January 2026
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
January 2026
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Bernadette Haines, 96, Paynesville
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Bernadette L. "Bernie" Haines, 96, of Paynesville. Bernie passed away on Sunday, Jan. 11, at the age of 96 years and 11 months. Reverend Glenn Krystosek officiated. Entombment took place in the St. Louis Parish Mausoleum in Paynesville. Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16, and after 9 a.m. on Saturday, both at the St. Louis Catholic Church. Arrangements were with the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Bernadette Louise Haines was born on Feb. 11, 1929, in Spring Hill, Minn., the daughter of Charles and Margaret (Fuchs) Lieser. She attended a rural country school in Spring Hill. She moved to Paynesville as a young adult and worked at Frank's Café. On Sept. 29, 1952, she was united in marriage to Dick Haines at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. This union was blessed with three daughters and three sons. Once her children all entered school, she was employed as a cook at the Paynesville Elementary School for 20 years. Bernie thoroughly enjoyed all the children who came through the lunch line. She was a great cook, and her kitchen was always open to everyone. Besides cooking, she enjoyed gardening, casinos, cards, and socializing with friends. Her greatest pride and joy were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bernie is survived by her children Rick of Paynesville, Jill (Bill) Kack of Willmar, John of Oakdale, Joan (Rick) Edstrom of Rogers, Jane (Joe) Flaherty of Ham Lake, and Tom (Joelle) of Paynesville; her grandchildren Brian, Nico, Emily, Abby, Morgan, Maddie, Kenzie, Sam, Luke, Rutger, Jack, Olivia, and Maria; her seven great-grandchildren; and brother Duane (Rosie) Lieser, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Bernie was preceded in death by her husband Dick; her parents; brothers Luverne, Harold, and Wally; and her sisters Anita Knese and Mary Jane Hubred. A special thank you to the staff at Koronis Place Apartments for the wonderful care she received. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
Collin Troy Angrimson, 63, of New London, Minn., passed away peacefully on Monday Jan. 5, 2026, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House, surrounded by his loving family. Collin was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. He will be remembered for his love of family, his quiet strength, and the way he showed up for the people he cared about. His presence brought comfort, laughter, and steady support to those around him, and his legacy lives on through the many lives he touched. He is survived by his wife, Tammy Angrimson; his children Cole (Cassandra) Angrimson, Chillice Angrimson (Brandon Haats), Carli (Jesse) Boden; and stepdaughter Torrie (Tyler) Kelm; and his eight cherished grandchildren Kory, Nikki, Nolan, Jaxon, Lincoln, Isley, Emmylou, and Lainey. He is also survived by his father Donald Angrimson; sister Tammy (Jeff) Hiivala; brother Scott (Sherri) Angrimson; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Collin was preceded in death by his mother, Ann Angrimson, and his brother-in-law Sergeant Kurt Kruize. Collin will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at the Green Roof Area Center in Paynesville Minn. This celebration will be held from 1 to 4 p.m.
Darlene G. Larson, 94, of Paynesville and formerly of Belgrade, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at Benedictine Assumption Home in Cold Spring. A celebration of life service was held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 19, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. Interment was at Grace West Lutheran Cemetery in Belgrade. Arrangements were entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home: www.petersonbrothers.com. Darlene was born on May 2, 1931, in Benson, Minn., the daughter of Clinton and Cordelia Pigman. She grew up in Brooten and graduated from Brooten High School in 1949. On Oct. 8, 1949, Darlene was united in marriage to Raymond Larson, and they made their home on a farm near Belgrade. Darlene worked hard as a farm wife and homemaker. She loved to garden, help on the farm, and loved animals, which included assisting her children with their 4-H projects. When she moved to town, she brought along her cat Garfield and owned numerous other cats. Darlene was a 4-H leader, active in Grace Lutheran Church with the ladies groups, Toot and Tappers of Belgrade, the harmonic band in Pay-nesville, and the Daughters of the Revolution. She was also a member of the senior centers in Belgrade, Paynesville and Willmar, as well as the American Legion Auxiliary Posts in Brooten and Paynesville. Darlene worked many jobs off the farm too, including Jennie-O Foods as a federal meat inspector, a switchboard operator at the Willmar Regional Treatment Center, a census taker, and a clerk at Herberger's department store. Darlene loved to travel with her family and friends taking many trips and cruises. She was a member of the Lake Region Good Neighbor Club and enjoyed their travels to many Scandinavian and European countries, South America, Canada, Alaska (along with most of the U.S. states), Dominican Republic, Cuba, and the Panama Canal. Following her retirement, Darlene went to Guatemala to help teach English at a university for a short period of time. She is survived by two sons, Larry (and Ann) Larson and Steve (and Susan) Larson; four grandchildren, Nathan (and Bethany), Trent, Hallie and Joanna; one great-grandson, Luca; five nieces, Connie Gabriel, Nan, Mona and Norma Ganier and Janet Larson; and two nephews, Jack Gabriel and Ken Larson. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Raymond in 2010; her son, Daryl in 2018; and two sisters, Marjorie Burgbacher and Billy Gabriel.
