March 2022
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
March 2022
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Merrily Blagen, 78, Minneapolis
Merrily Ruth (Erdmann) Blagen, 78, of Minneapolis passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2022. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Richardson Nature Center in Bloomington with a ceremony at 3 p.m. and remembrances into the evening around the firepit. Merrily Ruth (Erdman) Blagen, the daughter of Mary Ann and Robert Erdmann, was a loving mother, doting grandmother (Baba), and good friend to many. A 1961 graduate of Southwest High, 1965 graduate of Mancester College, and 1985 graduate of Metropolitan State University, she earned her MBA from St. Thomas University (1965) with over 22 years of Orcale database administration design/development experience working for Cray Research, Silicon Graphics, Cargill, and the Donaldson Company, retiring in 2011. Merilly loved Lake Koronis, traveling, and opportunities to seek new places, cultures, and languages with friends and family. She spoke French, enjoyed book club, painting, sculpture, sewing, knitting, and stained glass. She also played piano, loved blues music, and sang in school choirs and groups like the JBÕs, Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir, and Alive and Kickin. She donated time to the Bloomington Center for the Arts, social services organization VEAP, and her body to University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program. She was cherished for her strength (Strong like Bull!), loving nature, generosity, and sense of humor. Merrily was proceeded in death by her husband Ronald Blagen and parents Mary Ann and Robert Erdmann. She is survived by three daughters, four grandchildren, and six siblings. Memorials or donations to Koronis Lake Association, Alive and Kickin, and VEAP are prefered in lieu to flowers. She will forever be in the hearts of her family and friends and will continue her travels as her family spreads her ashes around the world.
Jeanette J. Greeley, 96, of Hutchinson passed away March 6, 2022, at Hutchinson Health Hospital. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Vineyard Methodist Church in Hutchinson. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held at Burr Oak Cemetery in Grove City. Please sign the online guestbook at www.johnsonhagglund.com. Jeanette Joan Greeley, the daughter of Willis and Violet (Hislop) Greeley, was born July 16, 1925, in Union Grove Township, Meeker County. Jeanette is survived by nieces and nephews: Joan (Duane) Peterson of Willmar, Minn., Lois (James) Patten of Cloquet, Minn., Willis (Sharon) Greeley of Hutchinson, Minn., Willard (Karen) Greeley of New London, Minn., and Alvin (Shirley) Bednar of St. Cloud, Minn.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, April 4, 2022, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Roscoe, Minn., for Peggy L. Schlangen, 74, who passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at CentraCare Ð Paynesville. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery. Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond. Members of Catholic United Financial and St. Agnes Christian Women will pray a rosary at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 3. Visitation will continue from 10 to 11:15 a.m. on Monday morning, April 4, at the St. Agnes Catholic Church. Peggy was born in Glencoe, Minn., to James and Emily (Fiala) Portele. She married LeRoy Schlangen on July 8, 1972, in St. George Catholic Church in Glencoe. Peggy worked many years on the family farm and later did various cleaning jobs. She loved working and living on the farm. Peggy was a member of St. Agnes Parish, Christian Women, and Catholic United Financial. Survivors include her husband, LeRoy; children, James, Jake (Lora) Rantana, and Lorie (Phil) Scalise; siblings, Russel (Pam) and Doug (Barb) Portele; grandchildren, Briana Theising, Jade Flugga, Dalton Flugga, Dominic Scalise, Kandel Rantann, Luke Rantann, and Marlie Schalangen. She was preceded in death by her parents. Arrangements are with Wenner Funeral Home, Richmond.
