June 2026
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
June 2026
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Richard McCoy, 89, Eden Valley
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Richard John "Dick" McCoy, 89, of Eden Valley. Dick passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 31, 2026, surrounded by family at the Paynesville Area Health Care Center. Reverend Glenn Krystosek officiated. Burial took place in the St. Louis Parish Cemetery in Paynes-ville with full military honors. Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, June 8, and after 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, both at the St. Louis Catholic Church. A rosary was prayed at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, in the church. Dick was born at home on Aug. 13, 1936, in Manannah, Meeker County, Minn., to john and Julia (Straus) McCoy. He graduated from Paynes-ville High School in 1954 and joined the U.S. Air Force in January 1955. He was stationed at Parks Air Force Base in California, before moving to Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Wash., in 1956. In 1957, he was joined in marriage to the love of his life Cleone Wegner at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Lake Henry, Minn. Richard and Cleone then served at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee Falls, Mass., until his honorable discharge in 1960. He worked construction for many years on jobs located all over Minnesota and Iowa, while also running the McCoy family farm with his wife and children. He retired in 2000. Dick was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He believed in family first. He loved horses and the rural life. He was a founding member of the Paynesville Saddle Club. He and his family enjoyed many adventures as they traveled around Minnesota, camping, or exploring other states and traveling abroad. He was known by everyone as a good friend and neighbor. He could strike up a conversation with everyone he met. He was quick with a joke to make you smile, or a hug to make your day. His gentle nature and kind heart will be greatly missed by all who have known him. Dick was an active member of St. Louis Catholic Church where he stayed involved in the adoration hours and distributed communion to the homebound. He was a member of the St. Louis Knights of Columbus Council #3820, to St. Louis Catholic United Financial, and the Inter-national Union of Operating Engineers Local #49. Dick is survived by his wife Cleone and their five children: Steven McCoy of Ft. Myers, Fla., Deborah Holstad of Waite Park, Minn., Cynthia (Jon) Lensing of Little Canada, Minn., James McCoy of Eden Valley, Minn., and Candace (Tim) Carda of Big Lake, Minn.; 13 grandchildren: Amy (Patrick) Dodard, Kurt (Katie) Fleischhacker, Aarik (Bridgette) Lensing, Lindsey (Chris) Thurber, Julya McCoy, Jenna (Matthew) Cardwell, Austin (Brittany) Lensing, Emily (Mitchell) Walker, Holly (Nageb) McElayan, Cole Carda, Katelyn Holstad, Jacob (Izzy) Carda, and Marya McCoy; 13 great-grandchildren, brother Donald (Judy) McCoy of Paynesville; as well as many nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Preceding Dick in death were his parents; granddaughter Lisa Fleischhacker; great-grandson Cooper Thurber; sister Mildred Caldwell; and infant twin brothers. A special thank you to the staff at Paynesville Health Care Center and CentraCare Hospice for the care Dick received during his stay. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
Betty Jane Loomis, 96, died on Friday, June 5, 2026, at her home in Paynesville. Betty was born on Jan. 10, 1930, in Norcross, Minn., to John and Myrtle (Drexler) Gerber. She attended country grade school and graduated from Elbow Lake High School in 1947. She earned a degree from Moorhead State Teachers College 1950 and began her teaching career in Lamberton, alongside college classmates who became dear lifelong friends. In 1951, she accepted a position at Paynesville Elementary, where she met her future husband, Jim Loomis. Betty and Jim were married on Aug. 8, 1953, in Norcross, Minn. They lived in Paynesville until they found their ideal home on Lake Koronis in 1959. They raised six children and shared 72 years of marriage at the lake until Jim's death on April 13, 2026. Betty was a faithful member of Paynesville Lutheran Church, where she served as a church librarian and taught Sunday School. She enjoyed golf, bowling, bridge and participated in many social and community service groups. Betty was a trusted and loving friend to many near and far, fostering close friendships with her attentive kindness and joyful warmth. With a delicate attention to beauty around her, Betty loved reading, travelling, gardening, scrapbooking, crocheting and sewing. Betty was a present, caring, and nurturing mother and grandmother who was always sharing encouraging support, practical wisdom, and valuable life lessons with her children. She loved cooking, baking, and curated a beautiful home to host her family. Her quiet strength and unassuming kindness were at the heart and soul of the family. She made home a home. Betty is survived by her children, Sara (Bruce) Turrell of Paynesville, Tom (Michele) Loomis of Denton, Texas, John (Barbara) Loomis of Cape Charles, Va., Bob (Kenny Wong) Loomis of Seattle, Wash., Mary (Jerry) Scott of Grand Haven, Mich., and Mike Loomis of Paynesville; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents; and her siblings, Arvin and Jeanette. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Paynesville Lutheran Church. Visitation will begin two hours prior to the service (at 12 noon). Burial will be in the Paynesville Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Jim and Betty Loomis Fund at the Paynesville Area Community Foundation. www.communitygiving.org/fund/jim-and-betty-loomis-fund/. Arrangements are with the Harvey Anderson and Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jim D. Erickson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, who passed away on Sunday, May 10, at the age of 88. Born on Jan. 5, 1938, Jim lived a life defined by hard work and generosity. He grew up in Mabel, Minn., where he was active in the Circle A Club and the Rawhide Ropers. During his high school years, he participated extensively in 4-H, earning many awards at both the county and state levels. Jim graduated from Mabel-Canton High School in 1956, he then went on to study at the University of Minnesota. In 1958, he married Carol Gilbertson. Together, they made their home on a farm near Mabel and began raising Scott and Cinda. Jim's passion for farming and cattle led him to a lifelong career as a livestock dealer, a profession to which he dedicated most of his adult life. These journeys led him to meet Rita Quandahl. Jim and Rita moved to New Ulm, Minn., in 1981 where together they raised Beth and Josh. Jim and Rita were united in marriage in Cancun surrounded by friends. In 1996 they moved onto Lake Koronis in Paynesville, Minn. Jim continued working throughout his retirement, becoming well known for selling hostas from his beloved "Hosta Shed." Jim and Rita also enjoyed spending winters together in Mission, Texas. Outside of work, Jim found great joy in golfing, fishing, and entertaining family and friends. Jim will be remembered for his strong work ethic, warm hospitality, the crazy stories he would tell, and the many friendships he cultivated throughout his life. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Rita; his children, Scott Erickson, Cinda Ginn (Penny), and Beth Altmann (Rick); his grandchildren, Whitney Erickson, Nathan Vondergeest, Maren Vonder-geest, Rachel Rodekohr (Sam), and Hannah and Gracie Altmann; his great -grandson, Elisha Rodekohr; his brother, David Erickson (Gloria); and many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Marion Erickson; his sister, Kathleen Kratz; and his son, Josh Quandahl. Though Jim is no longer with us, the love he gave and the memories he created will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew him. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday July 12, from 1-4 p.m. at the New Ulm Country Club in New Ulm, Minn.
Eileen M. Kern, 87, of Paynesville died on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Paynes-ville CentraCare Hospital in Paynesville. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 29, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, at the church and for one hour prior to the service. Burial was in the church cemetery. Arrangements were with the Harvey Anderson and Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Eileen Marie Kern was born on Oct. 24, 1938, the daughter of Joseph Sr. and Sylvia (Ophoven) Hennen on the family farm near Watkins. On Feb. 7, 1959, she was united in marriage to Gerald Kern at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Watkins. In 1964, Eileen, along with her husband Gerald, became owners of A & C Farm Service in Paynesville. In the early 1970s, Eileen began working as the company's bookkeeper. Upon her husband's passing, Eileen continued to be actively involved in managing the family business with her four sons. As she aged, Eileen continued to impress her children and grandchildren by keeping up with her phone and internet skills. She used these skills to find "cool gifts" for her family. Eileen was known to be a generous and giving person, who made holidays and birthdays very memorable. Eileen was most known for her exceptional cooking and baking skills. She enjoyed baking cookies and treats with her grandchildren. She made people in her life feel special with her acts of kindness and joy of giving. She passed away surrounded by all seven of her children. Eileen is survived by her children, Larry (Lynae) Kern of Paynesville, Lori (Jeff) Evans of Paynesville, Randy Kern of Hawick, Sandy (Keith) Spanier of Avon, Ron (Jean) Kern of Belgrade, Kevin Kern of Paynesville, and Brenda Kern of Maple Grove; 18 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Ervin Hennen, Harold Hennen, Betty (Irv) Geislinger, Carol Nistler, and Steve (Angela) Hennen. Eileen was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald on Nov. 5, 1996; daughter, Diane; daughter-in-law, Doreen; and siblings, Janelle, Norbert, Eugene, and Joseph Jr. The family of Eileen Kern would like to extend a special thank you to the nursing staff at Paynesville CentraCare Hospital. They greatly appreciate the love, care, and support that all of you provided to their mother and the family during her final days.
