July 2024
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Mavis Staton, 76, Paynesville
In the early morning on Monday, June 10, 2024, Mavis Staton, 76, passed away at home surrounded by her family and loved ones. Mavis Elaine (Pahl) Staton was born on Jan. 31, 1948, to Wesley and Helen (Martinson) Pahl in Benson, Minn. Mavis grew up on a farm and attended Benson High School; then, she moved to Paynesville, Minn., where she resided the rest of her life. Mavis enjoyed diamond paintings, the outdoors, having barbecues, camping with her family, bonfires, going for walks, and hanging out with her loved ones. She especially cherished her time with her children and grandchildren. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Will (Mary) Staton of Sauk Rapids, Paula Staton of Paynesville, and Tony (Geralynn) Staton of Sauk Rapids; grandchildren, Erica (Katie) Stang of Minneapolis, Courtney (Kyle) Bieniek of Illinois, Felicia (Matt) Wasgatt of Maple Lake, Mia Staton of Sauk Rapids, Chole Staton of Sauk Rapids; great-grandchildren, Harper Bieniek and Weston Wasgatt; brothers, Dallas (Gary) Pahl of Colorado and Louis (Lynn) Pahl of Milaca; sisters, Wanda (Larry) Thorenson of Zimmerman, Marlys (Walley) Gilbertson of Hawick, and Pat (Dave) Michell of Kimball. Mavis was preceded in death by her parents, Wesley and Helen Pahl. Mavis will be cremated with a celebration of life that will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the R.O.S.E. Center in Paynesville, Minn. Private burial services will be held at a later date.
Gordon "Gordy" James Jacobson, 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday July 25, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Howard Lake. Gordy was born on May 26, 1933, in Union Grove Township, Meeker County, to Gertrude and Oluf Jacobson. After graduating from Paynesville High School, he served in the U.S. Army. Gordy married Rosemary Topp on May 18, 1957. They were blessed with six children. They made Minneapolis their home until moving to Waverly in 1970. Gordy was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus and the Waverly American Legion Post #305. Gordy worked for Pako in Golden Valley for 29 years and Suburban Propane in Buffalo for 15 years. He loved to dance in his earlier years. Gordy was a very talented stained-glass artist. Many family and friends have special pieces that he made for them. Gordy loved to visit, play cards, shake dice, and would talk to anyone. His kind soul also enjoyed playing a few practical jokes. Gordy is survived by his wife of 67 years Rosemary; children, Mike (Nanette) of Apple Valley, Deb Lauer (Leo) Kill of Annandale, Don (Lynn) of Deerwood, Bill of Waverly, Rich (Robin) of Howard Lake, and Ed (Mary) of Waverly; sister, Liz Ablen of Anoka; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister-in-laws and brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Oluf and Gertie; brother John; son-in-law Bill Lauer, grandsons Joseph and James Jacobson; and great-granddaughter Mille Jacobson. A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of St. Mary in Waverly, Minn. A gathering of family and friends will take place on Friday, Aug. 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the St. Mary's Parish Center with a 7 p.m. prayer service. The gathering will continue on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 9 to 10:15 a.m. prior to the Mass. Inurnment, with military honors, will take place in the St. Mary's Church Cemetery immediately following the Mass. Gordy's family wishes to thank you for your kind expression of sympathy and support. No acknowledgements will be sent. Arrangements by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minn.
