club member obituaries
Listed below are obituaries for members that have passed away in 2020. If you know of a member's passing please let us know so that we acknowledge that person. Contact Lee Mortenson 320-249-0331
KEN ZITUR
It is with great sadness to post the passing of Ken. He was a longtime member of the Pioneer Club. He took care of the Blacksmith Shop during that time. Our sympathy to Mary Lou and his family.
Age:69
December 17, 1953 – May 28, 2023
Ken’s family will host a celebration of life on Sunday, June 25th, 2023, at Albany Pioneer Grounds in Albany, Minnesota. There will be a service at 1:00pm followed by a meal and time to share memories. Please dress casually – Ken wouldn’t have wanted you to get dressed up just for him. Kenneth Jon Zitur, age 69, of Avon, Minnesota, passed away on May 28th, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. More often known as Ken, Kenny, cowboy Ken, Iron Man, or “the blacksmith”, he was born on December 17th, 1953, to Alois and Wanda (Opitz) Zitur in St. Cloud, MN. After graduating from Apollo High School in 1972, Ken went on to take welding classes at the St. Cloud Technical College. From there, he found his love of blacksmithing while working at the Burlington Northern Railroad in Waite Park for 12 years, until it closed in 1986. With his love of blacksmithing in hand, he decided to start his own business, Ken’s Custom Iron, in 1988, where he mainly focused on creating metal crafts and ornamental iron while attending craft shows. Ken married MaryLou (Arnzen) in 1992 in St. Cloud and they continued to grow the business while expanding into different areas of blacksmithing and metal fabrication. For 34 years, they worked side-by-side and were fortunate to have their daughter, Samantha, and her husband, Justin, join the team. They look forward to continuing Ken’s legacy through the business in the years ahead. A firm believer that if you’re doing what you love, you never work a day in your life, Ken enjoyed blacksmithing in his free time along with horseback riding, cruising in the jeep, and spending time with his grandchildren. A true cowboy at heart with a love of the outdoors, he’d often be seen singing an old cowboy tune, tinkering on his vehicles to plan a trip out West, or brainstorming his next project at the anvil. He was active in the Pioneer Club and enjoyed mentoring others through the business and in the Central Minnesota Blacksmith’s Club. Ken was known both for his creativity and passion, but also his quick-witted humor and love for a well-placed one-liner. He had a heart of gold and a desire to always give back to others. Everyone that knew him knew there was a teddy bear inside his tough exterior, which was often shown through the tear he would shed anytime the National Anthem played. Ken is survived firstly by his loving wife, MaryLou Zitur of 30 years, who will always be grateful she got to spend so much time with him both in the shop and sharing their hobbies together. A proud dad, he wouldn’t hesitate to brag about their daughter, Samantha, and her husband, Justin Rule, of Bowlus. He took extreme pride in his two grandchildren Blake (5) and Callie Rule (1), and though Callie was too young to make years of memories, he enjoyed soaking up every moment he could with Blake. He is also survived by his brothers and sister, Tom (Chris) Zitur of Sauk Rapids, Karen (Ralph) Hanson of Willmar, and Steve (Sonja) Zitur of St. Cloud. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alois and Wanda Zitur.
Schedule and Information
Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Albany Pioneer Grounds, Albany, MN
It is with great sadness to post the passing of Ken. He was a longtime member of the Pioneer Club. He took care of the Blacksmith Shop during that time. Our sympathy to Mary Lou and his family.
