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

November 2025


Johnson Funeral Home


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Obituary Archives

Cyril Buermann, 62, Roscoe
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Roscoe, Minn., for Cyril R. Buermann, 62, who died peacefully at his home on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Burial was in the parish cemetery. The family requested that everyone wear casual attire to honor Cyril. A visitation was held on Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond. Catholic United Financial prayed a rosary at 3:45 p.m. Cyril was born in Richmond, Minn., to Norbert and Kathryn (Lehner) Buermann on Nov. 28, 1962. He married Susan Holthaus on Nov. 16, 1985, in St. Agnes Catholic Church in Roscoe. Cyril felt faith, family, and farming were the cornerstone of his life. He loved his farm, the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and side-by-side rides. He was the first to show up when someone needed help and the last to think of himself. His quiet strength, warm smile, and steady presence made him the rock of his family. Nothing compared to the love he had for his family, especially his grandchildren. His stories, laughter, and great ideas will forever be a part of our hearts. Cyril is survived by his wife, Susan; children, Troy (Tammy), Shawn (Julia), Wendy (Brendan), and Abbie; grandchildren, Dylan, Olivia, Lydia, Gabe, and Ben; and siblings, Dave, Arnie (Lucy), Ralph (Pam), and Ione. He was preceded in death by his parents. Arrangements were with the Wenner Funeral Home, Richmond, Minn.


Sherrill Kerzman, 70, Paynesville

Sherrill Lynn Kerzman - a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful follower of Jesus Christ - entered into the presence of her Savior on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. Sherrill was born on Oct. 6, 1955, to Walter E. Barbier Jr. and Elizabeth A. Barbier and lived a life defined by grace, strength, and compassion. A widow with eight children, Sherrill's story became one of redemption and love when she married Robert P. Kerzman, a widower with ten children. Together, they built a beautiful blended family rooted in faith, laughter, and enduring devotion -and were blessed with two more children. Her home was always open, her table always full, and her heart always ready to comfort, encourage, and pray for anyone in need. Sherrill was a born-again Christian whose life was a testimony to God's redeeming love. Her faith was unshakable, her prayers constant, and her joy contagious. Whether through a warm meal, a kind word, or a listening ear, she reflected Christ's love to everyone she met. Sherrill was also an avid reader who found joy and inspiration in the written word. Books were her quiet companions, offering wisdom, comfort, and delight throughout every season of her life -and she loved sharing them with others, often giving a favorite book to encourage or uplift someone she cared about. Sherrill is survived by her husband, Bob, and their 20 children: Marsha (Matt) Hubert, Jessica (Brad) Pentz, Melissa (Dan) Hubert, Elizabeth (Matthew) Moris, Richard (Amber) Lang, Randy (Ginni) Kerzman, Joanna (Jonathan) Popowich, David (Annika) Kerzman, Benjamin (Arin) Lang, Joshua (Patricia) Kerzman, Joseph (Rachel) Lang, Matthew (Kristin) Kerzman, Abigail (Bryson) Rafael, Joel Kerzman (Ashley Blomker), John Lang, Rebekah (Brandon) Christensen, Jonathan (Kari) Kerzman, Peter Lang, Andrew Kerzman (Jaycee Johnson), and Julianna (Jeff) O'Leary; 70 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brothers Kevin (Toni) Barbier and Walter (Jeanie) Barbier; and countless others who were blessed to call her "Mom," "Grandmother," and "Friend." She was preceded in death by her first husband, William R. Lang; her parents, Walter E. Barbier Jr. and Elizabeth A. Barbier; and her brother, Matthew K. Barbier. She now rejoices in her eternal home with her Savior. A visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at the Paynesville Evangelical Free Church. A celebration of Sherrill's life will follow on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at the same location, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and the service starting at 11 a.m. The service will be officiated by Pastor David Rogers and Sherrill's oldest son, Richard Lang. Though her earthly presence will be deeply missed, Sherrill's love, faith, and example will live on through every life she touched.


