October 2026
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
October 2026
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
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Kathryn Chesness, 88, Paynesville
Kathryn E. Chesness, 88, of Paynesville died on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at the Paynesville Care Center. Her memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, at Nordland Lutheran Church in rural Paynesville. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Arrangements are with the Harvey Anderson and Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Kathryn "Kathy" Elaine Chesness was born Aug. 3, 1938, and passed peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the age of 88. A dedicated educator, traveler, and volunteer, Kathy lived an incredible life marked by service and care for others. Kathy was born on the family farm in rural Paynesville, to Carl and Esther (Christianson) Chesness. She was baptized, confirmed, and was a lifelong member of Nordland Lutheran Church, rural Paynesville. She graduated from Paynesville High School with the Class of 1956 and attended the University of Arizona, graduating in 1961, with a degree in home economics. She remained very active in the alumni council and Birthday Club with the lifelong friends she made there. She went on to teach home economics in Marana, Ariz., for two years, and then five years in Patagonia, Ariz. She was proud to be a "Goldwater Girl" actively supporting Sen. Barry Goldwater (R-Arizona). She then went on to work for the Department of Defense in Mannheim, Germany, teaching home economics at the Coleman Army Airfield Barracks military base for three years. She spent much of her free time exploring and traveling around the world. After her time in Germany, she returned to Tucson, Ariz., to care for her aunts. Eventually she moved back to Paynesville, Minn., while keeping a place in Green Valley, Ariz. She stayed at the family farm, taking care of her parents, and brothers Chuck, Bob and family, after Bob's wife Mary passed. She was a true caregiver. She loved any and all crafts: weaving, quilting, calligraphy, and rosemaling to name a few. Her home was filled with plans of projects she wanted to do. She was a gifted hostess, and we will all miss her Christmas cookies! Kathy was very generous and always volunteering for a worthy cause, usually having to do with Nordland Lutheran Church as well as Paynesville Historical Society's museum. Kathy is survived by her brother, Jim of Champlin; nieces and nephews: Paula (Rick) Gunderson of Spring Lake, David (Kathleen) of Grand Rapids, Richard of Grand Rapids, Terry (Guy) St. Martin of Brooklyn Park, Thomas (Jessica) of Ramsey, and Curtis (Cyndie) of Cambridge; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and a whole lot of loving friends. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Robert and Charles; sisters-in-law Mary (Reamer), Gayle (Reading), and Toma (Teaney); a niece, Cindy Woods; and a great-niece, Hannah St. Martin.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville for Clarice C. Albrecht, 93, of Paynesville, who passed away on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at the Paynesville Care Center. Pastor Andy Petter will officiate. Burial will be in Zion Cemetery, rural Paynesville. Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville and one hour prior to services on Thursday at the church. Clarice was born on July 29, 1933 in Waltham, Minn., to Bert and Cora "Loraine" (Wadman) Anderson. She was united in marriage to Ermin E. Albrecht on April 4, 1953. She was a hard worker all her life, in and outside of the home. Clarice was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary in Paynesville. She enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, baking, and anything on the farm. She loved family gatherings of all kinds and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family was always of utmost importance to her. She is survived by her children, Pam Novotny of Browerville, Peggy (Todd) Jensen of Alexandria, Ann (Lonn) Peterson of Richmond, Steve (Janine) of St. Paul, and Judy Puhl of Delano; ten grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. Clarice was preceded in death by her husband, Ermin; son, Gay; granddaughter, Tonya Schwandt; sons-in-law, Jerry Bowers and Ronnie Novotny; her parents; and all her siblings.
