October 2023
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
October 2023
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Evalyn Carlson, 78, Paynesville
Evalyn N. Carlson 78, of Paynesville, formerly of Willmar, died on Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Paynesville Health Care Center in Paynesville. Her funeral will be held at 2 p.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at Word of Faith Family Church in Willmar with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at a later date. Funeral arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar: www.hafh.org. Evalyn Nora was born on July 9, 1945, in Litchfield, Minn., the daughter of Darrell and Hope (Lehman) Cramer. She lived in Corvuso until moving to Litchfield, where she graduated from Litchfield High School in 1963. She then attended North Park College in Chicago for two years. On June 10, 1966, she was united in marriage to John Carlson at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Litchfield. They lived in Paynesville from 1966 to 2004, when they moved to Willmar. Since 1998, she has worked as an administrative assistant for Word of Faith Family Church, retiring in 2011. In 2021 they moved to Albany and shortly after John's death, she moved to Paynesville Health Care Center. She was a volunteer with the Stearns County Pioneer Club and enjoyed going and listening to bluegrass music jams with John. Surviving are her daughter, Linda Geer of Willmar; and sister, Judy Samuelson of Cold Spring. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John, on Feb. 8, 2023; and a sister.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, at the Church of Our Lady in Manannah for Nancy C. Haag of Eden Valley. Reverend Jeff Horjsi will officiate. Visitation will begin after 10 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Burial of her cremated remains will take place in the Church of Our Lady Parish Cemetery. A luncheon will begin after services in the church hall. Nancy was born on June 17, 1940, in Paynesville, Minn., to Fred and Gen (Holper) Koenig.Ê She graduated from Jefferson High School in Portland, Ore., and attended St. Benedict College for one year. While working at the Paynesville Hospital and providing care for Arthur Sr., Nancy met Arthur Jr. and on Aug. 12, 1961, Nancy and Arthur married. She was a loving and supportive wife and mother for over 62 years. To this union was born five children Ð Bryan (Linda), Bradley (Judy), Lynae Kern (Larry), Lesley Pallies (Don), and Arthur III (Stacy).Ê Nancy had a strong faith in God, which was a central part of her life. Her belief provided constant direction for her life and the life of her family. If you met Nancy once, she likely touched your life in some way, and you would know that she loved spending time with and talking about her family, whether it be her husband, children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. A very hard-working and strong woman, she seemed to never sit down. Her selflessness showed with her constant work on the farm, raising and caring for family, and various caregiving jobs and responsibilities. Her hobbies included crocheting, gardening, canning, and reading. She crocheted countless baby afghans over the years, donating many to the church and her family. She also loved cooking, making flower arrangements, and flying when she traveled (taking a trip to Ireland with her girls in 2013). Family gatherings and visits provided the best memories. Nancy has 11 grandchildren Ð 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). Nancy ("Nana") has six great-grandchildren Ð Eli and Aubrey (Aaron and Kathy Haag); Brennan and Tanner (Amber Kern); and Logan and Emmarie (Michael and Morgan Kern). Nancy passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at home, surrounded by family. Nancy was 83 years old. Nancy was preceded in death by parents Fred and Gen Koenig; brother Tom; and step-grandson Gary Brink (Linda and Bryan). The family of Nancy Hagg is extremely thankful for the support and prayers from family and friends during this time, as they remember how Nancy touched their lives. They are also grateful for the support of Father Jeff and Deacon Roger and his wife Pam during this journey. They cannot thank you enough!
Darron K. Knowlton, 87, of Paynesville died on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, at his home in Paynesville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service. A private burial service will be in the St. Louis Parish Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Darron K Knowlton was born June 8, 1936, in Pipestone, Minn., to Floyd Grant Knowlton and Opal June Pugh. He grew up in Pipestone, graduated from Pipestone High School in 1954, and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1955 where he studied Russian language at USAF language school in San Antonio before transferring to ground-to-air-electronic repair in Biloxi, Miss. After his military tour, he enrolled at South Dakota State University and earned his bachelor of arts degree in language arts in 1964. He married Karen Herrmann of Pipestone, the love of his life, in the fall of 1964, and they shared 59 years of married life together. He joined the staff at Paynesville High School that same year and began his 31-year teaching career, was controlling editor of the high school newspaper for 29 years, and was the assistant golf coach under head coach, John McLaughlin. His other interests included woodworking, golf, photograph, and travel. While teaching, he produced a monthly newsletter for the local teaching staff and, once retired, a newsletter for residents of Alldon Park. He and Karen especially enjoyed winters in south Texas. Darron and Karen were lifetime members of St. Louis Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, Karen; three brothers, Dennis (Claudia) Dammann of Paynesville; Douglas Dammann of St. Paul, and Mark (Susan) Dammann of Luverne; sister Beth( Gene) Wysocki of Gainesville, Ga.; two sisters-in-law and their husbands; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, an older brother, and infant brother; special aunt and uncle; sister-in-law; and three nephews.
