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

July 2025


Johnson Funeral Home


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Obituary Archives

Jaysen Hanson, 52, St. Joseph
Jaysen A. Hanson, 52, of St Joseph, formerly of New London, died peacefully at home with his wife by his side on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Nordland Lutheran Church in rural Paynesville. Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday at Nordland and for one hour prior to the service. Burial, at a later date, will be in the church cemetery. Services were livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@nordlandlutheran. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred, or you may plant a tree in memory of Jaysen. Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in New London: www.hafh.org. Jaysen Adam Hanson was born on Nov. 20, 1972, in Willmar, the son of Ronald and Ruth (Pitts) Hanson. He grew up in the New London-Spicer area and graduated from New London-Spicer High School in 1991. He went on to attend North Dakota State University before beginning his career as a welder. On July 26, 1997, Jaysen married Ginelle Jarnot. They were blessed with two sons, Andrew and Nik. The family lived in Wisconsin until 2004, before returning to Minnesota. He went on to work for TC American Crane Company for over 22 years. In 2017, Jaysen began a loving partnership with Jolene (Burg) Douvier. They made their home in St. Joseph, where they weaved together their families, full of laughter, love, and wonderful memories. Jaysen loved the outdoors, especially hunting pheasant, duck, and goose, as well as fishing, camping, hiking, and grilling. He enjoyed cooking and sharing food with others. He will be remembered by being down to earth, incredibly humble, and having a witty sense of humor. He is survived by his wife, Jolene; children, Andrew (Molly) Hanson, Nik Hanson, Morgan Douvier, Seth (Mataya) Douvier, Carter Douvier, and Beau Douvier; his mother, Ruth Hanson; siblings, Brad (Kari) Hanson, Kelly (Beth) Hanson, and Krista (Cameron) Gulden; Jolene's parents, Ralph and Sandy Burg; brother-in-law, Adam Burg; and many nieces and nephews. Jaysen was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Hanson; and his brother-in-law, Terry Burg.


Norbert Osendorf, 91, Roscoe

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 14, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Roscoe, Minn., for Norbert J. Osendorf, 91, who died on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the Paynesville Health Care Center surrounded by his family. Burial was in the parish cemetery. A visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, at the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation continued at 9:30 a.m. on Monday at the church. Norbert was born April 30, 1934, on the family farm in Roscoe, Minn., to Joseph and Katherine (Schefers) Osendorf. He married Elizabeth Arceneau on Oct. 21, 1964, in the St. Martin Catholic Church, St. Martin, Minn. Norbert loved farming, working on tractors, helping his neighbors, and playing cards. He was a faithful man who loved spending time with his family and friends. Survivors include his wife, Betty; children, Mark (Dawn), Mike, Anne (Dale) Kalsow, Steve (Kari), Ken (Amy), Richard (Miranda), Joe (Wendy), Gary (Heidi), and Lori (Chris) Rustad; 28 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel; granddaughter, Grace; and sisters, Adella, Bernice, and Maryann. A special thank you to Paynesville Health Care Center and CentraCare Hospice for the wonderful care given to Norbert. Arrangements were with the Wenner Funeral Home, Richmond, Minn.


Nancy Warta, 82, New London

Nancy "Fay" Warta, 82, of New London, formerly of Delano, died Sunday, July 13, at Glen Oaks in New London. Her memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., on Sunday, July 20, at Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Watertown Public Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville: www.hafh.org. Nancy "Fay" Warta was born on June 10, 1943, in Litchfield. Fay graduated from the Litchfield High School in 1961. She attended Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN; the University of Minnesota; and Fullerton Junior College in Fullerton, Calif. Fay married Jon Warta in August 1964. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jon; parents, Troy and Delores Bengtson; sister, Diane Bengtson; nephew, Gary Nepsund; and in-laws, Floyd and Edna Warta. She is survived by her siblings: Ron (Viola) Bengtson, Paynesville, Richard (Sharon) Bengtson, Paynesville, Doris (Wyman) Nepsund, Paynesville, Ray Bengtson, Havre, Mont., Dorothy Bengtson, Grove City, and Tony (Deb) Bengtson, Payneville; sister-in-law, Linda Warta, St. Cloud; and many nieces and nephews and their families.


