August 2025
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
August 2025
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Bud Wendroth, 91, Paynesville
Lawrence "Bud" Raymond Wendroth, 91, of Paynesville passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. His visitation will be on Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 5-7 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., on Thursday, Aug. 28, at Grace United Methodist Church with visitation at 10 a.m. Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Bud was born on Oct. 18, 1933, in rural Eden Valley to Engelhard and Florence (Groskreutz) Wendroth. He attended country school and graduated from Eden Valley High School in 1951. Bud enlisted and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Augsburg, Germany. He fondly remembered his time in the service, and he loved telling his family stories about those days. He was honorably discharged and was a member of the VFW and the American Legion for 68 years. Bud married Leola Bergstrom on Oct. 26, 1955, at the Methodist Church in Paynesville. He started his business as a milkman for Oak Grove Dairy in 1955 in Paynesville. He loved his job and worked for 43 years before retiring in the spring of 1998. During the prime of his business years, Bud knew who lived in every house in Paynesville. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, where he served as an usher and a greeter. Bud enjoyed sports, especially those involving family members. He took every opportunity to attend their basketball games, cross country meets, and track meets. He would often stop his milk route to attend an afternoon sporting event and then go back to work when the game or races were over. He also enjoyed reminiscing about growing up on the farm during the 1930s and 1940s. He especially liked to talk about riding his pony to and from country school each day when he was young. He was also a leader in the Boy Scouts of America for many years. His genuine interest, dedication, and respect of the outdoors helped numerous boys advance in the scouting program including his three sons and several grandsons. Bud loved to travel. He and Leola were in 46 of the 50 U.S. states. A highlight of their travels was finding the actual home of his ancestors in Mardorf, Germany, while on a trip in Western Europe. Upon retirement, he and Leola spent nearly 20 winters in Apache Junction, Ariz., where they socialized and attended dances numerous times each week. He loved to dance, and it's estimated that he and Leola attended well over 1,000 dances during their years together. Bud is survived by his wife, Leola; children Lynn Wendroth of Sauk Rapids, Minn., Lyle (Cindy) Wendroth of Zumbrota, Minn., Loren (Robyn) Wendroth of Rochester, Minn., Larry (Sharon) Wendroth of Paynesville, Minn., and LeAnn (Tom) Lymburner of Hinckley, Minn; 16 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Laura May Ackerman. Bud will be remembered for his love of family, his work ethic, and his good-natured personality. A special thank you to Bud's devoted caregivers - Cece Scheierl, Terri Winter, Angie Fuchs - and the entire hospice team for their compassionate care.
Marcia Lynn (Miller) McCarney passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, at the age of 72 at Cherrywood Assisted Living in Richmond, Minn. Marcia was born on June 17, 1953, in Brewster, Minn., to Wesley Allen and Margaret (Brady) Miller. She grew up on a farm in Brewster, Minn,. with her older brother Allen Wesley Miller. Marcia's fondest memories on the farm were summer pool gatherings with her classmates and cousins, spending time with her grandparents who lived across the yard, collecting turkey eggs, spending time with her dog Trixy, and watching her father restore vintage automobiles. She had many travel adventures while growing up, often with her father Wesley, who owned and piloted airplanes. After graduating from Brewster High School in 1971, Marcia attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. where she earned her undergraduate degree in elementary and special education. In 1975, she attended Mankato State University for graduate school and earned her master's degree in special education. She met her husband, Kevan Jerome McCarney, at an ice rink in Mankato, and they were married June 17, 1978. She began her teaching career in Jackson, Minn., and then moved to Worthington, where their daughter, Elizabeth Ann McCarney, was born in 1980. In 1989, Marcia, Kevan, and Elizabeth moved to Paynesville, where Marcia resided most of her life. Marcia was a woman of many talents and dedicated many hours to her hobbies. She had a passion for knitting, sewing, quilting, cross stitching, and spinning yarn. She loved family gatherings - always taking pictures to document these special memories. She was a dedicated volunteer, especially at the Community Service Center in Paynesville, where she served for many years. She was active for many decades in P.E.O. International as a charter member of Chapter EJ in Worthington and a long-time member of Chapter FB in Paynesville. Marcia enjoyed participating in Paynesville Community Theater, church choir, hand bell choir, and square dancing. Marcia loved traveling throughout her life and visited 49 of the 50 states. She enjoyed many trips with family, friends, through church (including several mission trips), and after Kevan passed yearly girls' trips with her daughter, Elizabeth - usually to sunny Mexico. Marcia is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Ann McCarney, grandson Rafael Kevan Aguilar-McCarney, and son-in-law Javier Aguilar, who will all miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband Kevan; her brother Allen; and her parents Margaret and Wesley. A funeral service was held on Friday, Aug. 15, at 12 noon at Paynesville Lutheran Church with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. and a luncheon following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Marcia Lynn (Miller) McCarney. Rest in peace, Mother. You will forever be in our hearts and memories.
