Death Notices - Paynesville Press, Paynesville, Minnesota
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Death Notices
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.

February 2024


Johnson Funeral Home


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Obituary Archives

Harold Stang, 86, Paynesville
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Harold S. Stang, 86, of Paynesville who passed away at his home on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. Reverend Glenn Krystosek officiated. Burial took place in the parish cemetery. Visitation was held on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville and again on Thursday morning at the church. Harold Stang was born May 7, 1937, in St. Martin, Minn., to Mathias and Amalia Stang. He married Marie Weber on Aug. 26, 1958 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa. They farmed southwest of St. Martin, where they raised their three sons. He worked at the St. Martin Coop for 17 years. In 1993, they moved to Paynesville. He drove for the R.O.S.E Center for six years and was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Catholic United Financial, Crosier Apostolate, Knights of Columbus, and Elrosa Senior Citizens. Harold enjoyed gardening, ice fishing, deer hunting, playing cards, fixing and repairing things, and helping at Stang Precision. He especially loved going back to the farm to work in the fields. Most of all, Harold enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved going to grandchildren and great-grandchildren's sporting and school activities. Harold will be remembered for his kindness and generosity. He is survived by his wife Marie of 65 years; sons Bruce (Bernie), Allen (Jill), and Brian (Kristie); seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; siblings Jim (Donna), Donnie (Shari), MaryAnn, and Kathy; sisters-in-law Alma Stang, Eileen Stang, and Doris Stalboeger; and brother-in-law Herbie Torborg. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Andy, Brother Daniel, Manny, Connie, Sister Bernie, Matthew, Joan Torborg, and Marylin Stalboeger; and in-laws Severin Linz, Fred Albers, Edith Stang, Jim Stalboeger, Rich Olmscheid, and Emmy Torborg.


Stephen Warner, 70, Litchfield

Steve was a dedicated spouse, a wonderful father, and a proud grandfather. He was a dependable friend and neighbor, and was always there to lend a hand. Stephen Douglas Warner, 70, of Litchfield, Minn., passed away surrounded in love by his family on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. He was born in Minneapolis, Minn., in 1953, to Jerome and Donna Warner. He was one of nine siblings who grew up in both central Minnesota and North Dakota. Steve graduated from Litchfield High School and married his high school sweetheart, Linda Warner, in 1973. They purchased their farm just outside of Litchfield and raised mink for 18 years. In 2002, he graduated from Ridgewater College while working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where he retired after 20 years. Over the course of his life, Steve nurtured his lifelong passion for wildlife, nature conservation, and the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, and enjoyed sustainable living through gardening, meat processing, and attending to nature on their hobby farm in Litchfield. He was proud of his local community and invested in Litchfield by serving on the Litchfield Township board and by teaching firearm safety classes for many years. Most of all, Steve was proud of his wife and daughters, his eight grandchildren, his extended family, and his many friends. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Jerome Warner; and is survived by his wife, Linda Warner; mother, Donna Warner; brothers, Gary Warner and Tim Warner; sisters, Deb Walterson, Angele Leaptrot, Linda Mathews, Jody Groshens, Barb Kotten, and Sherri Liebl; daughters, Hannah (Anna) Warner, Emily (Nathan) Honken, and Laura (Nate) Anderson; and grandchildren, Kaitlyn Birtell, Elijah Lawrence, Gabriel Lawrence, Jonas Birtell, Elliott Honken, River Honken, Jack Anderson, and Lucas Anderson. Steve's memorial service will be held at Cornerstone Church in Litchfield, Minn., on Friday, March 1, at 2 p.m., followed by a luncheon at the church.


