Kathleen H. Diederich, 92, of Kerkhoven died Thursday, October 20, 2016, at Centra Care Center in Sauk Centre.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am, Wednesday, October 26th, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Murdock.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be 5-7:00 pm, Tuesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Murdock and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.  Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Kerkhoven Funeral Home.  www.hafh.org
 
Kathleen Helen Diederich was born January 4, 1924, in Benson, Minnesota the daughter of Edward and Katherine (McCann) Commerford.  She grew up in Murdock and attended District 33 rural school and graduated from Murdock High School in The Class of 1942.  Kathleen was united in marriage to John Diederich on September 25, 1945, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Murdock.  Following their marriage, they lived in the Kerkhoven area.  Katie worked at Jack’s Café, was a school cook for Kerkhoven, candled eggs for Simmonds Produce and was a cashier for the convenience store in Kerkhoven.
 
Katie was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she remained a lifelong member.   She was active in CCW, American Legion Auxiliary, Kerkhoven Golf Club, and a bridge club.  She enjoyed crocheting, making doughnuts, working crossword puzzles and watching the grandkid’s sporting events.  Katie and John loved to travel, and also enjoyed camping and fishing.  John passed away May 16, 1998, after 52 years of marriage.  Katie continued to live in Kerkhoven.  She later entered the Centra Care Center in Sauk Centre where she passed away Thursday, October 20, 2016.
 
Surviving are her children: Larry (and Dar) Diederich of Walla Walla, WA; Chuck (and Linda) Diederich of Pennock, Bill (and Marguerite) Diederich of Madrid, IA, Frank (and Tina) Diederich of Gotha, FL, Marie (and Arlin) Kreutner of Milbank, SD, Marlys (and Kelly) Marthaler of West Union, MN; 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are her sisters-in-law: Lotus Commerford, Doris Sullivan; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
 
In addition to her husband, John, Katie was preceded in death by: her parents; son, Steve; brothers, Warren and Harry Commerford; sisters, Arlene Manley, Margaret Diederich, Blanche Payne, Agnes Warren; and daughter-in-law, Bonnie Diederich.   

Dennis Arthur Daniels was born on May 30, 1942 in Primghar, Iowa to Arthur and Mabel (Richter) Daniels, their only son. Dennis attended school in Missouri and then graduated high school from Sheldon, Iowa.

Married on May 10, 1963 to Sherry Anderson of Sheldon, Iowa. The daughter of John and Margaret Anderson. Dennis and Sherry were married for 53 years and had three children. Todd Mitchel Daniels currently living in Grand Forks, North Dakota; Terry Lee Daniels currently living in Warsaw, New York; Tami Joy Boe currently living in Saint Michael, Minnesota. Dennis and Sherry have five grandchildren, Avery John Arthur Boe, 12 years old, Jaxson Daniels Boe, 11 years old, Courtney Lee Daniels, 11 years old, Carson Patrick Daniels, 9 years old, Bellamy Durham Boe, 6 years old.

Dennis in his early years enjoyed such hobbies as gunsmithing. He bought and traded guns, enjoyed trap shooting, rode motorcycles and snowmobiles and also had his pilot license.

Dennis and Sherry started raising dogs and had a dog kennel in Sheldon. They raised over 100 adults and puppies and sold them all across the United States.  Later on, they opened and operated Daniels Station Store. A gas and grocery store that was open 365 days of the year also in Sheldon. The family then moved to
Albion, Nebraska where Dennis worked in sales. That was the beginning of the family becoming Nebraska Cornhusker fans “Go Big Red.”

The next move for the family was to Benson, Minnesota where Dennis worked for Loral. He then decided to start his own company with a partner which became National Agri Service, located in Moorhead, Minnesota. Dennis sold and leased Easy Riders or the “green machines.” After many years in the Agri business, Dennis decided to retire and moved close to his daughter in Saint Michael, Minnesota. He couldn’t stay retired for long, so he decided to drive school bus for Saint Michael/Albertville, Minnesota and then later would drive bus for the City of Minneapolis Metro Transit for seven years. He had some great stories of his adventures in the north side of Minneapolis.