Age:69
December 17, 1953 – May 28, 2023
Ken’s family will host a celebration of life on Sunday, June 25th, 2023, at Albany Pioneer Grounds in Albany, Minnesota. There will be a service at 1:00pm followed by a meal and time to share memories. Please dress casually – Ken wouldn’t have wanted you to get dressed up just for him. Kenneth Jon Zitur, age 69, of Avon, Minnesota, passed away on May 28th, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. More often known as Ken, Kenny, cowboy Ken, Iron Man, or “the blacksmith”, he was born on December 17th, 1953, to Alois and Wanda (Opitz) Zitur in St. Cloud, MN. After graduating from Apollo High School in 1972, Ken went on to take welding classes at the St. Cloud Technical College. From there, he found his love of blacksmithing while working at the Burlington Northern Railroad in Waite Park for 12 years, until it closed in 1986. With his love of blacksmithing in hand, he decided to start his own business, Ken’s Custom Iron, in 1988, where he mainly focused on creating metal crafts and ornamental iron while attending craft shows. Ken married MaryLou (Arnzen) in 1992 in St. Cloud and they continued to grow the business while expanding into different areas of blacksmithing and metal fabrication. For 34 years, they worked side-by-side and were fortunate to have their daughter, Samantha, and her husband, Justin, join the team. They look forward to continuing Ken’s legacy through the business in the years ahead. A firm believer that if you’re doing what you love, you never work a day in your life, Ken enjoyed blacksmithing in his free time along with horseback riding, cruising in the jeep, and spending time with his grandchildren. A true cowboy at heart with a love of the outdoors, he’d often be seen singing an old cowboy tune, tinkering on his vehicles to plan a trip out West, or brainstorming his next project at the anvil. He was active in the Pioneer Club and enjoyed mentoring others through the business and in the Central Minnesota Blacksmith’s Club. Ken was known both for his creativity and passion, but also his quick-witted humor and love for a well-placed one-liner. He had a heart of gold and a desire to always give back to others. Everyone that knew him knew there was a teddy bear inside his tough exterior, which was often shown through the tear he would shed anytime the National Anthem played. Ken is survived firstly by his loving wife, MaryLou Zitur of 30 years, who will always be grateful she got to spend so much time with him both in the shop and sharing their hobbies together. A proud dad, he wouldn’t hesitate to brag about their daughter, Samantha, and her husband, Justin Rule, of Bowlus. He took extreme pride in his two grandchildren Blake (5) and Callie Rule (1), and though Callie was too young to make years of memories, he enjoyed soaking up every moment he could with Blake. He is also survived by his brothers and sister, Tom (Chris) Zitur of Sauk Rapids, Karen (Ralph) Hanson of Willmar, and Steve (Sonja) Zitur of St. Cloud. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alois and Wanda Zitur.
Schedule and Information
Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Albany Pioneer Grounds, Albany, MN
Loren J. “Bubba” Ritter, age 54 of Merrifield, formerly of St. Rosa, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at his home in Merrifield, Minnesota.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 11 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 10 and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 11 at the church in St. Rosa.
Loren John Ritter was born January 6, 1967 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to George T. and Rita (Athmann) Ritter. He graduated from Melrose High School in 1985. Loren worked on the family farm and at Jennie-O Foods until he joined the Minnesota Army National Guard in 1987. He attended Brainerd Vocational College and received his degree in Parts and Service Management. Loren worked at Dondelinger Automotive in Brainerd and Pine River Motors. On March 17, 2007 he was united in marriage to Lisa Speed in Baxter, Minnesota. For the past 17 years, Loren was the Parts Manager at Anderson Brothers Construction in Brainerd.
He was a member of the Stearns County Pioneer Club and the Ranger Bassmasters. Loren enjoyed watching NASCAR racing, restoring of Farmall tractors and vintage snowmobiles, bass fishing, ice fishing, taking fishing excursions with family and friends, deer hunting, and snowmobiling. He also had an extensive oil can collection and enjoyed helping his brother, Kenny, with planting and harvesting on the family farm.
Survivors include his loving wife of 14 years, Lisa Ritter of Merrifield; brothers and sisters, Cherylene “Char” (Art) Westendorf of Melrose, Debra (Harold) Lahr of Sauk Centre, Kenny Ritter of St. Rosa, and Laura (Steve) Boeckermann of Baxter; sister-in-law, Jane (Kent) Brown of Melrose; eight nephews, six nieces, seven great-nephews, and eight great-nieces; and his pets he adored, Molly, Mable, Lucy, Nelle, and Nadia.
