenes, Lauren Tancil, Pike Tancil, Jessica Gruenes and Kayla Gruenes. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Peter; sister, Ruth (Edward) Ruf; and daughter-in-law, Wendy Gruenes. Memorials are preferred to Assumption Catholic Church in Eden Valley. Obituary, guest book, and video tribute available at www.williamsdingmann.com.
Kathee Martinson, 79, of Paynesville died on Friday, Dec. 5, at Koronis Place in Paynesville. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Koronis Place Senior Living's chapel. Burial will take place at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls. Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Kathee was born on Oct. 12, 1946, to C. Edwin and Carmen Elizabeth (Sheldon) Brown in Willmar. She was raised in Paynesville and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1964. Following high school, she attended Augsburg University in Minneapolis. On May 13, 1967, Kathee was united in marriage to Eugene Lester Martinson, the son of Lester and Mona (Bliven) Martinson. To this union they were blessed with three children: Edith, Laura, and Darrin. They made their home in Mounds View before returning to Paynesville in 1975. After returning to Paynesville, Kathee drove school bus for 17 years. She also worked at Peepers Distinctive Eyewear, retiring in 2005. Kathee was a member of Nordland Lutheran Church. She served on the Paynesville Chamber of Commerce for several years and was president for two years. She was a founding member of the String O' Pearls singing group. For decades, Kathee delighted in her monthly Bunco nights with nearly the same circle of 12 women, a tradition that began in 1987. She enjoyed bowling, bow hunting in both Minnesota and Colorado, and riding her motorcycle. Kathee especially loved traveling with her husband, often on their bikes. Together, they rode from Billings to Nova Scotia, from Winnipeg to New Orleans, and to many places in between. Above all, Kathee cherished her family. She loved hosting and cooking for them and especially enjoyed the yearly Martinson Family Camps. Kathee is survived by her children: Edith Buermann of Paynesville, Laura (Jaime) Schmidt of Big Lake, and Darrin Martinson (Cody Hoff) of Sauk Rapids; ten grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren, with one more expected any day. She is also survived by her siblings, Steve (Rosalyn) Brown of Paynesville and Jill Brown of Anoka; three brothers-in-law and five sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Kathee was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene; her parents, C. Edwin and Carmen; and her son-in-law, John Buermann.
Melissa "Missy" Weis, 50, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 25. She was born on Sept. 25, 1975, in St. Paul, Minn., to Dorothy and Daniel Gangl. Melissa was raised in Avon, Minn., and attended Albany High School. For the past five years, Melissa worked as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service. She took great joy in greeting the people along her route, especially their dogs, and was known for her friendly smile and genuine care for others. She loved spending time outdoors, particularly with her four children, who were the center of her life. She was frequently seen supporting her children in the numerous activities they participated in through Paynesville Area Schools. Melissa is survived by her children, Abby, Zack, Jo, and Wishy; her mother, Dorothy; her brothers, Brian, Keith, and Scott. She was preceded in death by her father, Daniel. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date and by invitation only. In lieu of flowers, all memorials and donations may be directed to the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home, PO Box 123, Paynesville, 56362. Melissa will be deeply missed. Her kindness, warmth, and love touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Arthur "Art" W. Haag was born on July 24, 1937, in Richmond, Minn., to Arthur and May Haag. He graduated from Eden Valley High School in 1955 and was a lifelong dairy, beef, and crop farmer. He, along with his wife Nancy, were second-generation farmers on their farm. While Arthur's dad, Arthur Sr., was in the Paynesville hospital, Art met Nancy (Koenig), who was helping to care for his father. On Aug, 12, 1961, Art and Nancy married in Paynesville, Minn. They were a true team that loved each other deeply and were married for over 62 years until Nancy's passing on Oct. 17, 2023. Art and Nancy had five children - Bryan (Linda), Bradley (Judy), Lynae Kern (Larry), Lesley Pallies (Don), and Arthur III (Stacy). Art had a strong faith in God and was the rock of his family. Along with and through his wife Nancy, God was a beacon that shaped them and their family's life; from weekly masses to daily prayer and gatherings with family, faith was central to the household. Raising five children with Nancy on a dairy farm, along with all the daily chores and responsibilities, was a team effort that required hard work, patience, and faith. While he was actively farming, Art was quick to help others who needed it. Whether it was helping fill silo, bale hay, or something else, he was always there to lend a hand. This generosity was also extended to his family where he was always willing to help. With his generous nature came a huge smile, huge laugh, and huge heart. He had a special gift where he could make everyone he spoke to feel heard and important. He was a lot smarter than he would admit, like Nancy he was good at many things, and he had the strength of an ox. If you bring up Arthur's name, you will likely find someone that has a story or two they could tell. Most of these stories involve hunting, fishing, farming, family, and/or something humorous or memorable. (Ask his kids or nephews, and I'm sure they can tell you a few). Art was an excellent and entertaining storyteller. Along with Nancy, he taught his children the things he loved, such as hunting, fishing, gardening, taking care of animals, and many other things. Art fished almost weekly the last