Muriel Christine Blomquist Lorentzen, 93, died peacefully at Abiitan Mill City, Minneapolis, with family and staff surrounding her. Muriel was preceded in death by her parents, Manghild Larson and Harry T. Blomquist; her beloved husband, Harold Lorentzen; her son, Gary Lorentzen; her sisters-in-law and spouses, Verna (Fred) Storest, Violet (Dick) Larson, and Pearl (Earl) Grave; and numerous friends, including Carol (John) Freeburg, a friend since she was four years old. She is survived by her children, Linda Lorentzen (Joseph Hedberg) and Steven (Carol) Lorentzen; her brother-in-law Ronald (Patricia) Lorentzen; her grandchildren, Jason Lorentzen (Hannah Bascom), Jeffrey Lorentzen, Eric Lorentzen (Meredith Webster), Brian (Jennifer) Hedberg, and Kristina (Chris) Anderson; her great-grandchildren, Ava and Callie Hedberg; Cole and Eily Lorentzen; and Leighton and Landon Anderson. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their children. Muriel lived most of her life in North Minneapolis. Her grandparents immigrated from Sweden and settled in the Camden area. She was baptized, confirmed, married, and raised her children at Salem Lutheran Church. Muriel was an only child, and although she lived through the depression, she had no idea there were struggles. Her grandparents lived within blocks, and she often spoke of walking to their homes and retrieving the coins they saved for her in the middle of their dining room tables. In many ways, without siblings, she was raised as an adult. Muriel attended Hamilton Elementary School and Patrick Henry High School. She met her husband on a blind date set up by his friend who worked for the mortuary from which her father was buried. Harold and Muriel were married in 1952, and she inherited sisters and a brother of Harold's. Her friendship with Pearl, Harold's oldest sister, spanned close to 70 years. In 1965 Muriel begrudgingly agreed to allow Harold to build a cabin on Lake Koronis, next to Pearl and Earl's cabin. Harold promised her that she could shop in the area anytime she wanted because she didn't like the outdoors. Annette's in Paynesville became a favorite shopping destination for her. In 1984, Muriel became a caregiver for Harold after his multiple myeloma diagnosis, a role reversal from much of their lives while dealing with her debilitating migraine headaches. He died in 1987, and she successfully navigated single life for 38 years, longer than she was married. Muriel lived in the home she and Harold built for 69 years, living within one mile of where she was raised. She became instrumental in caring for her grandchildren, and they have many fond memories of crafts, games, baking, strawberry jam, garlic bread, and carting their friends to sports practices/games. In her later years, she spent cherished time with her great-grandchildren. When Muriel was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, she moved to the cabin, where her daughter and son-in-law built an addition. Muriel lived in the cabin, a familiar territory, and had three wonderful caregivers: Terri, Michelle, and CeCe. Once her care needs became too much, Muriel moved into Ecumen's Abiitan Mill City Memory Care Unit in Minneapolis. She lived the rest of her days surrounded by caregivers and residents who loved her and treated her with the utmost kindness. For many months, she was so happy, maybe happier than ever in her life. Having no memory can have its upsides because there are no bad memories either! Muriel's life was defined by her devotion to family, friends, and her faith. Her legacy of love will live on in all her descendants. A memorial service will be held on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, at 11 a.m., at the Washburn-McReavy Glen Haven Chapel (5125 West Broadway, Crystal)followed by lunch. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Memorials are preferred to Elim Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer's Association.