Due to health issues, he had to quit and concentrate on treatment for his re-occurring cancer. He fought bladder cancer for 18 years. In his battle with cancer he lost five organs. He finally lost his battle with cancer on October 18, 2016 at 1:21 P.M. He died at his home with his wife and kids and the dumb dog – his nickname for the family schnauzer pet – Ella.

Dennis loved working and spent many years doing exactly what he loved. He enjoyed his family and kids and especially watching any football game. In the last years of his life he was able to travel to Oregon and California and then to New York to visit his son and grandkids. He loved to revisit Wyoming; he admired and loved seeing the Grand Tetons. He called it “God’s country.”

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Steven G. Smith
December 30, 1971  ~ October 21, 2016
 
Steven G. Smith, 44 of Kerkhoven, died peacefully at his home on Friday, October 21, 2016.  His memorial service will be 1:30pm on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at the Kerkhoven Evangelical Free in Kerkhoven.  Burial will be at Our Redeemer Church Cemetery in Benson.  Visitation will be from 5-7:00pm on Friday at the Kerkhoven Evangelical Free Church and will continue one hour prior to the service.  Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home, Kerkhoven.  www.hafh.org
 
Steven Gerard Smith was born on December 30, 1971 in Benson, Minnesota, the son of Terry and Linda (Krattenmaker) Smith.  He grew up in Benson where he attended St. Francis Catholic School and graduated from Benson High School in the class of 1990.  He attended Southwest State University where he received a Bachelor’s degree in accounting.  On March 18, 1996 Steve was united in marriage to Jana Odden at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church in Benson.  The couple lived in Willmar and later resided in Kerkhoven.  Steve was a Credit Analyst for 16 years with Heritage Bank in Willmar.
 
Steve was baptized in January of 1972 and confirmed his faith on 1989 both at St. Francis Catholic Church.  He was a faithful member of the Kerkhoven Evangelical Free Church where he was active in bible study.  Steve enjoyed listening to music, playing cards, watching sporting events and going to Annika’s activities.  He especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
 
Steve is survived by his wife Jana and daughter Annika of Kerkhoven; parents: Terry and Linda Smith of Benson; sister Stacie (and Phil) Lienemann of Cottonwood; sister-in-law, Keri (and Dan) Ohren of Kerkhoven, mother / father-in-law: Dave and Barb Odden of Starbuck; nieces and nephew: Alexis and Aaron Lienemann, Bailey and Kaelyn Ohren and several other relatives and many friends.
 
Steve was preceded in death by his grandparents and sons: Joshua and Anthony.    

Duane Baker, age 76, of Glenwood, MN, died October 20, 2016, at Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 25th, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Swift Falls, with Rev. Ron Knutson officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. on Monday at the funeral home in Brooten, and will continue at the church on Tuesday, one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Rolling Forks Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.

Duane John Baker, son of Frank and Clara (Anderson) Baker, was born on February 13, 1940, in Benson, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church and raised on a farm near Swift Falls with his three brothers, Gene, Gary, and Norman. Duane first attended country school before graduating from Benson High School in 1958.

On November 1, 1958, Duane was united in marriage to Mary Jane Benjaminson at Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck. The two first made their home in Minneapolis and then Willmar, Benson, and Winthrop, before settling in Gilchrist Township near Glenwood. Their marriage was blessed with five children. Duane was self-employed as a farmer and in sales.

Duane’s hobbies included farming, hunting, fishing, Bible studies, Recovery, working in the woods and helping others. He enjoyed visiting with people and sharing his views.  He had a real gift for gab, a positive outlook, a good natured spirit, a caring heart and love for others, especially his family.

Duane died suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, October 20, 2016, at Glacial Ridge Hospital, at the age of 76.

Duane is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Jane, of Glenwood; their five children, Darryl (Terri) Baker, Dawn Bredeken, Douglass (Sandy) Baker, Daniel (Amanda) Baker, Duane Jr. “D.J.” (special friend Amber Brown); 16 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; a brother, Norman (Patty) Baker of Willmar; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded by his parents, Frank and Clara Baker; two brothers, Gene and Gary; and two grandchildren, Amanda and David.

To send condolences to the family, visit our website at  www.hoplinfuneralhome.com  and click on obituaries.