Robert "Bob" Kramlich, 86, of Paynesville, Minn., passed away on March 12, 2022, at MorningStar Senior Living at Ridgegate in Lone Tree, Colo., where he and Della had been residents since September 2020. Bob was born on the family homestead in rural Power River County near Broadus, Montana, on May 17, 1935, the ninth child of Fred and Freda Kramlich. The Kramlich family moved into Broadus when Bob started school and he graduated from Powder River High School in 1953. During high school Bob worked on numerous area ranches. After high school, he worked for the State of Montana Water Conservation Board as a surveyor. In 1960 he became employed by an electrical engineering firm based out of Billings, Mont., drafting and surveying power lines and substations. He met Della Hanson at a country dance in 1957 and they married on July 2, 1960, at Sacred Heart Church in Miles City, Mont. They danced through life together for the next 61 years. Bob became employed with the U.S. Forest Service in 1964 in Billings, Mont., as a civil engineering technician, a position he held for over 30 years. During this time, they took a transfer to the National Grasslands in western North Dakota, making Dickinson their home for over 47 years and raising five children Ð Darcy, Kerry, Shanna, Karen, and Michelle. He felt the lure of the nearby Badlands, spending a great deal of time hunting and roaming this beautiful land over the years. Upon retiring, Bob and Della enjoyed many travel adventures, and Bob spent countless hours at his workbench. His clocks, frames, trays, blanket chests, and unique wildlife boxes are treasured possessions of many family and friends. Bob and Della moved to Minnesota in 2012 to enjoy proximity once again to family and grandchildren. Bob is survived by his spouse of over 60 years, Della, and 4 children and spouses: Darcy & Larry DeWitt of Keller, Texas; Kerry and Colleen Kramlich of Littleton, Colo.; Shanna and Ken Jaeger of Lone Tree, Colo.; and Karen and Jeff Mogard of Paynesville, Minn.; as well as his brother, Bill, of Great Falls, Mont. His legacy of love lives on through his 16 cherished grandchildren, including several spouses and a great-grandson: Robert and Michael DeWitt, Sarah (Kevin) Greening, Evan (Cambria) Kramlich, Rachel (Nacho) Haley and baby Luca, Ryan (Lindsay) Kramlich, Jason, Landon, and Kelsey Kramlich; John, Naomi, and Christine Jaeger; Emma (Alex) Kunz, Rebecca (Charlie) Hopman, Anna, and Molly Mogard. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Michelle, and siblings: Mildred, Leota, Inez, Ramona, Leland, Alvin, and Margaret. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the many caregivers and staff of MorningStar Senior Living at Ridgegate as well as to the nurses and staff from Lumicare Hospice for the love and care they so graciously gave. A memorial service celebrating Bob's life will be held Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 2 p.m. at MorningStar Senior Living at Ridgegate, 10100 Commons St, Lone Tree, Colo. Memorials in Bob's name can be made to the charity of your choice or to the Casa Bernabe Orphanage in Nicaragua casabernabe.org.
Donna Mae Kalkbrenner, 84, of Spicer, passed away Thursday evening, March 17, at Vista Prairie at Copperleaf in Willmar. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 25, at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Spicer. Interment will be at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Kandiyohi. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church and will continue for one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com Donna Mae Kalkbrenner was born on Feb. 28, 1938, in Mountain Lake, Minn., the daughter of Raymond and Beulah (Smith) Starrett. She grew up in Buffalo Lake and graduated from Buffalo Lake High School in 1956. On Jan. 23, 1957, Donna was united in marriage to Donald A. Kalkbrenner at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. They lived and farmed in Union Grove Township prior to purchasing a farm in Harrison Township in 1959. Donna kept very busy as a farm wife and homemaker. She was a longtime member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and active in ladies circle. She was a current member of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church. Donna enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends. She is survived by her five children, Mark (and Diane) Kalkbrenner of Spicer, Julie Kalkbrenner (and Tom Van Tassel) of Willmar, Cheryl (and Dave) Hoffenkamp of Atwater, Scott (and Amy) Kalkbrenner of Spicer and John (and Tracey) Kalkbrenner of Atwater; fifteen grandchildren and twenty-seven great grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Douglas (and Sharon) Starrett of Hutchinson and Michael Starrett of California and one sister-in-law, Jane Starrett of Thornton, Colorado, besides other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald in 2009; one grandson, Lucas; one brother, Donald, one nephew, Tony and one sister-in-law, Gladys.