Obituaries - Sauk Centre Herald (2024)

Benedict Escher

Benedict Escher, 80, passed away June 29, 2022, after a short illness.  Private services were July 2.

Rev. Elliott C. George

The Rev. Elliott Charles George passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at age 80 following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Elliott was born July 2, 1941, in Findlay, Ohio to Rev. Malcolm W. and Charlotte A. (Williams) George.  He served in the United States Air Force and is a graduate from North Central College and the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Naperville, Illinois.  From 1992-99, Elliott was pastor at Sauk Centre United Methodist Church, United Church of Christ, and Chaplain at the Sauk Centre Juvenile Corrections Facility.  He also served Milaca, Thief River Falls and Duluth as well as Hebron, Illinois and Fort Madison, Iowa.  In his free time, Elliott could often be found puffing on his corn cob pipe while listening to NPR radio and working on a crossword puzzle. He was an avid reader who also loved camping, fishing and following his grandchildren everywhere.  Elliott and his wife, Carol, traveled the world researching family genealogy. Elliott is survived by his wife, Carol Ann (Bell) George; his sons, Chris (Carolyn) and Matt (Jennifer); and five grandchildren.  Elliott lived a life of integrity, honesty and faithfulness. He would like each of us to live life with a brave heart and a wild imagination! H-27-1P

John E. Bieringer Jr

John E. Bieringer Jr, age 69 of Sauk Centre, passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by his family on Friday, July 1, 2022, at the CentraCare Hospital in Sauk Centre. A celebration of John’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 8 at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre with Pastor Trinity Opp officiating. Inurnment will be at the St. Anthony of Padua Cemetery in Padua. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday and from 10-11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. John Edward Bieringer, Jr was born Oct. 3, 1952, in Sauk Centre, to John and Dorothy (Jenc) Bieringer. On Dec. 10, 2004, he was united in marriage to Jan Dalen in Duluth. John became a business owner of Dairyland Supply, Inc. in 1974. He was actively involved in the St. Cloud Farm Show for many years and was a member of the Minnesota – South Dakota Equipment Dealers Association. He retired in 2017 when he sold the business after more than 40 years. John enjoyed drag racing, RVing, traveling, operating heavy equipment, winters in Florida, classic car restoration and cruising, and spending time in the woods surrounding his home.  John was a member of Alexandria Covenant Church in Alexandria. He was a member of the Country Cruisers locally and participated in many car shows in Minnesota and Florida.  He was a member of Fellowship of Christian Farmers and Racers for Christ. Survivors include his wife, Jan Bieringer; children, Lisa Bieringer (Kevin New) of Stinson Beach, California, Jacquelyn Bieringer (Phil Drake) of Chatham, New York, John Anthony Bieringer (Siw) of Sauk Centre and Jessica Bieringer of Sauk Centre; seven grandchildren; and sister, Pat Lucas of Browerville. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Bieringer; and brothers, Bob Bieringer and Eugene Bieringer. Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre. H-27-1B

Jeanette M. Stansbury

Jeanette M. Stansbury, age 80 of Sauk Centre, passed away on Monday, June 27, 2022, at the CentraCare Care Center in Melrose. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 7 at First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Rebecca Thomas officiating. Inurnment will be in Grove Lake Cemetery near Padua.  Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Thursday at the church. Jeanette Mae Barchenger was born Aug. 1, 1941, in Los Angeles, to Robert and Marvel (Torgerson) Barchenger. Jeanette moved to Sauk Centre and graduated from Sauk Centre High School. On March 28, 1981, she was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Stansbury at a Lutheran Church in Corona, California. Jeanette worked at St. Michael’s Hospital and Food ‘n’ Fuel in Sauk Centre, and later worked at Jennie-O Turkey Store in Melrose. One of her favorite things to do was to spend time with her grandchildren. Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Bob Stansbury of Sauk Centre; children, Julene (Greg) Cole of Phoenix, Daniel Mahn of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Cheryl Stansbury of Foley; 10 grandchildren, Eddy, Jacob, Alex, Amy, Sarah, Justine, Justin, McKenzie, Ella and Lilly; and brother, David (Sandi) Barchenger of Forest Lake. Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents; and granddaughter, Ashley Stansbury. Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre. H-27-1B