John Lawrence Spooner was born on Nov. 27, 1931, in Little Canada, Minn., and died on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Paynesville, Minn. He was preceded in death by his wife Collette; brother Bill; parents Carl and Francis Spooner; and father- and mother-in-law Earl and Flo Rossez. He is survived by his children Bill (Kay) Spooner, Cathy (Dale) Brown, Beth (Dave) Falde, Mike (Anne) Spooner, Jack (Laurel), Jim (Pamela), Anne (Lane) Custer, and Meg (Ken) Spalter; 19 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday Aug. 2, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (380 Little Canada Road, Little Canada). Visitation one hour before the Mass. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society are preferred. In one of the last conversation with Dad, he seemed to know that he was leaving us for now. He said, "The next time you see me, I will be much better." He has finished his race. He slipped into God's, where he was fully healed. He is much, much better now. Dad ran the race that was set before him, and it was no 5K. He did an Iron Man designed for a man of resolve. His last stretch, as in any race, was challenging. He had pain, he missed Mom, and he wasn't sure why, when he had hoped to live to 85, that he was still here at 92. In his last days, he wasn't talking much, but he did verbalize that "it had been a good run. A long run." Indeed it had. Dad was a man of faith and read both the Bible and theological texts because of his big brain. His passion as a chemist evolved to a hobby of wine making. When his ability to make it waned, his enjoyment of sharing a glass with family didn't. He loved all of his children, and when the next two generations joined his circle, he delighted in the little ones. He saw more of the world than most people through his travels with 3M, but also on adventures with his wife Collette and his bother- and sister-in-law George and Kay Rossez, which brought them great joy. At events, the person we counted on to deliver a toast or eulogy was Dad. His words were full of wit and wisdom, sprinkled with enough humor to get us laughing but also enough truth to make us cry. His absence will be keenly felt in future gatherings around wedding and births, as well as deaths. In every family, someone is the glue who holds it together. That was Mom, making sure we all knew whose birthday or some other special occasion was coming up. In her absence, caring for Dad became the new glue. Many people participated in this mission from neighbors to family. Now that work is done, so we will work to be the family that he desires us to be...one grounded in faith and fellowship with good wine to toast marriages, births, and lives well lived. The last few months of his life he lived with Bill and Kay in Paynesville. After a brief hospital stay, they brought him back to his Paynesville home. As Kay was reading an "Irish Blessing" he passed into heaven, to reunite with his bride and those who proceeded him. The family would like to thank the staff at CentraCare - Paynesville Hospital for the care John received during his final months.
Audrey V. M. Amundson, 97, of Paynesville, formerly of Starbuck, died Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the Paynesville Health Care Center in Paynesville. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at East Zion Lutheran near Starbuck. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, at the Starbuck Community Center in Starbuck and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Audrey Victoria Mae Amundson was born Feb. 2, 1927, near Winthrop, Minn., the daughter of Edwin and Hildur (Gustafson) Ross. She was baptized and confirmed at Bernadotte Lutheran Church near Lafayette. She attended New Ulm High School and graduated from Winthrop High School in 1944. She continued her education at Mankato Teacher's College in an accelerated program before teaching in rural Nicollet County. She graduated from Mankato with a two-year degree in 1944 and moved to Starbuck, where she taught first grade. On June 18, 1948, Audrey was united in marriage to Maurice Amundson. They made their home and farmed south of Starbuck. In 1971, she enrolled at the University of Minnesota - Morris, where she earned her bachelor of arts degree on June 14, 1972. She taught grades 4-6 science at Starbuck Elementary from 1972 to her retirement in 1992. After her retirement, she served for six years as a Pope County Soil and Water Supervisor. Audrey was a member of East Zion Lutheran Church for 75 years, where she was active in women's groups, Bible study, and Luther League. She served as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent, sang in choir, and was secretary of the Southwest Minnesota Women's Synod in the 1960s. She was involved with Starbuck Study Club, Friendly Garden Club, Starbuck Hospital Home Auxiliary, Depot Society, Friends of the State Park, and Red Hat Society. She enjoyed flower gardening, making lefse, rosettes, krumkake, and rommegrot, coffee and visiting with friends, golfing (which Audrey initiated the couple take up); and skiing, which she learned in her 40s to keep up with Maurice. Audrey was a proud grandmother and "GG" and loved having grandchildren for "vacations at grandma's" during the summer. Audrey and Maurice enjoyed traveling, visiting many U.S. destinations and trips to Europe, Egypt, and the Holy Land. In 1981, they traveled to Brazil on behalf of the Synod LCA Mission Visitation. Upon their return, they traveled the state sharing their experience. She was proud to have been nominated by a former student for "Who's Who Among Teachers" in 1996 and having the privilege of being the grand marshal of the Starbuck Heritage Days Parade. Audrey is survived by her children, Ted (Lu Anne) Amundson, Connie (John Kanetomi) Amundson, and Ross (Michele Johnson-Amundson) Amundson; grandchildren, Kari (Tyler) Amundson, Paige (Caleb) Robb, Quin Amundson, Jason Barsness, Nik (Jonathan Silliman) Kanetomi, and Alek Kanetomi; great-grandson, Theo; son-in-law, Richard Brooks; sister-in-law, Mildred Ross; and numerous dear nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice in 2003; infant twin daughters; daughter, Laurie Brooks; grandchildren, Patrick, Daniel, and Kirsten Brooks and Anders Amundson; sisters, Virginia Fluegge, Luverne Fluegge, Garnette Stolt, and Darleene Klause; and brothers, Lowell Ross and Garfield Ross.