Kelly Jon Mohr, 58, of Mesa, Ariz., passed away on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. Kelly was born on Jan. 23, 1965, and raised in Paynesville, Minn. Shortly after high school, Kelly moved to Arlington, Texas, where he coached a girls softball team and worked at Texstar Plastics, Inc. Kelly returned to Paynesville, Minn., in 1988 where he worked as an electrician's apprentice for Eull Electric (Paynesville) and in general construction for Art Arnold Construction and Cyrilla Beach Homes (Paynesville) and Tri-CAP, Inc. (St. Cloud). Kelly also served as a volunteer fireman for the Paynesville Fire and Rescue Department. In 2007, Kelly moved to Mesa, Ariz., along with his family, where he worked as a handyman until his death. Kelly married Kelley Jean Klein on Dec. 27, 1985. They were together for 37 years and had three children. Kelly enjoyed the outdoors: fishing, hunting, camping in his teardrop, and traveling. Kelly especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He had a passion for helping people and was able to do that all throughout his life by lending his services as a handyman or spreading joy through kind, uplifting words and through the music that he shared. He was a ray of sunshine and will be dearly missed by family and friends. Kelly is survived by his wife, Kelley Jean; children, Jonathan (Victoria), Jeremy (Britt), and Alea (Erik) Caballero; four grandchildren, Aiden, Austin, Oliver, and Xavier; and father, Jerome, all of Mesa, Ariz.; sisters Pamela (Jeff) Lieser of Belgrade, Minn., Jaclyn Fenske of Chandler, Ariz., Romelle (Michael) Hentges of Paynesville, and brother, Kerry (Dana) of Litchfield, Minn.; and many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Carol (Skeie) Mohr. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 11 a.m. at the River of Life Church in Cold Spring, Minn.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, at 1 p.m. Ð with visitation from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Ð at Pay-nesville Lutheran Church for Gerald (Jerry) Hunt who passed away on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, at the age of 80. Gerald R. Hunt Jr. was born to parents Gerald R. Hunt Sr. and Hellene in Lincoln, Neb., on March 12, 1943. After high school, he attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, graduating in May 1965. He enlisted in the US Army on July 7, 1965. He married Susan Miner in Grand Island, Neb., on Aug. 20, 1965. Two children were born of this marriage, Heidi and Lantz. After completion of basic training, he was stationed in Fairbanks and Anchorage, Alaska, serving as a troop leader and a general's aide. After discharge, they returned to Lincoln, Neb., where he was employed by Control Data. In 1971 they moved with Control Data to Hebron, Conn. After Susan passed away in September 1975, he and the children moved back to Grand Island, Neb., to be closer to family, continuing employment with Control Data. In March 1978, he married Trudy Norby at the First Presbyterian Church in Grand Island. They later moved to Omaha, Neb., in 1979 and to New London, Minn., in 1994, where they had a home on Long Lake. Due to Jerry's declining health, they moved to Paynesville in July 2018. He is survived by his wife Trudy; son Lantz (Kelly); grandchildren, Guy, Ellison, Averie, and Levi Hunt; son-in-law Justin Oglesby; grandchildren Breden and Karsten Ogalsby and Hayley (Kurt) Sandholm; and great-grandson Quinn Sandholm. He is also survived by two sisters, Dallas George of Payton, Ariz., and Kathy (Scott) Dworak of Lincoln, Neb., along with many nieces, nephews, and brothers- and sisters-in-law. He was proceeded in death by his first wife Susan; daughter Heidi (Hunt) Oglesby; sister Suzy Olson; and parents Gerald Sr. and Hellene Hunt. Blessed be his memory. The family requests any memorials to be made to Paynesville Lutheran Church or CentraCare Ð Paynesville Hospice.
