December 2007 Death Notices - Paynesville Press, Paynesville, Minnesota
Return to Paynesville Area


Death Notices
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.

December 2007

Johnson Funeral Home


Nov. 2007
Oct. 2007
Sept. 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
Feb. 2007
Jan. 2007
Dec. 2006

Obituary Archives

Judy Stanley, 59, Paynesville
Judy Stanley, 59, of Paynesville died on Thursday, Dec. 27, at her home in rural Paynesville.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Dec. 31, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Eden Valley. Burial was in the Paynesville Cemetery.

Judy Wegman was born on Aug. 14, 1948, in Watertown, S.D., to Herb and Janice (Protexter) Wegman. She grew up in Raymond, S.D., where she attended elementary school and graduated from high school in 1966.

After high school, she attended South Dakota State University and later graduated from Iowa State University in 1970 with a bachelor of arts degree in English.

On Aug. 23, 1969, Judy was united in marriage to Allen (Bert) Stanley at Peace Lutheran Church in Clark, S.D. One son, Chris, was born to this union.

Judy and Bert lived in Boone, Iowa; Decatur, Ga.; and Redfield, S.D., from 1969 to 1975, before moving to Paynesville in 1975.

After moving to Paynesville, Bert and Judy purchased and operated Corner Drug, where she continued to operate the store with Bert until her illness became too great.

She is survived by her husband, Allen (Bert) Stanley; son, Chris (Missy) of Paynesville; two grandchildren; parents, Herb and Janice Wegman of Raymond, S.D.; siblings, Margaret Jean (David) Doyen of Watertown, S.D., Robert (Barb) Wegman of Raymond, S.D., Mary Jane (Elwin) Larson of Omaha, Neb., and Janet (Terry) Frost of Afton, Okla.; and several nieces and nephews.


Bernard Kieser, 73, Paynesville
Bernard Kieser, 73, of Paynesville, and formerly of Waverly, died on Sunday, Dec. 30, at the Paynesville Area Hospital.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Jan. 4, at 11 a.m., at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Winsted. Burial will be in the Holy Trinity Cemetery with military honors. Visitation is two hours before the Mass.

Bernie Kieser was born on Oct. 16, 1934, in Victor Township to Raymond Martin and Clara Annie (nee Habisch) Kieser. He was raised in the Winsted area and belonged to Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Winsted, where he was baptized and confirmed. He also attended the Holy Trinity Catholic school. At 18 months of age, Bernie won second place in a beautiful baby contest.

Bernie entered the U.S. Army in 1955 and was trained as a sharpshooter. He earned his GED certificate and won second place in an Army marksmanship competition while in the service.

After he returned home from the service, Bernie worked for Tonka Toys Incorporated in Mound for over 20 years. Bernie worked for Litton Microwave and Tool Products for a few years. He retired at the age of 66, after working for a number of years at Cedar Lake Engineering in Maple Lake.

On Dec. 28, 1963, Bernie married Deanna Ruth Berger, whom he met while working for Tonka. Their wedding was held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waverly. They resided and raised their family in Waverly. Four children were born to this union, and they raised several foster children over the years.

Bernard is survived by his wife, Deanna of Paynesville; children, Robert "Bob" (Eunice) of Plymouth, Donna (Chuck) Strickland of Monticello, Linda (Jody) Gueningsman of South Haven, and Timothy "Tim" of Paynesville; brother, Raymond of St. Paul; sister, Diane Hughes of Lonsdale; seven grandchildren; many foster children; and nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles, and a sister-in-law.


Clara Nelson, 96, Paynesville
Clara Nelson, 96, of Paynesville died on Saturday, Dec. 29, at the Bethesda Pleasantview Nursing Home in Willmar.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Jan. 2, at Paynesville Lutheran Church. Burial was in the Paynesville Cemetery.

Clara Nelson was born on Nov. 10, 1911, in Ervin, Iowa, to Jacob and Thea (Borshime) Olson.

She married Albert Nelson on April 30, 1938. They moved to Paynesville where she was a longtime and active member of the community and Paynesville Lutheran Church.

Clara is survived by her daughters, Marilyn Knouse of Tacoma, Wash., and Alvina Woltjer of Willmar; 15 grandchildren; numerous great- grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Belle Hanson of Willmar and Esther Woltjer of Willmar; a brother-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding her in death are her parents; husband; daughter, Carol Lehnen; son, Clifford Olson; brother, Roy Olson; and sisters, Thelma Hanson, Margaret Engstrom, Mickey Nelson, and Nancy Peterson.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.


Joyce Hunter, 70, Kentucky
Joyce Hunter, 70, of Elizabethtown, Ky., and formerly of Paynesville, died on Saturday, Dec. 29, at the Hardin Memorial Hospital in Elizabethtown.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 3, at Calvary Baptist Church in Paynesville. Burial will be in Burr Oak Cemetery in rural Grove City.