Patrick Karsch, 75, Paynesville

Patrick Emil Karsch, 75, of Paynesville, Minn., embraced the world with a kind heart, strong work ethic, and immense love for his family. Pat made his heroic ascension to heaven on Sunday, Feb. 11, after a very difficult three-month battle with metastatic prostate cancer. Pat was born on May 28, 1948, to Martin and Viola (Hilsgen) Karsch of St. Martin, Minn. He attended and graduated from Paynesville High School, where he participated in shenanigans and played baseball, football, and wrestled for the Bulldogs. After graduating in 1966, he ventured to the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities to further his studies, where he played football for a brief time and finished out his freshman year in 1967. Pat married Gloria Bork in April 1968 and from this marriage came two sons: Sean and James (who died at childbirth) Karsch. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and was sent to Vietnam in October 1968. He was stationed near Dau Tieg, Republic of South Vietnam, and was an armored personnel carrier operator. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for heroism while performing military operations on Jan. 14, 1969. He also received the Purple Heart for injuries received on Jan. 28, 1969. He was blown from his tanker and hospitalized for two weeks with injuries to his face, chest, and legs. He was reminded of this battle for many years to come by removing shrapnel that would surface from time to time. Pat was united in his second marriage to Vaneesa Morelan on May 28, 1974. From this marriage, two daughters were born: Tiffany and Courtney. He had many jobs that included working at the Cold Spring Granite Company and worked weekends hauling milk cans for local farmers, hauling groceries, and transporting livestock for Norman Bork. In 1976, he began working as a UPS driver where he received many awards for years of safe driving. He served the Willmar community and became well known to many businesses there and gained many friendships. He proudly retired after 34 years. Pat had a great love for the outdoors, gardening, planting flowers, relaxing in his swing with his favorite cocktail, catching the sunset on his deck, and taking many trips to South Dakota and Colorado to visit friends and partake in adventures along the way. He looked forward to traveling yearly to Hawaii, where he and Vaneesa would enjoy the warmth, ocean, and adventures to Happy Hours. He had a deep love for his friends and family and enjoyed spending time with them. Many hours were spent on Lake Koronis fishing and boating, having garage parties, visiting casinos, going to the Minnesota State Fair, and attending the sporting events of his children and his grandchildren. Pat taught us all to live by the following words: ~If you're on time, your late. ~Return borrowed items better than what you received them. ~Help others at all costs. ~Every day has a happy hour. ~Always check your oil and tire pressure before traveling. ~Work hard, play hard. ~When you get home, call and let it ring twice, and I'll know you're safe. ~Spend time with those you love. He is survived by his wife Vaneesa; children Sean (Wendy) Karsch, Tiffany (Michael) Tangen, and Courtney (Jesse) Stenseth; his mother Viola; and grandchildren, Blake, Lex, Drew, Kyleigh, Brooklynn, and Kaiden. He was proceeded in death by his father Martin Karsch; sister Wanda Karsch; son James Karsch; and grandchild baby Tangen. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. "A Hui Ho" ~ until we meet again! A Celebration of Life took place at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville, Minn., on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. There was a short prayer service and military honors. The celebration continued at the Paynes-ville American Legion.


Joseph 'Butch' Hennen Jr., 79

Joseph P. "Butch" Hennen Jr., 79, of St. Michael, Minn., passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024 after a long battle with Parkinson's and IBM disease. His final days were spent with his loving family and caring staff at Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Augusta, Minn. Butch was born on March 10, 1944, to Joseph Sr. and Sylvia (Ophoven) Hennen in Watkins, Minn. He grew up on the family farm and was one of ten siblings. Butch worked in the construction industry most of his adult life. In 1970, he co-founded Hennen Construction Co. (sewer and water) with his older brothers, Harold and Gene. After 24 years of dedication to the company, Butch retired at the young age of 50 years old. He spent his retirement playing the stock market, tending to his vegetable garden and fruit trees, and refurbishing old tractors. His beautiful home was his pride and joy. Butch will be remembered most for his kindness, generosity, keen memory, and finding enjoyment in the simplest pleasures in life. Butch is survived by his brothers and sisters, Ervin (Miriam) Hennen of Watkins, Eileen Kern of Paynesville, Harold Hennen of Maple Lake, Betty (Irv) Geislinger of Watkins, Carol Nistler of Watkins, and Steve (Angela) Hennen of St. Michael; his 40 nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sister, and their spouses, Gene and Bev Hennen, Janelle and Alvin Winter, and Norbert "Sonny" Hennen; brothers-in-law Jerry Kern and Don Nistler; sister-in-law Joan Hennen; two nieces, and two nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held at the St. Anthony Catholic Church's social hall in Watkins at 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024. Father David Hennen, Butch's godson, will deliver a short memorial service at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner.


Alice Everson, 86, New London

Alice E. Everson, 86, of New London, Minn., died on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at her home on Lake Andrew. Private family graveside services will be held at Zion Irving Cemetery near Hawick. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in New London: www.hafh.org. Alice Esther Everson was born on April 14, 1937, in Albany, the daughter of Arnold and Esther (Winterlin) Lemke. She attended country grade school in District #199. On Dec. 29, 1956, Alice was united in marriage to Palmer Everson. They made their home south of Hawick until moving to their home on Lake Andrew in 1982. She worked at Chef's Cafe, Studer Dry Cleaners, and Jennie-O. Alice is survived by her children, Larry Everson, Susan Duus, and Roxanne VanZee; eight grandchildren; and siblings Alvin (Darlene) Lemke and Irene Gruber. She was preceded in death by her husband, Palmer; son, Daniel; brother, Arnold; and her parents.