Robert "Bob" Tordsen, 85, of Hutchinson, Minn., passed away on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, Minn. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 11 a.m. at Bethlehem United Methodist Church with interment in Ebenezer Church Cemetery in Paynesville, Minn. Robert "Bob" William Arthur Tordsen was born on May 3, 1940, in Springfield, Minn. He was the son of Arthur and Martha (Stern) Tordsen. He received his education in Springfield, and was a graduate of the Springfield High School Class of 1958. Bob entered active military service upon graduating high school in the United States Army on Oct. 17, 1963, in Minneapolis, Minn., and served his country during Vietnam. He received an honorable discharge on Oct. 15, 1965, at Fort Benning, Ga., and achieved the rank of Specialist Fourth Class. Following his service, Bob was employed at 3M in Hutchinson, where he met his wife, Karen. On Aug. 19, 1967, Bob was united in marriage to Karen Schultz at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Paynesville, Minn. Bob and Karen resided in Hutchinson, Minn., then later purchased their home in Brownton, Minn., where they lived for 32 years, until 2018 when Bob and Karen moved back to Hutchinson. They shared 54 years of marriage until Karen passed away on Aug. 9, 2021. Bob was later employed with the U.S. Postal Service, becoming postmaster in Brownton. Bob enjoyed his life with wife Karen at their lake home in Brownton and their cabin in Backus, Minn. They were avid bowlers and enjoyed their travels across the country. They were active members of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Hutchinson. Bob was also a member with the Brownton American Legion. Bob passed away on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson at the age of 85 years. Blessed be his memory. Bob is survived by his sister, Lynn Mueller; sister-in-law, Diane Schultz; niece, Pam (Tom) Walsh; nephew, Greg (Nancy) Schultz; and many other cousins, family, and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Martha Tordsen; wife, Karen Tordsen; brothers, Glen (Meta) Tordsen, Eugene (Nancy) Tordsen, and Vernon "Bing" (Sue Larsen) Tordsen; brothers-in-law, Jack Mueller, Ronald Schultz, and Rodney (Beverly) Schultz. Arrangements by the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guest book available at www.hantge.com.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Eden Valley for Nyla J. Branstner, 91, who passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at the St. Cloud Hospital. Rev. Jack Baumgarn will officiate and burial will be at Eden Lake Cemetery, Eden Valley. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20, and one hour prior to the services on Wednesday, Jan. 21, all at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Eden Valley. Nyla was born Feb. 23, 1934, in Watford City, N.D. to Perrin and Alice (Frazee) Thompson. She married Richard Branstner on Aug. 14, 1951. Nyla was a homemaker who also worked at the Animal Fair, answered phones for the vet and Fingerhut. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Eden Valley. Nyla liked to be outdoors, working in her garden and growing beautiful flowers. She liked to stay busy, playing bingo, embroidering, crocheting, and making quilts. Nyla loved bowling, traveling, going up north, and going fishing. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren. Nyla is survived by her children, Linda (David) Hanson of Grove City, Alice Branstner of Willmar, Richard Jr. "Dick" (Rebecca) of Lakeville, Gary (Theresa) of Richmond, Barbara (Gregory) Bischof of Richmond, Michael (Bianka) of Lakeland, Fla., Brenda (Al) Kvitek of Neillsville, Wis., and Ronald of Eden Valley; 20 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild and one on the way; brothers, Kennard "Buzz" (Rachel) Thompson of Virginia and Leroy Thompson of Watford City, N.D. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard in 2010; son, Glenn in 1975; brother, Maurice; sister, Shirley (Duane) Minette; and great-grandchild, Josephine Nyla Branstner. Obituary, guest book, and video tribute available at www.williamsdingmann.com.