Joyce Hunter was born on Dec. 10, 1937, in Elizabethtown, Ky., to David and Isolene Morrison.

She married Charles Hunter on May 19, 1956, in Elizabethtown.

She was a former employee of Rambow's in New London and a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Paynesville.

Joyce is survived by her sons, Charles Jr. (Eileen) of Lake Henry, Rocky of St. Cloud, David (Kelli) of Belgrade, and Larry (Sheree) of Belgrade; daughter, Debra (Tim) Younkin of Paynesville; mother, Isolene Morrison of Elizabethtown; sister, Charlotte (Bob) Sharlow of Elizabethtown; brother, David (Vicki) Morrison of Greenville, Ky.; 29 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, and father, David Morrison.


Lilah Herzberg, 87, Paynesville
Lilah Herzberg, 87, of Paynesville died on Saturday, Dec. 22, at the Paynesville Area Hospital.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 27, at 11 a.m., at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Burial will be in the Paynesville Cemetery.

Lilah Lillian Herzberg was born on Aug. 29, 1920, in Paynesville to William and Anna (Wendlandt) Kruger. She was a graduate of Paynesville High School and St. Cloud University.

On Feb. 16, 1941, she married Harold Herzberg at the First Evangelical Church in St. Cloud. Two sons and a daughter were born to this union. They shared 48 happy years of marriage together.

They made their home in the Paynesville area where Lilah worked for NW Bell Telephone Company and in the business office at the Paynesville Area Hospital, retiring after 20 years of service.

She is survived by her sons, Stanley (Marsha) and Gary (Marilyn) both of Paynesville; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Lilah was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; daughter, Sandra; and two sisters, Esther and Sadie.


Arnold Liestman, 80, Paynesville
Arnold Liestman, 80, of Paynesville and formerly of New London, died on Friday, Dec. 21, at his home in Paynesville.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 27, at Crow River Lutheran Church in rural Belgrade at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Lebanon Cemetery in New London.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home in New London and for one hour prior to the services at the church on Thursday.

Arnold Liestman was born on Feb. 8, 1927, in Paynesville to Ben and Hattie (Zirbes) Liestman. He was baptized on Jan. 25, 1928, at the Evangelical United Brethen Church in Paynesville and confirmed at Crow River Lutheran Church on March 25, 1953. He grew up and attended school in Paynesville.

On Feb. 9, 1944, Arnie entered the United States Navy, where he served his country during WWII in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged on May 8, 1946, and returned home.

On Sept. 26, 1946, Arnie was united in marriage to Theresa Lang in Roscoe. Three daughters were born to this union.

Arnie and Theresa moved to New London in 1952, where Arnie owned and operated the Hometown Bakery. Together, they were able to share in 26 years of marriage before Theresa's death in 1973.

In October 1974, Arnie was united in marriage to Doris Johnson.

Later in his career, he owned and operated the Town Talk Restaurant and Bakery in Willmar. He also worked as a baker for SuperValu, Red Owl, and the Willmar Regional Treatment Center, retiring in 1995.

He married Virginia McKean on Nov. 5, 1994. They made their home in Paynesville where they enjoyed retirement together. Together they were able to share in 13 years of marriage.

His survivors include his wife, Virginia; daughters, Jackie Nelson of Owatonna and Joy (Jim) Allen of Mesa, Ariz.; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Evange (Ervin) Gunderson of Eureka, Calif., Art (Pat) of Paynesville, Donna Warner of Paynesville, Lila Westman of Crosby, Joan (George) Wicklund of Spicer, and David (Bonnie) Liestman of Eureka, Mont.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arnie was preceded in death by his first wife, Theresa; daughter, Jeannie Marie; parents; brother, Bernie; sister, Virginia (Duane) Cossairt, and a brother-in-law.


Magdalen Dingmann, 93, Richmond
Magdalen Dingmann, 93, of Richmond died on Monday, Dec. 17, at the Koronis Manor in Paynesville.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, Dec. 20, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond. Burial was in the parish cemetery.

Magdalen Dingmann was born on June 8, 1914, in Spring Hill to John and Mary (Wander) Heinen.

She married Gregor Dingmann on June 20, 1944, in St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spring Hill. This union lasted until his death in 2002.

She is survived by her children, JoAnne (Robert) Steil, Donald (Mary Ann), Alvin, Anita (Tom) Reichert, all of Richmond, and Kathleen Dingmann of Portland, Ore.; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, John Heinen and Norb Heinen; and sister, Alvina Latusky.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gregor; parents; son, Kenneth; a grandson; sister, Alma Maus; and brothers, Alois, Leo, Michael, Martin, and Joseph Heinen.


Phyllis Gripentrog, 88, Wahpeton, N.D.
Phyllis Gripentrog, 88, of Wahpeton, N.D., died on Monday, Dec. 17, at St. Francis Healthcare Campus-Hospital in Breckenridge.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Dec. 21, at Evergreen United Methodist Church in Wahpeton.