Gaylord A. Chesness, 88, of Hawick died on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, at his home near Hawick. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, at Nordland Lutheran Church near Paynesville. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the church and for one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors will be in the church cemetery. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in New London: www.hafh.org. Gaylord Arlen Chesness was born on Jan. 29, 1935, to George and Ann (Brudwick) Chesness on the Chesness farm south of Hawick. His brother Delroy joined the family in 1936. He was baptized and confirmed at Nordland Lutheran Church. He attended the Irving Township one-room schoolhouse and graduated from New London High School in 1952. In 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Korea until 1957. He returned home and was employed by Walter Peterson doing custom combining in Nebraska and later worked for Bud Spletter installing phones. On Aug. 29, 1959, Gaylord was married to Marlis Fernelius at Lebanon Lutheran Church in New London. They made their home on the Chesness dairy farm with their four children; Monica, Marcia, Gerald, and Greg. During his life on the Century Farm, he also worked with horses, raised crops, sheep, beef cattle, pigs, chickens, and a couple of turkeys, but it was mostly the cows. Gaylord continued to milk cows twice a day until his retirement in 2015 at the age of 80. He was a lifelong member of Nordland Lutheran Church, where he was active as a deacon, trustee, usher, and long-standing cemetery warden. He and Marlis spent many hours working at the New London Food Shelf. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and attending auction sales and threshing shows. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage and belonged to the Sons of Norway. He and Marlis enjoyed reminiscing with old friends at Norsk events. But above all he loved Marlis, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be remembered as a generous and kind-hearted man. Gaylord passed peacefully on Friday, Oct. 13, at home in the farmhouse that he was born in 88 years earlier. He is survived by his daughters, Monica (Tom) Nelson and Marcia Hunt; sons, Gerald Chesness and Greg Chesness; six grandchildren, Natasha (Ryan) Moravetz, Nathaniel Chesness, Andrew Nelson, Sophia (Corbin) Curtis, Peter Hunt, and Benjamin Hunt; three great-grandchildren, Dexter Moravetz, Kyla Moravetz, and Madison Curtis; sister-in-law, Janet Chesness; and Marlis' siblings, Aryce Lundgren, Deanna (Dean) Mortenson, Ron Fernelius, Marv (Maridean) Fernelius, Lori Auge-O'Hara, Rita (Gary) Olson, and Mark (Linda) Fernelius; and numerous many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Marlis; parents, George and Ann; and brother, Delroy.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Marcella A. "Marcie" Lieser, 96, of Paynesville. Reverend Glenn Krystosek will officiate. Entombment will take place in the St. Louis Parish Mausoleum in Paynesville. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Visitation will continue after 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at the church. A rosary will be prayed at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday morning at the church led by the Daughters of Isabella and St. Louis Christian Women. Marcie was born Jan. 10, 1927, in Spring Hill, Minn., to Andrew and Christine (Olmscheid) Bertram. She married Henry Lieser on May 6, 1947, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spring Hill. They farmed in the Spring Hill area until 1988, when they retired and moved to Paynesville. Marcie was an active member of St. Louis Catholic Church, serving as a choir member, CCD teacher for 17 years, and eucharistic minister at both the St. Louis and the St. Michael's parishes and to the hospital and nursing homes in Paynesville. She was a past regent and state scribe of the Daughters of Isabella, a member of St. Louis Christian Women and St. Ann's Christian Women of Spring Hill, and a member of St. Isadore's Mission Group. She was regional chairperson for the Mission Auxiliary of the Diocese of St. Cloud for 17 years and diocesan auxiliary president in 1977. She was also a member of St. Louis Catholic United Financial. Marcie enjoyed playing cards, bowling, polka dancing with the Polka Lovers Club, local volunteering, traveling, quilting, crocheting, working on several family genealogy books, and working at the Stearns County Fair in Sauk Centre for 32 years. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with family, especially grandchildren and great grandchildren. Marcie is survived by her four daughters Karen (Gary) Dobmeier of Alexandria, LuAnn (Pat) Loxtercamp of Paynesville, Mary (Alan) Faber of Sartell, and Kim (Gary) Meyer of Spring Hill; daughter-in-law Kim Johnson of Paynesville; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and sister Dorothy Braegelman. Preceding Marcie in death were her parents; husband Henry (2000); son Kevin (1991); brothers Peter, Norbert, Elmer, and Walter Bertram; sisters Helen Rose and Elizabeth Rothstein; and one infant brother.