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Patricia M. Liestman, 85, of Paynesville. Pat passed away Monday, March 21 at the CentraCare Hospital in St. Cloud. Reverend Glenn Krystosek will officiate. Burial will take place in the Ebenezer Cemetery near Paynesville. Funeral Mass will be live streamed. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, and after 10 a.m. Thursday, March 24, both at the St. Louis Catholic Church. A time of sharing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, and a rosary will be prayed at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, March 24, both inside the church. Pat was born March 11, 1937, in Cold Spring, Minn. to Chester and Grace (Ferrier) Fuecker. She married Arthur "Skinny" Liestman on June 16, 1956 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring. She worked as a caring CNA at the Paynesville Hospital for over 25 years. She was a member of St. Louis Christian Women, Paynesville American Legion Auxiliary and Belgrade VFW Auxiliary. She was an active member of St. Louis Catholic Church and volunteer at the ROSE center, having received the Ruth Aulick Award for her service. Pat enjoyed traveling, from driving to the west coast to going around the lake. She will be remembered for her baking, especially her monkey bread and cookies. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Pat is survived by her children Ann (Jeff) Miller of Paynesville, Kathy (Gary) Monnens of Pittsburgh, Kansas, Arlene (Scott Peterson) Liestman of Beaverton, Ore, Carol (Doug) Scheierl of Sauk Centre, Bob (Sabrina) Liestman of Paynesville, and Mary Kay (Dave) Schwardt of Evansville; 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren; brothers Fred (Nan), Rick (Cindy), and Robert Fuecker, and sister Carol (Ken) Skyora. Preceding Pat in death were her parents, husband Art, son Jim, and sister Jean Bie, brother Darrel "Bud" Fuecker. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to the ROSE Center.
Patricia K. Christenson, 67, of Paynesville, died Thursday, March 3, 2022, at the St. Cloud Hospital after a short battle with cancer. A public visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2022, at the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Memorial services will be private. www.hafh.org Patricia Katherine Christenson, The daughter of Victor and Katherine (Theis) Berg, was born on July 1, 1954, in Litchfield. She grew up in Eden Valley where she attended Eden Valley High School. She was united in marriage to Peter Rome. They made their home near Manannah and had one son, Curt. They were able to share in four years of marriage before his death on Sept. 3, 1974. On Nov. 25, 1988, Pat was united in marriage to Rodney Christenson in Sundance, Wyo. They had one son, Brent, and made their home in Eden Valley. They later moved to their home on Lake Koronis. Pat worked for Stearns Manufacturing, and Koronis Manor before beginning with the Manhattan Toy Company in 2002. Pat enjoyed staying busy, hunting, fishing, gardening, reading, puzzles, cooking and feeding, and watching the birds and deer. She will be remembered for her caring, loving, and patient nature. Pat died on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at the St. Cloud Hospital at the at of 67. She is survived by her husband, Rodney of 34 years; sons, Curt Rome of Manannah and Brent (Tessa) Christenson of Paynesville; grandchildren, Tucker Rome and Kylie Christenson; and sister, Jeanie Young. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Peter Rome; parents, Victor and Katherine; twin brother, Pete and sister, Gloria.