May 2026
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
May 2026
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Valeria Foster, 100, New London
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Spicer for Valeria T. "Val" Philabaum Foster, 100, of New London. Val passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8, at her home in New London. Reverend Ronald Huberty will officiate. Burial will take place in the St. Agnes Parish Cemetery in Roscoe. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville and will continue after 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, at the church in Spicer. Val was born April 7, 1926, on the family farm near Roscoe to John and Anna (Braegelmann) Flint. She attended country school and then graduated from Paynesville High School in 1944. Following graduation, Val worked for the defense plant in St. Cloud during WWII. After, she went to the St. Cloud Beauty College, where she became a licensed beautician. Val moved to the State of Virginia with her sister Sally, where she met and married John Philabaum. As John served in the Navy, their lives revolved around military life. She worked as a beautician while raising their four children. After living in Portsmouth, Va., for 20 years, the family returned to her hometown of Roscoe, Minn. Val later married Norris Foster, and they lived in Benson, Minn. When Norris retired from the turkey business, they moved to Nest Lake in Spicer. Norris passed away in 1995. Val continued to enjoy lake life until moving to a patio home in New London in 2009, where she remarkably remained living independently the rest of her life. Val was known as a master quilter and gifted seamstress, and her hands were rarely still. She belonged to several quilting groups, and her handmade gifts have become treasured heirlooms. She also enjoyed reading, bowling, playing cards, cooking, and baking. She made lifelong friends and was admired for her quiet presence, quick humor, sharp wit, wisdom, beauty, strength, and resilience. Val is survived by her four children, Richard (Marleen) Philabaum, Dennis (Diane) Philabaum, Janet Ehrlichman, and Kathryn (Steven) Nass; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild, as well as stepchildren Lynn (Kip) Pahl, Joan Foster, Lori Foster and Kim (Jim) Hippen; and their families. Preceding Val in death were her parents; husband Norris Foster; former husband John Philabaum; five brothers; four sisters; and stepson Allen Foster. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Val's hospice team for the tender and compassionate care that allowed her to remain in her home beyond 100 years of age.
Susan 'Sue' M. Lingl, 63, of Litchfield, Minn., passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Bethany Assisted Living in Litchfield, Minn. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Monday May 18, 2026, at the Church of St. Philip in Litchfield, Minn. Visitation was held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, at Johnson Hagglund Funeral and Cremation in Litchfield. Visitation continued from 9 to 11 a.m. on Monday, prior to the service at the church. Interment was held at Calvary Cemetery in Litchfield. Susan Marie Lingl, the daughter of Joseph and Joyce (Schultz) Spaulding was born on Feb. 10, 1963, in Paynesville, Minn. She graduated from Paynesville High School in 1981 and from the St. Cloud School of Nursing in 1984. Sue was united in marriage to Mark Lingl on Aug. 6, 1989, in Lake Henry, Minn. She lived in Cold Spring, Minn., from 1988 to 1994, Pipestone, Minn., from 1995 to 1998, and moved to Litchfield in 1999. She was a registered nurse, working in many hospitals and nursing homes. She started volunteering in the Paynesville Hospital at an early age. She was a member of the Church of St. Philip. She loved her boys and grandkids, gardening, swimming, and being in the sun. She is survived by her husband Mark of Litchfield; children Zachary (Danielle Schutz) Lingl of St. Michael, Minn., Nicholas (Katie Grover) Lingl of Minnetrista, Minn., and Isaac Lingl (Amy McGraw) of Big Lake, Minn.; three grandchildren, with one more on the way; and brothers Steve (Mary) Spaulding of Coon Rapids, Minn., and Kent (Naznin) Spaulding of Chanhassen, Minn. She was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Joyce Spaulding; sister Kim Spaulding; all of her grandparents; and by many aunts and uncles.