Terrence “Terry” P. Morgel

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 8, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in St. Wendel for Terrence “Terry” P. Morgel, 70, of Avon, who passed away at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale July 1, 2022. The Rev. Gregory Mastey will officiate and burial will be at St. Columbkille Parish Cemetery in St. Wendel. Friends and relatives may visit from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, July 7, at the church in St. Wendel and also one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.  The full obituary will be published in next week’s The Star Post.  P-27-1F

Barbara A. Hollermann

Barbara A. “Barb” Hollermann, 82, of Melrose, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, June 30, 2022, at the CentraCare Care Center in Melrose. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 6, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with the Rev. Arockiya Newton officiating and Deacon Ernie Kociemba assisting. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery.  Visitation was 4-7 p.m., July 5, at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose and is 10-11 a.m., July 6, at the church.  Barbara Ann Andres was born Dec. 22, 1939, in Marshall, to Lester and Dorothy (Zellmer) Andres. On May 21, 1960, she was united in marriage to Vernon “Vern” Hollermann at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. Barb worked at St. Mary’s cafeteria and for the Melrose Public Elementary School as a teacher’s aide. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose and the Christian Mothers. Barb enjoyed crafting, sewing, working puzzles, camping, cooking, gardening and collecting angels and Snow Buddies. Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Vern Hollermann of Melrose; children Mike (Val) Hollermann of Cold Spring, Steve (Deb) Hollermann of Milaca, Deb (Ernie) Bielefeld of Minneapolis, and Scott (Megan) Hollermann of Ponsford; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; brother Roger (Linda) Andres; sisters Sharon (Al) Lewis and Pat (Dean) Rapp; sisters-in-law Darlene Andres, Sister Ephrem Hollermann and Betty Schloemer; and brother-in-law Bob Hollermann. Barb was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Curt Andres and Mark Andres; brothers-in-law Harry Hollermann and Bernie Schloemer; sister-in-law Flo Hollermann; and mother and father-in-law Eleanor and Henry Hollermann. Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose. P-27-1B

Dennis J. Sand

Dennis J. Sand, 69, of Albany, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side June 25, 2022. Dennis was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2017, and he had a stroke in March 2021.  A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m., Friday, July 8, at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany. Visitation will be 9-10:45 a.m. prior to Mass in the church gathering area. Dennis was born May 14, 1953, to Ervin and Elizabeth (Kraemer) Sand. He grew up on a small family farm on the northwest side of Albany. He spent his younger years working on the farm and for the family businesses. Dennis spoke fondly of growing up on the farm. He shared stories of the trouble he was always getting into with his siblings. He also enjoyed playing football and wrestling in high school. After graduating from the Albany High School, he worked at the local radio station, KASM. He loved working with Cliff and Clyde and dreamed of life as a radio DJ. Dennis also worked at the Albany Telephone Company. Dennis met Joan Gerads on a blind date set up by Jim and Jean Sand at the KASM Christmas party. They married Oct. 25, 1975, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Upsala. When they were first married Dennis’ interest in politics was sparked when he took a job driving and working for a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. After that, he worked for Sand-Mitchell-Smith construction company. From there Dennis and his wife went into business with his parents, building and running the Sands Restaurant for 20 years. Later they purchased and ran Freeway Liquors until his retirement at the end of 2015. During this time Dennis and Joan had five children. Dennis always had a strong work ethic and a love for the community but being in business for himself really drove his passions. He proudly served the city of Albany for 27 years; serving on the Albany City Council from 1985 to 2007, as mayor of Albany from 2007 to 2012 and park board and economic development authority liaison during that time. Dennis was also honored to serve on the Albany Mutual Telephone Association Board from 2011-16.  Dennis enjoyed golf, hunting and frequenting local businesses. He looked forward to U.S. Bank Stadium Vikings’ games and his yearly visit to Palm Springs with his friend Paul. Dennis was known for his generosity, frank advice, honesty, tireless commitment to his businesses, and ensuring his children grew up to be dependable and hard-working.   Dennis was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic United Financial and Seven Dolors Catholic Church. He will be missed by his wife Joan; his children, Janelle Sand of Albany, Laura (Blake) Cheeley of Ramsey, Tracy (Scott) Schneider of Albany, and Robert Sand of Albany; his grandchildren, Mia, Hadley, Harper and Tyler Cheeley and Parker and Lydia Schneider; his siblings, Jim (Jean) Sand of Avon, Judy (Eldred) Dingmann of Monticello, Dale (Mary) Sand of Cold Spring, Leo Sand of Avon, Tom (Ginger) Sand of Rochester, and Brian (Sherri) Sand of Albany; his sister-in-law, Karen Weber-Sand of St. Joseph; his goddaughter, Angela Teske of Albany; and his many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Ervin and Betty Sand; his son, Joey; his sisters, Joyce Winter, Diane Sand, Mary Lou Sand and Mary Kay Sand, and his brother-in-law, Bert Winter. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. Memorials will be donated to Holy Family School, Seven Dolors Endowment Fund and the Alzheimer’s Society. Arrangements are being made by the Miller-Carlin Funeral Home of Albany. P-27-1B

