August 2026
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
August 2026
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Wallace Thyen, 83, Paynesville
Wally was love. He was the kindest human being most of us will ever know. He was "Minnesota nice" personified. He was known for his friendly smile, his big heart, and his legendary ability to remember people's names. Wally was born and raised in Richmond. He was an amazing athlete and was inducted into the Eden Valley High School Hall of Fame. He excelled in football, basketball, track, and especially baseball. Following his high school graduation, Wally signed with the Chicago Cubs. Soon thereafter, he married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Eades, and they became proud parents to Mike and Cherie. He was the best dad ever, and he loved his kids with his whole heart. He also loved the grocery business. His work ethic was beyond compare. He worked six days a week, and on Sundays he led songs at the Eden Valley Church of God. Wally traveled the world, but he never forgot where he came from. He was devoted to Paynesville, where he humbly served the community through his work with the Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club, the Jaycees, and the Community Service Center. He earned several civic awards, but his greatest honor came from handing out ice cream treats to the children after the Town and Country Days kiddie parade. Wally became Papa at age 45, when his first grandchild, Max, was born. Max was soon joined by Elliott, Jamison, and Aubrey, and those four grandkids became his world. He tirelessly pushed them on the swing, read to them, played cards and board games, and taught them to waterski. Dried their tears. He spent countless hours attending their football and basketball games, their cross-country meets, their band and orchestra concerts. And he loved every minute. There was only one rule at Papa's house: at breakfast, you can't eat your cookie until you finish your doughnut. But even that rule was rarely enforced. Watching his grandchildren grow up and experience the absolute joy of becoming parents themselves was Papa's dream come true. His great-grandchildren - Paisley, Teagan, Wally, Amelia, Carter, Daisy, Jayden, and Graham - were his shining stars. Wally is gone, but his kind and caring legacy will never be forgotten by those who loved him so very much: his cherished wife of 65 years, Darlene; his children, Mike (and Sheila) and Cherie (and Clay); his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister, Donna (and Bob) Backes; his sister-in-law, Agnes Thyen; his brother-in-law, Florian Kalthoff; his brother-in-law, Dave (and Bine) Eades; and his many beloved nieces and nephews. Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Betty Thyen; his sisters Mickey Adams and Doris Kalthoff; his brothers LeRoy (Speed) and Roger; his sister-in-law, Angie Thyen; and his brother-in-law, Floyd Adams. Wally's visitation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 4-7 p.m. at Paynesville Lutheran Church. An additional brief visitation will take place the following morning, Friday, Aug. 28, starting at 9:30 a.m. at the church. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 28. True to his generous spirit, Wally chose to donate his body to the University of Minnesota Medical School. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred, and proceeds will benefit the causes closest to his heart.
Joan Jane Schmidt, 88, of Paynesville passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love and family that will be cherished by all who knew her. Joan was born on Dec. 26, 1937, in Litchfield to Ellein (Driste) and Vernon Flanders. She shared 69 years of marriage with her husband, Russell, before his passing in February 2025. Family was at the center of Joan's life. She and Russell raised three children - Debi, Charles, and Richard - born in three consecutive years. Together, Joan and Russell built a life centered around their family and their farm. They were true partners in the work of the farm, sharing the many responsibilities that came with farm life. Joan could be found milking cows, tilling the fields, caring for animals, gardening, and doing whatever needed to be done. She was a hardworking and dependable partner who was an important part of everything they built together. Joan was also known for her warm hospitality and generous spirit. A visit to her home almost always meant a cup of hot coffee and something to eat. Her molasses cookies were a favorite, and there always seemed to be enough food and a welcoming place at her table for one more person. Every Saturday morning you could find her making bread and sweet rolls. While Joan worked hard, she also knew how to enjoy life. She loved bowling, playing cards, and games with family and friends. Some of her fondest memories were made around a table, enjoying a little friendly competition and plenty of conversation. She especially enjoyed playing "Don't Get Made," a marble game that became a favorite with her grandchildren. She was a master crocheter who created countless beautiful doilies and afghans for family and friends. One of her most meaningful pieces was a crocheted depiction of the Last Supper, which is displayed at Nordland Lutheran Church and stands as a lasting reminder of her talent and faith. Joan loved animals, especially dogs, and was never afraid to take on whatever challenges farm life presented. She could even be found picking off the "critters" that caused problems around the farm. She also enjoyed taking scenic drives, appreciating the countryside and the simple pleasure of getting out and seeing where the road would lead. Joan is survived by her children, Debi (Oluf) Johnson of Paynesville, Charles Schmidt of Paynesville, and Richard (Kathy) Schmidt of New London; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; her sister, Betty Thomsen of Paynesville; and sister-in-law, Ramona Frank of Paynesville; along with many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Russell, with whom she shared 69 years of marriage. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, at Nordland Lutheran Church. Visitation will begin after 9:30 a.m. on Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Nordland Lutheran Church.