James "Jim" Bahner, 70, of Paynesville died on Wednesday, May 13 at his home in Paynesville. His memorial service was held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 19, at Paynesville Lutheran Church. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial was at Paynesville Cemetery. Arrangements were with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. James Allen Bahner was born on March 31, 1956, to Theodore and Hazel (Driver) Bahner in Paynesville, Minn. He grew up in Roscoe, Minn., where he attended country school, and later graduated from Paynesville High School. Following high school, Jim began his working career at Golden Plump before starting with AMPI in Paynesville, where he dedicated 34 years of service until his retirement. Jim was united in marriage to Cindy Paglusch on May 10, 1997, in South Dakota. Jim enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, bowling, shooting pool, and catching snapping turtles. He also enjoyed taking drives to look for deer and found great joy in the outdoors. One of Jim's favorite traditions was celebrating his birthday with his brother-in-law, as they shared the same birthday, a special bond they both treasured. Jim always had a good sense of humor and was known for making others smile. Jim is survived by his sons, Zach (Veronica) Bahner of El Paso, Texas, Sam Bahner of Paynesville, and Jason (Paula) Bahner of St. Cloud; granddaughter, Zoe Bahner; sisters, Onnah Deuhs, Margaret (Harold) Nohner, Judy (Ralph) Moser, and Barb Johnson; and sister-in-law, Darlene Bahner. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cindy Bahner; son, Nathan Bahner; and brothers, Richard, Robert, and Roger Bahner.
Rosella Lieser, 85, Belgrade Duane, 88, and Rosella "Rosie," 85, Lieser of Belgrade, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Their Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m., on Monday, May 11 at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Lake Henry. Visitation was held on Sunday, May 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Lake Henry. Burial was in the parish cemetery. Arrangements were with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Duane Henry Lieser was born on Oct. 19, 1937, in Spring Hill, Minn., the son of Charles and Margaret (Fuchs) Lieser. He attended a rural country school. Duane became a very dedicated farmer at a young age and was on the home farm his entire life. Rosella Marie Adelman was born on April 11, 1941, in Sauk Rapids, Minn., the daughter of Gilbert and Pearl (Thelen) Adelman. She graduated from Cathedral High School in Saint Cloud. She then worked in St. Cloud before she married and became a loving mother, taking on the busy role of being a farmer's wife and a homemaker. Duane and Rosie met at a dance hall in Sauk Rapids in their 20s. They were united in marriage on Nov. 25, 1965, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids. Their marriage was blessed with five sons, four daughters, and many years on the farm together near Belgrade. They enjoyed traveling, gardening, trips to the casino, playing cards with friends, and going to the sales barn. However, their greatest joy was spending time with family and supporting their children and grandchildren by attending the many activities and events they were involved in. Duane and Rosie were long time members of St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Lake Henry. Faith was a very important part of their life and how they raised their family. Duane and Rosie are survived by their children, Debra (Tim) Frieler of Sauk Centre, Doug of Belgrade, Dennis of Belgrade, Diane (Terry) Olmscheid of Freeport, Duane Jr. of Sauk Centre, Denise of Willmar, Doreen (Steve) Kaddatz of Atwater, David (Rachel) of Big Lake, and Darren (Naomi) of Princeton; grandchildren, Kimberly (Eric) Moritz, Brooke Olmscheid, Karley (Eric) Lancaster, Kayla (Cole) Arnzen, Shayna (Nick) Kubesh, Hannah Olmscheid, Jaren (Maree) Kaddatz, Rae Kaddatz, Brady Lyons, Jayden, Josiah, Miranda, and Tirzah; nine great-grandchildren; Rosie's sister, Mary Adelman; and numerous nieces and nephews. They were preceded in death by their parents; Duane's siblings, Luverne, Anita Knese, Bernie Haines, Wally, Harold, and Mary Jane Hubred; and Rosie's brother, Gene Adelman.