CHESTER SVEA
DECEMBER 4, 1919 – OCTOBER 20, 2016
 
Chester Svea, age 96, of Benson, died Thursday, October 20, 2016 at Swift County Benson Health Services in Benson, Minnesota. 

A memorial service will be held in November. 

Arrangements are pending with Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson, MN.  www.zniewskifuneralhome.com

DAVID OWEN JOHNSON
FEBRUARY 11, 1939 – OCTOBER 23, 2016
FUNERAL NOTICE
 
David Owen Johnson, age 77, of Benson, died Sunday, October 23, 2016, in Gabriel House. 

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson.  Visitation will continue from 9:30-10:30 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, October 27, 2016 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson. 

Arrangements are with Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson.  www.zniewskifuneralhome.com

RUSSELL L. PAYNE
AUGUST 28, 1924 – OCTOBER 27, 2016
FUNERAL NOTICE
 
Russell Luverne Payne, age 92, of Benson, Minnesota died Thursday, October 27, 2016 at Gabriel House. 

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2016, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson.  Visitation will continue from 10-11 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11 a.m., Wednesday, November 2, 2016, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church.  Interment will be in the Benson City Cemetery. 

Arrangements are with Zniewski Funeral Home.  www.zniewskifuneralhome.com

Marianne Blasey
October 27, 1933 • October 27, 2016

A Memorial Service for Marianne Blasey of Starbuck, Minnesota (formerly of Benson), was held Monday, October 31, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson. Celebrant for the service was Father Mark Mallak. Visitation was held Sunday at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson from 4-7 p.m. with a rosary service at 7:00 p.m. Burial was in West Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Hancock.

Marianne Olga Rockler, daughter of Per and Olga (Schoenbeck) Rockler, was born October 27, 1933 in Hāllestad, Sweden, where she was baptized, confirmed and attended school. She continued her education at Uppsala University in Uppsala, Sweden earning her home economics degree in teaching in 1959. Following graduation, Marianne immigrated to the United States and was united in marriage to Stan Blasey on August 29, 1959 in Ada, Minnesota. The couple made their home on Stan’s family farm in Ada until 1963 when they moved to Dodge Center for Stan’s job. For the next several years they lived in Morris and Eden Valley before settling in Benson in 1973. The couple opened a hardware store, Coast To Coast, where Marianne worked as a clerk as well as at Breen’s Drugstore. She retired in 1992 to the family’s lake home on Lake Scandi. During her retirement years, Marianne enjoyed spending time with Stan traveling, going on walks and cross country skiing in the woods, refinishing trunks, spending time visiting with family and friends and especially being active with her grandchildren. In 2010, she moved to the Minnewaska Lutheran home where she was currently residing.

Marianne was a longtime member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson. She also belonged to study, book, and card clubs. She enjoyed needlework, quilting, knitting, flower gardening, bowling and was an avid reader.

She died on her 83rd birthday surrounded by family at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home  Thursday, October 27, 2016.

Marianne is survived by her husband: Stan Blasey of Starbuck; three children: Charlotte (John) Rustad of Clontarf, Bruce (Brenda) Blasey of Duluth and Elizabeth (Peter) Spates of Mitchell, SD; three brothers: Bjorn (Ann-Britt) Rockler, Lillemor Rockler and Jorgen Rockler all of Sweden; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Per & Olga Rockler and Tor & Anna-Lisa Rockler; three brothers: Rolf, Jan and Per Åke Rockler.

In Lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials to be given to Minnewaska Lutheran Home and Rice Hospice.

Starbuck Funeral Home was in charge of the funeral arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at:  www.starbuckfh.com

Diane Sherry (nee Martin), of Sacred Heart, Minnesota, formerly of Benson, died on Monday, October 31, 2016, at the St. Cloud Hospital.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 4, at 11:00 am at the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson. Visitation will be held on Friday November 4, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson. Interment will follow the service at the Benson City Cemetery.

Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.   zniewskifuneralhome.com

Hubert “Hub” P. Kelly, 100

August 18, 1916 – October 31, 2016

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, November 3, 2016 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud for Hubert “Hub” P. Kelly, age 100, who passed away Monday.  Rev. LeRoy Scheirel will officiate and entombment will be in Assumption Cemetery.  Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.  Arrangements entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, St. Cloud.