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Lake Henry for Jeffrey James Dahl, 56, of Lake Henry who passed away on March 8, 2022. Reverend Glenn Kyrstosek and Reverend Eberhard Schefers will officiate. Burial will be at the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 16, at St. Margaret Catholic Church and will start with Rosary at 3 p.m., visitation will continue until 8 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Thursday, March 17. As a tribute to Jeff, the family requests that you wear jeans to the visitation and Mass of Christian Burial. Jeff was born to Elmer and Geraldine (Fuchs) Dahl on Sept. 9, 1965. He graduated from Paynesville High School in 1984 and began working in the construction industry, saving up money, with the dream of owning his own farm. Jeff married Jackie Lembeck on June 4, 1993, and they became a blended family of four with Shelly and Eric. Jeff and Jackie purchased their Lake Henry township farm in 1993, and their family continued to grow with the births of Samantha and Corey. Jeff enjoyed working in the construction industry and farming. Jeff was a member of the Lake Henry Fire and Rescue Department, serving as a Firefighter and First Responder. Jeff's 32 years of dedication to his fire family and community was greatly appreciated. Jeff was a member of St. Margaret Catholic Church and could often be spotted at the Saturday evening Mass. He had a strong Catholic faith and a powerful desire to help others. He shared a great love for his family and was so proud of them. He enjoyed camping, horseback riding, riding side by side ATV, hunting, trap shooting, playing cards and fishing with his family, grandchildren, and friends. He loved to talk to others and always had time to listen. Jeff was blessed with a large circle of friends. Jeff is survived by his wife Jackie, his family Shelly and Chris Hess, Spicer, Eric Schoenberg and Leann Misquez, Tijeras, New Mexico, Samantha Dahl, Clearwater, Corey Dahl and Taylor Binsfeld, New London, grandchildren Devin Schwandt, Morgan Schwandt, and Lauren Hess. He is also survived by his siblings John and Kim Dahl, Spicer, JoAnn and Dennis Spaulding, Paynesville, Jerome Dahl, Sauk Rapids, Jack and Peggy Dahl, Paynesville, Paul and Connie Hess, Paynesville, sister in laws Karen Dahl, St. James, Margaret Dahl, Delano, aunts Bernie Roeser (Godmother) and Irene and James Jaeger (Uncle & Godfather), Godchild Kayla Dahl; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Jeff passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at St. Cloud Hospital Intensive Care Unit from injuries he sustained in an accident. Jeff then gave the ultimate gift of life through organ donation, giving others a second chance at life. Jeff was preceded in death by his co-parents Elmer and Geraldine Dahl, Raymond and Dorothy Hess, grandparents Alphonse and Sarah Fuchs, Salem and Agnes Dahl,; siblings infant brother, Mary, Jacob, Joseph, Jason and James, great nephew Aiden Winch, parents in law Allen and Dorothy Lembeck and other extended family. Care entrusted to Daniel Anderson Funeral Home, Paynesville. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Lake Henry Fire and Rescue Department, St. Margaret Catholic Church, or Paynesville Community Service Center. The family of Jeff Dahl would like to thank Koronis Builders II, Stearns County Sherriff Department, Paynesville Fire Department, CentraCare Paynesville Ambulance, Life Link, St. Cloud Hospital and Life Source for the excellent care Jeff received. Also, thank you to all the family, friends and neighbors who have helped at the farm with chores, brought food, and lifted the family up in prayer. They are forever grateful for all the love and support.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Roscoe, Minn. for Charles "Charlie" Mackedanz, 82, who died on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery. A visitation was held on Friday, March 4, at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond. Charlie was born on Jan. 15, 1940, in Eden Lake Township to Leo and Gertrude (Hemmesch) Mackedanz. He married Jeanette Weber on Sep. 15, 1959, in St. Agnes Catholic Church in Roscoe. Charlie served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1958 to 1963 as PFC E-3. He worked at Cold Spring Granite for 42 years and Nathe's Marine and Sports Center for 20 years. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, playing cards, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Charlie was an avid sports fan, especially watching the Roscoe Rangers and all the professional sports teams in Minnesota. Charlie was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, St. Joseph's Society of Roscoe, Paynesville American Legion Post #271, Ducks Unlimited and Turkey Federation, Tri-County River Bottom Bucks, and the Paynesville Sportsman's Club. He is survived by his wife Jeanie; children, Rick (Sandy) Dale (Donna), and Brian (Lori); siblings, Ione Fuchs, Dorothy Leyendecker, Delores Schwagel, Jan Mehr, Ferdie Mackedanz, and Joyce Holtaus; 9 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Wilbert, Daniel, and Irene Albrecht; in-laws, MaryAnn Mackedanz, Orlin Albrecht, Melvin Fuchs, and Art Schwegel; grandson-in-law, Carl Thelen; and great-grandson, Parker Thelen. Services were with the Wenner Funeral Home, Richmond, Minn.