Dorothy M. Schmitz

Dorothy M. Schmitz, 86, of Brooten, died June 26, 2022, surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home in Belgrade.   Mass of Christian Burial was July 1 at St. Donatus Catholic Church in Brooten. Burial was in the church cemetery. Dorothy Mary Schmitz was born Feb. 29, 1936, in Melrose, the daughter of Joseph and Alvina (Thieschafer) Oevermann. She grew up in rural Melrose where she attended a small country school. On July 2, 1957, Dorothy was united in marriage to Leonard Schmitz. This union was blessed with four daughters and three sons. The family made their home in the North Fork Township, near Brooten, where they ran a dairy farm. Dorothy also enjoyed working at the school in Brooten for nine years, retiring in 2001.  Dorothy was a member of St. Donatus Catholic Church in Brooten. She was active there as a member of the Christian Mothers. Her faith was very important to her. She always prayed the rosary twice a day. Dorothy enjoyed playing cards and 31 with her grandchildren, crocheting, driving her friends to their appointments and having coffee with the girls. Dorothy was an avid reader, reading thousands of books, and when her eyesight began failing, she listened to audiobooks.  Dorothy’s family will remember her sense of humor and her one-liners. She would often share childhood stories of one child with another child so they would feel more connected.  Dorothy is survived by her children, Philip Schmitz of Brooten, Mary Jane (Sheila Holme) Schmitz of Brooten, Alice (Larry) Schumann of Belgrade, Dennis Schmitz of Brooten, Gerald (Sue) Schmitz of Brooten, Lois (Stanton) Brown of Montevideo, and Brenda (Paul Stegeman) Schmitz of Brooten; 17 grandchildren Sig Holme, Mallory Holme, Molly Holme, Craig Medalen, Emily Koch, Alexander Shumann, Riley Shumann, Ben Shumann, Justin Schmitz, Sarah Schmitz, Matthew Schmitz, Zachary Schmitz, Kendra Schmitz, Luke Schmitz, Morgan Brown, Jerica Brown and Casey Stegeman; four great-grandchildren Avery Cline, Bennett and Emersyn Medalen and Elanor Coates; siblings Kitty Mueller of Melrose, Donald Oevermann of Melrose, and Joseph Oevermann of Melrose; and many nieces and nephews. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband Leonard; daughter-in-law Sandy; siblings Albert Oevermann, Richard Oevermann and Edna Middendorf; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. P-27-1B