John Ervin Beckius, 60, of Rockville, Minn., passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the St. Cloud Hospital following a brief and courageous battle with neuroendocrine carcinoma. John was born on Aug. 7, 1965, in St. Cloud, Minn., to John L. and Diane (Schramel) Beckius. He grew up on a hog farm near Regal, Minn., and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1983. After high school, he attended Ridgewater College (formerly Willmar Vo-tech) and earned an ag-business degree. While living in Willmar, he worked at CashWise Liquor, where he met his soulmate who was also employed there. On Aug. 2, 1986, John married the love of his life, Pamela Sue Stoffel. Together they built a life that spanned more than 40 years together, rooted in friendship, respect, and love. John dedicated nearly 30 years of his career as a sheet metal technician with Sentra-Sota Sheet Metal in Waite Park, Minn., as a proud member of Local Union #10. He was known for his strong work ethic, craftsmanship, and commitment to his trade. He was a proud and loving father to his three children, Zoey Ellen, Kyle John, and Matthew Steven. He cherished his role as a grandfather to Wesley Beckius, who brought him great joy and pride. John always said that his greatest achievement is the loving family that he and Pam built together. He found peace and enjoyment near bodies of water where he would enjoy going on the pontoon, kayaking, hiking, four-wheeling, camping with friends, and vacationing near an ocean. Favorite getaway destinations would be state parks and breweries, where he and Pam would enjoy good beer and play cribbage, carbles, or gin. John had a creative mind and wasn't afraid to think outside the box. With his abilities to make his vision come to life and his construction skills, he and Pam renovated their dream home side by side and enjoyed working on projects together. John is survived by his wife and best friend, Pam Beckius; his children Zoey (Valerie) Beckius, Kyle, and Matthew (Katie); grandson Wesley; parents, John L. and Diane Beckius; siblings, Jake (Rita) Beckius, Peter (Kathy) Beckius, and Daniel (Chong) Beckius; Tammy (Ted) Culley, Eric (Amy) Beckius, and Sarah (Russ) Smith; brother-in-law, Jeff Faulkner; along with many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sheila Faulkner; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mike and Fran Stoffel; his grandparents; and other beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law. His visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond, Minn. Visitation will continue on Monday, June 8, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the St. Boniface Church narthex.Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 8, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, Minn. The burial will take place at a later date at St. Boniface Cemetery in Cold Spring. John will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his quick wit, and the lasting impact he made on those who knew and loved him. Arrangements are with the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond, Minn.
Darrel Dean "Jake" Jacobson, 84, of Florida, passed away on June 3, 2025. Born on April 5, 1941, in Richfield, Minn., to Victor and Mary Jacobson, Jake was raised in Paynesville and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1959. He proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Ranger as a fire control technician before beginning a distinguished career in telecommunications. Jake worked for Western Union and later Motorola, where he became part of the pioneering generation that helped shape modern communications technology and early cellular systems around the world. His work took him throughout the United States and internationally, including South Africa, Spain, Singapore, Brazil, India, South Korea, and Thailand. He was respected for his intelligence, leadership, and ability to solve complex problems. While stationed in California during his navy years, Jake met Marie Louise Faubert during a visit to Disneyland. Together they built a large family whose roots continue to grow through generations of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Jake is survived by his wife, Enriqueta Jacobson; his children, Carol, Robert, Mary, Ruth, Faye, Tina, and James; his sister, Linda Manz; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Mary Jacobson; his brother, Robert Jacobson; and his second wife, Ruby Rochelle Jacobson. Jake will be remembered for his sharp wit, adventurous spirit, remarkable career, storytelling, and deep devotion to family. His love of family made him rich, and his legacy lives on through the many lives he touched. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at a graveside service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Paynesville Cemetery in Paynesville, Minn., followed by a celebration of life.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Lew W. Storkamp, 86, of Paynesville. Lew passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, with family at his side. Reverend Glenn Krystosek officiated. Burial took place in the St. Louis Parish Cemetery in Paynesville with full military honors. Visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, June 1, and after 10 a.m. on Tuesday, both at the St. Louis Catholic Church. Rosary was led by the St. Louis Knights of Columbus at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday in the church. Arrangements were with the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Lew was born on Sept. 6, 1939, in St. Cloud, Minn., to Cyril and Elynor (St. Arnold) Storkamp. He graduated from Paynesville High School in 1957 and then served four years in the U.S. Air Force. He worked for Gamble's in Minneapolis for 17 years before returning to Paynesville to work for the Paynesville School District #741 where he served two terms on the school board. After retirement, he drove the special education school bus for many years. Lew was a member of the St. Louis Parish, Paynesville American Legion Post #271, St Louis Knights of Columbus Council #3820 and the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. Lew enjoyed the outdoors, wildlife, hunting, fishing, woodworking, taking trips with Helen, and spending time with family, especially the grandchildren. He also enjoyed watching sports, flower gardening, jigsaw puzzles, Cadillac cars, and his pet cats and pigeons. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 42 years Helen and their blended family which includes: six children, Perry (Stacy), Kelly (Darla), Gina (Brandon), Utley (Patty), Kelly (Bruce) and Andria (Dan); 17 grandchildren; one great-grandson; sister-in-law Judy; and three nephews. Preceding Lew in death were his parents; brother Lyn; and grandchildren Gavin and Jenny. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. |