Barbara C. Hoffman, 84, of Paynesville died on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at the Koronis Manor in Paynesville. Graveside services were held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Barbara Carol Hoffman was born on Feb. 11, 1939, in Watseka, Ill., the daughter of Allan and Laverna (Keene) Laird. She attended elementary school in Seldon, Ill., and Paynesville and then Paynesville High School, graduating in 1957. She was united in marriage to Clifford Parker, and the union was blessed with three sons. They later divorced. In 1975, Barb was married to Valgene Hoffman. They made their home in Paynesville, where she worked in banking as a teller and proofing until her retirement in 2000. She was a member of Grace Methodist Church in Paynesville. She is survived by her sons, Russell (Sylvia) Parker and Anthony Parker; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sisters, Beverly (Jerome) Jones, DeLores Nolan, and Peggy Hannon. She was preceded in death by her husband, Valgene; son, Jeffrey Parker; and her parents.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Cyril T. Kascht, 76, of Paynesville. Cyril passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, at the Paynesville Health Care Center with family at his side. Reverend Glenn Krystosek officiated. Burial took place in the St. Louis Parish Cemetery in Paynesville with full military honors. Cyril was born on Feb. 20, 1947, in Richmond, Minn., to Andrew and Susan (Lang) Kascht. After graduating from Paynesville High School in 1965, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1965-1969. He married Linda Cronen on Aug. 7, 1971, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Kandiyohi. They farmed for the next 40 years near Paynesville. Cyril also worked at the Paynesville American Legion Post #271, where he was gambling manager and a former commander. He, along with his brother Jim, also provided grave digging services in the Paynesville area for over 10 years. He was a member of the St. Louis Catholic Church, Paynesville American Legion Post #271, St. Louis Knights of Columbus Council #3820, and Catholic United Financial. Cyril will be remembered for his passion for gardening, decorating for an outdoor Christmas, woodworking, and fishing. He was a loving husband, dad, and grandpa. Cyril is survived by his wife of 52 years Linda; children Randy (Melanie) of Sargeant Bluff, Iowa, Jennifer (Chad) Thilges of Alexandria, Brian (Carolyn) of Trimont, Joyce (Tony) Kotten of Belgrade, and Gregory (Amy) of Paynesville; seven grandchildren Adam, Cassidy, Riley, Cameron, Joe, Jake, and Isabella; and sister Helen Sondrol of St. Cloud. Preceding Cyril in death were his parents; brothers Jim and Harvey; and sister Rosemary Jedlicka.
Michael E. Ohman, 73, of Paynesville died on Wednesday, Oct. 4, after a short stay at Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Cloud. Mike was born in St. Cloud, Minn., to Earl and Rosie (Tholl) Ohman on Sept. 9, 1950. He graduated from St. Cloud Tech in 1968 and attended St. Cloud State. Mike's career started in 1969 working for Hardrives, Inc., first as a laborer, then a transport driver hauling heavy equipment, on to managing a subsidiary company of Hardrives (Aero), and then doing commercial blacktop estimating for Hardrives until he retired. He was the winner of the first annual "Best Driver" Award in 1981. He retired in December 2016 after working 47 years for the same company. Mike married Kathleen (Kathy) Domino on Nov. 18, 1972, in St. Cloud. They lived in the surrounding St. Cloud area and the last five years on Lake Koronis in Paynesville on property they bought in 1987 from Phil Behr. Mike especially enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed water skiing, boating, ice fishing, hunting, golf, and traveling. He was a curious intelligent man who had a lively sense of humor, was an avid old-car lover attending the Back-to-the-50's and other car shows for decades, and he was the greatest handymanÉseemingly able to do almost anything in building, repair, and mechanical work. Mike is survived by his wife, Kathy; children, Kristina and Michelle (Brandon Bass); grandchildren, Garret and Owen; and sisters and brothers, Judy, Jeanie, Mark, and Joel. He was preceded in death by his parents Rosie and Earl Ohman; sister Joanie; and brother Jon. The celebration of Mike's life will be held on Saturday Oct. 14, 2023, at 3 p.m. at Crystal Hills Assembly of God Church in Paynesville (26754 State Highway 55, Paynesville, MN 56362). Visitation will be from 2-3 p.m. at the church on Saturday. Dinner will follow the service. Flowers and memorials can be sent directly to the church. A tree will be planted, and a bench placed along the Lake Koronis walking path, in honor of Mike's memory.
