September 2025
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
September 2025
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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James Kotschevar, 71, Hot Springs
James (Jim) Ray Kotschevar, 71, of Hot Springs, S.D., passed away with family by his side on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, S.D. Jim was born February 20, 1954, in Richmond, Minn., to Vincent and Rita (Hommerding) Kotschevar. He married Mary Kay (Nordmann) on June 18, 1977. Jim was a hard-working business man with strong ingenuity skills, and a keen ability to look at things from a different perspective. A cowboy at heart, he cherished his family and found true joy in the companionship of his horses. Jim was a founding member of the Stearns County Mounted Reserve and for many years worked as a mounted security member for WE Fest in Detroit Lakes, Minn. Jim taught horsemanship classes at Three Rivers Park District's Mounted Patrol Clinics and throughout several counties across Minnesota. Jim owned his own metal fabricating shop (Service Equipment/Arena Fenceline) for over 35 years in Paynesville, Minn., specializing in the poultry, hog, and horse industries. He raised elk for over 15 years in Minnesota, but his true passion was raising and training horses. There was never a time horses were not a part of Jim's life. He enjoyed horseback riding, hunting, playing cards, carbles, scenic drives through parks with his wife and dog Blu, along with spending time at Evans Plunge. He enjoyed sitting around the fire and sharing stories. He treasured his family and enjoyed teasing/playing with his grandchildren. He also loved reminiscing about his time on local amateur baseball and softball leagues in Minn. Jim was preceded in death by his Father (Vince Kotschevar), Father-in-Law (Cyril Nordmann) and baby brother. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Kay of Hot Spring, S.D.; children, Tony (Jen) Kotschevar of St. Martin, Minn.; Katie (Paul) Breth of Holdingford, Minn.; grandchildren, Mason (Jack), Mitchell, Myra, Maverick, Bennett, Chase, Trajan and Trigg, Mother Rita (Kotschevar), Mother-in-Law Lorraine (Nordmann) and six siblings. A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the St Martin Parish Hall (111 Maine St, Saint Martin, Minn., 56376) and at the Southern Hills Evangelical Free Church in Hot Springs, S.D. (1509 University Ave, Hot Springs, SD 57747) on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Ludwig Nicholas Asfeld, 94, passed away Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, at Clement Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wis. He was born in Kimball, Minn., the second of ten children of the late Frank and Mary (Muellner) Asfeld. Ludwig graduated from Kimball High School "Class of 1949". He served in the U.S. Army obtaining the rank of Captain. On June 6, 1959, at St. Nicholas, Minn., he was united in marriage to Arlene M. DeMorett. Ludwig furthered his education graduating from University of Minnesota, then earned his Master degree in physical chemistry from NDSU. He taught chemistry/physics/mathematics at Marian Catholic High School in Woodstock, IL for 13 years. He worked in the chemical industry at Morton Chemical, Rita Corporation, and Freundorfer, Inc. While his children were growing up Ludwig served as an assistant troop leader for Boys Scout of America. He was proud to see his sons and grandson earn their Eagle Scout standing. Ludwig also coached baseball, softball and umpired for 25 years. He and Arlene enjoyed wintering in Florida, traveling, playing cards and fishing. Above all he treasured time spent with his family. Arlene and Ludwig were consistent supporters of his grandchildren, such as when they played sports including tennis. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who will be dearly missed. Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Arlene; children, Matthew Asfeld, Dr. Marian (Nicholas) Freund, Michael (Brenda) Asfeld, Maureen Asfeld; five grandchildren, Katelyn Burrie, Brittany (Kirk) Reilly, Leo Freund, Rose Freund, and Molly Asfeld; great granddaughter, Bethany Burrie; siblings, Leo Asfeld, Isabella Simpson, Clarence Asfeld, Avon (Phillip) Vossen; in-laws, Luella Asfeld, Bernice Asfeld, Rose Mary Brix, Betty Jane Harry and Edward DeMorett; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by siblings, George (Lilas) Asfeld, Phillip Asfeld, Norbert Asfeld, Bernice Ann (LeRoy) Larson, Robert (Kathleen) Asfeld, Betty Asfeld, Ralph Simpson, and Gerri Asfeld. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Ave, Racine, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, 11 a.m. with Reverend Joseph Heit officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation prior to the Mass from 10 to 11 a.m. Funeral dinner following the Mass will be at Infusino's. Private interment with full military honors will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove. Instead of flowers please consider donating to either: St. Rita Catholic Church or University of Minnesota Foundation ( give.umn.edu). Thank you. The family wishes to thank the staff at Clement Zablocki VA Medical Center for treating Ludwig "like a king".
