Death Notices - Paynesville Press, Paynesville, Minnesota
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Death Notices
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.

May 2023


Johnson Funeral Home


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Obituary Archives

Luella Kraemer, 89, Paynesville
Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Luella M. Kraemer, 89, of Paynesville was held on Monday, May 22, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Luella passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on Monday, May 15, 2023, at her home in Plymouth, Minn. Rev. Glenn Krystosek officiated. Burial was in the parish cemetery. Luella was born on Dec. 29, 1933, in Luxemburg, Minn., to Christ and Agnes (Millerbernd) Tschumperlin. She grew up in Eden Valley; later in life she lived and worked in St. Cloud. Luella married Werner J. Kraemer on Nov. 28, 1957, at Assumption Catholic Church in Eden Valley. They lived and farmed in Lake Henry for 35 years, retiring in 1989, and they moved to Paynesville. Luella was an active member of St. Louis Parish. Luella is survived by her children, Evelyn (Jeff) Olson, JeanetteÊKraemer, Carolyn Oldani, George (Tina) Kraemer, and JoAnn (Larry) Barbetta; 12 grandchildren, Cesarina, Krista, Blake, Tom, Jenny, Tammy, Amber, Hillary, Sharon, Mark, Victoria, and Taylor; 11 great-grandchildren; and brother, Kenny (Gaylia). Luella was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Werner; son-in-law, Carl Oldani; and brothers, Gene and Ray. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.


Chris Spanier, 72, Paynesville

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 26, 2023 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynes-ville, for Christopher Bernard Spanier, 72. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at his home near Paynesville, on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. Rev. Glenn Krystosek will be the celebrant. Burial of the urn will be at St. Louis Parish Cemetery in Paynesville. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. on Friday at St. Louis Catholic Church. Christopher (Chris) was born on Oct. 27, 1950, in St. Cloud, Minn., the son of Leo C. and Marie (Bauer) Spanier. He grew up on the family farm near Roscoe, Minn. He attended school at Roscoe and later graduated from the Paynesville High School in 1968. After high school he did concrete work for Orrin Thompson Homes in the cities and worked on the IDS Center. In 1973, he started Spanier Masonry while living in St. Martin, Minn. He did over-the-road trucking for Belgrade Steel Tank and Bayer Built. Chris was united in marriage to Peggy Thompson on Oct. 8, 1988, at Munsinger Gardens in St. Cloud. They had a blended family of seven children. They lived near Paynesville, where they raised their family. Chris was a very hard-working, loving person, would do anything for anyone, loved his family and friends, never complained, and was always in a good mood and looking for a good time. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and going for boat rides with the family. He especially enjoyed giving his grandkids rides on the side-by-side and golf cart. Chris enjoyed his 1950 Chevy truck and 1969 Plymouth Road Runner. He attended car shows and enjoyed watching Barrett Jackson Auctions. He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville and was an active participant in the Heart Lake Deer Camp. He is survived by: his wife Peggy of Paynesville; seven children, Kari (Mark) Schramel of Sauk Rapids, Minn., Angela (Darius) Hurdle of Minneapolis, Minn., Chad (Kim) Spanier of Glenwood, Minn., Ryan (Kelli) Wuertz of Paynesville, Minn., Alicia (Kit) Truong of Naperville, Ill., Tyler (Amanda) Wuertz of Paynesville, and Leah (Andy) Penkava of Mahtomedi, Minn.; 14 grandchildren, Akeelah, Del'Shaun, Camryn, Elle, Addison, Rowan, Jordy, Kiet, Gabriel, Brooklyn, Hallie, Carson, Bryson, and Isla; three sisters, Ruby (Andy) Anderson of Bemidji, Minn., Ann (Ralph) Schramel of Richmond, Minn., Lin Spanier of Oakland, Calif.; one brother Leon (Julie) Spanier of Santa Rosa, Calif.; one sister-in-law, Kathy Spanier of Mesa, Ariz.; Peggy's brothers and sisters, Sandy (Don) Westaby, Linda Mueller, Wally (Maureen) Thompson, Leslie (Brenda) Thompson, and Larry Thompson; the family of Math Schmitz; and many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother Denis; father- and mother-in-law Mitch and Irene Thompson; step father-in-law, Math Schmitz; brother-in-law, Greg Mueller; sister-in-law Michele Thompson; and two nephews, Barry Schramel and Jonathan Thompson. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to CentraCare Hospice, and Coborn's Cancer Center for their loving and attentive care.