Rodger E. Puhrmann, 79, of Paynesville died Monday Feb. 28, 2022, at his home in rural Paynesville. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, from 4-7 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Rodger Earl Puhrmann was born on Jan. 23, 1943, in Hartley, Iowa, the son of Earl and Rosalyn (Mahler) Puhrmann. He grew up in Iowa and Minnesota, and he graduated from Larrabee High School in Larrabee, Iowa, with the Class of 1961. In 1963 Rodger entered the United States Air Force. He served his country until 1967 when he earned his honorable discharge. Rodger then purchased a farm near Manannah, Minn., where he farmed for 27 years. In 1974, Rodger was united in marriage to Marlene Daniels. To this union a son and two daughters were born. The family made their home on his farm. Rodger and Marlene were later divorced. In 1994 Rodger met Diana Fiecke. They fell in love and purchased a farm near Paynesville in 1997. They remained partners until her death on Sept. 21, 2018. Rodger loved his farm animals. He also enjoyed hunting especially pigeon hunting, and going to auctions. Rodger is survived by his son, Greg (Kelly) of Winthrop; two daughters; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister Beverly (Ed Sheldon) Stenger of Cold Spring; and nieces, Beth, Staci, and Lonna. Rodger was preceded in death by his parents and by his partner Diana.
Leland Danielson, 91, of Litchfield, Minn., passed away on Friday, March 4, 2022, at Bethany Memory Care in Litchfield. A private Celebration of Life and interment will be held at a later date in the Manannah Union Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson.Online obituary and guest book available at www.hantge.com. Leland Danielson was born on Oct. 4, 1930, in Litchfield, Minn., to Lars and Lillian (Nelson) Danielson. He graduated from Litchfield High School in 1948. Leland furthered his education at Vocational Technical State School of Science in Wahpeton, N.D., and Kellogg Telephone Equipment School in Chicago, Ill. Leland served in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1955 as an Aviation Structural Mechanic Second Class. On June 25, 1960, Leland was united in marriage to Elaine Sommerfeld at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Litchfield. This marriage was blessed with four children: Larry, Bryan, Lori, and Brenda. In April 1962, Leland and Elaine purchased a farm in rural Grove City, Minn., where they raised their family on their dairy farm. They shared 56 years of marriage before the passing of Elaine in 2017. Leland enjoyed many hobbies: leather work, wood carving, rug making, meat processing/smoking and trying new things, especially family adventures. Many special memories were made with the family in Mexico, the Boundary Waters ,and Alaska. He treasured watching his family and encouraged everyone to enjoy life. Leland is survived by his: children, Larry Danielson of Paynesville, Minn., Bryan (Deborah) Danielson of Eden Prairie, Minn., and Lori (Alan) May of Hartford, S.D.; son-in-law, John (Ellen) Glatzmaier of Minneapolis, Minn.; grandchildren, Joseph Danielson, Elayna Danielson, and Pearl Alexander; great-grandchildren, Lorianna Alexander, and Michael Alexander; step-grandchildren, Colin (Jackie) May and Stephanie (Reuben) Viles; step-great-grandchildren, Jace May, Brooklyn May, Thomas Viles, and Emmeline Viles; and many other relatives and friends. Leland is preceded in death by his parents, Lars and Lillian Danielson; wife, Elaine Danielson; daughter, Brenda Glatzmaier; parents-in-law, Allen and Frieda Sommerfeld; and brother-in-law, Robert Sommerfeld.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at the St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Juanita J. Moser, 91, of Paynesville, who passed away on Sunday, March 6, at her home at Washburne Court in Paynesville. Reverend Glenn Krystosek will officiate. Entombment will be in the St. Louis Parish Cemetery Mausoleum in Paynesville. Visitation will be held from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Juanita was born on Sept. 11, 1930, to Lloyd and Alda (Block) Lang in Paynesville, Minn. She grew up in Paynesville and attended school through eighth grade at the Brown Country School in Paynesville and later graduated from Paynesville High SchoolÉthe first in her family. She married Edmund M. Moser on Nov. 23, 1953, at the St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. First and foremost, Juanita was a farmer and faithfully tended to her chores everyday. Juanita also worked at the Paynesville Hospital and Mother Lucille's Assisted Living in Richmond as a nurse's aide. Juanita also enjoyed giving of her time and talents by volunteering as a driver for Tri-Cap and the R.O.S.E. Center. She was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, where she lived her faith with a rosary nearby and through her voice in the church choir. Juanita was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was her passion. She prized her children and grandchildren, attending their school events, athletic events, concerts and graduations. They could always find a place at her home, filling up on her wonderful cooking, watching movies, especially John Wayne, and listening to the wisdom of a person steeped in faith, nature, traditions, and the land. It was the nature and land that inspired her to paint. Her landscapes, many of them scenes from the farm, are rich in color and detail. She also enjoyed traveling, reading, and telling stories. She is survived by her children, Joanne (John) Lahr of Sauk Centre, Lynnette (Mark) Casey of Phoenix, Ariz., Sheryl (Ron) Fuchs of Paynesville, Tim (Michele) of Paynesville, and Patrick (Lee) of Paynesville; 26 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren, with two on the way; daughters-in-law, Laurie Moser of Minneapolis and Roxy Zachman of Paynesville; brother, Roger (Donna) Lang of Eden Valley; sister, Geraldine Bogatzki of Bertha; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Juanita was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edmund; sons, Martin and Joseph; and six siblings. A special thank you to the staff of Washburne Court, Centra Care Hospice and the Rose Center for their loving and compassionate care of Juanita.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Spencer G. Kohnen, 20, of Paynesville who passed away on Sunday, March 6. Reverend Glenn Krystosek will officiate. Burial will take place at St. Agnes Parish Cemetery in Roscoe. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 11, at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. Spencer was born to Tina Kohnen and Robert Kohnen on July 31, 2001. He was welcomed home by his two sisters Sarena and Sierra. The three siblings were thick as thieves. Many memories including tickle fights, the dive off the couch to announce it was time for WWE wrestling in the living room, racing on bicycles and mini four-wheelers. He enjoyed swimming, camping, and truck pulls. There were many family adventures going to Arizona, South Dakota, and numerous places in Minnesota. These adventures included many hours of playing bean bag toss and polish golf. To Spencer's enjoyment and his mother's horror, one campground had go carts, which Spencer managed to flip completely in the air and land on the wheels, while smiling the whole time; nothing scared him.ÊHe also enjoyed many fishing trips with his sisters and family. Spencer finished high school on his mom's birthday in 2020. He loved video gaming online with his friends and cousins. There are wonderful memories of him laughing and yelling to his gaming buddies. (We can't repeat what he was yelling, if you know what we mean.) Spencer enjoyed working for his dad's business Kohnen's Heating and A/C. He was mechanically inclined and on the way to taking over his dad's business. Spencer loved driving his 2004 Chevy Duramax truck. He spent many hours snowplowing with his truck and took over many of his dad's accounts. He had a lot of fun in his truck including stepping on it when leaving his sisters at Christmas to announce his departure with the revving of the diesel engine and the black smoke to follow, or drifting into his mom's mailbox to add a little character. Spencer was an amazing, much-loved son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend. He is survived by his mom Tina Kohnen; his dad Robert (Laurie) Kohnen; sister Sarena (Landon) Bemboom, nephew Brixx Bemboom; sister Sierra (Dustin) Leukam; and baby Leukam.Ê Spencer passed away peacefully at the Mayo Clinic, St. Mary's campus, knowing he was surrounded by his family. Spencer was a kind, loving, quiet soul who would put his coat on his grandma when she was chilly or offer to help his cousin change her son's diaper. He never thought twice about giving out a helping hand.Ê His kind quiet presence will be missed by us all. Preceding Spencer in death were his grandparents Michael and Yvonne Merten and Gerald and Alicia Kohnen; aunt Karen Fleischhacker; uncles James Kohnen, James Novacek, and Joseph Fleischhacker; and cousin Brenda Kohnen.
Elizabeth Lingl, 43, of Paynesville passed away on Saturday, Jan. 8, to her eternal resting place. A celebration of life was held at Grace United Methodist Church on Saturday, Feb. 26, at 2 p.m. Her visitation began at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the church. Liz is survived by her daughter Nicole Lingl; her parents Brad and Paula Lingl; brothers and sister Joseph Lingl, Ben (Renee) Lingl, and Emily Peterson (Josh Kampsen); and many nieces and nephews. Liz was preceded in death by her sister Jessica Lingl and by her grandparents. In honor of her memory, she would ask that you do something kind for a friend or someone in need. Liz will be laid to rest beside her sister Jessica at the Paynesville Cemetery in the spring when flowers are in bloom. The family wants to thank all their extended family, friends, and caregivers for all the support and care they have provided.
