December 2014 Death Notices - Paynesville Press, Paynesville, Minnesota
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Death Notices
Complete obituaries can be found in the Paynesville Press each week.

December 2014


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Obituary Archives

Jackie McAnarney, 49, Oklahoma
Jackie M. (Kascht) McAnarney, 49, of Broken Bow, Okla., and formally of Paynesville, died on Thursday, Dec. 25, after a brief battle with colon and liver cancer.

Jackie was born on April 2, 1965, to James and Irma Kascht in Paynesville.

She graduated from Paynesville High School in 1983 and then went to St. Cloud State.

Later, she moved to Amarillo, Texas. There, she met the love of her live, Ray McAnarney. They were married on July 20, 1988. Shortly after, they were blessed with their daughter, Steffanie.

They lived in Amarillo, Texas, until moving to Broken Bow, Okla., where they managed Beaver Bend Marina.

Jackie is survived by her husband, Ray McAnarney, of Broken Bow, Okla.; daughter, Steffanie (Mark) Jones of Amarillo, Texas; granddaughter; parents, James and Irma Kascht of Paynesville; siblings, Teresa Vait of Clearwater, Jessica Kosbau of Fairfax, Va., Mike Kascht of Paynesville, David Kascht of Paynesville, Rachel Gilbertson of Paynesville, Barb Lund of Paynesville, and Bonnie Kascht of Paynesville; grandmother, Gene Green; and many nieces and nephews, great-niece, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

She was proceeded in death by her grandparents, Andrew and Susan Kascht and Warren Green, and a niece.


Cyril Mehr, 80, St. Martin
Cyril Mehr, 80, of St. Martin died on Saturday, Dec. 13, at his home.

Mass of Christian burial was held on Thursday, Dec. 18, at St. Martin Catholic Church. Burial was in the St. Martin Parish Cemetery.

Cyril was born on Jan. 17, 1934, to Frank J. and Clara (Heying) Mehr in Zion Township.

He married Louise Mackedanz on May 30, 1961, in St. Agnes Catholic Church in Roscoe.

Cyril served in the U.S. Army Reserves.

He lived and worked on the family farm his entire life.

Cyril is survived by his wife, Louise; children, Deb (Chris) Nistler, Ann (Bill) Vannurden, Ronald, Larry (Anne), Jim (Amy), Brian, Denise (Steve) Congdon, and Gina; special friends, Joe (Stacey) Witte; siblings, Lorraine Bueckers, Caroline Heinen, Melvin, Susan Wurm; two brothers-in-law; a sister-in-law; 24 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia; infant daughter, Ruth; parents; and sister, Bernelda Gertken.


Caroline Kulzer, 76, Paynesville
Caroline "Carrie" C. Kulzer, 76, of Paynesville, and formerly of Richmond, died on Sunday, Dec. 14, surrounded by her family at Koronis Manor in Paynesville.

Her memorial mass was held on Monday, Dec. 22, at St. Louis Catholic Church. Burial will be at a later date.

Caroline Catherine Kulzer was born on May 27, 1938, to Raymond and Katherine (Kunstleben) Jonas in Richmond.

She grew up in Albany, where she received her education. After she completed her schooling, Carrie went to work as waitress in Paynesville.

On Sept. 17, 1957, Carrie married Donald Kulzer at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin. This union was blessed with a son and three daughters. The family made their home in Richmond.

Carrie took pride in raising her children and keeping a beautiful home.

When her children were older, she began working at Cold Spring Granite, where she worked in the bronze department.

In 2007, Carrie moved to Eden Valley, where she lived until 2010, when she moved to Washburne Court in Paynesville. In January 2012, Carrie moved to the Koronis Manor in Paynesville, when her health began to fail.

Carrie is survived by her children, Mark (Judy) Kulzer of Paynesville, Sharon (Jake) McCullough of Savage, and Lillian (Ethan) Trower of Eden Valley; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; siblings, Mary Wehseler of Cold Spring, Bud Jonas of Richmond, Evie Hoeschen of Buffalo, and Chris Hoeschen of Cold Spring; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

Carrie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; infant daughter, Anita; infant sister, Mary Viola Jonas; brother, Ray "Butch" Jonas Jr.; a sister-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.


Milton Monson, 86, Hawick
Milton Monson, 86, of Hawick died on Thursday, Dec. 18, at GlenOaks Care Center in New London.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Dec. 22, at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Spicer. Burial was in the Roseville Cemetery in Hawick.

Milton Marvin Monson was born on March 25, 1928, to Martin and Margrethe (Trygstad) Monson in Thor, Minn. He grew up on the family farm near Hawick.