Phyllis Unger of Cottage Grove passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the age of 89. Phyllis was born Aug. 23, 1934, to Herbert and Charlotte Unger in Paynesville, Minn. Her life was faith, family, and friends and a very successful career working for Honeywell for 43 years. Phyllis welcomed her mother into her home in 1976. After many wonderful years of caring for her, her mother required nursing home care in 1989. Phyllis never missed a day to visit until her mother passed away in 2000 at the age of 103. Phyllis enjoyed many hobbies, including bowling and curling. Her favorite hobby was bridge, where she accumulated 75 master points. Phyllis is survived by many nieces and nephews and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Florence; and her brothers, Tom and John. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Peace in Minneapolis, Minn., on Satur-day, July 27, 2024. Lunch to follow. Burial will take place at the Paynesville Cemetery in Paynesville, Minn. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to United Methodist Church of Peace or the Arthritis Foundation.
LeRoy L. "Lee" Wolbeck, 76, of Albany passed away unexpectedly from natural causes on Friday, July 19, 2024, at his home in Albany, Minn. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 26, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich with Rev. Daniel Walz officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday at church. LeRoy Leo Wolbeck was born on Dec. 21, 1947, in Paynesville, Minn., to Bernard and Sophie (Straub) Wolbeck. He was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Luskey and parted ways later in life. Lee attended Paynesville High School and most recently delivered parts for Albany Chrysler Center. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich. He enjoyed dancing, riding his motorcycle, camping, fishing, traveling, and going to the movies. He loved spending time with his family and friends and loved capturing those moments on video camera. Survivors include his children, Robert Wolbeck of St. Cloud, Mark (Jessica) Wolbeck of Albany, David Wolbeck (Daisy Gehrke) of Albany, John Wolbeck of Albany, and Cathy (D.J.) Beckius of Paynesville; five grandchildren, Colten Wolbeck, Joltin Beckius, Kaleb Wolbeck, Landon Wolbeck, and Abigail Wolbeck; sisters, Mary (Mike) Roering of St. Wendel, Bertha Ilgen of Albany, Rosie (Clarence) Moore of Melrose, and Patty Lambert of Burtrum; and many loving relatives and friends. Lee was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Wolbeck; and sister, Janet Gunther. Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Melrose.
Gerald Edward "Jerry" Linn, 94, of Paynesville, Minn., passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Hilltop Health Care Center in Watkins, Minn. Jerry was born Dec. 27, 1929, in rural Watkins, to Peter and Theresia (Loch) Linn. He attended rural school in Watkins and graduated from Eden Valley High School. Jerry married Dolores Huberty on Jan. 2, 1958, in Watkins and moved to Paynesville, Minn., where they raised their five children. Jerry honorably served in the United States Army and Reserves, worked for the railroad, and enjoyed a 38-year career with the United States Postal Service. Come rain, shine, or snow, the mail was delivered on Rural Route 3. He was also a member of the Paynesville American Legion #271, the Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic Order of Foresters. Jerry enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, who enjoyed both sunfishing in the summer and spearing from his purple fish house in the winter. He also was a fantastic gardener (although we could have done without the rutabagas), loved golfing, bowling, hunting, woodworking, playing cards, and spending time at their cabin in Park Rapids, Minn. Jerry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 66 years; four children, Kevin (Kris) Linn of Tacoma, Wash., Kenneth (Lisa) Linn of Baxter, Minn., Michael (Karen) Linn of St. Paul, Minn., and Lori (Louis) Kirscht of Elk River, Minn.; along with six grandchildren, Eric, Zachary, Emily (Isaac), Samuel, Enya and Nicholas; one great-grandchild, Reece; and one brother, James Linn of Eden Valley. He is preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Theresia; sisters, Bernice Zieglmeier and Dolores Bahe; daughter, Lois Murphy; and son-in-law, Timothy Murphy. A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Reverend Glenn Krystosek and Reverend Ronald Huberty will concelebrate. Inurnment will be in the St. Louis Parish Cemetery Mausoleum in Paynesville. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday, July 24, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. A special thank you to the staff of CentraCare Hospice and the Hilltop Health Care Center for their loving and compassionate care of Jerry.