Hubert was born on a farm in Kildare Township in DeGraff, MN.  He was the third of eight children born to his parents Patrick and Anne (Crosby) Kelly.  He married Dot (Emily Catherine Goulet) and they lived in Morris, Litchfield and finally St. Cloud.  They resided there for 58 years raising their family of three girls and three boys.  Dual careers of selling insurance and being a high school math teacher at Tech High School, while also being involved in six kids lives kept him very busy.  He celebrated his 100^th birthday August 18, 2016 with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and friends.  He had a great life.  God Bless.

Survivors include his children, Mary Ellen (Dr. Leverne) Regan of Delaware, OH, Fran Davies of Maple Grove, Jane (Thomas) Berry of Appleton, WI, John (Mary) Kelly of Richfield, WI, Michael (Susan) Kelly of Bethel and Daniel (Susan) Kelly of St. Michael; sister, Bernice Stadtherr of Oak Park Heights; 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Hubert was preceded in death by his parents, wife Emily “Dot” Kelly; three brothers and three sisters.

www.williamsdingmann.com

Donald Johnson

Don John had a shop which he named the “Doctor’s Office” for when Jim’s combine or seeder broke down. Jim could pull into the yard and Don John would be there to help fix.  He also kept watch of the Anderson School House across the road and had a tale or two about the raccoons that were always vandalizing the building. He had a great passion of Farmall H and M Tractors. He will now lie beside his good friend, Alf Lien.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Esther.

Mary I. Manley
September 17, 1922 • November 3, 2016

Mary Irene Manley (formerly of Silver Bay and Benson, Minnesota) died November 3, 2016 in hospice care at her daughter’s home in Marine on St. Croix.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Silver Bay at 10 a.m. December 12, 2016. Burial will be at Fort Snelling at 1:05 p.m. December 13, 2016.

Mary was born September 17, 1922 in Miller, SD to Irving and Lucile Edwards Tamblyn.  She moved to Isle, Minnesota as a teenager and graduated from Isle High School in 1941.  She attended St. Cloud Teacher’s College earning a teaching certificate and went on to teach 3rd and 4th grades in Bock, Mink’s District, Kerkhoven and Hanover schools.  She married Michael Manley  June 2, 1948 in Murdock.  They farmed near Kerkhoven, Swift Falls and Benson.  They retired to Silver Bay in 1986.

Mary was active in the St. Mary’s parish, Silver Bay Library, VFW Auxiliary and other volunteer activities.  She was a voracious reader reading over 100 books a year.  She also enjoyed many family trips.

She was preceded in death by her mother, two brothers and sister Hannah Schmidt, her husband Michael in December 1995 after 47 years of marriage.  

Mary is survived by daughter Marcea Manley of Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota; son Michael (Karen) Manley of Enid, OK; son David Manley of Eagan; two granddaughters Auteum Lake of Bangor, Maine and Jennifer (Kevin) Voeltz of Moorhead; one grandson Maxwell Manley (Jessica) of Las Vegas, NV; two step granddaughters Bridget Medley and Katrina Evans, three great granddaughters and one great grandson.

Memorials can be made to: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 57 Horn Blvd. or the Silver Bay Library, 9 Davis Drive, Silver Bay, MN 55614 or Lakeview Homecare & Hospice Foundation, 927 Churchill St. W., Stillwater, MN 55082.    
 

Wayne Nicholson
November 9, 1938 • November 1, 2016

Wayne Nicholson of Benson, Minnesota passed away peacefully  Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at the St. Cloud hospital, just eight days before his 78th birthday.

A memorial gathering will be held November 19 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at McKinney’s in Benson. This will be a time for family and friends to gather, visit and say goodbye. A private service will take place at a later date.

Wayne was born November 9, 1938 in Ruthton, Minnesota to Maurice and Cora Nicholson. After graduating from Russel High School, Wayne joined the Marines and was stationed at Fort Pendleton. In 1969, Wayne married RosAnne Kashmark and together they raised two sons, Sean and Chris. For many years he drove truck for Supreme Pet Food, and when that closed he did odd jobs. The boys meant the world to him; he could always be found at their events throughout high school, hunting, fishing, and just being around. As they got older, the grandkids took their place – they meant the world to him.