Vernon "Vern" Nistler, 72, of Paynesville passed away on Saturday, Jan. 10, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House near St. Cloud. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, at Shady's 55 near Paynesville. A time of sharing memories will start at 2 p.m., followed by fellowship. Private family burial will be held at Fort Snelling in Minneapolis at a later date. Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Vernon Charles Nistler was born on June 27, 1953, in St. Cloud, Minn., to Clarence and Rosella (Loch) Nistler. He grew up in Eden Valley, where he attended Assumption Catholic Elementary School and later graduated from Eden Valley-Watkins High School in 1971. Vern continued his education at the University of Minnesota Technical College in Waseca, graduating in 1974. On May 30, 1975, he was united in marriage to Candy Iverson at the Assembly Grounds on Lake Koronis. The couple made their home in Paynesville, where they raised their son and daughter. Vern worked for many years in the meat department at Teal's, dedicating himself to his work until his retirement in 2013. He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. In his free time, Vern enjoyed trips to the casino, playing pool, golfing, fishing, and hunting. He also took great pleasure in gardening and was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching games whenever he could. Above all, Vern valued time spent with family and friends. He is survived by his son, Michael (Bridgit) Nistler of Bloomington; daughter, Carrie (Brian) Van Vickle of Merrifield; six grandchildren, Kelsey, Kolton, Angelina, Aiden, Colin, and Noah; and sisters, Marietta (Dewey) Hassig, Carol Nistler, and Barb LaFrance. Vern was preceded in death by his wife, Candy; his parents; brothers, Gary Nistler Sr. and Roger Nistler; and sister, Marlene Neu. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Quiet Oaks Hospice House.
Dr. Allan Bernhard Solum, 82, of Paynesville, Minn., passed to his heavenly home on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at the St. Cloud Hospital. He was born on April 25, 1943, in Hawley, Minn., to Gerhard and Lottie (Restad) Solum. He was raised on the family farm in Rollag and attended country school before moving with his parents to Moorhead at age 15. Allan graduated from Moorhead High School in 1961 and went on to attend Concordia College in Moorhead, where he earned a degree in biology in 1965. He began his medical education at the University of North Dakota, later transferring to the University of Minnesota, where he received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1970. Allan completed his internship at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth, Minn., before entering military service as a lieutenant in the United States Navy. He received advanced training at the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute and served as a flight surgeon at the Naval Air Station in Albany, Ga., and at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. He was honorably discharged from military service in 1975. Allan returned to Minnesota and entered private medical practice in Little Falls, where he served the community from 1975-1985. During much of that time, he also held the role of medical examiner for Morrison County. In 1985, he relocated to Paynesville, where he spent the remainder of his career practicing as a hospital and family physician. A highly respected family practitioner, Allan was a longtime senior partner at the Paynesville Medical Clinic. He was a steadfast advocate for his patients and took great pride in mentoring medical students at various stages of their training. After retiring from full-time practice in 2008, Allan and Pat spent six months in New Zealand, where he continued his calling as a family physician at a Mãori clinic in Gisborne on the North Island. Allan had three children -Christi, Jennifer, and Matthew - from his first marriage, and he welcomed two stepchildren, Aaron and Gretchen, when he married Patricia Ziemer on July 30, 1994. Allan and Pat shared over 30 happy years together at their home on Lake Koronis. He had a deep love for the outdoors and found joy in boating, camping, playing tennis and pickleball, biking, canoeing, and cross-country skiing - often ending a perfect summer evening gathered around a bonfire. Traveling was another passion of Allan's, whether it was to see family or explore a new area. Woodworking and reading were other favorite pastimes. Allan was deeply devoted to serving his church and community. A committed member of Paynesville Lutheran