February 2026
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
February 2026
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Delores Heitke, 97, Paynesville
Delores J. Heitke, 97, of Paynesville died on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Pay-nesville Health Care Center. A funeral service was held on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Grace United Methodist Church. Visitation was held Friday, Feb. 20, at Johnson Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Arrangements were with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Delores Jean Heitke was born on March 31, 1928, to Albert and Anna (Gehrke) Heitke on the family farm near Paynesville. She grew up on the family farm and attended a small country school through the eighth grade. Delores attended Paynesville High School, graduating with the Class of 1946. She lived on the family farm until 1952 and then she moved to Paynesville, where she stayed the rest of her life. Delores worked at Jerry's Jack and Jill as a produce manager for over 40 years. She was also a cook at the Lake Koronis Assembly Grounds. Delores had a fiancé, Lowell Sell, who passed away before they had a chance to be married. Delores enjoyed gardening, pets, and especially her chickens. Her father was able to move the chicken coop to town from her home farm, which she took pride in. Delores was baptized at Salem EUB Church and attended there until 1968, when it closed. From there, she joined Grace United Methodist Church where she was involved with Bible study, ladies circle, and taught Sunday School. Delores and her sister Doris both went to the Lowell Lundstrom Crusade in 1978 and accepted the Lord. She is survived by her nieces and nephews; and cousins, Jeanette Bast, Gerry Heitke, and Ruby Heitke. She was preceded in death by her parents; fiancé, Lowell Sell; and siblings, Clinton Heitke, Irene Schindel, Ethel Heitke, and Doris Monson.
Harley E. Caldwell, 91, of Hawick died on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at GlenOaks Care Center in New London. A celebration of life will be announced in the spring with a graveside service at Roseville Cemetery in Hawick. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Harley Elmer Caldwell was born on Aug. 29, 1934, at the Caldwell family farm, on Highway 23 near Hawick, Minn. He was the second son of Virgil and Mildred (Farnum) Caldwell. Harley spent his early years on his parents' farm in Hawick and later moved back onto the Caldwell family farm as a teenager. He attended Paynesville High School, where he participated in track and field, graduating in 1952. Following high school, Harley worked various jobs while working on the family farm. In 1955, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving two years of active duty ending at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colo. His reserve obligation was transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve's Minnesota Military District, which ended in 1963 with an honorable discharge. Harley liked the Colorado Springs area and chose to remain there, finding work in construction and the railroad. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Sandra Rison. The two were married on May 29, 1958, in Colorado. Over the years, they lived in Colorado, the Twin Cities, and Willmar before eventually returning to Hawick. There, they purchased the Caldwell family farm, allowing them to raise their four children on the land where Harley had spent much of his own childhood. In 2022, the Highway 23 four-lane project required the purchase of their Century Farm home, so Harley and Sandy moved to independent living at Glen Oaks in New London. Throughout his life, Harley farmed and worked in construction. He was a founding partner in two asphalt contracting companies: C&S Blacktop, established in 1967 and still in operation today, now owned by his partner's daughter; and Superior Blacktop, which he started with his friend Sam Schreffler of Hawick. In 1974, Harley founded Caldwell Asphalt Company, which operated successfully for 44 years until his son Troy retired in 2018. Hard work was always part of who Harley was, and he believed strongly in encouraging others to find ways to make that work enjoyable. After retiring from the asphalt business, Harley continued working on the family farm raising organic vegetables. He and Sandy sold their produce at farmers' markets across the state and at local grocery stores. Harley loved learning and was an avid reader, particularly non-fiction books and biographies. He had a strong sense of adventure and enjoyed new experiences. Winter vacations became a cherished family tradition - through many skiing trips and traveling to warmer places. After retiring, he and Sandy spent many years traveling the country in their travel trailer, visiting new places, visiting family, and going wherever the road led them. In later years, they wintered in Florida, welcoming visits from family and friends. They enjoyed finding local Eagles Clubs and heading to the Sportsman's Den in Lake Henry for a burger and a beer. Harley was a lifelong member of Hawick United Methodist Church and a member of the Eagles. He had a deep faith in God and drew strength from Psalm 23. He will be remembered as a loving husband, grandfathe,r and devoted caregiver to Sandy before she moved to the nursing home in 2025. Family and friends will also remember Harley for his love of storytelling - especially tales of family history, life experiences, and casino adventures. On Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, Harley passed away peacefully at the age of 91 at Glen Oaks Nursing Home under Moments Hospice care. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sandy; their four children and spouses: Karen (Bryan) Watkins, Troy (Brenda) Caldwell, Cheri (Waleed) Abdalati, and Rick (Carey Liestman) Caldwell; ten grandchildren: Chris Watkins, Brandon Watkins, and Alex (Ryan) Zurbuchen; Brittany (Eric) Frank, Jesse Caldwell, and Tanner Caldwell; Olivia Abdalati and Jada Abdalati; Trevor Lang; and Brooke (Wyatt) Mergen; and seven great-grandchildren: Lily, Callen, and Meredith Watkins; Grady and Jordy Frank; and Dominic and Oliver Zurbuchen. He is also survived by his in-laws, Steve Rison, Priscilla Rice, and Judy (Wally) Eaton, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Harley was preceded in death by his parents; his brother and sister-in-law Duane and Elaine Caldwell; and his sister and brother-in-law Marlene and Roland Radunz, along with many family members and friends who have gone before him. He will be greatly missed.