Bill E. Haines, 78, of Paynesville, Minn., passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. He was surrounded by his family and will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home, Paynesville, on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at 12 noon. A time of visitation will be held two hours prior to the service. Burial with military honors will take place immediately following the service at the Paynesville Cemetery. Bill Edward Haines was born in Willmar, Minn., on Aug. 17, 1947, to Mack and Pearl Haines. He grew up in Paynesville and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1965. In 1966, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve where he gained the rank of E6 and was a Platoon Sgt. He was a member of the American Legion Post 217, Paynesville. During those years he finished his degree and graduated from Southwest State College with a B.A. in Social Science. During his final quarter he interned at the Minneapolis Police Department and the Hennepin County Criminal Justice Council. After graduating, he moved to the metro area and began testing for a law enforcement job. Bill married Gloria Jourdain. They had three boys together: Peter, William and Edward. Years later, they divorced. Bill spent 26 years with the Ramsey County Sheriff Department in St. Paul. During this period, he served as a Watch Commander, Deputy Division Commander, and at various times, an acting Lieutenant. He retired with the rank of Sgt. When Soviet President, Mikhail Gorbachev was in St. Paul, he and his partner made the only arrest that day during the parade down Summit Ave. A person reported that a man had a gun. He and his partner ran up behind him and found two bowie type knives on him. He was charged with possessing two dangerous weapons. After retiring from the Sheriff Department, Bill entered the U.S. Marshal Service as a special deputy in court security in the Minneapolis and St. Paul Federal Court Houses. He also married Deborah Kenard at this time. After about five years with the Marshal's Service, Ramsey County called and asked him if he would consider coming back to train in a new Sgt. In the Civil Process Division, he worked as a supervisor for about 15 years. He retired and went back multiple times for an additional two years. Throughout his life, Bill enjoyed sports. In his junior year in high school, he was the medalist in the district 20 golf tournament. In his senior year, he was runner-up. Also, as a senior, he was all-conference in both basketball and baseball. The basketball team was undefeated in conference play. He led the conference in field goals which was then the record. He had 35 points in one game and was named to the WCCO all-state team of the week. At Willmar Junior College, Bill was a starter on the basketball team and was medalist. When his sons were growing up, Bill coached about two dozen youth baseball and basketball teams while living in Coon Rapids. In retirement, he enjoyed doing puzzles, watching sports, reading, and spending time with friends and family. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Deborah; sons, Peter, William, Edward; stepchildren, Wendy Jourdain, James Hazlerigg, Hiawatha Hazlerigg, Rhyhem Valladay, Bryant Jones; many grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mack and Pearl; brother, Don; stepson, Robert Fulks; and brother-in-law, Robert Kenard.
Marilyn E. Nilson, 87, of Annandale died on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, at the Annandale Memory Care Center. Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Annandale with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery. Marilyn Elsie Boehl was born on March 4, 1938, in Saint Cloud, Minn., to Erwin and Viola (Donath) Boehl. She graduated from Paynesville High School. On July 29, 1967, she married Roger Nilson in Paynesville, embarking on a beautiful partnership that would last a lifetime. Together, they raised three children, Todd, Dean, and Janelle. Marilyn's dedication extended beyond her family, as she spent many years working as a waitress. She also worked at Dura Supreme in Howard Lake as a cabinet builder. Marilyn was a longtime member of St. John's Lutheran Church as well as the French Lake Sunshine Club. She had a passion for seeking out treasures at garage sales and found immense joy in tending to her flower gardens. Marilyn was especially proud of her role as a mother and grandmother and reveled in attending events that celebrated her children and grandchildren. Marilyn is survived by her children, Todd (Stephanie) Nilson of Annandale, Dean (Tricia) Nilson of Richmond, and Janelle Nilson (Bill Berry) of Annandale; nine grandchildren, Katlynn, Brittney, Ethan, Madilynn, Connor, Jacob, Austin, Ezra, and Ashlei; great-grandchildren, Vivienne, Noah, Wyatt, and Rynn; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Erwin and Viola; husband, Roger; great-grandson, Grayson; and siblings, Wesley Boehl and Florence Jensen. Katlynn Lundebrek, Brittney Manthie, Austin Berry, Ethan, Madilynn, Connor, Jacob and Ezra Nilson will serve as casket bearers. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale. Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute and Service Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at the St. Agnes Catholic Church in Roscoe, Minn., for Donald "Donnie" Lieser, 68, who died Tuesday, Aug. 26, at his home in Roscoe, Minn. Inurnment was in the parish cemetery. A visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m., on Sunday, Aug. 31, at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond. A rosary began at 3:45 p.m. Visitation continued on Monday from 9 to 10:45 a.m. at the church in Roscoe. Donnie was born in Paynesville, Minn., to Elvin "Smiley" and Elnora (Schaefer) Lieser. He married Kathy Borgerding June 11, 1977, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport, Minn. They later divorced. Donnie farmed his entire life. He loved his family and his animals, riding his motorcycle and four-wheeler, hunting, spearing, and was a very faithful man. Donnie always enjoyed watching a great baseball game. He was member of the Tuesday morning rosary group at St. Louis Parish in Paynesville. Survivors include his mother, Elnora; children, Josh (Linda) Lieser, Amanda (Derek) Johnson, Tim (Tammy) Lieser, and Dani (Mike) Hennen; daughter-in-law, Dacia; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; siblings, Ladonna (Paul) Rothstein and Carl (Ruth); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Smiley; children, Kimberly, Joseph, and Jerman; and grandson, Isaac. Arrangements were with the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond, Minn. |