Church, he generously volunteered with numerous programs, including Camp House, Green Thumb, and the Befriender Team. He also faithfully served as an usher, fellowship host, and congregational president. Beyond the church, Allan was actively involved in the community as a member and former president of the Paynesville Lions Club and as a board member of the Green Roof Area Center. Survivors include his wife, Patricia of Paynesville, Minn.; daughters, Christi (John) Wenner of St. Michael, Minn., and Jennifer (Rory) Erchul of Pocatello, Idaho; son, Matthew (Nicole) Solum of South Bend, Ind.; stepson, Aaron (Cheri) Ziemer of Marshall, Minn.; stepdaughter, Gretchen Ziemer (David Scholnick) of San Luis Obispo, Calif.; and special son, Alexandre (Silvana) Inneco of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tori (Ben) Wenker and Madalyn Wenner (Dylan Huot); Dakota, Piper (Jake Thompson), and Peyton Erchul; Ashlyn (Jerry Hines), Kiley, and Madison Solum; Layne and Madigan Ziemer; and Zander Scholnick; special grandson, Daniel Inneco; and five great-grandchildren, Joseph and Virginia Wenker, Jerry and Nekhi Hines, and Zakia Solum. Additional survivors include his sisters-in-law, Priscilla (Gerald) Bormann, Phyllis Spahn, Peggy (Bruce) Bayer, and Diane Rupp; brothers-in-law, Darrel (Diane) Rupp, Douglas (Char) Rupp, and Daniel Rupp; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Ann; brother, Robert Solum and wife Donna; sister, Gwen Selseth and husband Pete; step-sister, Helen Erickson and husband Merle; sister-in-law, Linda Rupp; brothers-in-law Dennis Rupp and Robert Spahn; and great-grandson, Zakota Solum. A celebration of life service will be held on his birthday - Saturday, April 25, 2026 - at the Paynesville Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a memorial to the Paynesville Area Community Foundation, Green Roof Area Center, Paynesville Lutheran Church, Koronis Lake Association, or a charity of your choice.
Robert E. Moen, 89 years, 11 months, died peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. He was a former resident of Rice Lake. He is survived by wife Mary, son R. Gary, and daughter Lynda. A celebration of life will follow in late spring in Burnsville, Minn. Notice forthcoming.
Larry D. Roberg, 75, of Paynesville, passed away on Friday, Jan. 2, at the St. Cloud Hospital. His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednes-day, Jan. 7, at Paynesville Evangelical Church. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 6, and will continue one hour prior to the service, all at the church. Burial will be in Mission Cemetery near Paynesville. Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Larry Dwaine Roberg was born July 24, 1950, in St. Cloud, Minn., to Dwaine and Lois "Elaine" (Hufford) Roberg. He grew up in the Paynesville area and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1968. Following high school, Larry attended Willmar Technical College. Larry met the love of his life, Joyce, in 1966 when they were set up on a blind date to the drive-in movie. Their love story continued, and the couple was united in marriage on Sept. 11, 1971, in Spicer. Together they established their life on the family farm, where they built a home and raised their family - a place Larry remained deeply rooted throughout his life. A hardworking and dedicated farmer, Larry milked cows, raised turkeys, and spent countless hours working in the fields. Farming was more than an occupation to him; it was a way of life. Beyond the farm, Larry was rarely idle. He was known for always being on the phone, connecting with people, checking in, and offering support. He also spent a great deal of time at the steel fabricating shop. Later in life, Larry discovered a love for e-biking while visiting his daughter in New Zealand and happily shared that passion with his family back home in Paynesville. Above all, Larry was a generous giver. He had a deep passion for missions and took part in many mission trips to Mexico, often driving bus to serve others. His servant's heart was also evident at home, where he drove bus for Vacation Bible School to ensure children could attend. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Roberg; children, Jason (Cindy) Roberg and Jen (Jason) Sands; grandchildren, Weston Roberg, Andrea (Eli) Shingledecker, Leanna (fiancé Jose) Roberg, Nolan Roberg, Eli Sands, and Micah Sands; great-granddaughter, Alaythia Shingledecker; siblings, Gary (Fern) Roberg, Debra Roberg, and Loren (Janet) Roberg; and many nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Dwaine and Elaine Roberg. |