On Feb. 26, 1952, he entered the United States Army, where he served his country during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 9, 1954, and returned to the area.

On April 10, 1956, Milton married Bernadette G. Thielen. They shared 43 years of marriage.

They made their home in Hawick, where he worked construction before starting Monson Lumber Sales with his brothers for 28 years.

Milton is survived by his children, Brenda (Richard) Heacock of Hector, Jeff (Betty) Monson of Hawick, and Jerry Monson of St. Regis, Mont.; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings, Arnold Monson, Alvin "Bud" Monson, and Aileen Tomlinson; and three sisters-in-law.

Milton was preceded in death by his wife, Bernie; sisters, Judelle Monson and Beatrice Schwandt; and brothers, Harlan and Harvey.

The family would like to thank Rice Cancer Center, Rice Hospice, Peoples Express Transportation, GlenOaks, and Lake Region Home Health.


John Povilaitis, 85, Hawick
John J. Povilaitis, 85, of Hawick died on Sunday, Dec. 14, at his home.

His funeral service was held on Friday, Dec. 19, at Paynesville Lutheran Church. Burial was in Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis.

John Joe Povilaitis was born on April 29, 1929, to Joseph and Marian (Jasukaitis) Povilaitis in Lithuania.

He grew up in Lithuania, where his family lived until WWII, when the Russians came through and forced them to migrate to Germany. They lived in Germany from 1943-1948, when they were able to move to Wisconsin.

John worked on a farm in Wisconsin until 1957, when he moved to Minneapolis.

After moving to Minneapolis, John went through school to be a welder and began working at American Bridge Company. He later worked at St. Paul Structural Steel.

On July 18, 1970, John married Betty Jane Brandell at Augustana Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. They shared 44 years of marriage.

They made their home in Minneapolis, where John continued to work at St. Paul Structural Steel. He worked there for 34 years, retiring in 1991.

In 1994, he and Betty Jane moved to Hawick, where they have enjoyed their retirement.

John is survived by his wife, Betty Jane; two sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Victor Sutton and Leon Povilaitis.


Helen Bluhm, 92, Paynesville
Helen I. Bluhm, 92, of Paynesville died on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Cherry-wood Assisted Living in St. Cloud.

Her memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27, at Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Burial will be in the Payne-sville Cemetery. A visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service.

Helen's family invites everyone touched by this beautiful, Christian woman, to join them in celebrating her life. They ask that you celebrate her life, not mourn her leaving. They will mourn the loss they feel, but not as those without hope.

Helen completed her life here on earth on Dec. 2, 2014. She took hold of the LordÕs hands to begin a new journey, safe in the loving arms of her good and gracious Lord. She will be reunited with her beloved husband, Duane, whom she deeply missed everyday and was taken from us on July 26, 2007, as well as her daughter, Debra; parents; brother, Jim; and twin sisters, Doris and Dorothy.

The youngest child of John and Edith Kreuzberger, Helen was born on Sept. 16, 1922.

She was baptized into the Christian faith and confirmed at the Methodist Church in Duluth.

She graduated from Duluth Central High School and attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Helen met the handsome Duane Bluhm in 1937, and on June 30, 1945, she married the love of her life in Duluth. Duane and Helen were fortunate to have shared 62 years of love and commitment.

Together, they raised and always will be remembered for having shared her life by their children, Wendy (Gordon), Linda (Ben), and Randy (Kim). She was blessed with six grandchildren: Chad, Kristi, Meegan, Gina, Kirsten, and Parker and doubly blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Elliott, Kendall, Araya, Alana, Logan, Zachariah, and Zion, who always brought a smile to her face. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Doris Kreuzberger, brother-in-law Lee Bluhm, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Helen and Duane lived in Paynesville their entire married life. She was a stay-at-home mom, raising their three children.

Helen's love for her God and strong faith was shared with Duane, as a faithful member of Grace United Methodist Church for over 60 years, where they renewed their wedding vows on their 50th wedding anniversary. Her generous heart made her a kind, giving, and loving friend to all. She had endless patience and energy and zest for life. In her later years, the fog of her memory loss became difficult because of her Alzheimer's, but she never complained. Complaining wasn't in her vocabulary. She handled her disease with amazing dignity and grace

Helen's final resting place will be the Paynesville Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to our dad.

You may if you wish, to honor Helen's memory, in lieu of flowers, give a memorial to St. Croix Hospice.


Helen Bluhm, 92, Paynesville
Helen I. Bluhm, 92, of Paynesville died on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Cherrywood Assisted Living in St. Cloud.

Her memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27, at Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Paynesville Cemetery.