Ruth Hanson, 82, of Hawick died on Monday, May 4, at the Paynesville Care Center. Her memorial service will be held at 10:30 am, on Saturday, June 20, at Nordland Lutheran Church in rural Paynesville. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson and Johnson Funeral Home in New London: www.hafh.org. Ruth Hanson was born on Aug. 2, 1943, in Paynesville, Minn., to George and Florence (Lindmeyer) Pitts. She was raised on a farm near Paynesville and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1961. After high school, she attended St. Cloud Beauty School to continue her education. On Sept. 14, 1963, Ruth married Ronald Hanson at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Together, they were blessed with four children: Brad, Kelly, Krista, and Jaysen. Over the years, they lived in several homes in Paynesville before building their home on Long Lake near Hawick. Ruth was self-employed as a hairdresser for many years, working out of her home. She also served as a paraprofessional at NL-S Schools, worked as a secretary at Nordland Lutheran Church, and was employed in advertising at the Paynesville Press until her retirement in 2005 A devoted member of Nordland Lutheran Church, Ruth was actively involved in Nordland Lutheran Church Women (NLCW), contributed as a columnist and editor for Winds of the Spirit, participated in Sisters at Heart, and served in many other church groups. Ruth had many passions, including writing, painting, drawing, sewing, cooking, and baking. She loved music and attending concerts with friends, hosting neighborhood gatherings, and being a part of Birthday Club and a book club. She also enjoyed spending time in nature, especially bird watching, walking through Lost Valley, and exploring Long Lake. She and Ron also enjoyed traveling, spending many winters exploring Texas. Ruth is survived by her children: Brad (Kari) Hanson, Kelly (Beth) Hanson, and Krista (Cameron) Gulden; and daughter-in-law, Jolene Hanson. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Luke Hanson; Aaron (Maggie) Hanson; Kia, Tate, Marna, and Emmett Hanson; Ashleigh Cola; Josiah Gulden; Zoe Wheeler; Isabele and Christopher Gulden; Andrew (Molly) and Nik Hanson; and one great-granddaughter, Aria Cola. She is further survived by her sister-in-law, Kathy Pitts; brother-in-law, Kenneth Hanson; and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ron; her son, Jaysen Hanson; her granddaughter, Ivy Hanson; her parents, George and Florence; and siblings, Richard and George Pitts, June Roberg, and Barbara Kasperzak.
Cynthia "Cindy" Bahner, 60, of Paynesville died on Monday, April 27, at the St. Cloud Hospital. Her memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Tues-day, May 5, at Paynesville Lutheran Church. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial was at Paynesville Cemetery. Arrangements were with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Cynthia Kay Paglusch was born Nov. 16, 1965, to Roy and Kathleen (Forster) Paglusch in St. Cloud, Minn. She grew up in Paynesville and graduated from Paynesville High School. Cindy attended St. Cloud Technical College and after started working as an LPN. She married James Bahner on May 10, 1997, in South Dakota. The couple raised their family in Paynesville. Cindy treasured time with her family. She loved the fact that she had three of her own children and enjoyed spending time with extended family on holidays. Cindy also enjoyed trips to the casino and playing bingo with her husband. Cindy is survived by her husband, Jim Bahner of Paynesville; sons, Zach (Veronica) Bahner of El Paso, Texas and Sam Bahner of Paynesville; granddaughter, Zoe Bahner; sister, Stacie Zaidi of St. Cloud; niece, Chelsea Rohloff; and many extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Nathan Bahner; brother, Brian Paglusch; and her parents.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, Minn., for James "Jimmy" Hettwer, 71, who died on Monday, April 27, at Hilltop Health Care Center in Watkins, Minn. Inurnment will take place at a later date. The service was livestream-ed at www.christcatholic.com. The visitation was held on Sunday, May 3, at Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring. Visitation continue on forMonday one hour before the service at St. Boniface Church. James was born June 24, 1954, as the youngest of five children to parents John M. and Valeria (Braegelmann) Hettwer in Richmond, Minn. He was raised on a dairy farm south of Richmond. James attended Richmond Parochial School, as well as the puublic schools of Eden Valley. James then served in the U.S. Navy in 1974. James married Sally Wendt on Aug. 30, 1986, at Sts. Peter and Paul's Church, Richmond. While living in Eden Valley, James worked side by side with his dad at Jennie-O in Litchfield and then Gold'n Plump in Cold Spring for many years. The last several years he worked for Red River Inn in Cold Spring and as an assembler for Wacosa of Waite Park. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus of Richmond and of the American Legion of St. Joseph. James is survived by his siblings: Don (Theresa) of Buffalo, Jerry (Janet) of Cold Spring, Monica Martinson of St. Paul, and Joan (Guy Zenner) of Clear Lake, Iowa; and step-siblings: Ralph Moser, Dorothy Paggan, Fran Lucken, Joann Rademacher, Judy (Jerry Vossen) Janet (Mike Doll), Kathleen (Ervin Beckers), and Larry (Shirley) Moser. Also included are many nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as loyal friends, Roger and Victor. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Mary Moser; and in-laws: Shirley (Klehr)Hettwer, Mary Jane (Ley) Hettwer, Fred Frenette, and Ron Martinson; and stepbrother-in-laws, Steve Slivnik, Lloyd Lucken, Jim Rademacher, and Ben Paggan. Jimmy loved life and wanted to be remembered as a sociable friend who loved everybody. He never met a stranger, being quick with a smile and a handshake, and could engage anyone in a conversation. Jimmy had many passions and interests, including dogs (dachshund), music, dancing, playing cards, shaking dice, winning at bingo, but especially spending time with family. He spent many hours watching "my westerns." The Hettwer family would like to thank particularly the staff at Hilltop Care Center and CentraCare Hospice for expert and compassionate care. Arrangements were with the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring, Minn.
Funeral services for Lyle H. Thomsen, 83, of Paynesville will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Paynesville Lutheran Church. Pastor Paul Shumaker will officiate. Lyle passed away peacefully at the St. Cloud Hospital on Saturday, April 18. Burial at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls will take place at a later date with family. Visitation will begin after 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning at the church in Paynesville. Lyle was born on Sept. 9, 1942, in Sydney, Neb., to Theodore and Edith (Feldman) Thomsen. At age four, the Thomsen family moved from their Gurley, Neb., home and settled on a farm near Paynesville. After attending a country school near the home, Lyle graduated from Paynesville High School, Class of 1960. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Vietnam as a SP4, where he was a decorated helicopter mechanic, received commendation for marksmanship, and served until his honorable discharge in 1963. After his return to Paynesville, he began his career as a professional truck driver. He also met his future wife, Kathy Spanier. They were married on Oct. 15, 1966, at the St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynes-ville and spent the next 59-plus years together, side by side and taking care of their three kids. His trucking career spanned over 49 years and was employed at various companies, including Kermit Olson, AMPI, Warren Transport, Anderson Trucking, Kalthoff Transport, Viessman Trucking, and finally retiring from Stone-Crafters. In between the millions and millions of miles of safe driving, Lyle was a proud member of the Paynesville American Legion Post #271, Belgrade VFW Post #1825, and the Paynesville Sportsman Club. Throughout his life, Lyle had a love of hunting and fishing, especially the time spent in his fish house on the lake during the winter months. The moments and events with his grandkids and great-grandkids were the time he valued most. When he wasn't hunting, fishing, or spending time with family, he was probably watching his favorite westerns. Lyle is survived by his wife Kathy Thomsen (Paynesville) and by his children Kim (Scott) Joos (Glenwood, Minn.), Craig (Jennifer) Thomsen (Urbandale, Iowa) and Bryan Thomsen (Fort Collins, Colo.), along with his four grandchildren, Sydney Wyatt (RJ Macker), Blake (Raelynn) Joos, Sophie Thomsen, and Meredith Thomsen; and two great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Mattie. He is also survived by his sisters Irene Bjerke, Trudy (Tony) Quill, and Denise (Norm) Holte; and by numerous nieces and nephews. |