A celebration of life was held for Gordon "Gordy" Glenz at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynes-ville, Minn., on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. Visitation was held from 9 to 11 a.m., prior to the service at the funeral home. Gordy, 93, of Paynesville passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 1, at the Paynes-ville Health Care Center. Gordon Arthur Glenz was born on June 10, 1932, to Arthur and Estella (Gordon) Glenz in Regal, Minn. He attended the Regal schoolhouse and was called to work back at the farm. He took pride in the disciplines and knowledge he had growing up on the farm. He married Helen Gronli in Hawick, Minn., in 1952. Gordy worked installing natural gas pipes across 14 states, doing this work for nearly a decade. He then went on to start his business, Glenz Sand and Gravel, where he worked for over 20 years. In the early years, he and friends built a track in Paynesville and had a couple of years racing stock cars. Gordy enjoyed keeping busy, mowing the lawn, deer hunting, spearfishing, fox hunting (back in the day), and spending time with his family. He was down to earth, firm, decisive, and quick witted. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Helen; children, Patrick Glenz, Dawn (Mark) Schramel, Michael (Debora) Glenz, and Vonda (Pat) Christian; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Gordy was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Velda Robbins, Donald Glenz, Fern Hertzberg, Betty Mauer, and Betsy Kingsriter.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville for Marlene L. VanderBeek, 85, of Paynesville, who passed away on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, at the Hilltop Care Center in Watkins. Reverend Ric Koehn will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Paynesville Cemetery in Paynesville. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville. Marlene Lillian, the youngest of five children, was born June 27, 1940, to Frederick and Lilly (Reins) Harding in Lake Lillian, Minn. She graduated from Atwater Public School in 1958. Later that year, Marlene was united in marriage to the love of her life, Gerrit VanderBeek, on Aug. 22, 1958, at First Lutheran Church in Lake Lillian. This union was blessed with five wonderful children. Gerrit and Marlene farmed for many years south of Lake Koronis while raising their family. Later on Marlene held multiple retail jobs, but she is probably most remembered for her time in the sewing department at Ben Franklin. In her retirement years, she continued to help the community by cleaning area businesses. Marlene enjoyed crafts and sewing, which was verified by her overflowing sewing room; evidently she was her own best customer at Ben Franklin. She loved her flowers and welcomed all birds to her feeders, except blue jays of course. Every year she canned vegetables out of Gerrit's garden to share, and was able to fill the house with family by announcing a pot of simmering garden soup. It wasn't until later in life she found her true passion... bingo and penny slots. Marlene was also quite proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always made time to attend their activities. Marlene is survived by her children Diane (Mike) Keller of Paynesville, Carol (Mark) Spoden of Richmond, Jeffery (Susan) of Eden Valley, and Angela (Justin) Braun of Paynesville; 13 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents and siblings; husband Gerrit; son Brian; and grandson Ryan Keller.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Clearwater for Darwin "Doc" Gohman, 87, of Clearwater. Doc passed away on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, at Willows Landing in Monticello. Reverend Dennis Backer will officiate. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery with full military honors. Visit will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, at the Daniel Funeral Home in Clearwater and one hour prior to services on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the church. Darwin Theodor Gohman was born on the family farm on Nov. 30, 1937, to Herman and Olga (Hinkemeyer) Gohman. He graduated from St. Cloud Tech. Doc served honorably in the United States Navy and was stationed in Japan. He married Mary Jane Clement 64 years ago... on Nov. 17, 1960. Doc worked for NSP Electric for many years, working as a chief operator, air quality control specialist, and machinist. He was an active member of St. Luke's Catholic Church, the Lions Club (winning the prestigious Mel Jones Award twice), and the Clearwater American Legion Post #323 (where he served as commander of the honor squad for many years). He enjoyed working on the farm, woodworking, welding, butchering, playing cribbage, and fox. Doc was known for playing Santa and Mrs. Claus with his wife and for the Hootenanny Clown Band. Doc is survived by his wife, Mary Jane; children, Janet (Barry) Flanders of Paynes-ville, Mike (Marie) of Clear-water, and Kay (Pat) Hickey of Maple Lake; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Dave of Detroit Lakes, Ron (Rose) of Clear-water; and Jim of St. Cloud; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kelly; infant brother, Joseph; siblings Bill and Kathy; sisters-in-law, Gloria and Diane; and niece Diane. |