Words by Dean: Dean took his first breath on May 21, 1950, in his parents' hometown of Staples, Minn. He was brought home to his two adoring older sisters Linda and Kay, as well as a complete set of grandparents on each side of the tracks. The family grew to include brother Bob the next year and a younger sister Barbie four years later. Shortly after that, they moved to Litchfield, Minn., and sister Chrissy showed up in 1964. We all grew up in a typical small town of the 1960s. Never locking a door, keys left in the car, the milkman came into the house and put the milk in the refrigerator, school activities, church on Sunday, and holidays at one of the grandparent's house. In his younger days, Dean was what one might call mischievous, some might call a rascal, and some might call a very troubled young lad. From his perspective, however, it seemed only right to have as much fun as possible without much consideration as to whether or not it was legal or appropriate. Let the record show that Dean and his teenage friends had a great deal of fun while often making very poor decisions. Dean began in the hardware retail business in 1973 and had two stores during his career with the Coast to Coast Hardware franchise. He enjoyed meeting and helping people over the years, many who became lifelong friends. Dean said he worked every day that ended in "Y," 70-hour weeks were not unusual, and he loved it all. Working with employees, being part of a community, the challenges of running a business, and helping people brought him much satisfaction. Dean served as a charter member and president of Paynesville Area Dollars for Scholars for 20 years, was elected to the Paynesville School Board for ten years, and two terms as treasurer for Paynesville Lutheran Church. Dean and Bev met in 1996, and Bev quickly realized she had found a guy who cleaned the house, did laundry, took care of the outside work, and could fix anything. She proposed, and they were married in 2000, blending a family of Bev's two daughters, Amy and Kerry Strand, and Dean's daughter, Sami Tierney. Dean loved the outdoors. He enjoyed golf, hunting of all kinds, fishing both summer and winter, and outdoor grilling. Soon after retiring in 1999, Dean and Bev purchased a winter home in Arizona and usually began "The Great Migration" in October, returning to Paynesville in May. Dean had the very good fortune of retiring at an early age from his hardware career. Not being one to sit around, his favorite retirement pastime turned out to be groundskeeping, which he was able to do in the summers when they were home. He worked summers at Bugbee Hive Resort on Lake Koronis for seven years and then 14 years for the 55-plus Alldon Park Town Home complex, where he and Bev resided. Another accomplishment he really enjoyed was the challenge of successfully receiving a U.S. Patent for a construction framing device that he invented. Dean was the king of the organizers. Everything had a place and should be put back there when you are done with it. His family will quickly find an appreciation for this talent upon his passing when they have a need for his meticulously-organized, four-drawer filing cabinet. Dean was also a very competent home handyman. He basically mastered all of the vocational trades, with the exception of welding. Like many people his age, by trial and error, he managed to accomplish the very basic of fundamentals regarding technology. On his MacBook, commonly referred to as his machine, he was able to navigate most of the apps he had any interest in. Also, let it be known, he never ever sent anyone a photo of what he was having for dinner. Dean also enjoyed the irony of all these technological marvels needing the support of his Rolodex full of passwords and user names. Moving on to some of Dean's favorite foods: hotdogs, strawberry shortcake, popcorn, Hershey's chocolate, Lays potato chips (when they were on sale), apple pie, mac and cheese, Coke Zero, Coors Light, and of course the bacon cheeseburger. Dislikes included anything green or red. By now some of you may have made a connection between his favorite foods and his blocked arteries. Another passion of Dean's was his John Deere Gator, Harley Davidson, JD tractor with front bucket and rear back hoe, a 1957 Chevy, Lund fishing boat with a 150 Merc, an Air Stream trailer, a Red Ford F150, a Wire Feed welder, his collection of vintage restored slot machines, and a giant cinnamon roll - all of which he kept in his imaginary steel building with a concrete floor. After the ripe old age of 60, Dean began to experience some health distractions resulting in many trips to the Mayo Clinic. We became well acquainted with the departments of orthopedics, cardiology, radiology, vascular, spine center, otorhinolaryngology, pulmonology, and surgery. In the next 15 years, he experienced 11 major surgeries, not including the multiple surgeries on his hand, but these were only allowed to be distractions. He made sure his family was well aware that all of the titanium parts in his body acquired from the various surgeries would have significant scrap value upon his passing. On July 26, 2025, Dean woke up, unable to hear, and was eventually diagnosed with a disease called cochlear hydrops. He then began the unimaginable journey of the severely hearing impaired. He was very private about his health, never seeking any kind of acknowledgement, and poor Bev was probably the only one who ever heard him complain. He knew how blessed he was every day the sun broke through the bedroom window. Dean's philosophy was they would have plenty of time to sit in the front room when they got old. With that in mind, they were constantly on the move. If you go somewhere, come back by a different route. Whether it was for the afternoon, the weekend, or required airline tickets, they never hesitated to go exploring. Dean was never afraid to make a left-hand turn and made every effort to stay off the freeway. It was always backroads and unknown destinations that made their travels so fascinating. A picnic lunch in a cemetery, fairs, festivals, rodeos, local events, attractions, movies, art expos, sporting events, theater, shopping in towns they had never heard of, and meeting people with great stories to tell. They once pulled into a town only to learn what a "Steam Punk Festival" was. Another outing brought them to the "Festival of the Winding Staircase." They once came upon an Amish horse and buggy pulling a boat and trailer. How's that for back roads? Exploring and discovering was a big part of Dean and Bev's lives. Quilt shops...you have no idea how many quilt shops are in this country! Dean happily went along, saying it was a great place to meet chicks. His benchmark was to never spend more than one day a week at home and that should be laundry day. Dean was the "forever optimist" with his glass always being way more than half full. He never wasted any time worrying about anything he had no control over and had a perpetual sense of humor, which could find something funny in just about anything, including an obituary. He always knew how lucky he was to have Bev in his life, and together they made the most of every day. They exchanged month-iversary cards on the first day of every month since the day they met. Their life together was truly a love story. He felt privileged to be a dad and was very proud of the paths his children had chosen to follow and dearly loved them. There was never a shortage of proud Dad moments. He was also blessed to experience the joy of being called grandpa by Connor, Evan, and Everleigh. He was preceded in passing by his grandparents, parents, sister- and brother-in-law Don and Barb Snegosky, and niece Rebecca Hanson. He is survived by...yada yada yada...As you gather here today, Dean is spending time catching up with his sister Barbie, whom he dearly missed. Dean always said everyone has a story to tell... this is his story. P.S. I bequeath all of my socks to my brother P.S. To Sami, God bless the moon and God bless buddies P.S. To my family, hope this makes you smile on a tough day. God speed and R.I.P. Dean Dean's service was held on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Paynesville Lutheran Church; it was livestreamed, and the recording can be found on the Paynesville Lutheran Church YouTube page.
Mass of Chrisitan Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, at Assumption Catholic Church in Eden Valley for Frank P. Meyer, who passed away at Cura of Watkins on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. Father Glenn Krystosek officiated, and burial took place at Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Eden Valley. Visitation was held on Wednesday night, Oct. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. and one hour prior, all at the church. Frank was born on Dec. 3, 1936, in Forest City Township to Paul and Alvina (Huckenpoehler) Meyer. He married Doris Fink on June 24, 1959 at Assumption Catholic Church in Eden Valley. He was a member of Assumption Church and also a member of the Knights of Columbus. As a lifelong farmer, he understood the value of hard work and patience, tending to his crops and livestock with the same steady hands and gentle heart that he offered to everyone he met. Beyond the fields, Frank knew how to find true joy in the simple things. He loved nothing more than gathering around the table for a lively game of cards with friends. His life was filled with easy laughter and quick smiles. He spent countless happy hours peddling his bike with his wife Doris, enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of the countryside. Above all, Frank was defined by his extraordinary kindness and compassion. His greatest treasure was his family. As a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was endlessly proud and supportive of them. The lessons of love, strength, and integrity he taught them will live on for generations. He is survived by his wife Doris of Paynesville; children, Gary (Anne) of Paynesville, Julie (John) Arnold of Eden Valley, Lori (Rick) Verst of Oxford, Ohio, Mike (Bonnie) of Paynesville, and Ken (Jacinda) of Big Lake; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; siblings, Edie Fink of Cold Spring, Mary Jane (Vic) Geislinger of Watkins, and Jerome (Jeanne) of Eden Valley; sister-in-law, Kathy of Forest Lake; and many nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; great-granddaughter Isabel; sisters, Arlene (Francis) Bauer and Ruth Ann Fischer; brother, LeRoy Meyer; and brother-in-law, Joe Fink. Obituary, guest book, and video tribute available online: www.williamsdingmann.com.
Michael Elmhorst Jr., 58, of Paynesville, died on Thursday, Oct. 15, at the CentraCare Hospital in Paynes-ville. His celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, at Community Christian School in Willmar. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. A time of sharing will begin at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the school on Friday, Oct. 23. Private burial will be held at Salem Cemetery in Paynesville. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to African Inland Mission. Please include a note to the finance office stating, "Elmhorst Memorial." Michael Elmhorst Jr. was born July 8, 1968, to Michael Sr. and Evangeline (Heitke) Elmhorst in Neillsville, Wis. He graduated from Neillsville High School in 1987, where he excelled academically and in football, basketball, and track, developing a lifelong love of sports. Following high school, Michael attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls for one year before transferring to Crown College, where he played football. He graduated in 1993 with a degree in education and a Bible degree. He believed in Jesus as his Lord and Savior from a young age. Later in life, Michael continued his education at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, earning a master's degree in educational leadership in 2018. It was while attending Crown College that Michael met the love of his life, Cara Baker. On Aug. 1, 1992, Michael married Cara Baker in Houston, Texas. Together, they were blessed with three children: Mike, Mackenzie, and Caleb. After college, Michael briefly taught at a school in Texas before moving to Paynesville, Minn., where they made their home and raised their family. Michael worked for Butch Mueller Woodworking and substitute taught at Paynesville schools, where he also coached football for many years. In 1999, he began teaching at Community Christian School in Willmar, where he found his true calling. Michael primarily taught history throughout his years at Community Christian School, sharing his passion for the subject with generations of students. He also taught agriculture, woodworking, English, and Bible. He also served as athletic director for 10 years while continuing to teach. His dedication to the school extended beyond the classroom, as he coached basketball, track, and trap shooting and drove bus for students. Michael took great pride in the relationships he built with students and staff throughout his years at the school, leaving a lasting impact on many lives. Michael's days often began at 4 a.m., as he headed out to milk cows before going to teach. Farming was an important part of his life. His commitment to both education and farming reflected his strong work ethic and dedication to the things he loved. For the past 25 years, Michael served on the Lake Henry Fire and Rescue Team, where he also held the position of secretary. He took great pride in serving his community and being there for others when they needed him. Michael was a member of Willmar Bible Church, where he served on the board for many years. His relationship with his Lord and Savior guided the way he served his family, students, and community. In his free time, Michael enjoyed cheering on the Green Bay Packers, hunting, fishing, woodworking, and traveling. Above all, his family meant everything to him. He was especially proud of his two grandchildren, Finnegan and Eleanora, who were born just over a year ago and brought him tremendous joy. Michael is survived by his wife, Cara; children, Mike Elmhorst III, Mackenzie (Samuel) Anderson, and Caleb (Kaitlynn) Elmhorst; grandchildren, Finnegan Anderson and Eleanora Elmhorst; father, Michael Elmhorst Sr.; siblings, Steve (Jill) Elmhorst, Shelly (Matt) Wilks, Sharon (Ryan) Hinson, Maretta (Raymond) Velyan, Sandy (Davy) Buskol, and Seth (Rachel) Elmhorst; aunt, Gerry Heitke; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his mother, Evangeline. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson and Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville.
Janette Ann (Ridler) Torborg, 89, of Tonganoxie, Kan., formerly of Paynesville, Minn., Roseville, Minn., New Brighton, Minn., Colorado Springs, Colo., Shoreview, Minn., Burlington, Kan., and Perry, Kan., passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, at Vintage Park/Homestead of Tonganoxie, Kan. Janette was born Sept. 14, 1937, in Osakis, Minn., the daughter of Joseph and Louise (Housen) Ridler. She was a 1955 graduate of Paynesville High School in Paynesville, Minn. A homemaker and mother, Janette also worked as a bookkeeper for many years while living in Colorado Springs and Shoreview before retiring. She was a current member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tonganoxie, Kan. Janette married Robert "Bob" Bernard Torborg on Jan.19, 1957, in Paynesville, Minn. He preceded her in death on Sept. 10, 2023. Survivors include a son, Michael (Kim) Torborg of Clarksville, Tenn.; two daughters, Carey (Scott) Henry of Oskaloosa, Kan., and Mary Jo Brunhaver of Gilbert, Ariz.; two sisters, Mary Beth Hyland of St. Bonifacius, Minn., and Kathy (Jim) Vigliaturo, Kansas City, Mo.; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Daniel Ridler; and a son-in-law, Steve Brunhaver. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Tonganoxie, Kan. The rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday before Mass at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Sacred Heart Church Building Fund. Barnett Family Funeral Home of Oskaloosa, Kan., is assisting the family.
Sean Arthur Meagher, 57, of Medina, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. He was surrounded by his wife and three daughters. Sean was born April 5, 1969, to Arthur and Ethel (Kuebelbeck) Meagher, in Avon, Minn. He grew up in Paynesville, Minn., as the 13th of 15 children and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1987. Sean then studied at Hutchinson Technical College and performed non-destructive testing at nuclear power plants in the U.S. and abroad. An avid learner, he subsequently earned a degree from St. Cloud State University and worked in computer information systems before pursuing his true calling in law enforcement. Sean proudly served for 26 years with the Minnesota State Patrol, retiring as a Major in April 2024. During his career, he also earned a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and served as an Intelligence Officer in the United States Navy Reserve. Beyond his career, Sean found his greatest joy in his family. He met his wife, Angela, while attending St. Cloud State University in 1992. They married in 1995 and welcomed their daughters Meg in 2000, Kate in 2003, and Elizabeth in 2007. Sean and his family cherished their years living near relatives in Paynesville and on the lake in Brainerd before settling in Medina in 2016. He treasured time with his family, especially watching movies, going on walks, and traveling together. He is survived by loving wife, Angela; daughters, Meg, Kate, and Elizabeth; siblings, Elaine Miller, Jane (Steve) Frieler, Jacklyn (John) Braun, Michael (Debbie) Meagher, Kelly (Andy) Mueller, Patrick (Lorie) Meagher, Mary (Elmer, Jr) Stommes, Shannon (Ron) Kuhl, Erin (Lanni) Meagher, Kerry (Ron) Jude, Margaret Meagher, Susan (Mike) Bougie, Peter Meagher, and Cory (Tammy) Meagher; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by parents, Arthur and Ethel Meagher, brother-in-law Larry Miller, sister-in-law Christine Meagher, and nephew Jacob Meagher. Visitation will take place on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m. at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37th Ave. N, and Friday at 10 a.m. preceding Mass at the church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, 11 a.m. at The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, 155 Cty. Rd. 24, Medina, with luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to American Cancer Society Hope Lodge (https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=hopelodgeprogramdonate).
A celebration of life for Carol Mary (Bagley) Hedtke Jones, 82, of Regal, Minn., will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at the Green Roof Area Center in Paynesville, Minn., located near Kwik Trip. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate Carol's life. Carol was born on July 14, 1944, in Paynesville, Minn., to Lawrence and Margaret (Farnsworth) Bagley. She married Robert Hedtke in Regal in 1961. Later that year, Carol and Robert moved to Lake Placid, Fla., where they lived until 1966. They then returned to Regal for several years to be closer to family. Carol was a homemaker until 1978, when she moved her family back to Florida, where she remained to raise her children. While living in Florida, Carol worked at the orange packing house and cleaned houses for many years. She later divorced Robert. Carol remained in Lake Placid and enjoyed watching her family grow, especially as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren became part of her life. She was also a member of the Catholic Church. Carol met Larry in 1988, and in 1997, they moved back to Regal to care for her parents. Carol began working as a CNA at Paynesville Health Care, and she and Larry were married in 1999. Carol retired in 2008 and enjoyed a wonderful life on the Bagley family farm, which had been in the family for more than 100 years. Carol enjoyed many things throughout her life, including gardening, planting flowers, fishing, raising chickens, the winter season's first snowfall, and especially Christmas. She treasured her time with family and the many memories they created together. Carol entered Glen Oaks Nursing Home in March 2026, where she remained until her peaceful passing on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. Her children, grandchildren, and family were by her side at the end of her life. Carol passed away at 1:50 a.m., receiving her angel wings and going home. Carol is survived by her husband, Larry of Regal; her daughters, Kathy (Ed) Mullen of Goshen, Va., and Kristal (Carlos) Russell of Regal; her sons, John (Denise) Hedtke of Regal and Jason (Angela) Hedtke of Indianapolis, Ind.; her grandchildren, Elijah Hedtke, Jason Hedtke Jr., Shelby Hicks, Ebony Hicks, Carlos Russell Jr., Acacia Russell, Carsyieona Russell, Cody Hedtke, Courtney Graber, Leven Russell, Ty-niyah Flowers, Erin Kleve, Jacob, Tia, and Luke Stafford, Keiiontay Brown, Moniq Hedtke, Strickher, Jesse, and Skylar Hedtke, Clarence (Julie) Mullens Jr., Melissa (David) Krene, Lisa (Jeff) Hamilton, Chrissy (Michael) Knaggs, and William (Laura) Bauer; along with 39 great-grandchildren; and 38 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Margaret Bagley; her sister, Pauline Bower; her former husband, Robert Hedtke; and three grandchildren, Eric Hedtke, Alexus Hicks, and Faith Russell.