Margaret Swanson, 80, Paynesville

Margaret J. Swanson, 80, of Paynesville, Minn., and formerly of Hector, Minn. passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at St. Cloud Hospital. A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 20, at Church of God in Eden Valley, Minn., with interment in Hector City Cemetery in Hector, Minn. Pastor Anne Fischhaber and Pastor Mark Swanson officiated the service. Mike and Sharon McCarney served as musicians.Congregational hymns were: "How Great Thou Art," "It Is Well With My Soul," and "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" Honorary urn bearers were grandchildren, Jack Hennessey, Jordan Hennessey, Ella Swanson, and Kayloni Schwarzrock, Brigetta Hammer and her great-grandchildren, Sawyer Swanson, Braya Munoz, and Lincoln Schlueter. The urn bearer was Caleb Swanson. Margaret Jeanine (Mead) Swanson was born on Nov. 12, 1942, at home on the farm in Sherman Township, in Redwood County, Minn. She was the first born of ten children, and the daughter of William (Glenn) and Cecelia (Goelz) Mead. Margaret was baptized as an infant, and in June 1963 as a member of the Hector Church of God of the Abrahamic Faith. In 1997, with the purchase of their home on Lake Koronis in Paynesville, she became a member of the Eden Valley Church of God. She served as Sunday school teacher, church treasurer, Minnesota State conference secretary for 24 years, and was a member of the Ladies' Aid all throughout her years as a member. Margaret attended school at St. Mary's in Bird Island, Minn., and was a graduate of the Hector High School Class of 1960. On Jan. 3, 1962, Margaret married Harold Swanson at the Little Brown Church in the Vale at Nashua, Iowa. This marriage was blessed with four children, Jeffrey Todd, Lynn Ellen, Lee Allen, and Kurt William. Margaret and Harold shared 57 years of marriage. Throughout her life, she enjoyed various hobbies and educational pursuits including sewing many quilts, church banners, and various holiday items. Along with completing pilot training, she enjoyed photography classes, traveling, baking, and time as a Mary Kay cosmetics beauty consultant. She worked at home with Harold on their farm in Martinsburg Town-ship and later as a secretary at the State Farm Insurance office in Hector. Margaret was also a business owner of Furniture Etcetera and Curves Fitness. During that time, she served as the Hector Community School District board secretary and was a member of the Hector Lioness club, serving as the president, and vice president, and later in the Paynesville Lions Club as the secretary while serving on various committees. Margaret later began a career with the United States Post Office in Hopkins, Minn., and worked various positions moving up from mail delivery, postal clerk, and then supervisor in Minneapolis, Rockford, Willmar, and retired as Paynesville postmaster in 2008. She also worked for the U.S. Census Bureau in 2010 and 2020. Margaret loved and enjoyed time with all her family, grandkids, and many dear friends. She loved reading, many forms of art, travel, watching birds, and even the families of javelinas that crossed her home's path in Arizona. Margaret is survived by her saughter, Lynn Hennessey of Yakima, Wash., grandsons, Jack Hennessey of Yakima, and Jordan Hennessey of Minneapolis; grandson, Caleb Swanson of Hector (Courtney, and great-grandson, Sawyer Swanson); granddaughter, Ella Swanson of Prior Lake; Kayloni Schwarzrock; Brigetta Hammer (Joe) and her children, Braya Munoz and Lincoln Schlueter; sSiblings, Mary MacDowell of Green Valley, Ariz., Richard (Linda) Mead of Green Isle, Minn., Juanita (Lenny) Bruns of Mankato, Minn., Janet (Stephan) Kohls of Naples, Fla., Luci (Bert) Tellers of Waconia, Minn., Jim Mead of Green Valley, Ariz., Jeanne (Chuck) Buckentin of Norwood Young America, Minn., and Julie (Dean) Mesenbring of Norwood Young America; brother-in-law, Harlan (Margaret) Swanson of Minnetonka, Minn.; and many extended family, relatives and friends. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, William (Glenn) and Cecelia Mead; brother, Jerome Mead; husband, Harold; sons, Lee, Jeffrey, and Kurt; mother- and father-in-law, Mae and Albert Swanson; and brother-in-law, Terry MacDowell. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Humane Society, or the Eden Valley Church of God. Arrangements by the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guest book available at www.hantge.com.