Loren was preceded in death by his parents; brother, George J. Ritter on December 11, 1992; and infant twin sisters, Janice and Josepha.
Loren’s family would like to thank Lakewood Health Hospice Services, Anderson Brothers Construction, and Fleet Farm for all their exceptional support and care.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.
Loren was an active Pioneer Club member and was always busy on the grounds.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 11 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 10 and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 11 at the church in St. Rosa.
Loren John Ritter was born January 6, 1967 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to George T. and Rita (Athmann) Ritter. He graduated from Melrose High School in 1985. Loren worked on the family farm and at Jennie-O Foods until he joined the Minnesota Army National Guard in 1987. He attended Brainerd Vocational College and received his degree in Parts and Service Management. Loren worked at Dondelinger Automotive in Brainerd and Pine River Motors. On March 17, 2007 he was united in marriage to Lisa Speed in Baxter, Minnesota. For the past 17 years, Loren was the Parts Manager at Anderson Brothers Construction in Brainerd.
He was a member of the Stearns County Pioneer Club and the Ranger Bassmasters. Loren enjoyed watching NASCAR racing, restoring of Farmall tractors and vintage snowmobiles, bass fishing, ice fishing, taking fishing excursions with family and friends, deer hunting, and snowmobiling. He also had an extensive oil can collection and enjoyed helping his brother, Kenny, with planting and harvesting on the family farm.
Survivors include his loving wife of 14 years, Lisa Ritter of Merrifield; brothers and sisters, Cherylene “Char” (Art) Westendorf of Melrose, Debra (Harold) Lahr of Sauk Centre, Kenny Ritter of St. Rosa, and Laura (Steve) Boeckermann of Baxter; sister-in-law, Jane (Kent) Brown of Melrose; eight nephews, six nieces, seven great-nephews, and eight great-nieces; and his pets he adored, Molly, Mable, Lucy, Nelle, and Nadia.
Loren was preceded in death by his parents; brother, George J. Ritter on December 11, 1992; and infant twin sisters, Janice and Josepha.
Loren’s family would like to thank Lakewood Health Hospice Services, Anderson Brothers Construction, and Fleet Farm for all their exceptional support and care.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.
Loren was an active Pioneer Club member and was always busy on the grounds.
Allen Anderson
We are sad to announce that on July 31, 2021, at the age of 66, Allen Anderson of Morris, Minnesota passed away. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
He was predeceased by : his parents, Emil Anderson and June Anderson (Ekholm).
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 6th 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (20490 480th Ave, Morris, MN 56267). A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 6th 2021 at 11:00 AM at the same location. A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 6th 2021 at 1:30 PM at the Kongsvinger Cemetery (11970 Co Hwy 9, Donnelly, MN 56235).
Allen enjoyed Pioneer Days. He always hung posters for us in the Morris area.
We are sad to announce that on July 31, 2021, at the age of 66, Allen Anderson of Morris, Minnesota passed away. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
He was predeceased by : his parents, Emil Anderson and June Anderson (Ekholm).
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 6th 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (20490 480th Ave, Morris, MN 56267). A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 6th 2021 at 11:00 AM at the same location. A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 6th 2021 at 1:30 PM at the Kongsvinger Cemetery (11970 Co Hwy 9, Donnelly, MN 56235).
Allen enjoyed Pioneer Days. He always hung posters for us in the Morris area.