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring for Theresia D. "Terry" Thomes, 82, of Cold Spring. Terry passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at Benedict Living (Assumption Home) in Cold Spring. Burial will take place in St. Agnes Catholic Cemetery in Roscoe. Visitation will be held after 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring. Terry was born in Marty, Minn., to Mathew and Theresia (Rausch) Decker. She worked at St. Cloud Hospital as a candy striper and also as a dietary aide at the Paynesville Hospital throughout her life. She was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, St. Louis Parish Christian Women, and the Paynesville American Legion Post #271 Auxiliary. Terry enjoyed bowling, embroidery, gardening, trips to the casino, playing cards, Elvis, and watching Minnesota sports teams. She especially treasured the time spent with her family. Terry also enjoyed attending all her of her grandchildren's activities. She is survived by her children, Lindalee Grange of Cold Spring, Kevin (Sharon) Schmitz of Richmond, Jim (Darcy) Schmitz of Paynesville, Wayne (Joan) Schmitz of Rice, Terri (Paul) Braegelmann of Cold Spring, Janet (Jeff Doll) Giles of Richmond, and Tamara (Dan) Abers of Rice; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara Schmitz of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews. Terry was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald Thomes; granddaughter, Courtney Schmitz; great-grandson, William Schmitz; sons-in-law, Greg Grange, Oral Brenno, and Rick Giles; sisters, Mary Decker, Rita Schlangen, Genevieve Schmitz, Dolores Schriefels, and Rosie Theis; and brothers, Sylvester, Raymond, Wilfred, Jerome, Ernest, Anton, Edwin, and Richard. A special thank you to the staff of Benedict Living in Cold Spring and Moments Hospice for all the care given to Terry.
Lee Alan Bergstrom of Prescott, Ariz., passed away while surrounded by family and friends on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at the age of 74. Lee was born on Sept. 5, 1951, in Paynesville, Minn., to Ira Bergstrom, and Evelyn Salter. Lee grew up in Minnesota and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1969. He was captain of the football team, played golf, was in the choir and theatre, was crowned Homecoming king, and played in a folk group called the "Troubadours," all while working in the meat department at the local grocery store. Lee went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota - Morris campus, in 1973, where he played golf and was the pledge director of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Lee majored in speech and minored in theatre. After graduating from college, Lee accepted an offer with Hormel Foods Corporation in Austin, Minn., as a territory manager. This position led to his successful career in medical equipment sales and equipment leasing, working for companies including Baxter Travenol, IVAC Corporation, DataServ Inc., Lease Finance Group, Carlton Financial Corporation, and Data Sales Co. Lee remained in Minnesota until 1999, then relocated to San Clemente, Calif., where he met the love of his life, Tammy. Together, they moved to Chanhassen, Minn., and married in 2002. Lee and Tammy eventually moved to Prescott, Ariz., Temecula, Calif., and returned back to Prescott, Ariz., in 2020. Lee prioritized his loving family and his treasured friendships. He spent time volunteering, golfing, biking, reading, shooting, listening to music, cooking, motorcycle riding, crafting a great cocktail, and savoring a good cigar. With his passion for travel, Lee attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally several times and participated in the Laughlin River Run Motorcycle Rally. Lee and Tammy cherished their trips together, which included regular visits to Hawaii, spending time with family in Minnesota and California, and a ten-day Harley Davidson adventure through Yellowstone, Beartooth Mountains, Jackson Hole, and Red Lodge, Mont. Lee gained great joy in giving back to his community and volunteering for organizations including Habitat for Humanity and The Elks. For more than a decade, Lee volunteered at the Farmers Insurance Open Golf Tournament in Torrey Pines. On Veterans Day you would find him placing flags on the graves of those who served our country. Upon relocating back to Prescott in 2020, Lee served as chairman of the Granite Dells landscape committee and vice president of the HOA board of directors for The Granite Dells Estates. Lee created the "Whiskey Wednesday Garage Guys." Inviting the neighborhood guys to gather in his garage to enjoy whiskey, a cigar, food, and camaraderie fondly grew into a weekly event with over 40 invitees. Lee was adored, respected, and revered by his community earning him the nickname, "The Mayor." Lee will forever be remembered as a friend to all. He was a devoted husband, a loving and caring father and grandfather, and a respected community leader. His generous, kind, thoughtful, caring, energetic, and supportive nature will be missed by all who knew him. Lee is survived by his loving wife, Tammy; her parents Allen and Dorothy Raver; his brother Joel (Rose Ann) Bergstrom; his children Michelle (Anthony) Lacugnato, Nathan Bergstrom, Kimberly Pack (Jeff), and Jennifer Brouwers (John); eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and extended family members and countless friends. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 2 until 4 p.m., at the Granite Dells Estate clubhouse (5220 Crown Rock Trail, Prescott, Ariz.). In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request that donations be made in Lee's honor to Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity at https://prescotthabitat.org/pages/donate or to United Animal Friends at https://unitedanimalfriends.org/donate.