Wayne had a plethora of friends, and he was a regular at many places around town.  He was a smart, kind, funny man and quiet soul. In fact, on the morning of his accident it seems he was headed to the Holiday gas station to retrieve the TV guides for his neighbors at the hi-rise. Wayne didn’t really like to sit still long, but he always had a presence. He will be greatly missed. Friends were an important part of his life, and the family would like to extend a special thank you to those that greeted him on a daily basis, picked him up for rides around town or appointments miles away. These acts of kindness did not go unnoticed.

Wayne is survived by his sons: Sean (Tina) Bolduc and Chris (Kristi) Nicholson; brothers Ron (Gladys) Nicholson and Jack (Pat) Nicholson; grandchildren: Ashlee (Nicholas) Landmark, Nathan, Nicholas, Halle Bolduc, Abigail Nicholson, and Matalyn Dietz-Iverson, many loving nieces and nephews, and lots of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and siblings, Jim, Jerry, Dorothy and Merlyn (Shadow).

Inez I. Hanson
October 24, 1931 • November 5, 2016

Inez I. Hanson, 85, of Maple Lake, Minnesota died Saturday, November 5, 2016 at the Annandale Care Center.

Memorial Services were held 6:00 p.m. Thursday, November 10, 2016 at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Maple Lake with Rev. Tom Heyd officiating. Visitation was at 3:00 p.m.  Thursday at the funeral home. Private family burial will be held at a later date.

Inez Ingeborg Hanson was born October 24, 1931 in Benson, Minnesota to Reinhart and Lillian (Franzmeier) Simonson. Inez grew up in Benson and attended school there. Inez worked as waitress for the golf club and various cafes.

December 29, 1949, Inez was united in marriage to Clifford H. Hanson at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Benson. In 1957, Inez and Cliff moved to St. Paul where she worked as a dietician’s assistant at Riverview Hospital, while also raising her children and caring for her home. In 1972, they moved to Silver Creek Township, where they have resided since.

Over the years, Inez provided daycare for various families throughout the area. In her spare time, Inez enjoyed tending to her flowers, crocheting, bird watching, and watching football & baseball. Inez will be lovingly remembered for the many meals she prepared for her family, as well as the tasty pies she baked for her family.

Inez is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Clifford of Maple Lake; children: Connie (Leonard) Juaire of River Falls, WI, Betty Lindell of Inver Grove Heights, Marla Hanson of Buffalo, and Andrew (Debbie) Hanson of Silver Creek Township; grandchildren: Erin, Pamela, Renae, Darby, and Ellie; nine great grandchildren; sister, Arlene (Dannie) Meyer of Roseville; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, friends and neighbors.

Inez was preceded in death by her parents, grandson Michael, and brother Myron Simonson.

Arrangements were entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Maple Lake.

Obituary & Guestbook online at:  www.dingmannfuneral.com

RICKY “MOOSE” DALE MOLDEN
JANUARY 28, 1963 – NOVEMBER 6, 2016
OBITUARY
 
Ricky “Moose” Dale Molden, age 53, of Hancock, Minnesota died Sunday, November 6, 2016.  Per Moose’s wishes, there will be a private family memorial service followed by a visitation and celebration of life for the public from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday, November 11, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Benson, MN.  Arrangements are with Zniewski Funeral Home.
 
Ricky “Moose” Dale Molden was born January 28, 1963 in Benson, Minnesota to ValGene Dale and Lillian “Toots” Ann (Hagen) Molden.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and graduated from Benson High School.  Moose lived in rural Hancock and worked at Jennie–O, Molden Concrete & Construction, Amundson Concrete, and Hancock Concrete before becoming the business owner and operator of Moose Construction.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, being a cattle rancher, and was the lead fishing guide of Moose’s Fishing Club.
 
Rick had a bigger than life personality.  He was honest with his opinions and expected honesty back.  He loved and cherished his family.  His children were his world.  He was a big man with a big heart.
 