Glen W. Westphal
July 29, 1966 ~ May 21, 2021 (age 54) Obituary & Services Tribute WallObituaryAge 54 of Elk River Preceded by father, Ronald. Survived by mother, Florence (Jerry) Shebetka; wife, Cindy; siblings, Lanny (Mary) Westphal, Nancy (Shawn) Norton and Diane (Yurii) Potapenko; mother and father-in-law, Richard Engels and Carole Engels; sister-in-law, Kathy (Mike) Giese; step-sisters, Terri (Duane), Lori (Ron), Sandy (Randy) and Jenny; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends. As a little boy, Glen admired his dad and did everything he could to follow in his footsteps. He learned by watching and doing, whether on the hobby farm raising cattle and chickens, in the wood shop making cabinets, or on a job site building a house. One of his favorite yearly events growing up was the annual Rogers Threshing Show, which later became the Nowthen Threshing Show, where he enjoyed helping his dad display engines and drive tractors through the parade. At the age of 12, Glen lost his dad in a tree cutting accident, an event that shaped him in significant ways. After high school, he chose to attend North Hennepin Technical Institute to train in home construction just like his father. He gradually took over the family construction business, building and remodeling countless homes in his lifetime. Glen remained active buying, fixing, and showing antique tractors and engines. He continued to participate in the annual Nowthen Threshing Show and several other threshing shows in the region. Glen also took a liking to car racing, and enjoyed watching the races with his friends from his booth at Cedar Lake Raceway for many years. He sponsored the three Kottschade brothers from a young age as they pursued their racing passion. Glen was a longtime member and active leader at Abundant Life Alliance Church in Oak Grove and a partner in the construction of the church's first building. In recent years, he has been attending Church of Hope in Elk River (when his weekend racing and threshing show schedule would allow). In 2008, Glen met the love of his life, Cindy Engels, and they were married on June 29, 2013. Most recently, he built a guest house for family gatherings and was in the middle of building their "forever" home on his late Grandma and Grandpa Westphal's beautiful wooded property. Glen worked hard and played hard, but he always made time to connect with family and nurture friendships. He hosted annual "beach parties" in his shed for his family and friends to enjoy a taste of summer in frigid January or February. He enjoyed his two labs, Avery and Rumely, who replaced his previous dog, Daytona. Glen's love of life was apparent in his pranks, jokes, and creative inventions. He was often the life of the party. Glen's love of learning made him the guy to go to for help and advice. His love for others was evident in his kindness and generosity. His family cannot imagine their lives without Glen. Visitation 4-7PM, Wednesday, 5/26 at Dare’s Funeral Home, 805 Main St NW, Elk River. Funeral 1PM, Thursday, 5/27 with visitation 1 hour prior to service at NOWTHEN ALLIANCE CHURCH, 19653 Nowthen Blvd NW, Nowthen, MN. Light refreshments to be served immediately following the service. Interment Lakeview Cemetery, Nowthen, MN. 
Michael P. Voz
St. Stephen - A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Joseph for Michael Parnell Voz, age 70, of St. Stephen, who passed away on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at the St. Cloud Hospital. Michael was referred to as Mike, Papa or even Mad Mike. He was truly one of a kind. Mike was born in 1950 in St. Cloud, MN to Donna (Reber), and Parnell Voz. After living in St. Joseph, MN most of his childhood, he graduated from Tech High School in 1970, and entered the Vietnam War draft. Upon return from being based in Germany, he married Karen Kron in 1975 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in St. Joseph, MN. The couple had joyfully celebrated 46 years of marriage this past January. In 1975 they welcomed their son Ryan Michael. The memories the three of them made along the way will never be forgotten, especially living on the farm in Cold Spring, MN. If you met Mike, you NEVER forgot him. His genuine, simple approach to life was infectious. He valued the small things in life and saw the GOOD in everyone. Mike was a very humble man who was generous of his time, and never expected any type of recognition. He was rarely serious in life, and ironically left this world on April Fool's Day. He was a tremendous father figure to his son, brothers, sister Mary, in-laws and even neighborhood kids. Mike had two best friends in his grandkids Noah and Eva, and he could be best described as a kid at heart. He was currently volunteering at various community organizations and was preparing for his return to his dream job at Stearns County Park Department. After 34 years of working at the Sartell Papermill, he retired following the 2012 explosion. He was an outdoorsman his entire life enjoying time spent at baseball parks, fishing and eating ice cream. He was also known to have a sweet tooth for chocolate. Mike is survived by his sweetheart, Karen Sue; son, Ryan (Melissa); grandchildren, Noah and Eva (Voz) Avon, MN; brothers, Tim (Anita Avila) Voz of Seattle, WA, Gerard (Nancy Jost) Voz of Fergus Falls, MN, and John (Heidi) Voz of Detroit Lakes, MN; beloved in-laws, Kristin and Kevin Sanders and Keith and Mary Kron, and many nieces and nephews, along with many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary. Rest in Peace Mike, Papa, Mad Mike. You are missed by so many already. At Mike's request, the family will be having a celebration of life event for family and friends at a future date this upcoming summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Catholic Charities Food Bank, St. Cloud where Mike volunteered, or your local food bank of choice. Mike enjoyed doing things at the Pioneer Grounds. During the show he took care of the flour mill. 