Phyllis Gripentrog was born on April 11, 1919, to John and Mathilda (Schwartz) Manz in Regal. She received her formal education in Regal and Paynesville. 

She married Donald Gripentrog on June 15, 1939, at the Evangelical Church in Paynesville. The couple moved to Menomonie, Wis., back to Paynesville, and then to Wahpeton. This union lasted until Donald's death in 1999.

Phyllis operated the Chahinkapa Park Souvenir Store with the help of her family for three years until it closed. 

She worked at the Wahpeton Circle of Nations School as an instructor in music for five years.

Phyllis continued to live in her home until May, when she entered St. Francis Nursing Home in Breckenridge.

Her survivors include her four sons, Jon (LeAnn) of Willmar, Mitchell (Caryoln) of Willmar, David (LaRae) of Wahpeton, Clark (Delaura) of Wahpeton; 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; sister, Elaine Newhouse of Sherwood, N.D.; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald; and three sisters, Bernice Tweedy, Darlene Manz, and an infant sister, Leona.


June Herzog, 76, Fargo, N.D.
June Herzog, 76, of Fargo, N.D., died on Monday, Dec. 3, under the care of the Red River Hospice.

June Herzog was born on March 23, 1931, to Florence and William Robbins in Paynesville.

She graduated with degrees in music education from Valley City State University and Sherwood School of Music.

She married Donald Herzog on Nov. 17, 1949, in Paynesville. They lived in various towns in North Dakota and primarily raised their family in Fingal and Enderlin, N.D. They moved to Valley City, N.D. when their children were grown. Their union lasted until Don's death in 1994.

She is survived by her children, Mary (Douglas) Geeslin of Hawley, Laurel Davidson of Fargo, David (Barb) of Key West, Fla., Tana (Steven) Sly of Fargo, and Dianne (Scott) Schmitz of Fargo; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; parents, Florence and William; one brother; and three sisters.


Leonard Schmitz, 80, Brooten
Leonard Schmitz, 80, of Brooten died on Sunday, Dec. 16, at Belgrade Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 20, at St. Donatus Catholic Church in Brooten. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 19, from 4-8 p.m., with a rosary prayed at 4 p.m. and a parish prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home in Belgrade. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

Leonard Schmitz was born on Dec. 17, 1926, to George and Matilda (Hemmesh) Schmitz in St. Martin. He was raised on the farm and attended country school.

He moved to Brooten in 1950.

He married Dorothy Oevermann on July 2, 1957, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Melrose.

Along with his brother, Martin, Leonard and Dorothy moved to North Fork Township, and they started Schmitz Farms. They farmed from July 1957 until 1994, when Leonard and Dorothy moved into town.

In June 2004, he became a resident of Belgrade Nursing Home. Leonard was a member of VFW Post #1825 in Belgrade.

His survivors include his wife, Dorothy; children, Philip of Paynesville, Mary Jane of Brooten, Alice (Larry) Schumann of Brooten, Dennis (Sandy) of Brooten, Gerald (Susan) of Brooten, Lois of Willmar, and Brenda of Brooten; 12 grandchildren; siblings, Catherine (Alphonse) Mehr of Richmond, Herb (Florence) of St. Paul, Henry (Becky) of Hawick, Martin (Esther) of Brooten, Math (Irene) of Belgrade, Herman (Bernie) of Cold Spring, Frances (John) Remer of Brooten, Nick of Richfield, and Robert (Judy) of St. Martin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Paul.


June Bruntlett, 73, Paynesville
June Bruntlett, 73, of Paynesville, died on Monday, Dec. 3, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, at Nordland Lutheran Church in rural Paynesville. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

A visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville and will continue one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.


Donald J. Braegelmann, 73, Richmond
Donald J. Braegelmann, 73, of Richmond died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Dec. 4.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Richmond. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Relatives and friends may call after 4 p.m. on Friday and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond (151 Oakwood Ave. SE). Parish prayers will be at 4 p.m. followed by a rosary with the Golden Smiles Senior Citizens and the Catholic Aid Association at 4:30 p.m. The Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, and St. Judešs Mission Circle will pray at 8 p.m. on Friday evening.

Survivors include his wife, Melania; children, Mary (Rick) Garding of Kimball, Elmer of Richmond, Lucy (Dan) Garding of Luxemburg, Anita (Randy) Albright of Paynesville, Norman of Waite Park, Ione (Dale Spohnholtz) of Cold Spring, Ann (Mike) Tear of New York, Jean of New York, John (Seri) of Hawaii and Jim (Angie) of Texas; 19 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Leona Willenbring of Richmond, Roman (Bertha ) of Cold Spring, and Anna Mae (Joe) Gruenes of Eden Valley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter; and brother, Wendelin.


Return to TopReturn to Paynesville Area

Obituary Archives