Ruby Elmhorst, 91, of Paynesville died on Friday, Aug. 14, at the Paynesville Health Care Center. Arrangements have been made with Johnson Funeral Home for her visitation on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 5-7 p.m., at Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Her memorial service will be at 12 noon on Friday, Aug. 21, at Koronis Ministries Christian Camp and Retreat Center. Ruby Clara Heitke was born on Nov. 2, 1934, on the family farm north of Paynesville to Herman and Elsie (Knebel) Heitke. She attended Harding District #139 country school through eighth grade, graduating in 1948. Ruby continued her education at North Central Bible School for four years before attending St. Cloud State University, where she earned her teaching degree in 1962. Ruby began her teaching career in Circle Pines, where she taught for two years, before moving to Wisconsin and teaching two years in the Marshfield School District. She then moved on to Neillsville Elementary School, where she spent the next 28 years before retiring in 1996. During her career, Ruby primarily taught third and fourth grade. She was a dedicated, creative, and caring teacher who took great pride in her work and in her students. Ruby was known for her intelligence and remarkable memory, especially her ability to memorize poems. She was a fantastic speller, winning school spelling bees and even competed at the Stearns County Fair. She was also a faithful keeper of her diary, carefully recording family events and memories throughout the years. After retiring, Ruby moved back to Paynesville to live with her sister, Gerry. She was a humble, compassionate, giving, and selfless person who always cared deeply for her family. Ruby especially cherished her nieces and nephews, loving and caring for them as though they were her own children. She also had a special love for animals, particularly cats. Ruby was very passionate about the family farm. She enjoyed driving tractor, feeding calves and especially playing with lambs as a child. She faithfully came over every day to help with chores in the barn until her final stroke in mid-June. Ruby will be remembered for her generosity, kindness, dedication to teaching, love for her family, and strong faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Ruby is survived by her sister, Geraline "Gerry" Heitke; Heitke (Elmhorst) nieces and nephews, Michael, Stephen, Michelle, Sharon, Maretta, Sandra, and Seth; numerous Elmhorst nieces and nephews; and many other family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Elsie Heitke; brother, Earl Heitke; and sister, Evangeline Elmhorst.
Abbey Jensen passed away peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2026. Born in Grants-burg, Wis., on Oct. 6, 1952, to Priscilla Meade, Abbey was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Cora Hegge Meade and Clifford Meade. She graduated from Mechanic Arts High School and later went on to earn a secretarial certificate and a certificate in wood refinishing and repair. Throughout her life, she worked a variety of jobs, but her favorite was owning and operating her furniture restoration business, Old Fashioned Finishes. Abbey became a mother with the birth of her first son, Gene Waggoner. She later met Philip H. Johnson and moved to Paynesville. Together they welcomed their son, Philip "PC" Johnson. The family later suffered the tragic loss of Gene. After their marriage ended, she married Walt Jensen. Together they shared many years of love, laughter, and companionship. Abbey loved animals, especially her beloved cat, Angel. She enjoyed puzzles, reading, thrift stores, and garage sales, often saying she never met a garage sale she didn't like. She also cherished her lifelong friendship with Peggy Coffelt, her "sister of the heart," whom she had known since the fifth grade. Abbey will be remembered for her humor and kindness. Her advice to others was, "Keep it light. Don't sweat the small stuff. The big stuff will eventually go away." As she prepared for her final journey, she comforted loved ones by saying, "I'm on an adventure, and I'm excited to touch the hand of God." Abbey was preceded in death by her husband, Walt Jensen; her son, Gene Waggoner; her mother, Priscilla Schneider; her brother, John Schneider; her sister, Luanne (Biddy) Poole; and her grandparents, Cora Hegge Meade and Clifford Meade. She is survived by her son, Philip "PC" Johnson (Mikkell); her siblings, Marty Schneider (Megan) and Andy Schneider (Susan); her sister-in-law, Nancy Schneider; her cousins, Marci Thayer (Mike), Dee Thayer, and Alicia Thayer; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Veteran's Park shelter (15612 Cedar Point Road, Paynesville, Minn., 56362). Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hawk Creek Animal Shelter in Willmar, Minn. |