Virginia Fuchs, 92, Paynesville

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville, for Virginia Fuchs, 92, of Paynesville, who passed away on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at the Paynesville Care Center. Reverend Glenn Krystosek will officiate. Entombment will take place in the parish cemetery mausoleum. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, and one hour prior to services on Friday, Nov. 14, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Arrangements are with the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Virginia was born on April 27, 1933, in St. Martin Township to Nicholas and Rose (Kollman) Moscho. She married Virgil Fuchs on May 26, 1953, at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin. After they retired from farming and moved into town, Virginia began a second career working at the Paynesville Hospital as a cook and baker for nearly 20 years. She made many lifelong friends there. She was an active member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Christian Women, and Daughters of Isabella. Virginia also made and donated many quilts to missions and families. Virginia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved her family more than anything. Virginia enjoyed gardening, baking, quilting, square dancing, playing cards, and a day at the casino with her girlfriends. Virginia is survived by her children, Ron (Sheryl) Fuchs of Paynesville, LaDonna (Richard) Palmietto of Aransas Pass, Texas, and Nancy (Gary) Palmer of Litchfield; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Betty Moscho, Isabel Meyer, and Jean Fuchs; brother-in-law, Cletus Fuchs; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in (2021); son, Randy (1972); and siblings, Wilfred Moscho, Nick Moscho, Joe Moscho, Katherine Funk, Marie Klassen, Irene Schultzenberg, and Rosie Hinnenkamp. A special thank you to the wonderful staff at the Paynesville Care Center for their loving and compassionate care of Virginia.


Chris Kennedy, 65, Belgrade

Chris J. Kennedy, 65, of Belgrade died unexpectedly on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in Eau Claire, Wis., while working out of state. A celebration of his life and silent auction will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 22, at The Spot in Belgrade. Christopher John Kennedy was born May 15, 1960, in Butte, Mont., the son of Michael and Donna (McGrath) Kennedy. He grew up in Forsythe, Mont., where he attended and graduated from Forsythe High School. On June 23, 2017, Chris was united in marriage to Deb Lehnen in St. Cloud. They made their home in Belgrade where he worked as an over-the-road truck driver, recently working for Woodies Transportation and currently for Marten Transportation out of Mondovi, Wis. Chis is survived by his wife, Deb; son, Billy Slininger of Sauk Centre; grandsons, Kyler and Hunter; siblings, Dan (Mary) Kennedy of Forsythe, Mont., and Mike Kennedy of Butte, Mont., niece, Angela; nephew, Kennedy; and great-nephews, Brody and Tuff. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Connie; and niece, Nikki Kennedy.


Renee Goerger, 85, Watkins

Renee (Baker) Goerger, 85, of Watkins, Minn., passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, after a courageous three-year battle with Stage IV cancer. Renee was born on May 9, 1940, in St. Cloud, Minn., to Elinor and Leo Baker. She married Leo Bauman on Feb. 24, 1962, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in St. Cloud. Together, they raised three children and shared 32 years of marriage until Leo's passing in 1994, including living in Eden Valley and Paynesville. On June 24, 2000, Renee married James "Jim" Goerger. Together they blended their families and shared many adventures, bound by affection, humor, and a favorite saying - they loved each other "a bushel and a peck." Renee and Jim were devoted to one another until his passing in December 2023. Renee found joy in the simple pleasures of life: a good puzzle, a lucky bingo card, a trip to the casino, or a perfectly cooked ribeye steak. She would never turn down a crisp Diet Pepsi. But above all, she cherished her family. Her happiest days were spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren - especially the precious miles and moments shared with her daughter Julie over the last few years. A tireless worker throughout her life, Renee took pride in every job she held and was admired by her co-workers, who often joked that they wished they could have "more than one Renee." Renee is survived by her children Bryan (Melody) Bauman of Raleigh, N.C.; Julie (Chuck) Swenson of Avon, Minn.; and Ben (Angel) Bauman of Fort Morgan, Colo.; her stepson Mark Goerger; her stepdaughter Lisa (Tim) Schutz of Cold Spring, Minn.; her brother Randy (Sue) Baker; eight grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elinor and Leo Baker; her sister, Diane Zapf; her brother, Gary Baker; her first husband, Leo Bauman; her second husband, James "Jim" Goerger; and her stepdaughter, Amy Goerger. Private services with family will be held at a later date. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Garden View Assisted Living and Hilltop Nursing Home in Watkins; to Dr. Al Khatib and the wonderful oncology team at the Paynesville Hospital; and to the staff at Paynesville and Willmar hospitals for their exceptional end-of-life care. Your kindness and dedication meant the world to Renee and her family.