Arthur J. Hopfer

Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Arthur J. Hopfer, 86, of Freeport and formerly of Lake Henry, was July 1 at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Lake Henry.  Art passed away peacefully at home, with family by his side, June 27, 2022. The Rev. Glenn Krystosek officiated. Burial was in the parish cemetery. Art was born April 16, 1936, in Lake Henry Township to the late Leonard and Lauretta (Kraemer) Hopfer. After completing eighth grade, Art stayed at home and helped on the family farm. He married Rosella Sand Nov. 5, 1957, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich, and they farmed near Lake Henry. Rosella passed away in 1993. Art married Jean (Thull) Solsrud July 27, 2002, in Lake Henry. They lived in rural Freeport, and Art continued to farm, helping his sons.  He was a member of St. Margaret’s Parish in Lake Henry, St. Joseph’s Society, Catholic Order of Foresters and the Lake Henry Lions. He served on the Lake Henry Fire Department for 26 years and was fire chief 17 years. Art loved farming, baseball and dancing. He was active with the Lake Henry Lakers all of his life, playing, coaching and cheering on his sons and grandsons.   He is survived by his wife of almost 20 years, Jean; children Liza Kampsen, Dan (Mary), Ruthie (Mike) Hopfer-Wensmann, Pete, Tom, Kaye (Dave) Vig, Jim and Milissa (Andy) Schmidt; step-children David Solsrud, Robert Solsrud and Paul Solsrud; sister-in-law Arlana Langner; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosella, in 1993; grandsons, Michael Kampsen and John Vig; daughter-in-law Vicki Hopfer; granddaughter Angie Hopfer; and siblings Laura Eickhoff, Bill Hopfer and Bill Langner. Memorials are preferred. A heartfelt thank you to St. Croix Hospice. Arrangements were with Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home, Paynesville.

Dorothy M. Schmitz

Dorothy M. Schmitz, 86, of Brooten, died on Sunday, June 26, 2022, surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home in Belgrade. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 1, 2022, at St. Donatus Catholic Church in Brooten. Burial will be at the church cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday at the Johnson Funeral Home in Belgrade from 4-8 p.m. with a parish prayer service at 4 p.m. The visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.   Dorothy Mary Schmitz was born on Feb. 29, 1936, in Melrose, the daughter of Joseph and Alvina (Thieschafer) Oevermann.  She grew up in rural Melrose where she attended a small country school. On July 2, 1957, Dorothy was united in marriage to Leonard Schmitz.  This union was blessed with four daughters and three sons.  The family made their home in the North Fork Township near Brooten where they ran a dairy farm. Dorothy also enjoyed working at the school in Brooten for nine years, retiring in 2001.  Dorothy was a member of St. Donatus Catholic Church in Brooten. She was active there as a member of the Christian Mothers. Her faith was very important to her; she always prayed the Rosary twice a day. Dorothy enjoyed playing cards and 31 with her grandchildren, crocheting, driving her friends to their appointments, and having coffee with the girls. Dorothy was an avid reader; she read thousands of books and when her eyesight began failing, she listened to audiobooks.  Dorothy’s family will remember her sense of humor and her one-liners.  She would often share childhood stories of one child with another child so they would feel more connected.  Dorothy is survived by her children, Philip Schmitz of Brooten, Mary Jane (Sheila Holme) Schmitz of Brooten, Alice (Larry) Schumann of Belgrade, Dennis Schmitz of Brooten, Gerald (Sue) Schmitz of Brooten, Lois (Stanton) Brown of Montevideo and Brenda (Paul Stegeman) Schmitz of Brooten; 17 grandchildren:  Sig Holme, Mallory Holme, Molly Holme, Craig Medalen, Emily Koch, Alexander Shumann, Riley Shumann, Ben Shumann, Justin Schmitz, Sarah Schmitz, Matthew Schmitz, Zachary Schmitz, Kendra Schmitz, Luke Schmitz, Morgan Brown, Jerica Brown and Casey Stegeman; four great-grandchildren, Avery Cline, Bennett and Emersyn Medalen, and Elanor Coates.  Dorothy is also survived by her siblings,  Kitty Mueller of Melrose, Donald Oevermann of Melrose and Joseph Overmann of Melrose; and many nieces and nephews. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leonard; daughter-in-law, Sandy; siblings: Albert Oevermann, Richard Oevermann and Edna Middendorf; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Viola B. Trisko Kraemer