Curtis "Curt" Harold Sorensen, 82, of Paynesville died on Tuesday, June 4, at Upsala Senior Living in Upsala. His memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 21, at 2 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Curt Sorensen was born on May 7, 1942, to Harold and Dorothy (Nasman) Sorensen in St. James. He graduated from St. James High School. He continued his education at Mankato State University, graduating with a bachelor of arts in English and speech. On June 12, 1965, Curt was married to Evelyn (Evie) Bendix at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Courtland. To this union, they were blessed with four children. Curt started his teaching career at Adrian High School and later at Fairfax, where he taught English and speech. Curt and Evie then moved to Paynesville, where he taught for the majority of his teaching career and retired from Paynesville Middle School. Curt taught drivers ed. for many years, and he also coached wrestling. Curt was a Boy Scout, and he was proud that he received the Eagle Scout Award. Curt was a member at Paynesville Lutheran Church for 48 years. Curt enjoyed bowling, golfing, taking his kids fishing, playing video games, doing crossword puzzles, Scrabble, reading books, and the newspaper. Curt is survived by his wife, Evie; children, Jill (David) Smart of Princeton, Lana (Craig) Talberg of Oak Park, Wade (Karla) Sorensen of Cold Spring, and Sheila (Chris) Keller of Rockford; grandchildren, Ethan, Anna, and Ivy Smart; Peyton, Drew (fiancée Alex Sather), and Brock Talberg; Alex, Max, and Jaxon Sorensen; Lane, Eve, and Gwen Keller. Also surviving are his sisters, Ramona (Jim) Auman and Kira Schmitz; many nieces and nephews; and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Roger Schmitz.
Jackie Dee Scheel (Provost), 61, of West Fargo, N.D., passed away after a courageous battle with kidney cancer, in her home, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Born Sept. 4, 1962, she grew up in Anoka, Annandale, and Paynesville, Minn. After graduation from Paynesville High School, Class of 1981, she attended cosmetology school in St. Cloud, Minn. She worked at various hair salons around the Twin Cities area until moving to Belgrade, Minn., in 2003, where she proudly owned "Jackie Dee's Hair Design" for several years. In 2016, she 'hung' up her hairdressing tools and moved to West Fargo, N.D., to be closer to her two daughters. Jackie loved spending time with family, playing with her grandson, time at the lake, playing cards, and making crafts. A celebration of life will be held at Sportsman's Den in Lake Henry, Minn., on Saturday, July 27, 2024. A short ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Jackie is survived by daughters Jessica (Mikeal) Helgerson and Leah Provost; mother Larraine (Richard) Anderson; sisters Jody (Craig) Hemmesch and Julie (Gary) Dosdall; brothers Jim (Char) Provost and Jeff (Sheila) Provost; grandson Haaken Helgerson; and several nieces and nephews.
Lillian Rose "Lil" Mayer, 93, of St. Cloud and formerly of Paynesville passed away peacefully with family by her side on Saturday, July 6, 2024. Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024, at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud. A private entombment will take place at the St. Louis Parish Mausoleum in Paynesville. Lil was born on March 21, 1931, in Rockville, Minn., to Lawrence and Olga (Mumm) Mayer. She married Louis J. Mayer on Oct. 14, 1950, in Paynesville. Lil worked for the school system for many years, having multiple roles and enjoyed her time working at Ben Franklin. She was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Lil enjoyed gardening, sewing, traveling with Louis, cooking, and baking. She, above all, treasured the time spent with her family. Lil is survived by her children, Karen (Dwight) Skillings, Diane Mayer, Brenda Mayer, and Daryl (Di) Mayer; grandchildren, Missy (Jason), DJ, and Chelsea; great-grandson, Riley; siblings, Gin Dahl, Donna Little, Dorothy (Ken) Thies, and Delroy (Lee) Mayer; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Louis in 2023; grandsons, Brandon and Justin; and five brothers and sisters.
Private services will be held for Jeffery J. Buermann, 66, of Paynesville, who passed away at home on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Jeffery was born on April 22, 1958, in St. Cloud to Robert and Dorothy (Eickhoff) Buermann. He graduated from Paynesville High School and lived in the Paynesville area all his life. Jeff worked in bridge construction, masonry, drywall, for Cold Spring Granite for many years and, lastly, for Anderson Building Movers. Jeff enjoyed raising German Shepherds and training them in German. He will be remembered for his love of gardening and always having a joke to tell. He is survived by his siblings, Mary Lahr (Dan Scepaniak) of Cold Spring and Richard (Karen) Buermann of Paynesville; sister-in-law, Mary Jo Buermann of Paynesville; his beloved German Shepherds; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Jim, Carol, and Gerald Buermann; and his nephew, Christopher Buermann. |