Carole Berg, 82, Willmar

Carole Ann Berg, 82, of Willmar, formerly of Paynesville and New London, died on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Compassionate Cottages in Willmar. Private family graveside services will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in New London. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in New London: www.hafh.org. Carole Ann Berg was born on Jan. 19, 1943, to Raymond and Dorothy (Hayne) Lee in Albert Lea, Minn. She was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. She graduated from high school in Albert Lea in 1961. She married Morrie Evenson in 1961. One son, Michael, was born to this union. She married Calvin Berg in 1981 in Watertown, S.D. She worked for Northwestern Bell/U.S. West for 30 years, retiring in 1995. After retiring she enjoyed working on crosswords puzzles, reading, flowers, and watching Vikings and Twins games. In her final days, she cultivated many new friendships, which she treasured. She is survived by her son, Michael (Jodi) Evenson; stepdaughter, Debby (Butch) Zeiner; step-daughter-in-law, Shelly Berg; sister, Nancy (Roger) Espe; step-brother, Bryan (Betty) Holmquist; step-sister, Dianne (Richard) Krough; seven grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin; stepson Jim; grandson, Cody; her parents; and brother; Darryl.


Melvin Kunstleben, 85, Paynesville

Melvin Alfred Kunstleben, 85, of Paynesville passed away peacefully at Harmony House in Pierz on Tuesday, July 1, after a two-year battle with dementia. Melvin was born on Nov. 9, 1939, to Erma (Winter) and Leo Kunstleben in Spring Hill, Minn., born the sixth of seven children. Melvin attended country school and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1957. From 1960 to 1962, Melvin proudly served in the Army National Guard of Minnesota. He moved to South St. Paul worked at First National Bank and the Ford Assembly plant, as well as owning a bar. Melvin eventually returned to Stearns County to farm alongside his brother Marvin. Melvin and Ronny purchased their own farm, and he continued farming until his retirement in 1998. In retirement, he drove mail truck for Wesbeck until November 2023. Melvin and Veronica (Ronny) Kunstleben raised three children together: Sheela (Jeff) Arceneau of Albany, Dean Kunstleben of Paynesville, and Eric (Beth) Kunstleben) of Brainerd. He was the proud grandfather to Jaylyn (Amber), Luke (Katelyn), Jared, Harley (Tyler), Jake (Maddie), Taylor, Noah, Matthew, Colin, Anna and Avila; and great-grandfather to Kaesyn, Asher, and Greyson. Melvin loved dairy and crop farming and dedicated himself to improving the dairy industry. He was an active member of the AMPI, DHIA, Midwest Dairy Association, and ADA boards, positions that allowed him to share his passion and knowledge. He was also an active member of the St. Agnes Church in Roscoe, St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville, the Lake Henry American Legion, the Paynesville Legion, and the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; sister Loretta Christman; sister in-law Mary Kunstleben; and many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents; brothers Othmar (Jean) Doll, Marvin Kunstleben, and Leo Kunstleben; and sisters Marie (Alfred) Schmit and Rose Mary Isaak. Remembering his special dunk tank friends. Many thanks to the many people that traveled this journey with Melvin: the care team at Paynesville Health Care Systems, the VA BRU unit, St. Gabriel's in Little Falls, Harmony House in Pierz, and Horizon Health Hospice. Due to Melvin's wishes, a private family service will take place on Friday, July 18.


Brenda Rolfhus, 81, Paynesville

Brenda Joyce (Naumann) Rolfhus, 81, of Paynesville passed away peacefully with family by her side on Monday, June 23, 2025, due to complications of Stage 4 lung cancer. A service will be held at Nordland Lutheran Church in rural Paynesville at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Brenda is survived by her children Robin Ruprecht of Paynesville, Ryan (Carrie) Rolfhus of Paynesville, and Reed (Jodie) Rolfhus of Annandale; grandchildren Nikki (Eric) Allbee, Shane Ruprecht, Shelby (Mitchell) Nordmann, Sadie (Jonathon) Amundson, Courtney, Chloie (Bailey), Allison Rolfhus, Angie (Jacob) Prior, and Wyatt Rotter; great-grandchildren Eli, Ezra, Emmett, Emery, Easton Allbee, and Elizabeth Amundson, Thorren and Eden Prior, and Malcolm Rotter. She is also survived by her sister Ruth Deadrick of Paynesville, in-laws Marlene Naumann of Long Prairie, Robert (Kathy) Rolfhus of Stoddard, Wis., and Donald Stanger of St. Cloud, along with numerous nieces and nephews, a cousins' group, and longtime special friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Kenneth; her parents; and siblings Dorothy Schleper, Paul (Buck) Naumann, and Dale Naumann. Brenda was born in Paynesville, Minn., to Paul and Frances (Brossard) Naumann, on April 24, 1944. Brenda attended Paynesville High School and graduated in 1962. She loved spending time with family and roller skating, where she met Kenny. Brenda married the love of her life, Kenny M. Rolfhus, on June 16, 1962, at the Paynesville Methodist Church. They were blessed with three children. The family moved several times for Kenny's job as a teacher. They settled in Annandale in 1972 for 46 years. Brenda was a homemaker, worked for Coast to Coast, and in December 1983 she graduated from the Saint Cloud Beauty College. She worked at a couple places until she started Brenda's Shear Delight in South Haven. She was a social butterfly and enjoyed all the people she met. She retired in 2006. They were moving home to Paynesville in 2018 when Kenny passed away. She purchased a house in town where she lived until her passing. Brenda was an Avon lady for many years. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends daily, preferring in person but also on the phone. Brenda loved going to their lake place, fishing on the pontoon, flower gardening, bird watching, meat raffles, casinos, traveling, playing games of any kind, and of course Elvis. Everything she loved doing was better with family and friends. You always knew you were valued and loved by her.