Ricky is survived by his parents, ValGene and Lillian “Toots” Molden; three children: Maverick of Princeton, Morgan of Hancock, and Montana of Hancock; siblings: Lori (David) Danielson of Correll, Tim (Kristin) Molden of Benson, Kathy Molden and Robert Lancaster of Starbuck, Marianne (Jim) Grussing of Clontarf, and Dale (Alisha) Molden of Danvers; nieces and nephews: Seth, Spencer, Toni, Dylan, Tanner, Miranda, Maryn, Nick, Aidyn, Austin, and McKenna; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
 
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Albert and Myrtle Hagen and Edward and Bertha Molden; and many aunts and uncles.
 
Please sign the guest book:  www.zniewskifuneralhome.com

Darlene T. Meyer
November 5, 2016

Darlene Theresa Meyer, 64, of Benson, Minnesota passed away Saturday, November 5, 2016 surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 at 3 p.m. with a visitation one hour prior at the Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy. 65 NE., Fridley.    

She was preceded in death by parents, Henry & Cecelia Streich; brother, Earl Streich.

She is survived by husband of 46 years, Paul;  son, Jeremy (Tina) Meyer; daughter, Jill (Robert) Ferguson;  grandchildren, Alison & Karson Meyer, Kiera Ferguson; sisters, Patti Harrison, Mavis Kemnitz & Sherri (Jerry) Sellers; also many nieces and  nephews.  

Memorials are preferred to Knute Nelson Hospice in Alexandria, Minnesota.

Condolences: www.millerfuneralfridley.com

Roger D. Gilsrud
November 2, 1937 – November 11, 2016
Funeral Notice
 
Benson, Minnesota- Roger D. Gilsrud, 79, died on Friday evening, November 11, 2016 at the Swift County Benson Hospital.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 18, at 1:00 p.m. at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, prior to the funeral on Friday. Interment will follow the service at the Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church Cemetery. Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Roger Duane Gilsrud, age 79, was born November 2, 1937 in Chippewa County, MN to Joseph and Olga (Oddan) Gilsrud. He was baptized at Big Bend Lutheran Church and confirmed June 10, 1951 at Big Bend. Roger was a graduate of Milan High School, class of 1956. On December 23, 1961 he was united in marriage to Donna May Groskreutz at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Litchfield, MN. This union was blessed with over 54 years of marriage.
Roger served in the Army National Guard of Minnesota from 1956-1963. He also served in the Army Reserve from 1963-1964, receiving Honorable Discharges from both branches.

In his earlier years, Roger worked for Larson Gravel and Mickelson Implement in Hancock. He was later employed by Haugen & Johnson Implement and Haugen & Halvorson Implement for many years. He then worked for the Payne Farms for a short time after that. Roger enjoyed antique tractors, restoring old tractors, and the outdoors.

Roger is survived by his wife, Donna of Benson; children: Pamela (Duane) Matti of Stacy, Rodney of Princeton, and Ronald (Stephanie) of Richmond; daughter-in-law Tara Gilsrud of Bozeman, MT; two grandsons: Eben Matti of Stacy and Anders Matti of Austin, TX; brother, Palmer (Beth) of Montevideo and sister Janice (Duane) Anderson of Cottage Grove and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Olga (Oddan) Gilsrud and son, Eric Gilsrud in 2012.
 

Please sign the guest book at:  www.zniewskifuneralhome.com

Mary Lou Terwilliger
April 12, 1939 • November 17, 2016

Mary Lou (Abner) Terwilliger, 77, of Eden Prairie (formerly of Edina) peacefully entered the Kingdom of Heaven  Thursday, November 17, 2016 on a beautiful fall morning right after hearing the scripture;  “This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it”, her loving family surrounded her.  

There will be a visitation  Monday night at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel from 5:00-7:00 p.m.  Mary Lou’s life and faith will be celebrated at the Colonial Church of Edina,  Tuesday, November 22 at 11:00 a.m.   Family will greet guests one hour prior.  A luncheon reception will follow at the church.  