two summers, which he utterly loved. Playing cards was also another passion of Art's. He played euchre weekly for many years and looked forward to playing and socializing with the many friends he had made. It was a true blessing to have these people and this interest in his life. For the past couple years, meeting weekly to play cards and to eat lunch was another blessing that he looked forward to. (Thank you, Jim Tintes!) Visits from family and friends, including family gatherings, were as important and enjoyable to Art as they were to Nancy. Art has 11 grandchildren - Eileen, Aaron, Bronson and Bobbi Jo (Brad and Judy Haag); Amber and Michael (Lynae and Larry Kern); Elizabeth and Isabelle (Lesley and Don Pallies); Brooke, Avery, and Claire (Art and Stacy Haag). He has eight great-grandchildren - Eli and Aubrey (Aaron and Kathy Haag); Brennen and Tanner (Amber Kern); Logan and Emmarie (Michael and Morgan Kern), and Adam and Blaire (Kaleb and Bobbi Jo Lehmann). Art passed away on Friday, Nov. 28, at home, surrounded by family. He was 88 years old. Art was preceded in death by wife Nancy; parents Arthur and May; brother Vernon; sisters Jeanette and LaVonne; and step-grandson Gary Brink (Linda and Bryan). Art's family is extremely thankful for the support and prayers from family and friends during this time, as they remember how Art touched their lives. They are also grateful for the support of Deacon Roger and Father Mike during this journey. They cannot thank everyone enough! Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Church of Our Lady in Manannah. Visitation will begin after 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning at the church. Burial of the urn will take place in the parish cemetery after Mass. Arrangements are with the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville.
Marie M. Deadrick, 84, of Paynesville died on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Paynesville Care Center. Her memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Nordland Lutheran Church near Paynesville. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Nordland Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Marie Myrtle Hoeft was born Dec. 15, 1940, in Paynesville Township to Steward and Myrtle (Frank) Hoeft. Growing up on the family farm, Marie helped her father in the fields with old-fashioned threshing. She graduated from Paynesville High School and soon after married her high school sweetheart, Daniel Deadrick - a loving partnership that would last a lifetime. Dan and Marie raised their family on a hobby farm near Paynesville. Marie worked as a full-time bank teller for 30 years, continuing part-time even after retirement. She enjoyed baking, quilting, knitting, and the delicate needle art of hardanger. Marie loved to read, and during the winter months could often be found working on puzzles by the warmth of home. She also had a love for her fresh vegetables from her garden every year. Marie and Dan raised Canadian geese and ducks on their farm, releasing them into the wild, and she lovingly cared for various animals in need -including bunnies, squirrels, and even raccoons. Her compassion extended to every creature that crossed her path. Faith played a central role throughout her life. Marie was a devoted member of Nordland Lutheran Church, where she contributed to the quilting group, helped prepare the church newsletter for mailing, and managed the church's collection books. Wednesdays at church were just as important as Sundays to Marie. For over 15 years, Dan and Marie wintered in Arizona, where they continued their shared love for adventure. They hunted together across Arizona and Colorado, belonged to an archery league, and enjoyed countless four-wheeling trips. Marie approached life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and energy - always busy, always learning, always ready for the next experience. Marie is survived by her husband, Dan of 67 years; children, Josh Deadrick of Paynesville, Joel Deadrick of Paynesville, and Danell Johnson of Prinsburg; grandchildren, Dustin, Nicole, Aaron, Travis, and Carly; and great-grandchildren, Emilee, Barrett, Bentlee, Brynlee, Maverick, and Cash; sister, June Steman; sister-in-law, Lynette (Jim) Schmit; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Dale and Miriam Deadrick; son-in-law, Brian Johnson; brother-in-law, Melvin; and sister-in-law, Patricia.
Beverly A. Stowell, 91, of Paynesville died on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, at the Paynesville Area Hospital in Paynesville. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Paynesville Lutheran Church. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service (11 a.m.) at church. Burial was in the Paynes-ville Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Beverly Ann Stowell was born on June 29, 1934, in Jamestown, N.D., the daughter of Leonard and Hazel Weber. She grew up in North Dakota and Colorado. After graduation, she continued her education at the University of Minnesota -Morris for teaching. On April 3, 1958, Bev was united in marriage to Richard Stowell in Chanute, Kan. They made their home in Chanute and Hutchinson, Kan., where she taught school. They moved to Long Prairie, Minn., in 1969, where she ran her own daycare before moving to Paynesville in 1974. She worked as a realtor and served as a volunteer for the Paynesville Ambulance Service. Bev and Richard shared in 38 years of marriage before his death on March 8, 1997. Bev was an active, faithful member of Paynesville Lutheran Church. She was passionate about teaching, caring for children, her dogs, and keeping busy. She enjoyed playing cards and bingo, and in her younger years skiing and skating. She is survived by her sons, Craig (Carrie) Stowell and Chris Stowell; grandchildren, Kelly (Jeff) Munoz, Kaman Stowell, Branton (Greta) Stowell, and Eric Stowell; great-grandchildren, Zoe, Amelia, and Scottie; and sibling, Gary (Beverly) Weber. She was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Cheryl; and brother, Bob. |