Marilyn Fuchs, 71, Paynesville

Marilyn A. (Ternes) Fuchs, 71, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Paynesville. A memorial Mass was held on Monday, May 15, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Rev. Glenn Krystosek officiated. Burial was in the St. Louis Parish Cemetery in Paynesville. Marilyn was born on Jan. 16, 1952, to Lenus and Edna (Metcalf) Ternes in Bismarck, N.D. She spent her cherished childhood years in the town of Flasher, N.D., and graduated from St. Gertrude High School. On June 2, 1979, she was united in marriage to her beloved husband, Cletus Edward Fuchs, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Together, Marilyn and Cletus built a beautiful life in Paynesville, raising four wonderful sons and establishing a home filled with love and happiness. Marilyn was an exceptional mother, always putting her children first, and providing unwavering support in all their endeavors. Her dedication extended to her role as a grandmother, and she cherished every precious moment spent with her grandchildren. Marilyn's memory will forever be treasured by her devoted husband, Cletus; her sons: Byron (Dayna) of Paynesville, Minn., Leon (Julie) of Kerkhoven, Minn., Chris of Willmar, Minn., and Matt (Emily) of Kandiyohi, Minn.; her grandchildren: Sarah, Carter, and Riley; her siblings: Victor of Mandan, N.D., Jeanette (Ron) Parham of Rancho Mirage, Calif., Jeffrey of Bismarck, N.D., Deanna (LaVern) Miller of Bismarck, N.D., Anselm (Marilyn) of Mandan, N.D., Brian (Julie) of Bismarck, N.D., Anita of Bismarck, N.D., Brendan (Carol) of Bismarck, N.D., and Art (Kay) of Bismarck, N.D.; and brother-in-law Duane Martin of Kalispell, Mont. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Chris and Kevin Ternes; and her sister Carol Martin. The family kindly requests memorials in lieu of flowers. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to CentraCare Coborn Cancer Center and CentraCare Hospice for their exceptional care and support during Marilyn's journey. Marilyn's unconditional love, nurturing spirit, and witty humor will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love and devotion will continue to inspire and guide her family for generations to come. May her soul find eternal peace.


Emil Block, 92, Paynesville

Funeral services celebrating the life of Emil William Block Jr., 92, of Paynesville were held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Emil passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023, peacefully at his home. Pastor Paul Shumaker officiated. Burial with honors was at Ebenezer Cemetery, Paynesville. Emil was born Oct. 6, 1930, to Emil and Olga (Runke) Block in Lyman Prairie, Minn. He married Janet Wunder on Oct. 31, 1954, in Paynesville. They resided in the town of Paynesville before moving to their forever home outside of Paynesville in 1956. He served in the U.S Army (tank division) from 1948 to 1954. He purchased the Dray Line in Paynesville in 1954 and sold it in 1958. After selling the company, he started to deliver feed for the Koronis Mill and then went on to deliver feed for 40 years with Jennie-O Turkey until he retired from the Atwater Feed Mill in 2002. He had a passion for his farm, from his cows and pet deer to his birds of all kinds. He is survived by his wife, Janet; children, Kathy (Chuck) Knebel, Bob (Lena) Block, Tim Block, and Debbie (Dennis) Fink; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren (one on the way); one great-great-grandchild on the way; and sister-in-law Kathy. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Edward (Veronica), Herbert, Viola (Stanley) Stenerson, Sylvia (Roger) Rien, Kenny, and an infant sister.


Gerald Liestmann, 80, Litchfield

Gerald (Jerry) F. Liestman, 80, of Litchfield passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023, at Meeker Manor in Litchfield. Jerry was born on March 14, 1943, to Marvin Liestman and Betty (Schwandt) Liestman. He graduated from Paynesville High School, where he excelled in many sports. He attended St. Cloud State University and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. The profession that he most enjoyed was as a meat cutter, and he worked at various meat markets throughout his career in both Minnesota and Texas. For several years, he also worked for Farmer's Union Milk Marketing Cooperative, testing milk and selling insurance. Jerry lived for sports. When he was unable to play softball anymore, he coached both softball and football. He was also passionate about his fantasy football league. He rarely missed any sporting event that his children were a part of, as well as frequenting many of his grandchildren's events. The local Marine Corps League was a group he took pride in being part of, where he served as commandant and in other offices. He appreciated fellowship at Cornerstone Church in Litchfield. Surviving Jerry is his wife, Jean; his children, Jason (Linda), Jeff (former wife Calyn), Jay (Paulette), Jerri Ann (friend Darrell), and Jaime; and his brothers, Perry and Daniel (Yong-Mi). He adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Todd; and sisters, Laurie and Margo. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.


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