Mary Lou was always filled with joy and smiles and shared that with everyone she met.  Her greatest source of strength came from being a loving wife to Roy for 53 years, an amazing mother, an extraordinary Grandma, a caring sister, a loyal and loving friend and a faithful daughter of God.   

Mary Lou was born  April 12, 1939, in Milbank, South Dakota, the first born to Ray and Lucille Abner.  She grew up in Benson, Minnesota with her three beloved siblings.   She was the Homecoming Queen of Benson High School and a lifelong ardent supporter of all things Benson.  She continued sharing life with her best girlfriends from BHS who are lovingly referred to as “The Golden Girls”.

She met her beloved Roy, on a blind date,  January 13, 1962 while she was living in Minneapolis and working at Pillsbury.  They fell in love and were married  July 13, 1963 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Benson.  Mary Lou, along with Roy, lovingly raised their three children with moves to South Dakota, Connecticut, Virginia and mainly Edina, Minnesota.  

One of Mary Lou’s biggest joys in life was spending time with her nine grandchildren.  She and Roy took them on trips to Washington DC, Florida, Hawaii, Utah, Mexico…but their favorite place always brought them back to their cabin on Pelican Lake in northern Minnesota.  Hours were shared in the kitchen baking, on the boat, in the lake, on the beach, watching fireworks shows, jumping off of the pontoon and snuggling on the sofa…precious moments and memories that will remain.   She knew her grandchildren, knew their hearts and prayed for them by name daily.  What a gift of legacy.

Mary Lou loved to serve others through baking chocolate chip cookies, banana bread or anything she could come up with to bring a smile to someone’s face.   She served as a Deacon at Colonial Church, volunteered at school and church. Mary Lou was also a successful realtor for 25 years.  She loved to entertain with meals at home, or evenings on the lake at the cabin.  

Mary Lou did many things no one ever knew or saw, just because of her big heart, she often visited widowers in nursing homes, took older friends out to tea, diligently visited her longtime best friend Dottie in her Memory Care facility, always gave the mail carrier and trash collectors Christmas gifts, even the ladies at the post office knew her by name.

As she beautifully and gracefully fought ovarian cancer, she never lost her joy.  She loved with ALL she had.  She trusted in God’s promises of heaven.  She was never alone in her battle.  We are so grateful to the doctors at MN Oncology, Mayo Clinic and are particularly grateful for the amazing staff at NC Little Hospice in Edina and Rachel and others at Fairview Hospice Care.

Mary Lou is preceded in death by a baby lost through miscarriage, her parents, Ray Abner and Lucille Abner Hanson. She is survived by her adoring husband, Roy, her cherished children:  Joseph (Marianne) Dhara, Mike (Cara) Terwilliger, Susan (Scott) Shisler, her nine treasured grandchildren: Ariana Anderson, Veda and Kale Bernstein, Tommy, Drew, Jack, and Max Shisler and Charlie and Alice Terwilliger.  Her dear siblings Donna Chalmers, Sandy (Dean) Bergersen, Mick (Mary Anne) Abner, Marilyn Terwilliger, Don (Carolyn) Terwilliger, nieces, nephews and too many friends to count.

Mary Lou left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered with her faith, love and many times her cookies.  She will be deeply and forever missed.  We have not lost her, we know right where she is and we are thankful for the promise of Heaven.

Memorials may be directed to NC Little Hospice or the Mary Lou Terwilliger college scholarship at Benson High School, Benson, Minnesota.
 

Donald Svor

Donald Svor, 73, of Grasston, (formerly of Benson) passed away Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016 at the North Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services are scheduled for 12 noon Friday, Dec. 2 with family and friends gathering one hour prior to the service at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City ~ Swanson Chapel.  www.funeralandcremationservice.com

Ronald Joseph Fernholz
October 6, 1948 – December 1, 2016
Funeral Notice
 
 
Ronald Joseph Fernholz, age 68, of Hackensack formerly of DeGraff, died Thursday, December 1, 2016, in St. Cloud Hospital.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Tuesday, December 6, 2016, at Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson. Visitation will continue from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, followed by the funeral service at 1:30 pm, Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in DeGraff. Burial will be in St. Bridget’s Catholic Church Cemetery in DeGraff.

Arrangements are with Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson.  www.zniewskifuneralhome.com