September 2026
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
September 2026
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.
|
"
Irene Schaefer, 97, Arizona
It is with heavy hearts that the family shares that their beloved mother, Irene Teresa Schaefer, passed away on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at the age of 97. Irene astounded everyone by continuing to live independently and thrive even in her final years. She took great pride in recently moving to a new home and becoming a part of a welcoming new community, as well as pursuing her favorite pastimes until the very end of her long and full life. Irene was born on May 13, 1929, in Paynesville, Minn., to Arnold and Veronica Kost. She was the second of four daughters. Irene enjoyed small town life in Minnesota where she made many lifelong friendships. After high school, Irene attended St. Benedict's College and then worked for her father as a bookkeeper before embarking on her aspiration to be the best possible homemaker for her family. Irene married Bob Schaefer in September 1953. They welcomed six children over the next 10 years. It is clear homemaking was her gift, as her family still gathers together many times a year to celebrate holidays and milestones together. In 1969, Bob and Irene relocated from Minnesota to Scottsdale, Ariz., where they nurtured many new interests and friendships. Irene's goal was to be a devoted wife and mother, and she shone in this commitment. As the years went by, Bob and Irene enjoyed traveling to Europe as well as enjoying their shared passion for jazz festivals. Each summer they looked forward to golfing and relaxing in the treasured community of friends they developed in Flagstaff, Ariz. Anyone who met Irene enjoyed her company. Although quiet in disposition, she was always welcoming and good humored. She could be a force as well, with a firm streak of determination. She had many interests such as bowling, golf, bridge and her newest passion, Rummikub. She regularly bested her opponents with just the hint of a smile. She was blessed with faith and regularly attended services. She gave generously of herself in many ways, such as putting her sewing talents to work quilting for babies and children in need with the Christchild Society. Irene leaves behind five children, Eileen (Ken) Landes, Susan Pusel, Tom (Linda) Schaefer, Karen (Bill) Blubaugh, and Mary (David Crain) Schaefer; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and her youngest sister, Katy Lindquist. Irene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Bob; her sisters Joan and Mary Ann; and her son Robert. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church (10755 N. 124th St., Scottsdale) on Monday, Sept. 21, followed by a graveside service Paradise Memorial Gardens and then an open house at Irene's home.
Margaret "Peg" Mackedanz, 75, of Sherman, Texas, formerly of Richmond, Minn., and Hartford, Wis., passed away on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, doing what she loved most - cheering on her granddaughter, Eloise, at a softball game. Peg was born and raised in Richmond, Minn., where she grew up surrounded by the small-town community she would call home for many years. She graduated from Rocori High School in 1970. On Nov. 10, 1979, she was united in marriage to Jeff Mackedanz. Together they built a life rooted in family, hard work, and community. Peg worked at Cold Spring Cleaners for multiple years, where she was a familiar and friendly face to the many customers who came to know her over the years. She also worked at Wenner's Hardware Store in Richmond, continuing her lifelong connection to the town where she was raised. Peg was an avid fan of the Richmond Royals, spending many of her summers at Royal Park helping out and cheering the team on from the stands. In 2018, Peg and Jeff moved to Hartford, Wis., to be closer to their grandchildren, and later moved with them again to Prosper, Texas. Peg was a devoted mother and grandmother who spent most of her weekends on a sports field, cheering on her grandson, Arlo, and granddaughter, Eloise. Fittingly, she was surrounded by the joy of the game she loved when she passed, watching Eloise play softball. Peg will be remembered for her love of her family, her willingness to help others, and for her tacos. Peg is survived by her husband, Jeff Mackedanz; son, Lee and daughter-in-law, Courtney; grandchildren Arlo and Eloise. She is also survived by her sister and brothers, Lois (Paul) Lieggi, Chuck (Michelle) Schulte, Fritz (Kathy) Schulte, Nick (Joan) Schulte, Jim (Nanette) Schulte, RG (Susan) Schulte, and Pete (Julie) Schulte. She was preceded in death by her mother, Millie; father, Rich, sister, Linda; her mother-in-law, Maryann; and father-in-law Danny. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Jerry's Bar & Grill (12 Main Street) in Richmond, Minn.
Donna J. Lang, 88, of Eden Valley, died Saturday, Sept. 19, at Meeker Manor in Litchfield. Her memorial service was held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, September 22 at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville. Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday at Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. A time of sharing began at 6:45 p.m. Visitation continued one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial was at Ebenezer Cemetery in Paynesville. Arrangements were with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Donna J. Lang was born August 21, 1938, to Harvey and Alma (Narragon) Otto in Paynesville, Minn. She attended Country School District 205 and later Eden Valley High School. After attending high school for a short time, Donna helped on the family farm. On May 26, 1956, Donna was united in marriage to Roger Lang at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville. Together, they were blessed with six children: Beverly, Allan, Linda, Kevin, Keila, and Melody. The family made their home on several farms in the Eden Valley area. Donna worked as a school bus driver for the Eden Valley-Watkins School District for 43 years. She also worked in the school kitchen and as a paraprofessional before retiring in 2015. Donna loved her job and especially enjoyed spending time with and helping the children. Donna was a faithful member of Grace United Methodist Church. Her faith was very important to her, and she took great pride in passing those values on to her children and grandchildren. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society for 21 years, where she served as Vice Queen Mom. Donna enjoyed traveling, fishing, watching game shows, playing cards, listening to music, snowmobiling, making cards for people, and spending time with her many friends. Most of all, she cherished her family. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren and loved every opportunity to spend time with them. Donna is survived by her husband of 70 years, Roger; children, Beverly (Terry) Matson, Allan (Deb) Lang, Linda (Chuck) Hunter, Kevin Lang, Keila Lang, and Melody (Troy) Wolter; 12 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Alma; and her brother, Dale Otto.