Steven M. McCloud, 70, of Paynesville died on Sunday, Sept. 20, at his home. A visitation, sharing of stories, and social hour will be held at Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville on Friday, Oct. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. Steven Michael McCloud was born Jan. 5, 1956, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Judith (Oxley) Christensen and Robert McCloud Sr. At the age of five, he moved to Paynesville, where he would make his home for the rest of his life. He graduated from Paynesville High School in 1974. Following high school, Steve joined the United States Air Force, where he cultivated a discipline that he carried throughout his life. Afterwards, he worked long hours over his careers in construction, heavy machinery, and semi-truck driving. In 1993, Steve married Virginia Schmidt in Paynesville. In his free time, Steve loved to restore classic cars, work on engines and other repairs in his shop, maintain his yard, and talk to his friends and neighbors. He also enjoyed a good cup of coffee, motorcycle rides, grilling, welding, playing pool, prime rib, the Minnesota Vikings, and tending to a bonfire. Steve was a man who always spoke his mind and was quick with a witty remark. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. Steve is survived by his wife, Virginia McCloud; daughters, Rachel (Wren) Jorgensen and Sara Peterson; beloved dog, Autumn; and his siblings, Bob (Sharon) McCloud, Susan (Lief) King, Deb Christensen, Dana (Tammy) Christensen, and Amie Christensen. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. Donations to veterans organizations are preferred in lieu of flowers. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson and Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org.
John Edward Speldrich, 92 of Elrosa, Minn., passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at the Paynesville Health Care Center in Paynesville, Minn. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa with Rev. Kevin Soenneker presiding. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Military honors will be provided by the Lake Henry American Legion. A meal will be served in the church basement by the Christian Mothers following the cemetery service. John was born Oct. 21, 1933, in Sauk Centre, Minn., to the late John "Hans" and Anna (Weinmann) Speldrich. In 1954, John married Alma Petermeier, and together they were blessed with a beautiful family and seven children. John achieved success across many distinct careers throughout his life. He proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954 and was stationed at Camp Irwin in California. Following his service, he returned to Minnesota to run the family farm. Recognizing that farming wasn't his final calling, he returned to school and became one of the leading auctioneers in the region, working for many years at the Belgrade Livestock Auction. Around the same time, John built and owned a thriving feeder pig business. Eventually, the allure of the California desert they fell in love with during his military service called them back, prompting John and Alma to relocate to Southern California. There, John started a new chapter as a car rental agent before returning to school once more to become a real estate agent, and eventually a real estate broker. He received numerous industry awards before retiring at the proud age of 90. Over his lifetime, John enjoyed bowling, snowmobiling, hunting, golfing, traveling, and - above all - lots of fishing. He was also a loyal, long-standing member of the Knights of Columbus and an active member of the Ameri-can Legion for over 50 years. John is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Alma (Petermeier) Speldrich; his children, Bernadette (Keith) Morrison, Joe (Kelly) Speldrich, Marie (John) Illies, John (Mary) Speldrich, and Mark Speldrich; as well as 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna; his son, Gerald Speldrich; and his daughter, Alma Speldrich. In lieu of flowers and standard donations, the family kindly asks that you contribute to the Eagle's Healing Nest (310 Highway 71, Sauk Centre, MN 56378, 320-351-6200, or EagleHealingNest.org), in loving memory of John Edward Speldrich. Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre. |