Nick Keller, 72, Richmond

Nicholas (Nick) Edwald Keller, 71, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, at his beloved hunting land. A longtime resident of Richmond, Minn., Nick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to many. He leaves behind a legacy built on hard work, generosity, and an enduring love for family and the outdoors. Nick was born on April 27, 1954, in Paynesville, Minn., to Harold and Mary Jane (Roering) Keller, one of 11 children. He grew up in Regal, Minn., attended school in nearby Belgrade, and graduated from Belgrade High School in 1972. On Aug. 24, 1974, Nick married the love of his life, Janet Hemmesch, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Richmond. Together, they built their home in Richmond and were blessed with three daughters - Julie, Carrie, and Melissa. A proud mason and respected craftsman, Nick established Nick Keller Masonry, where his skill and integrity earned him lasting respect throughout the region. He also served his community through 24 years (1979-2003) of dedicated service with the Richmond Fire and Rescue, including time as fire chief and as a member of the Minnesota Fire Chief's Association. Nick found his greatest peace in nature. A lifelong snowmobile enthusiast, he loved nothing more than hitting the trails, spotting eagles overhead, and watching the moonlight shimmer across the woods. Whether snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, or spending time at "the land" with family and friends, Nick was truly at home in the great outdoors. He never met a stranger - every handshake became a friendship, and every story was shared with a smile. "A man, his sled, and miles of snow..." Nick's passion for snowmobiling became a force for good. As the founder and vice president of the Keller Family Community Foundation, he believed that one person on a snowmobile could make a difference. In 2010, inspired by his mother's memory - who passed away from breast cancer at 56 and in celebration of his own 56th birthday - Nick launched the Snowball Cancer Challenge. What began as a record-setting endurance ride soon grew into the Valentine 500, uniting riders from across the country to support families fighting cancer. Through Nick's vision and leadership, the Keller Family Community Foundation has raised over $1 million, supporting six organizations and eight health care systems across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, and Illinois. His belief was simple yet powerful: when we ride together, we help families fight together. To honor Nick's legacy, riders and supporters are invited to join the Valentine 250/500 Snowmobile Ride on Feb. 5, 2026, in Bergland, Mich., and on Feb. 12, 2026, in Manitowish Waters, Wis., continuing the mission that meant so much to him. Nick was also an active member of several community and outdoor organizations, including the Twilight Riders, the Country Snow Cruisers, the White Thunder Riders, the Snowmobile Hall of Fame (St. Germain, Wis.), and the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, where he shared his energy, leadership, and passion for giving back. Nick is survived by his loving wife of over 51 years, Janet; daughters Julie (Jason) Dornbusch of Miltona, Minn.; Carrie Keller of Williamstown, Victoria, Australia; and Melissa (Josh) Ngeno of Jordan, Minn.; and his cherished grandchildren: Zachary (Shelby) Heinen, Olivia Heinen (Michael Saaranen), Alex Heinen, and Avalyn Dornbusch; Sean Burhop, Alexis Burhop Keller, and Nicholas Burhop Keller; Tyler Ngeno and Nicole Ngeno; and his great-grandson, Desmond Heinen. He is also survived by his brothers John (Cathy) of Litchfield, Minn.; Victor (Debbie) of Hawick, Minn.; Ron (Sherry) of Belgrade, Minn.; and Dennis (Connie) and Allen (Shari) of Regal, Minn.; and his sisters Doris (Keith) Sieben of Rockville, Minn.; Alice (David) Hiltner of Regal, Minn.; and Helen Hiltner of Paynesville, Minn. He leaves behind brothers-in-law Thomas (Renae) Hemmesch, George (Joni) Hemmesch, and James (Sheila) Hemmesch, all of Richmond, Minn.; sisters-in-law Margee Keller (Allen Hansen) of Crookston, Minn.; Ann Lucas of Wichita Falls, Texas; Barbara (Matthew) Walz, Linda (Robert) Schmitz, and Beth Hemmesch of Cold Spring, Minn.; Sue (Pete) Dingman of St. Martin, Minn.; and Joyce (James) Backes of Richmond, Minn.; along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Nick was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mary Jane Keller; brother Walter Keller; sister Carol Keller; parents-in-law Harold and Leona Hemmesch; brothers-in-law Linus Hiltner, Michael Hemmesch, Elmer Hemmesch, David Stang, Robert Lucas, Victor Hemmesch, and Jerome Hemmesch; and nephews Jonathan Hiltner, Tom Robertson, and Bradley Hemmesch. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Olde Coliseum (691 Main Street West, Richmond, Minn). Family and friends are welcome to come and go throughout the afternoon to share stories and memories in honor of Nick's life. Nick's family kindly requests no flowers or plants, due to allergies. To celebrate his life and legacy, memorials may be made to the Keller Family Community Foundation at https://donate.snowballcancer.org/sponsor/13/105.html. Though he has gone ahead on the trail, his tracks remain - a life well lived and deeply loved.


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