Vernon "Butch" Kotz, 84, of Belgrade, died peacefully Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Belgrade with a visitation prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held at The Spot in Belgrade from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Belgrade. www.hafh.org Vernon "Butch" Joseph Kotz was born on October 9, 1941, to Gertrude and Joseph Kotz. He grew-up in Belgrade and was raised on the family farm. After high school he traveled the country working in the farming and construction industry. He married Mary Winter on May 6, 1967. In 1968, he started his career in the restaurant business, opening Butch's Café until his retirement 33 years later. Butch loved playing cards and dice, talking and socializing with patrons in the restaurant, meeting new people, and spending time with his family and grandchildren. In retirement, he spent many days enjoying the hot summer heat at his cabin in Spicer, shirt off with sand between his toes. Butch was survived by his wife and love of his life, Mary of 58 years; three children, Wendy (David), Cory (Shari) and Jason (Greta) and their children, Carson, Jake, Jack, John, Michael, Skylar (Braxton), Bryce, Christopher (Katie), Brittany (Mike), Annika (Dimitri) and Vaughn (Paige); great-grandchildren, Jaxton, Esme, Ella, Bennett, Lylah, Lenora and Willow; ten siblings, Ron (Jan), Virginia, Max (Don), Wayne (Marcia), Maggie (Donnie), Janet, Kathy (Fornet), Mark (Mickey), Lori (Brian) and numerous cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law and friends from all over the world. Butch was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Monica, Rosella, Julie, Gene and Brian.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynes-ville for John Henry Jones, 91, of Paynesville. John passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at his home. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the church. Burial will take place in the Paynesville Cemetery on a later date. John was born on July 30, 1934, along with his identical twin brother Jerome, on his grandfather's farm near Hawick, Minn., to Ed and Petra Jones. He attended country school through eighth grade and served in the U.S. Army from 1957-58. He worked on a turkey farm before and after his military service. In 1961, he purchased a 120-acre farm southwest of Paynesville, as he continued to work on the turkey farm nearby. On April 15, 1961, he was united in marriage to Joan Irene Eighner at the Methodist Church in Paynesville. They farmed the land, raising crops and livestock - mostly beef cattle. John's biggest challenge was when Joan passed away unexpectedly in 1981, and he had three children to support. John enjoyed farm life, and it was hard to get him to take a break from it, but when he did, he loved playing cards with his family or friends at the senior center in town. He especially enjoyed fishing on local lakes. He was passionate about his Swedish and Norwegian heritage and had to have a meal of lutefisk and lefse at Christmas-time with his brothers every year. He always looked forward to visits from his grandchildren and especially loved being a great grandpa. John is survived by his two daughters Julie Jones (Neil Lee) of Greenfield and Kathy (John) Hanson of Monticello; daughter-in-law Kate Jones of Hutchinson; grandchildren Nicholas Lee, Joanna (Lee) Zacchea, Marshall Jones, Emma Hanson, and Abby Hanson; step-grandchildren Jessica (James) Lewandowski and Kristin Berscheit; great-grandchild, Audrey Zacchea; and step-great-grandchildren Domanik Dammann, Emerson Witte, and Margaret Lewandowski. He is also survived by three brothers, Jerome Jones of Paynesville, Paul Jones of Osseo, and Tim Jones of Corcoran; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Earl, Myron, Duane, and Glenn; his wife, Joan; and his son, Kenneth. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. |