Rick Burg passed away at his home on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. Per Rick's wishes, there will be no services. A private burial will happen at a later time. Rick will always be remembered for his love of fishing and for his newfound love of woodworking. Rick was preceded in death by his parents Linus and Kathleen Burg; and his older brother Dale Burg. Rick is survived by his wife, Marian Burg; his sisters, Lori (Mark) Lieser, Sherry (Randy) Bertram, and Tami (Jeff) Funk; nieces and nephews, Cody, Amanda, Ashley, Grant, Logan, Tyler, Tayler, Travis; and many great-nieces and nephews; and also, by his granddaughters, Lexi and Alexandra Sand.
Dale R. Boie, 87, of Paynesville died on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at Golden Horizons of Cross-lake in Crosslake, Minn. Funeral services will were held on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, at the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Visitation was held for one hour prior to the service. Burial was in the Paynesville Cemetery. Dale Ronald Boie was born on May 16, 1939, to Edward and Amy (Gunderson) Boie in Paynesville. Dale attended school in Paynesville through seventh grade. He attended church as a youngster in Rev. Frank Pratt's church where he received a Bible for his attendance. Dale became friends with Rev. Frank as an adult and cherished his memories with him. He has a special wooden box made by Rev. Pratt that he kept in his home, bringing it with him wherever life took him. As a young adult, he did some traveling with his friends, seeing other states and possibly getting into a scrape or two with them. He loved his sporty cars and did his share of fast driving. He learned the brick laying occupation from his dad, and they worked on many buildings in Paynesville - the bowling alley being one of them. Dale met and married the love of his life, Judy (Mills) in 1960. They were blessed with three children: Sandra, Scott, and Steven (deceased 2013). They made their home in Paynesville with moves to Benedict, Minn., Aneta, N.D., and Walker, Minn., - eventually settling back in Paynesville until Judy's death in 2013. Dale worked at several jobs in his life, but home building and remodeling were his passion. Dale started his own business, Dale Boie Construction, in Paynesville. Many homes and businesses were built by him and his crew. He worked with his son, Scott, on many homes and remodeling projects in and around Paynesville, with Corner Floral, the Paynesville Area Senior Center, and Judy's "The Heart Gift Shop," to name a few. When they moved to Walker, he continued the business under Boie Construction. Dale had a vision to map out a housing development. Timberdale was the first project, and he and Judy worked hard on the housing plans and road names. With the help of his father-in-law cutting trees for the roads, he started a second development, Heather-wood, lovingly named after his first grandchild. After retiring from the construction business, he did a few remodeling jobs here and there. He just couldn't quite get over the building bug. Family and friends were an important part of his life. He loved having people over and grilling in the backyard and shooting the breeze. He made many day trips from Walker to Paynesville to have coffee at Hilltop and get his oil changed at Laubach Chevrolet. He loved decorating the outside of his home for Christmas and loved showing the grandkids the light display when they arrived. He spent many hours in his recliner watching traffic go by on the road in front of his house. He was a comedian...saying many funny things that have been repeated through the years by kids and grandkids. Dale moved to Golden Horizon's in Crosslake, Minn., when Sandy and Todd moved to Brainerd, so he could be closer to them. Dale was cared for by Moments Hospice for the last 15 months. Dale is survived by his children, daughter, Sandy and her husband Todd Fenske; and son, Scott; grandchildren, Heather (Tyler) Wipf, Kelli Fenske, Gretchen Fenske, Joshua (Chelsea) Fenske, Alyson (Jared) Andal, Abigale (Justin) Piprude, AuriAnna (David) Mooers, Zach (Savanna) Boie, Megan (Brandon) Masters, and Cameron Boie and finance Aurea; and great-grandchildren, Olivia, Lauren, and Avery Wipf; Natalie, Chloe, and Logan Stommes; Evelyn Wesp; Everett and Harrison Fenske; Jayla, Jase, and Jaxon Andal; Henry, Charles, Victoria, and Josephine Piprude; Brooks and Blakley and baby Moores; Hans, Carter, and Dawson Boie; and Aurora, Jax, and Mabel Boie; sisters Donna and Diane; brother, Clifford; and numerous nieces and nephews. Dale was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Judy; son, Steven; three brothers; two sisters; and other special family members. |