Viola Bernadine Trisko Kraemer, age 92 of Alexandria and formerly of Osakis, passed into her eternal life on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Grand Arbor in Alexandria.  She was born April 21, 1930, in Melrose to Carl and Anna (Kemper) Trisko.  She grew up in Melrose, Greenwald and Sauk Centre, the only girl and middle child of seven. On June 27, 1951, she was united in marriage to Frank W. Kraemer at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. They lived and farmed north of Osakis for eight years until moving to a farm on the southeast side of Osakis where they lived and worked until their retirement in 1990. They also enjoyed living on their hobby farm on the southwest edge of Osakis until 2006, when they moved to an apartment in Alexandria. Viola was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Osakis and then St Mary’s parish in Alexandria.  She was an excellent seamstress making most of her girls’ clothes. She also sewed many quilts for the missions.  Viola made over 200 teddy bears which were sold by the mission group to raise money to buy material for baby quilts and baby layettes. She always had a large garden and canned all the produce each year to last through the winter season.   If she wasn’t working on the farm, she enjoyed embroidering, crocheting, hand appliquéing quilt tops, and stitched many quilts given to her family. Through the years, she embroidered many dishtowels, pillowcases and dresser scarves, and crocheted afghans. Frank and Viola made hundreds of Rosaries which were sent to missions throughout the world. The whole family, including Dad, was included in the Christmas baking season using many German and Austrian recipes.  Mom was an excellent baker and treats were shared with anyone who came to visit throughout the year. Viola is survived by her daughters, Kathleen (Donald) Koopmeiners of Long Prairie, Marlene (Donald) Klaphake of Melrose, Margie (Delbert) Bodde of Alexandria and Marilyn (David) Lang of Fargo, North Dakota; two grandsons, Richard Bodde (Shanna) of Alexandria and Jonathon (Sophia) of North Pasco, Washington; two great-granddaughters (Allison and Avery) and two great-grandsons (Lincoln and Liam). She is also survived by two brothers (Raymond and Clarence) of Sauk Centre. Viola was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, on May 18, 2011. She was also preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Alphonse, Raphael, Jerome and Richard. A private Mass of Resurrection was held on Friday, June 25, 2022, with Fr. David Grundman officiating. Internment was at Calvary Cemetery in Osakis. Arrangements are with the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home of Osakis.

Dennis J. Scepaniak

Services celebrating the life of Dennis John Scepaniak, 60, of Avon, will be 4-8 p.m., Monday, July 11, at Miller Carlin Funeral Home in Holdingford.  Dennis passed away June 23, 2022, at the St. Cloud Hospital after a brief but courageous battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.   Dennis was born March 8, 1962, in Melrose, to Louis and Jeanette (Fischer) Scepaniak. On June 6, 2022, after 28 years of partnership and love, he married Lynn Baggenstoss at the St. Cloud Hospital. Dennis enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his daughter, son-in-law and four grandsons Quinn, 13, Cole, 11, Alex, 8, and Milo, 3. Dennis believed in the importance of land and wildlife conservation. He took pride in his 40 acres of land and the hundreds of trees he planted there. Dennis was also a proud member of Pheasants Forever for over 30 years. Dennis successfully owned and operated The Upholstery Shop in St. Anna for nearly 40 years. He valued the friendships and interactions he had with his customers and will be remembered for paying meticulous attention to detail.  Dennis is survived by his wife, Lynn Baggenstoss-Scepaniak; his daughter, Becca (Jon) Myrum of Sartell; his grandsons; his mother, Jeanette of Holdingford; sisters and brother Kathleen Scepaniak, Patricia Scepaniak, Barbara Manuel and Jeffery (Shelly) Scepaniak; and sisters- and brother-in-law Lois Sandvig, Dean (Mary) Baggenstoss, Ross (Susan) Baggenstoss, Craig (Deb) Baggenstoss, Lisa (Dan) Lundberg and Leah (Dean) Hoffarth. Dennis will be remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Louis Scepaniak, his mother and father-in-law, Louis and Addie Baggenstoss; and an infant brother.  The family of Dennis would like to thank the intensive care unit and oncology staff at the St. Cloud Hospital for their compassionate care. A special thank you to Dr. Jacob (Jack) Lyons of the ICU and Dr. Christopher Miller of the Coborn Cancer Center.  In celebration of Dennis’ life, put on a flannel shirt and crank your favorite classic rock song.  Memorials are preferred to Pheasants Forever. Arrangements are being made with Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes.