James Duscha, age 88, of Foley, passed away Feb. 27, 2020, at The Gardens at Foley Nursing Center.  Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 6,  at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Popple Creek. The Rev. Dr. Timothy Rehwaldt will officiate. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Thursday, March 5 at the Foley Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church Friday. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery.  Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.
James Duane Duscha was born Aug. 2, 1930 in Mayhew Lake Township, Benton County to Herrman and Anna (Bartosiawski) Duscha. He was baptized, confirmed and attended St. John’s Lutheran Church in Popple Creek his entire life.  He lived in Mayhew Lake Township all his life, and farmed dairy, beef and hogs.  Jim enjoyed fishing, traveling in his RV and visiting with friends. 
He is survived by his nephew, Jim Duscha, Longview Washington.; nieces; Joann May, Tacoma, Washington. and Sandy Munger, Port Angeles, Washington. and special friends and caretaker, Kevin and Carolyn Seiferman, Foley. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gordon and sister-in-law, Ruth Duscha.        
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Darlene Stofflet, age 70, of Sauk Rapids, passed away Feb. 20, 2020, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home, Sauk Rapids. Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 28, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home Chapel. The Rev. Keith Weise will officiate. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home Chapel Friday. Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.
Darlene Marie Stofflet was born May 29, 1949, in St. Cloud to Wilford and Eleanor (Hoglon) Jansen. She graduated from Tech High School and was united in to marriage to Douglas Stofflet Oct. 25, 1971, at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in Foley. She was an active member and taught Sunday School at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Oak Park for 25 years. She also worked at Fingerhut for 30 years. Darlene was a resident the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home for 19 years. She enjoyed picking agates, fishing and being with her family. Darlene was an amazing mother and grandmother and is dearly loved and will be missed by all.
She is survived by her daughters: Kim (David) Demo, Foley and Lori (Joel) Obia of Big Lake as well as three grandchildren: Amara, Isioma and Chiyerem, and brother, Wally (Candy) Jansen, Rice and brother-in-laws; John and Larry Stofflet of Foley. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Douglas and brother and sister: Eddie and Patty.        
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There will be a memorial gathering at a later date for Lynn Kardell, age 88, of Foley, who passed away Feb. 15, 2020, at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center.  Lynn Gilbert Kardell was born Sept. 30, 1931, in Sauk Rapids to Axel and Marjorie (Kay) Kardell. He married Martha Nielsen and the couple lived in Foley for many years. Lynn worked for over 32 years at the Ford Plant in St. Paul. He served honorably in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and wood working. He was a life member of the Sauk Rapids VFW Post No. 6992. Memorials are preferred. Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.
He is survived by his sons and daughter: Harold (Mary), Great Falls, Montana; Greg (Jane), Sauk Rapids and Diana (Robert) Waddell of Foley as well as five grandchildren and five great grandchildren and a brother, Gary (Joan) of Sauk Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Martha and five brothers and two sisters.        
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Agnes Blaszak, age 95, of Foley, passed away Feb. 13, 2020, at The Gardens at Foley Nursing Center surrounded by her family. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Morrill.  The Rev. Matthew Langager and the Rev. Michael Wolfbauer will concelebrate. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. at the church Tuesday. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery.  Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.
Agnes Blaszak was born June 22, 1924, in Alberta Township, Benton County, to Thomas and Martha (Uritza) Jezierski. She married Sylvester Blaszak April 14, 1942 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Gilman. Agnes and Sylvester farmed in Morrill until retiring in the early 1990s when they moved to Foley. Agnes enjoyed tending her flower gardens, mowing lawn on her riding mower, farming, playing cards and bingo, and dancing in her younger years. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was a member of the Christian Mothers at St. Joseph’s and St. John’s Catholic Church.
She is survived by her sons Peter of Foley and John of Foley; her grandchildren Paul Blaszak, Janelle (Mike) Stoltenow, Meloney (Scott) Lentz, Theresa (Paul) Teicher and Sara (Bill) Czech; as well as great grandchildren Melissa Lentz; Tanner, Sawyer, and Ozzy Teicher; Corey, Levi and Austin Czech; and great-great granddaughter, Lilly Czech and a very special family friend, Jan.  She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Sylvester (1999), daughter-in-laws Bonnie (2012) and Janet (2014), and all of her siblings. The family would like to thank those who attended the funeral Mass.  No cards will be sent.        
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Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids for Bernice M. Molitor, 94, of Sauk Rapids, who passed away Feb. 7, 2020 at Country Manor Health Care Center in Sartell, surrounded by her loving family. The Rev. Ronald Weyrens will officiate and burial will be at the parish cemetery. Visitation will be  4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and also one hour prior to services at the church Wednesday morning. Parish prayers will be at 4 p.m. at the church Tuesday evening. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids.
Bernice was born April 19, 1925, in Rockville to Arthur and Elizabeth (Braun) Bidinger. She married Walter Molitor May 11, 1944, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Rockville. They moved to a dairy farm near Sauk Rapids in 1948 where together, they farmed until 1993. Bernice was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids, St. Monica’s Society and Catholic Aid. She enjoyed playing cards, especially 500, being with her family and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who had a very strong faith.
Survivors include her children, Marlene of Sauk Rapids, Jerry (Linda) of Foley, Walter, Jr. (Shirley) of Foley, Roy (Sandy) of Sauk Rapids, Barney (Linda) of Sauk Rapids, Kathleen (Allan) Wollak of Sauk Rapids, Ron (Tammy) of Sauk Rapids, Rick (Julie) of Holdingford, Randy (Mary Ann) of Sauk Rapids, Betty (Otto) Lamecker of Rochester and Ken (Kris) of Sauk Rapids; sisters, Eunice (Andy) Molitor of Rockville and Betty Gross of Rockville; brother in law, Glen Achman of Burnsville; 45 grandchildren and 77 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walter, in 2015; grandson, Kyle; an infant granddaughter; and sisters, Lorraine Molitor, Rita Welle, Doreen Moran and Rose Achman.
Memorials are preferred to the Poor Clare’s Monastery.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at Country Manor Health Care Center in Sartell of the wonderful and compassionate care that was given to Bernice.
Obituary, Guest Book and Video Tribute available online at https://www.williamsdingmann.com.     
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Marjorie Lewandowski, age 94, of Foley, passed away Feb. 5, 2020, at The Gardens at Foley Nursing Center surrounded by her family. Mass of Christian Burial was 11 a.m. Feb. 8 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Gilman. The Rev. Matthew Langager officiated and burial took place in the parish cemetery. Visitation was 10-11 a.m. at the church Saturday. Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.
Marjorie Lucille Lewandowski was born June 4, 1925, in Ronneby to Stanley and Anna (Mayhack) Weaver. She married Chester Lewandowski Oct. 18, 1947, in Tacoma, Wash. After their marriage, the couple moved west of Gilman where they dairy farmed and raised their family. Marjorie worked several part time jobs along with helping her husband on the farm. She was an avid reader; Minnesota Vikings fan and enjoyed playing cards and bingo, gardening and spending time with her family. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, the Rosary Society and the Crosier Apostolate. The family asks that those attending the funeral wear her favorite color, purple.  Memorial are preferred in lieu of flowers.
She is survived by her childre: Julie Zeck, Great Bend, Kan.; Jim, Crosier Community, Phoenix, Ariz.; Judy Stump, Wichita, Kan.; Mary Margaret Lewandowski, Wichita, Kan.; Kathy (Bruce) Miller, Wichita, Kan.; Michael (Mary), Gilman; Patty (Olie) Self, Kansas City, Mo.; Amy (Jerry) Guyette, Kansas City, Mo.; 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren and a brother, Allen Weaver, Ronneby. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Chester and a sister, Mary Lou Sinnot.     
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Tom Olson, 88, passed away Feb.1, 2020, at his home in rural Foley. A memorial gathering and luncheon will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Feb. 8 at Glendorado Town Hall, 792 190th Ave. N.E., Princeton, to celebrate Tom’s life.
Thomas Clarence Olson was born March 15, 1931, to Della (Nelson)  and Charlie Olson in Hansonville Township, Lincoln County. Tom grew up on a farm in Canby, with his three siblings on dirt floors and eating lard sandwiches. Tom left Canby to be with the love of his life, Caroline Joan Stauffenecker. They were united in marriage June 20, 1953, at Gustavus Adolphus Church in Ronneby.
Tom was a brilliant, extremely kind, and soft-spoken man. He was a talented mechanic, welder and electrician who was known for his ability to build or fix anything. Tom was employed by Ratzlaff Logging and Lumber for over 20 years. After retirement, Tom enjoyed reading, having morning coffee with his friends at the K-Bob Cafe, treasure hunting at yard sales with Caroline, spending time with family, and chatting at the kitchen table.
Tom is survived by children, Loren (Laura), Lyle (Ann), Raymond (Darla), Marilyn, and Nancy (Ken) Denfeld all of Foley, and Gary (Kelli) of Sartell; nine grandchildren, and six great grandchildren with one more on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Doris, Clinton, and Esther; grandson Jeremy Shiek; and beloved wife Caroline.
The family would like to say a special thank you to neighbors Tim Kampa and Lynn Volkers, who  helped us keep a watchful eye over Dad.       
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Richard Schlicht, age 84, of Foley, passed away Jan. 26, 2020, at his home. Mass of Christian Burial was Friday, Jan. 31 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Foley. The Rev. Michael Wolfbauer officiated and burial with military honors by the Foley American Legion Post No. 298took place in the parish cemetery. Visitation was Thursday evening at the Foley Funeral Home with parish prayers at 6 p.m. Visitation continued one hour prior to the service at the church Friday. Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.
Richard Ernest Schlicht was born Nov. 29, 1935, in Foley to Ernest and Elizabeth (Karish) Schlicht. He grew up in Foley and graduated from Foley High School in 1953 and then joined the U.S. Army. He married Barbara Zulkosky June 22, 1957, at St. John’s Catholic Church. The couple lived in Fort Lewis, Washington, while Richard served in the army. They spent many years traveling the United States and Europe. After college, Richard worked at Fridley State Bank as a loan officer and insurance agent. Richard owned his own grocery store, coached his softball team and worked as a custodian for Columbia Heights Schools until he retired and moved back to the Foley area. He enjoyed watching the Twins, Vikings and all his grandchildren play sports. He enjoyed mowing lawn, his large flower garden and his cat, Bud. He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and the Foley American Legion.
He is survived by his wife, Barb of 62 years and children: Mark (Deborah), Becker; Cynthia (Brad Fischer), Brooten; Lisa (Joseph Messier), Ham Lake; Barbara Hemkin, Ramsey and Daniel (Jena), South Haven as well as 15 grandchildren and three great grandchildren with one on the way, sisters; Arlene Torres and Rosie Siemers. He is preceded in death by parents and mother and father-in-law, Tom and Sue Zulkosky; brother, Norman ; sister-in-law, Suzanne Heine and brothers-in-law; Bob Siemers and Al Torres.       
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Edward Kampa, age 90, of Hillman, passed away peacefully Jan. 23, 2020 at The Gardens at Foley Nursing Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 28 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, Brennyville. The Rev. Virgil Helmin will officiate and burial will take place in the parish cemetery. Visitation was from 4-8 p.m., Monday at the Foley Funeral Home and will continue from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church Tuesday. Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.
Edward Val Kampa was born May 6, 1929, in Morrill Township, Morrison County to Valentine and Rose (Bauer) Kampa. He married Kathleen Vogtlin Sept. 15, 1958 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Hillman. The couple celebrated 61 years of marriage together.   Ed drove milk truck and also worked as a trucker for TCF for several years. He was a member of the 49ers Union and worked construction until his retirement in 1992. After Ed retired, he and Kathy took a two month trip and drove to Alaska. Ed was an avid outdoorsman and especially like deer hunting and fishing.  He was an excellent carpenter and could fix most anything and will be remembered for his kind manor. He was a member of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy, Foley and sons: Butch (Julie), Pierz; Scott (Deanna), Foley, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren as well as brother, Jim (Shirley), Foley and sister, Irene Moeller, Foley and daughter-in-law, Jeanne Kampa of Hillman; sister, Gloria (Ronny) Graczyk, Pierz.
He is preceded by his parents and son, Donny, brother, Irvin ‘Buck’, sister, Marie Cielinski and a great grandson, Damian Hebler.        
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LaVerne ‘Jack’ Thorsten, age 78 of Foley passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Jan. 18, 2020, at The Gardens of Foley Nursing Center. Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, at the First Presbyterian Church in Foley. Rev.  Beverly Brock will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at the Foley Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.
LaVerne ‘Jack’ Thorsten was born July 28, 1941, in Minneapolis, Minn. to John and Adeline (Stumvoll) Thorsten. He graduated from Foley High School in 1959 and entered the U.S. Navy where he served on the first nuclear powered aircraft carrier, The USS Enterprise, from 1962 to 1964. He married Diane Barthelemy on Sept. 2, 1967, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Foley. Jack loved hunting, fishing and country music. He was an excellent gardener and his grandchildren loved hiding in the peas and the corn that he planted. He loved to see things grow.  The family wishes to thank staff at The Gardens at Foley and Moments Hospice for all their care and support shown to Jack and the family during this difficult time. 
Jack is survived by his wife, Diane, Foley and children: Pam (Mike) McIver; Brian (Karri); Troy (Heidi) and Voni (Shawn) Hovland, all of Foley as well as grandchildren: Jake Thorsten, Kayla McIver, Connor Thorsten, Tanner McIver, Joe Thorsten, Brooks Hovland, Ella Hovland, Will Thorsten, Madden Hovland and Landon Thorsten.  He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Marvin, Foley; Marilyn (Roger) Johnson, Ellendale, N.D.; Gary (Georgianne), Foley; Danny (Debbie), Foley; Richard (Joanie), Longville; Darlene (John) Kadlac, Howard Lake and Terry (Beth) of Foley.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Mary Jo Mohs and a brother-in-law, Ed Koscielniak.       
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Margaret Christman, age 90 of Foley passed away Jan. 13, 2020, at her home. Mass of Christian Burial was 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, at St. John’s Catholic Church, Foley. Visitation was from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Rev. Virgil Helmin officiated and burial took place at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls. Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.
Margaret Mary Christman was born on April 21, 1929, in Collegeville, Minn. to Joseph and Anna (Klein) Ritzer. She married Fred Christman on Aug. 26, 1948, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Avon. The couple lived in Sartell until moving to rural Foley in 1955. They farmed all their married life in St. George Township, Benton County. Margaret loved painting, gardening and doing wood work. She was a very independent person and lead an independent lifestyle. She enjoyed trips to the casino and spending time with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Margaret was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church.
She is survived by her sons: Dan (Nancy), Foley; Bill (Kathy), Foley, 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren and a sister, Bernadette Thene of St. Cloud. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Fred, and brothers and sisters: Marcus, Adolph, Ewald, Delvin, Otto, Angela Ritzer and Ernestine Mager.        
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Margaret Christman, age 90 of Foley passed away Jan. 13, 2020, at her home. Mass of Christian Burial was 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, at St. John’s Catholic Church, Foley. Visitation was from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Rev. Virgil Helmin officiated and burial took place at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls. Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.
Margaret Mary Christman was born on April 21, 1929, in Collegeville, Minn. to Joseph and Anna (Klein) Ritzer. She married Fred Christman on Aug. 26, 1948, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Avon. The couple lived in Sartell until moving to rural Foley in 1955. They farmed all their married life in St. George Township, Benton County. Margaret loved painting, gardening and doing wood work. She was a very independent person and lead an independent lifestyle. She enjoyed trips to the casino and spending time with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Margaret was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church.
She is survived by her sons: Dan (Nancy), Foley; Bill (Kathy), Foley, 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren and a sister, Bernadette Thene of St. Cloud. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Fred, and brothers and sisters: Marcus, Adolph, Ewald, Delvin, Otto, Angela Ritzer and Ernestine Mager.        
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Dixie Karen Shore was born Aug. 14, 1939, in Sebeka to Richard and Evelyn (Downer) Frisbie. She married LeeRoy Shore Nov. 17, 1956 at his parents home outside of Menahga. The couple lived in Minneapolis before moving to Foley in 1960 where they lived and raised their family. Dixie wrote her own poetry as well as family genealogy. She enjoyed playing cards, board games, puzzles and computer games and will be fondly remembered for her feisty side and spunky personality. She especially enjoyed her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: Joetta (Russell) Holewa, Foley; Darrell, Billings, Mont.; Leland, Foley; Craig (Rebecca), Menahga; Russell (Kim), Milaca; Lorelei Shore, Graceville; Janita (Kevin), Foley, 22 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren and a sister, Inez ‘JoAnn’ Johnson, Romance, Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, LeeRoy, Jan. 11, 2012 and brothers and sisters: Lloyd, Lois Shearer, Larry Dean ‘Paul’, Zane, Ione ‘Onie’ Lind, Rex and Frank.     
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Lesley Fleck, age 83, of Hillman passed away at his home Jan. 4, 2020.  Funeral services were 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 10, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Ramey. The Rev. Luke Oaks officiated. Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Foley Funeral Home and from 10-11 a.m. at church Friday. Burial took place at Lone Pine Cemetery, Morrill Township, Morrison County. Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.

Lesley Arthur Fleck was born March 25, 1936, in Lakin Township, Morrison County to Fred and Mary (Westphall) Fleck. He married Judy Hastings  June 16, 1961 in Foley. He farmed all of his life in Lakin Township and in his younger years he liked deer hunting. Along with his farming, Lesley enjoyed working on machinery and could fix most anything. He enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Judy of Hillman, son and daughter, James Fleck, Hillman, Janie Fleck, Hillman, twin brother, Lester, Hillman, and brother, Murel (Pat), Braham, sisters: Lucille Jackson, Minneapolis and Mildred Carson, Waite Park as well as four grandchildren: Jason Fleck, Shawn Fleck, Jennifer Fleck and Ryan Fleck and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Wendell and brothers and sisters: Orval, Richard, Sam, Harold, Lavera Gadacz and Pearl Reynolds.      
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Funeral services for Richard Simonsmeier were at 11 a.m. Dec. 28 at Glendorado Lutheran Church, Princeton. He passed away peacefully Dec. 21, 2019, at Sterling Pointe in Princeton, at age 81. Visitation was from 9-11 a.m. Pastor Shari Routh officiated. Burial was in the Glendorado Lutheran Cemetery, Princeton.

Richard was born Oct. 5, 1938, in Mapleton, to Harold, Sr. and Helen (Taft) Simonsmeier. He grew up in Mapleton until age 7 when his family moved to rural Big Lake. Richard attended school in Becker, graduating with the class of 1956. Following graduation, he honorably served in the United States Air Force. Richard was united in marriage with Marlene Louise Strunge Feb. 11, 1961, in Monticello. They made their home in Big Lake and in 1966, they moved to rural Princeton, where they farmed until 1995. In addition to farming, Richard owned and operated Rick’s Electric for 30 years, retiring in 2010.

Richard enjoyed tinkering around his house and farm, spear-fishing, hunting, flying his Cessna and racing modified stock cars. He was involved in Glendorado Lutheran Church activities including a mission trip to the Virgin Islands. Richard especially enjoyed being with his family, particularly the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Richard will be finding his way home to heaven to his loving wife, Marlene, and Border Collie, Sam. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Kim (Steve) Wipper of St. Cloud; two sons, Kurt (Brenda) Simonsmeier of Foley and Kirk (Patricia) Simonsmeier of Princeton; ten grandchildren, Kari Johannes, Kelly (Jason) Puhl, Sara (Seth) Dietman, Samantha (Luke) Anderson, Emily (Tyler) Pereira, Ezekiel Simonsmeier, Amelia Simonsmeier, Alyson Simonsmeier, Erin Simonsmeier, and Katelyn Simonsmeier; twelve great-grandchildren, Morgan, Colton, Payton, Emery, Sage, Parker, Reed, Jackson, Brady, Benjamin, Mackenzie, and Audrey; sister, Sandy; sister-in-laws, Ann Marie and Patricia; his nieces and nephews; and by other loving relatives and friends.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Marlene; brothers, Harold, Jr. and Dean; and step-brother, Delano Taft. 

Our Country is in Mourning, A Soldier Died Today.  

 

Lucille Smekofske, age 100, of Foley, passed away with her family at her side  Dec. 18, 2019, at The Gardens at Foley Nursing Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 21, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Gilman. The Rev. Matthew Langager will officiate. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. at the church Saturday. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery. Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.

Lucille Mary Smekofske was born Nov. 6, 1919 in Foreston to Everett and Delina (Chevalier) Walbridge and raised by her aunt, Melvina (Tommy) Josephs.  She married Lawrence Smekofske Sept. 16, 1935, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Foreston. Lucille lived and farmed with her husband in the Foley area and also worked at Fingerhut until her retirement. She was an energetic person that was always on the move and loved spending time with her family and friends.

Lucille is survived by her son and daughters: John (Kathy), Foley; Mary Lou (Bill) Westphall, Monticello; Ardie (Bob) Stowe, Buffalo; Donna (Bob) Rahm, Foley; Rosalie Fleck, Milaca; Marge Riedemann, Stacey; Teresa (Gene) Arkuszewski, Sauk Rapids; Chris (Glenn) Albright, Foley and two sisters.  She is also survived by 30 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren and 43 great-great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Lawrence, five brothers and five sisters and an infant daughter, Ruth as well as grandchildren: Pam, Lynn and Tim and great grandchildren, Bill and Matt.          

 

Dr. Clifford Dillon Stiles passed away at the age of 88 Dec. 1, 2019. His spouse of 61 years, Carol McGee Stiles, was at his side at their home on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. At the time he was in hospice care for congestive heart failure and its complications. He is survived by Carol and their children, Colleen, Kevin, T.J., and Karen Stiles. Memorial services celebrating the life of Dr. Stiles will be 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 28 at the First Presbyterian Church in Foley. There will be a time for visiting from noon until the time of the service at the church, with a luncheon to follow at Henry’s Event Center in Foley. Memorials are preferred to the Foley Area Community Foundation to fund a scholarship for a Foley High School graduate. Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.

A man of boundless energy, generosity and public spirit, Cliff touched thousands of lives. He often expressed his deep faith and unshakeable optimism with the saying, “Whenever God closes a door, he opens a window.”

He was born to Clara Hudson Stiles and David D. Stiles Sr. in Lake Bluff, Illinois, Aug. 20, 1931. He was the youngest of three brothers, including David Stiles Jr., deceased, and Lynn Stiles, of Muscatine, Iowa. He graduated from Lake Forest High School in 1949 and matriculated at Carleton College in Northfield.

At Carleton, Cliff demonstrated his capacity for organization. Before his senior year, he launched a campaign that brought presidential candidate Dwight Eisenhower to the college in fall 1952 to give an address to America’s youth – the only time Carleton’s Laird Stadium has ever been filled to capacity.

After graduation, he attended Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago. On a Lake Michigan beach he met a young nurse from Loves Park, Illinois, named Carol McGee, daughter of Harold and Marion McGee. He proposed by presenting her with a list of things they would have to do for their wedding. She accepted. They married July 12, 1958.

They moved to Minneapolis, where Cliff joined the practice of a physician he knew from summers at Pehrson Lodge on Lake Vermillion. He served as team doctor to the Millers as they swept the minor league world series, but he left the practice after only a few months. He and Carol moved to Foley, a town of 1,000 people in the center of Benton County, some 70 miles north of Minneapolis. There he joined the practice of Dr. Norman Fiddleman, who died within a year.

Despite many obstacles facing the young doctor, Cliff and Carol decided to remain and build their lives in Foley. Colleen was born in 1959, Kevin in 1961, T.J. in 1964, and Karen in 1968. Benton County was (and still is) a rural county; for a time Cliff kept a two-way radio in his car because some of his patients’ homes lacked telephones. He made house calls, delivered babies, and served as medical director for the sheriff’s department and the nursing home and as the elected county coroner. He built a medical center in the town and over time shared his practice with partners John Bauman, Jerry Hansmeier, and finally his son, Dr. Kevin Stiles.

With a booming voice and a vigorous presence, Cliff devoted himself to church and community. He established scholarships and raised money tirelessly for causes he believed in. Dedicated elders of the First Presbyterian Church of Foley, he and Carol started a youth group, the Young United Presbyterians. They organized a number of ongoing fundraisers – a hotdog stand at the town’s annual summer fair, Foley Fun Days, and a rummage sale, among others – then took the group on trips every two or three years, usually to Europe, where they stayed in youth hostels. Believers in the benefits of travel, Cliff and Carol worked tirelessly to introduce the young people of Benton County and their own children to the global community and America’s diversity.

No list of activities, charities, and career highlights can capture Cliff’s impact on the world. He never missed an opportunity to serve as a mentor, to offer advice and encouragement, to bring a stranger into his church and family, to connect to others. (Indeed, the size of his Christmas card list is legendary.) Property owners on St. John since the 1970s, Cliff and Carol built a small house in Fish Bay and began to spend half the year there after Cliff’s retirement in 1999. They immersed themselves in the St. John community, which he loved so much. They were active members of the Bethany Moravian Church, where Cliff sometimes delivered guest sermons, as he did in Foley. He also belonged to the St. John Singers. He was a born storyteller, with a rich sense of humor and endless charm.

Cliff, long an avid racquetball player, began to suffer an increasing number of health problems over the last decade. He remained optimistic and public-spirited to the end, raising money for the Presbyterian church even in the last month of his life. Over Labor Day weekend 2019, all of his and Carol’s descendants came together in Foley for an early Thanksgiving celebration. It was his wish to make a final trip to his beloved house on St. John, which Carol’s efforts made possible. His family is grateful he passed away as he must have wished, with his wife beside him and the sound of the ocean in his ears.

Mass of Christian Burial was 10 a.m. Dec. 7 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids for Barbara “Barb” J. Urbanski, age 86, who passed away Dec. 3, 2019, at The Gardens at Foley in Foley. The Rev. Ralph Zimmerman officiated and entombment was at Sacred Heart Mausoleum in Sauk Rapids. Visitation was one hour prior to the services Saturday at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids.

Barb was born Sept. 23, 1933, in Alberta Township, Benton County to Leo and Clara (Pokornowski) Urbanski. She lived most of her life in the Sauk Rapids area. Barb was an information coordinator for Munsingwear for 39 years, retiring in 2008. She also worked at Carefree Living for 17 years. Barb was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she was involved in the Christian Mothers. She volunteered with the United Fund for 25 years, collecting money for charities. Barb enjoyed bowling, dancing, canning, cooking, gardening and shopping at Shopko. She loved to travel and visited all 50 states except Alaska and Texas. Barb was strong, helpful, loving, family orientated and a great lover of dogs.

Barb is survived by her nieces and nephews, Geralyn (Jim) Moshier of Foley, Kathryn (Ed) Kirchner of Sauk Rapids, Janel (Steve) Kobylinski of Sartell, Daniel Urbanski of Morrill, Michael (Leonice) Urbanski of Holdingford, Lori Urbanski of Eden Prairie, Dawn (Jim) Kaufman of Hopkins, Jay Urbanski of Hopkins, Barb (Dale) Roberts of Foley, Mark (Linda) Lentner of Pillager, Julaine Prevost of Denver, Colorado, and Peggy (LeeAnn) Lentner of Ontario, Canada; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Urbanski of Sauk Rapids and Joann Urbanski of Hopkins; dog, Bailey; and many great nieces, great nephews, other relatives, and friends. Barb was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Lorraine Lentner; brother, Leonard Urbanski; twin brothers, Daniel and Donald Urbanski; and dogs, Peppi, Trixie and Princess.

Obituary, guest book and video tribute available at http://www.williamsdingmann.com.          

Barbara Aman, age 71, of Oak Park, passed away Nov. 16, 2019, at the St. Cloud Hospital surrounded by her family after a short battle with lung cancer.  Mass of Christian Burial was at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 20 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Foley. The Rev. Michael Wolfbauer officiated and burial took place in the parish cemetery.  Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Foley Funeral Home and continued from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the church Wednesday. Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.

Barbara Ann Aman was born Dec. 31, 1947, in St. Cloud to Chester and Sophie (Rozeski) Chapp. She graduated from Foley High School in 1965. She married Jim Aman April 27, 1968, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Gilman. Barbara worked at Fingerhut and Gorecki Manufacturing as well as farmed with her husband and raised her family near Oak Park. She worked at Willmar Poultry for 25 years, retiring in 2011. Barbara was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church where she was a volunteer cleaner, collection counter, usher and a member of the Christian Women. She was a member of the Foley American Legion Auxiliary and was proud of the work she had done for the Poppy Drive. Barbara enjoyed cooking and baking, sewing and spending time outdoors. She cherished the time spent with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Jim, Oak Park and daughters and son: Cyndi (Todd) Hartkopf, Becker; Cheryl (Marc) Kelash, Rice; Christine (Jerry) Brenny, Rice; Bryan (Gretchen), Oak Park; Carrie (Matt) Strombeck, Oak Park as well as 15 grandchildren and four great grandchildren, with one on the way and brothers and sister: Clarence, Oak Park, Carl (Donna), Oak Park and Bernadette (Jeff) Zulawski of Oak Park.  She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Charles and many aunts and uncles..          

 

David Francis Ferschweiler, age 64, passed away at Blount Memorial Hospital Nov. 25, 2019, after his battle trying to recover from a stroke in August 2019 and other health issues. He is now at peace and pain free.

He grew up in the small town of Foley. Later moved to Powell, Tenn. He lived his life on the open road as a truck driver most of his life, and he received multiple awards for truck driving. He had a passion for computers and technology and got his college degree as a computer security specialist. He has delivered his last load, may he now forever rest in peace.

Preceded in death by his father Robert Ferschweiler and mother Joan Ferschweiler.  He is survived by his children, Brandon (Mallory) Ferschweiler, Jennifer Ferschweiler. Grandchildren Kaylee and Dalton Ferschweiler. His brother Michael (Maria) Ferschweiler and sister Denise Domm.

A celebration of life service will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 23 at First Presbyterian Church, 306 Norway Drive, Foley, Service will be at 11 a.m. with lunch to follow at noon.

If you would like to send condolences to the family, you may do so at: Brandon Ferschweiler 314 Seventh Street S., Sauk Rapids, MN 56379.         

Margaret (Kelash) Szafranski, age 94, of Foley, loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home  Nov. 12, 2019, surrounded by those who loved her. Mass of Christian Burial was 10:30 a.m. Nov.16 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Gilman. The Rev. Matthew Langager officiated. Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Foley Funeral Home. Visitation continued one hour prior to services at the church Saturday. Burial was in the parish cemetery. Service with Dignity provided by Foley Funeral Home.

Margaret was born in Alberta Township, Benton County, Minn. Dec. 24, 1924, to John and Aniela (Bower) Kelash. She was the third of eight children. At a young age, Margaret moved to the Minneapolis area where she held various jobs including  a nanny, dance instructor,  am assembler at Munsingwear and several years at the Twin Cities Ordinance plant where she assembled bullets. Margaret married Frank Szafranski  July 6, 1949, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Morrill.  She spent the rest of her life on the family farm, were she nurtured her large loving family. Margaret was active in Sts. Peter and Paul’s parish as a member of the Christian Women’s organization and served as the president of the St. Anne’s Mission group, she was also the parish liaison for the Foley C.R.O.S.S. Center, where she volunteered weekly for many years. Margaret also worked for a period of time as a seamstress at Fingerhut, St. Cloud.  She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, quilting, sewing, gardening, embroidering, baking and watching almost any type of sporting events especially the Vikings and Twins.       
 
Margaret is survived by her children, Sharon (Butch) Kipka of Foley, Dan (Kate) of Litchfield Park, Ariz., Bob (Darlene) Foley, Gloria (Leonard) Schram Columbia Heights, Geralyn Franklin Lino Lakes, Kevin, Michelle (Terry) Templin, and Jody, of  Foley and Randy (Sondra), Cold Spring, 14 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, her sons Larry and Patrick, son-in-law Jim Franklin, and siblings; Olga Kelash, Annette Skajewski, Frank Kelash, Donald Kelash and Geraldine Chmielewski.

We celebrate her gift of longevity and thank her for loving us and teaching us how to love.      

Gerald ‘Jerry’ Jurek, age 56, of St. Cloud passed away peacefully following a great fight against cancer Nov. 11, 2019, at the St. Cloud Hospital.  Mass of Christian Burial for Jerry was 11 a.m. Nov. 13 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Gilman. The Rev. Matthew Langager officiated. Visitation was from 9:30-11 a.m. at the church Wednesday. Burial with full military honors was in the parish cemetery. Service with Dignity provided by Foley Funeral Home.

Gerald Allen Jurek was born April 23, 1963, in Minneapolis, the son of Gordon and Darlene (Jedlicki) Jurek.  He attended St. John’s Catholic School in Foley and graduated from Foley High School. Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1981-1985, spending time in Germany and El Paso, Texas, before being honorably discharged. Jerry was married to Tammy Wheeler and they later divorced. He worked at Volkmuth Printing in St. Cloud for 29 years until they closed and he went to New Flyers of America. Jerry enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, playing cards and spending time with his nieces and nephews.

Jerry is survived by his son, Michael of St. Cloud; mother, Darlene of Foley; siblings:  Sandy (Gary) Eastwood of Eden Prairie, Julie (John) Svihel of Foley, Randy (Jodi) of Foley, and Greg of Sauk Rapids; nephews:  Jeremy, Eric, and Derrick; nieces:  Kennedy and Kloe; as well as other relatives and friends. He was preceded by his father, Gordon.

Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society.    

Our Country is in Mourning, A Soldier Died Today.  

Mass of Christian Burial for Francis “Jiggs” Roehl, age 95, of Oak Park,  took place Nov. 7 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Foreston. Interment with military honors followed at the parish cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Peterson-Johnson Funeral Home, Milaca

Francis “Jiggs” Roehl was born Sept. 24, 1924, in Medina Township, Minn. to Henry and Hildegarde Roehl. When Francis was 3, the family moved to a farm near Oak Park. He attended McKinley School through eighth grade after which he helped on the farm. As a child, Francis so enjoyed the comic “Jiggs & Maggie” his siblings started calling him Jiggs, a name that stayed with him his entire life. In 1946, after his older brothers returned from the war, Jiggs enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Busan, South Korea. After returning home, Jiggs briefly worked at Minneapolis Moline in the cities. In 1955, he married Margaret Kosel, and together they bought a farm a mile from the Roehl homestead. There, they raised their six children, and successfully farmed for many years.

Jiggs was an avid hunter.  Family lore tells the story of the year Jiggs bagged two deer with one shot. Jiggs also enjoyed woodwork, cribbage, gardening, fishing, and time spent with his children and grandchildren. His family is grateful for the gift of faith and the love of Jesus he passed on to them. He passed away Nov. 4, 2019, at The Gardens of Foley.

Jiggs was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; brothers, George, Bill, Dick, and Ray; and sisters, Mildred and Irene.

He is survived by his children, Theresa (Tom) Carlson, Karen (Jim) Goodin, Eileen (Dave) Pikus, Daniel (Denise), Bernard, and Gerald;  14 grandchildren;  15 great-grandchildren;  sister, Mary Nikolas, and brother, Henry (Edna) Roehl.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff of Foley nursing home for the compassionate care they gave to their father in his final days.  

Our Country is in Mourning, a Soldier Died Today.      

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