Gerald Binsfeld, 82, Paynesville

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Gerald M. "Jerry" Binsfeld, 82, of Paynesville, will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Jerry passed away peacefully at home, with loved ones by his side, on Monday, June 23, 2025. Reverend Glenn Krystosek will officiate. Inurnment with military honors will be in St. Louis Parish Cemetery Columbarium. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, at the church. Arrangements are with Daniel Anderson Funeral Home, Paynesville. Jerry was born on Sept. 26, 1942, in Litchfield to Robert and Teresa (Arnold) Binsfeld. At age 17, Jerry left high school to proudly serve in the U.S. Navy. After the military, Jerry worked in the cities for a few years prior to his move to Hutchinson. Jerry obtained a vocational degree in tool and die while in Hutchinson. He married Mary Knisley on July 27, 1968, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Jerry started his career at 3M in Hutchinson and ended it at Goebel Fixture Companies, while farming in between. Jerry was a member of the St. Anastasia Parish, where he was active in the choir and served on the parish council. They retired to Paynesville in 2007. After his move to Paynesville, he enjoyed helping farmers and became a member of the Eden Valley American Legion. Jerry had a love for farming, horses, and hunting. He enjoyed taking the family on wagon and sleigh rides with his team of horses. He also enjoyed westerns and lived in the olden days. He will be remembered for his love of family, sense of humor, and having an unforgettable laugh. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary; children, Michael (Gretchen) of Hutchinson, Melissa (Jim) Schlangen of New London, Matthew (Kimberley) of Lakeville, and Joshua of Paynesville; nine grandchildren, Eleni (Seth), Brett, Claire, Taylor (Corey), Jack, Cole, Rylie, Paityn (Devon), and Adyson; five great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Quinn, Lennyn, Jett, and Amelia; siblings, Lois Gruenwaldt of Eau Claire, Wis., Betty Benjamin of Hutchinson, Donald (Colleen) of Cold Spring, and Dorothy Bistodeau of Blaine; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jim, Dick, and Jack; and sisters, Mary DeMorrett, Kay Binsfeld, and Joann Binsfeld. Livestreaming of his service will be available at: https://youtube.com/live/NmXtXlKhUho?feature= share.


Tammy Weinke, 61, Florida

Tammy Jean Weinke, 61, passed away at her home in Lake Panasoffkee, Fla., on Saturday, June 14, 2025, with her husband Ron by her side. She was born in Paynesville, Minn., on May 2, 1964, to Robert and Margaret Anderson. She graduated from Paynesville High School in 1982. Tammy was a loving and caring Christian woman. She loved her three children dearly. She would pray for them every day that they would be safe. She loved to travel with Ron, going camping and going on cruises. She lived to help others. She is survived by her husband Ronald of Lake Panasoffkee, Fla.; children, Tony Thielen of Paynesville Minn., Todd (Emma) Thielen of Wasilla, Alaska, and Jessica (Jason) Parks of St. Joseph, Minn.; grandchildren, Kyleigh, Telissa, Tidus, and Tatum; siblings, Debi (Greg) Bork, Mike (Rita) Anderson, and Karen (Scott) Mayer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Margaret. Tammy will be laid to rest in Paynesville, Minn., in the fall. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.purcell funeralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home - Purcell Chapel in Bushnell, Fla.


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