Earl Alvin Grave, 96, of Paynesville, Minn., died peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, at his winter home in Mission, Texas.Ê Earl was born Nov. 18, 1925, in Grace Township, Minn., to Chester and Helen Grave. Earl grew up on a farm in Wayzata, Minn., and was a primary helper with farming, animals, and trapping. He was an avid storyteller about his experiences of his life on the farm. Serving in the Marine Corps beginning at age 18 and fighting in WWII from 1944 to 1946, specifically on Iwo Jima, he neverÊtalked about his experiences until late in life. Telling his story brought back many tough memories of losing close friends during the fighting across Iwo Jima. It was during this time that Earl's strong faith got stronger. He told himself that if he made it out alive, he'd be a humble servant, which he put into practice the rest of his days. Earl married Pearl Lorentzen on Oct. 7, 1950, in a double ceremony with Earl's brother, Dale, and Pearl's cousin, Marian.ÊLater, Earl and Pearl adopted Paul and Carol, and Earl has said many times, "this was the best thing Pearl and I ever did." Earl trained as a plumber and worked for many companies over the years. He often talked ofÊthe work that he did on the University of Minnesota Health Sciences Buildings in the 1970s.ÊÊHe also built all his own homes, as well as remodeled many. Earl and Pearl built a home on his childhood farm property in Wayzata, Minn., where they raised their two children, Paul and Carol. In 1964, Earl's father-in-law, Arthur Lorentzen, offered a Lake Koronis lot to him. Earl built his cabin in 1964 and his brother-in-law, Harold Lorentzen, built on the next lot in 1965.ÊOther family members owned places on the lake, and many fun times were had every summer.Ê Earl and Pearl retired at age 62 and built an addition to their cabin to make it a year-round home.ÊÊ Earl was a craftsman and built many things over the years, including a pontoon boat with a diving deck. It was a one of a kind and for many years could be seen anchored on the lake with family swimming, diving, and jumping off of the diving deck.Ê Earl was an avid hunter and fisherman. Often his hunting trips included his son, brothers, and nephews, and these experiences provided endless topics for his storytelling.Ê Earl was also an avid golfer. He golfed in three leagues at Koronis Hills into his 90s.Ê A storyteller extraordinaire, Earl had an endless supply of true stories that he would happily share around the kitchen table, the bonfire at the lake, at bedtime, or anywhere there was a willing listener. Earl livedÊhis priorities throughout his life: God, family, and country.Ê He was active for many years at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wayzata, Minn., and later at Nordland Lutheran Church in rural Paynesville, Minn. He loved his family and would do anything for them. He loved his country, giving his best as a Marine in WorldÊWar II, staying updated on all politicalÊissues and proudly flying the flag in front of his home.Ê Earl is survived by his loving wife, Pearl, of 71 years; children, Paul Grave of Eden Valley, Minn., and Carol (Mark) Lorentz of White Bear Lake; grandchildren, Andrew (Holly) Grave of Crystal and Christine Lorentz of White Bear Lake; great-grandchildren, Asher, Micah, and Caleb Grave of Crystal, Minn.; sister-in-law Barb Grave; brother-in-law Ronald (Patricia) Lorentzen; sister-in-law Muriel Lorentzen; numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.Ê He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dale Grave and Glenn Grave; sister, Evelyn Andrews; sister-in-law, Marian Grave; brother-in-law, Harold Lorentzen; sisters-in-law and husbands Verna (Fred) Storest and Violet (Richard) Larson. To say that Earl was an inspiration to family and friends would be an understatement.Ê He will be missed by those of us lucky enough to have known him, and will missed greatly. Arrangements are made with Dignity Memorial, Del Angel of Mission, Texas. A Texas memorial service was at Golf View Estates in Mission, Texas, on Saturday, Feb. 26. A celebration of life ceremony in Minnesota will take place at a later date, to be determined later.
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