Celestine Schmitt, 92, Roscoe

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 5, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Roscoe, Minn., for Celestine M. Schmitt, 92, who died Thursday, Feb. 1, at Assumption Home in Cold Spring, Minn. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. The visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond. St. Joseph Society and Catholic United Financial prayed a rosary following prayers. Visitation continued on Monday morning at the church in Roscoe. Celestine was born in Cold Spring, Minn., to Frank and Cresenthia (Drontle) Schmitt. He married Lenora Utecht on May 21, 1957, in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Richmond. Celestine served in the U.S. Army. Celestine enjoyed farming, fishing, spearing, gardening, fixing old tractors, ice cream, going to threshing shows, visiting with people, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Celestine was a member of the Albany Pioneer Club, of the St. Joseph Society, and of the St. Agnes Parish. He is survived by his children, Ralph Schmitt (Lou Leason), Carol Hemmesch (Allen Altendahl), Doris Doll (Bob Feldewerd), Cathy Schmitt (Vern Hommerding), Paul Schmitt, and Lloyd (Bonnie) Schmitt; daughter-in-law, Sonja Schmitt-Arceneau (late LeRoy's wife); siblings, Theresa Schreifels, Doreen Schreifels, Norbert (Rosie) Schmitt, and Betty (Melvin) Torborg; in-laws, Florence Heim, Mildred Mueller, and Rich (Sue) Utecht; 18 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lenora (2017); parent-in-laws, Leo and Antonette Utecht; infant daughter, Mary; son, LeRoy; granddaughter, Kayla Doll; siblings, Sylvester (Lucille) Schmitt, RoseMary (Leonard) Court, Peter (Verna) Schmitt, Richard (Laverne) Schmitt, Ray (MaryAnn) Schmitt, Andrew Schreifels, and Francis Schmitt; and in-laws, Gerald (Bernice) Heim, Clarence Heim, Rich Feldhege, Urban Schreifels, and Merle Mueller. Arrangements were with the Wenner Funeral Home, Richmond, Minn.


Sherry Albert, 72, Menahga

Sherry Marie Albert entered into eternity on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, passing away unexpectedly following a minor procedure at CHI St. Joseph's Health in Park Rapids, Minn. Sherry Marie Brossard was born March 15, 1951, in Paynesville, Minn., to Milo and Zelpha (Hogan) Brossard, their third of five children and first daughter. She loved drawing and decorating houses and would eagerly await the arrival of the Sears Christmas catalog so she could cut out pictures of furniture to adorn her drawings. When she was 15 years old, she was found to have a double curvature of the spine and had a spinal fusion surgery, which left her in bed for an entire year. During that time, she became proficient at drawing while using a mirror to be able to see. She graduated from Paynesville High School with the Class of 1969. On June 5, 1971, she was united in marriage to Raymond Deadrick at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Together they had three children: Lance, Shannon, and Cindy. They made their home in Paynesville, where Sherry provided daycare services. She and Ray moved to several states during their 20 years of marriage, including Kansas, Washington, Utah, and New Mexico. She married Michael Albert on Nov. 29, 1991, and they made their home in Spearfish, S.D., until moving to Springdale, Ark., in 2001, and then to Menahga, Minn., in 2010. When Mike became ill, they moved back to Spearfish in June 2013, to be near family again. Sherry worked at the daycare facility at Black Hills University in Spearfish as a foster grandparent, which she loved. When Mike died in 2014, Sherry stayed in Spearfish several years and then decided to move closer to her sister, Kathy, in Menahga, Minn., in 2020. She was living in Rose Haven Assisted Living in Menahga for several months before her passing. She is survived by her children: Lance (Geri) Deadrick, Dickinson, N.D.; Shannon (Briggette) Deadrick, Silver Springs, Nev.; and Cindy (Keven) Crooks, Spearfish, S.D.; step-son Jacob (Jennifer) Albert, Mesquite, Nev.; brothers Donald "Skeeter" (Helen) Brossard, Avon, Minn.; and Ronald (Rita) Brossard, Paynesville, Minn.; sister Kathy (Michael) Maurer, Menahga, Minn.; six grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, and many friends. She was preceded in death by husband, Michael Albert; parents Milo and Zelpha Brossard; infant brother Jeffrey Brossard; and brother-in-law Danny Mathison.


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