Dale Loren Wechsler, 72, of Paynesville passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at the Paynesville Health Care Center, where he had been a resident for the past 10 years. His memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, at Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. He was born Oct. 14, 1950, in Appleton, Minn. Dale was a graduate of Appleton High School. He had many different careers throughout his life including lead dispatcher for a very large trucking company, owner of the Pop Shoppe, River's Edge Gas & Goods in Paynesville, for numerous years, as well as side jobs involving managing the Frosty Mug, taking care of the Tri County Park, and truck driving. Dale was an avid outdoors person, who loved hunting and fishing more than life. He was a proud member of the NRA, Ducks Unlimited, and many other organizations. Growing up, he was very involved with sports including basketball, as well as baseball and softball. He actually, for a period of time, was on the farm league for the Minnesota Twins as a pitcher. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all the people that he had an impact on during his life. He is survived by his son, Michael (Colleen) Wechsler of Houston, Texas, and grandchildren Ashley and Alec Wechsler. He was pre-deceased by his parents; and his wife, Barbara, on Nov. 4, 2017.
Kenneth Henry Nelson, 92, passed away on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at home with his wife and family. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Jacqueline Jebb Sonne Nelson; his sister, Diane Schultz; his three beloved children and their spouses, James and Theresa Sonne, Jennifer and Eric East, and Charles Nelson and Melissa Piccone; and six beloved grandchildren, Victoria, Maren, Zachary, Jacob, Quinn and Viviana. Ken was born on April 23, 1931, in Union Grove Township, Minn., as the first child of Henry and Hannah Nelson. He was raised on a farm outside Paynesville, Minn. He graduated from Paynesville High School and after starting college joined the United States Navy. He served four years in Korea as a hospital corpsman, providing medical care to his fellow servicemen. Following his discharge from the service, he took care of his ailing mother until her death six months later. Ken then returned to the University of Minnesota to complete his degree in agricultural economics. He spent his working years with the Food and Drug Administration as an investigator in Los Angeles, Calif. Upon retirement, he and Jackie moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., and then to Purcellville, Va., to spend time near family. Ken shared many stories of growing up in the beautiful lake country of Minnesota. He treasured his memories of walking with his uncles to Lake Koronis to launch a stowed rowboat and catch the abundant supply of fish that the lake offered. His love of nature continued throughout his life through backpacking, camping, bird watching, and visiting beautiful places throughout the U.S. and abroad. He imparted his many skills and interests upon his family. His hobbies included scroll sawing, family tree, cooking, volunteer work, as well as being the ultimate handyman. Ken was always a consummate learner. His interests were never limited, but his favorites were World War II history, current events, literature, world philosophies, theater, and music. If a family member ever had questions or concerns, he would unfailingly have the latest answers in their email first thing the next morning. Military funeral honors and committal service will take place at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colo. Further details will be shared soon. Arrangements are by Lyles Funeral Service, serving northern Virginia: www.lylesfuneralservice.net.
Private memorial services were held for Maurice L. Thayer who passed away on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, at Glen Oaks Senior Living in New London. Interment, with military honors, took place at the Paynesville Cemetery. Arrangements were made by the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home, Paynesville. Maurice was born on Oct. 29, 1927, in Sacred Heart, Minn., to Ira and Alice (Aeikens) Thayer. He married Audrey Custer on Nov. 12, 1948, at the Methodist Church in Paynesville. They lived in Paynesville briefly, where he drove truck for North American Creamery. The family moved to Minneapolis in 1949, and he was employed by Hitchcock Industries, a large foundry, for 20 years. They then moved to Texas as the foundry established a second location. He retired 20 years later, and after a few years moved back to Paynesville. Reading the Bible and devotion to his faith were an important part of his life. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. Survivors include three daughters, Jean (Steven) Barthel of Champlin, Minn., Rita (George) Garrobo of Cypress, Texas, and Mary (Desmond) Kelly of Denison, Texas; nine grandchildren, Michele McManus, Lisa Gehring, Christen Susko, Ashley Shott, Meagan Epley, Macy Hardy, Manyon Ages, Dale Marinenko, and Christopher Burnett; 14 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; his brother Cecil of Brooklyn Center, Minn.; and sister Myrtle Elbinger of Park Rapids, Minn. Maurice was preceded in death by both parents; his wife Audrey; brother Afton; and daughter Beverly Oldeen. |