Gary Hiltner, 54, Eden Valley
Gary A. Hiltner, 54, of Eden Valley died on Thursday, Dec. 4, at Meeker Memorial Hospital in Litchfield.

Mass of Christian burial was held on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Church of Our Lady in Manannah. Burial was in the parish cemetery.

Gary was born on April 4, 1960, to Edwin and Clara (Wolbeck) Hiltner in Melrose.

He married Sara Cleveland on May 19, 1979, in Regal. They lived in Hawick prior to moving to Eden Valley in 1995.

Gary was a turkey farmer and a member of Church of Our Lady in Manannah.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sara of Eden Valley; children, Amanda (Tom) Becker of Watkins, Jessica (Dan) Berg of Watkins, Joshua (Pami Mickel) Hiltner of Grove City and Adam (Hannah) Hiltner of Grove City; seven grandchildren; brothers and sisters, James Hiltner of Eden Valley, Sylvester Hiltner of Belgrade, David Hiltner of Hawick, Marlene Burg of New York Mills and Bernice VanDorsten of Hawick; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and mother-in-law, Donna Rech of Eden Valley.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Jerome and Linus.


Russell Vadner, 83, Paynesville
Russell C. Vadner, 83, of Paynesville died on Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Koronis Manor in Paynesville.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Church of God in Eden Valley. Burial was in the Old Eden Lake Cemetery in Eden Valley with military honors.

Russell was born July 8, 1931, to Lester and Elma (Coulter) Vadner in Buffalo Township in Wright County.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.

He married Donna Mae Lehnen on Sept. 23, 1955, in Glenwood.

He worked at AMPI in Paynesville as a creamery operator for over 37 years.

Russell is survived by his wife, Donna Mae of Paynesville; sons, Lester, Bruce, and Abraham, all of Paynesville; three grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and brothers and sisters, Evelyn Oswald-Johnson of Willmar, Beulah Clapshaw of New Munich, Kitty Anderson of Alexandria, Kermit of Tennessee and Walter of Andover.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Charles "Tuna"; and brothers, Dale, Douglas, and John Vadner.


Sandra Kaehler, 75, Lowry
Sandra L. Kaehler, 75, of Lowry died on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at her home under the care of hospice.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, Dec. 13, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lowry.

Sandra "Sandy" Lee Kaehler was born on Sept. 26, 1939, to Ralph and Margaret (Larson) Nelson in Minneapolis.

Sandy grew up in the Twin Cities, where she graduated from high school in Minneapolis. She went on to further her education at the General Hospital School of Nursing, where she became a registered nurse.

Sandy worked as a RN in the Twin Cities and was the school nurse in Eden Valley.

She married Walter Law in June 1960. This marriage was blessed with two children. Sandy and Walter shared 25 years of marriage before Walter passed away in October 1985.

On Feb. 14, 1987, Sandy married Armon Kaehler and gained two more children. They made their home in Paynesville, where they owned and operated the Ben Franklin.

After retiring, they moved to their current home on Pocket Lake in rural Lowry.

Sandy and Armon shared 27 years of marriage. Together, they enjoyed traveling and spending time with family at the lake.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Armon Kaehler of Lowry; sons, Mark (Stacey) Law of Alexandria, Russell (Laura) Kaehler of Rogers, and Michael (Robin) Kaehler of Brooklyn Park; daughter, Sherrie Law (Dan Winkelman) of Waite Park; seven grandchildren; and she was eagerly anticipating the arrival of her first great-granddaughter. She is also survived by her brother, Phillip Nelson of Clarkfield, Minn.; sister, Mary Borud of Fridley; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband, Wally Law.


Ken Peterson, 92, Burnsville
Kenneth A. Peterson, 92, of Burnsville, Minn., and formerly of Paynesville, died on Sunday, Dec. 7.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring for family and friends.

Ken was a former co-owner of Gage Tool and Triangle Tool in Minneapolis.

Enjoying early retirement, Ken volunteered at the Paynesville Area Center.

Ken is survived by his wife, Mary Korman; daughters, Linda Tandle and Debora Peterson; son, David; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Delores; brother, Clayton; and sister, Doris.

Memorials are preferred to the Fairview Foundation at giving@fairview.org or to the Paynesville Area Center.


Gladys Braun, 82, Regal
Gladys F. Braun, 82, of Regal died on Monday, Dec. 8, at the Belgrade Nursing Home.

Mass of Christian burial was held on Friday, Dec. 12, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Belgrade. Burial was in St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery in Regal.

Gladys Frances Braun was born on Oct. 5, 1932, to John and Rose (Macke) Nietfeld on the family farm in Spring Hill Township.

She grew up on the family farm and attended Melrose High School, graduating in 1951.

On Nov. 22, 1951, Gladys married Michael Braun in Meire Grove. They made their home near Regal, where they farmed. They shared 63 years of marriage.

In retirement, they moved into the town of Regal.

Gladys is survived by her husband, Michael; children, Catherine (Robert) Kohlmeier of Duluth, John (Jackie) Braun of Paynesville, Philip (Gale) Braun of St. Cloud, Michael (Carolyn) Braun of Belgrade, and Gregory (Mary) Braun of Cold Spring; 18 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; siblings, Sylvester Nietfeld of Melrose and Patricia Meyer of Sauk Centre; and two sisters-in-law.

She was preceded in death by her parents; eight brothers; three sisters; and a great-granddaughter.


Marvin Kunstleben, 79, Paynesville
Marvin F. Kunstleben, 79, of Paynesville died on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19 and after 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning at the church.

Marvin was born on March 8, 1935, to Leo and Erma (Winter) Kunstleben.

He married Mary Willard on Aug. 16, 1957, in Fort Sill, Okla., and was blessed to have celebrated 56 years of marriage.

He worked at Swift & Co. in South St. Paul before entering the U.S. Army Missile Company, in which he served from 1956 until his honorable discharge in 1958.

Marvin and Mary owned and operated the M&M Corral in Lake Henry for five years. They later moved to a country farm near Lake Henry, where Marvin passionately enjoyed farming and raising their family.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Debbie (Brad) Glenz, Diane (Bob) Lieser, Julie (Jim) Jimenez, all of Paynesville; sister and brothers, Loretta Christman and Leo and Melvin Kunstleben, all of Paynesville; 13 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother; Othmar Doll; and sisters, Marie Schmitt and Rose Mary Isaak.


Megan Lehner, 19, Monticello
Megan Marie Lehner, 19, of Monticello, and formerly of Paynesville, died from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident in Stearns County on Saturday, Nov. 29.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Dec. 5, at Bridgeview Assembly of God Church in Big Lake. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery of Monticello.

Megan was born on July 2, 1995, in Robbinsdale, Minn.

She was known to be free -spirited and lived her life to the fullest. She will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Megan is survived by her mother, Dorene Larson (David Martineau); father, Craig Lehner; brother, Brandon Lehner (Chelsea Plumley); sisters, Jessica Larson (Billy Wing) and Mandy Martineau; grandparents, Twylah (Jim) Adkins, Pete (Rose) Lehner, and Mary Larson; nieces and nephews; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Ronald Larson.


Margaret Schmitz, 31, Sauk Centre
Margaret Ann Schmitz, 31, of Sauk Centre, and formerly of St. Martin, died on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the St. Cloud Hospital, surrounded by her family after a short battle with leukemia.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, at St. Martin Catholic Church. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the St. Martin Parish Hall and will continue from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday morning at the parish hall.

Margaret was born on March 1, 1983, to Mathias and Linda (Willenbring) Schmitz in Paynesville.

She worked at Wacosa in Sauk Centre, and she enjoyed watching movies, good food, dancing, bowling, Special Olympics, and being with her family and friends. Margaret loved her birthday parties, which her family affectionately called 'Margaret Fest.'

Margaret is survived by her father, Math, and stepmother, Irene; brothers and sisters, John, Carl, Lisa, Susan Meyer, JoAnn Meyer, and Kenny; stepbrothers and sisters, Wally, Leslie, and Larry Thompson, Sandra Westaby, Linda Mueller, and Peggy Spanier; foster family, Terry and Rhonda Uphus; and many nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her mother, Linda; her brother, Andrew; and her grandparents.


Ron Hanson, 74, New London
Ronald B. Hanson, 74, died on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Dec. 5, at Nordland Lutheran Church in rural Paynesville.

Ronald was born on Sept. 8, 1940, to Norman and Ruth V. (Mathison) Hanson in New London.

He attended District #92 country school, graduating from New London High School in 1958.

Ron entered the navy in 1959, serving his country until 1962. Ron married Ruth Ann Pitts on Sept. 14, 1963. They shared 51 years of marriage.

Ron was employed at VegdahlÕs Hardware as a plumber, eventually beginning his own plumbing business in 1971. He joined the pipe fitters local #539 and retired in 2000.

Ron is survived by his wife, Ruth; children, Brad (Kari), Kelly (Beth), Krista (Cam) Golden, and Jayson; 13 grandchildren; his 98-year-old mother, Ruth Hanson/Everson; and brother, Ken Hanson.


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