Kathleen E. Vouk
St. Joseph - Kathy (Kay) Vouk, age 77, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 22 at 7:35 pm with her adoring husband by her side. She was born in St. Cloud to John & Martha (Justin) Schumer on February 12th, 1943. She completed elementary school in St. Stephen, District 130 and graduated from St. Cloud Cathedral High School in 1961. She lived in St. Stephen for most of her life, moving to St. Joseph with her husband in August of 2019. She worked at Minoco Lens Company in St. Stephen until September, 1964. She married Jim Vouk in St. Stephen on October 12th, 1963. She was a full-time homemaker, day-care provider, gardener, cake decorator and an amazing cook and baker, being well known for her Christmas and chocolate chip cookies, rhubarb crisp and lemon meringue "angel" pie. She was a wonderful wife and a kind, caring and compassionate mother to her 10 children. She was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church and past member of the Christian Mothers. She had a strong faith, with a special devotion to our blessed Mother and to St. Therese of Lisieux. She enjoyed playing bingo, 500 card games and trips to the casino. She loved listening to old time music on KASM and watching Mollie B Polka Party. She enjoyed embroidery, growing her flowers and plants, decorating the front of her house, but, above all, she cherished her time spent with her friends and family, especially her children & grand-children. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 57 years; loving children, Frank (Lisa), St. Stephen; Jackie Lee, St. Cloud; Andy (Tammy), Boise, ID; Gerise (Steve) Thompson, Minneapolis; Jason (Kirsten),Waite Park; Jill (Jeff) Drown, Clearwater; Alison (Luan) Tran, St. Joseph; James, St. Cloud and Molly of Annandale; 26 grand-children, and 10 great-grand-children. She is also survived by brothers Joe and Jim (Marilyn) Schumer; sisters, S.Mary Schumer, OSB; Barbara (Dave) Loehlein, Cinthia Anderson, Ruth (George) Botbyl, and Ramona (Al) Fisher and many nieces and nephews who will hold her memory dear. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Lucy; son, Michael; son-in-law, Brian Lee; brothers, John, Terry and Emmett. The family thanks the staff at Serenity Place on 7th who provided Kathy with loving care and comfort through-out her time living there, especially in the last weeks and months. The family also thanks Moments Hospice for their care. Kathleen's funeral will be held at a later date when all those who loved and cared for her can be together to celebrate her life. Memorials are preferred. Kathleen and her husband, Jim have been influential to the Pioneer Club along with all of their children. The family is noted for their Case 80 Steam Engine. |
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Glenn Pilgrim
Glenn Marvin Pilgrim, age 89, of Pillager, MN, passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at home with his family by his side. Glenn was born January 5, 1931 in Town of Wein, Edgar, WI to Gustave and Mary (Flegel) Pilgrim. He married the love of his life Louise Williams on April 26, 1952. Glenn worked as a diesel mechanic at various trucking companies in WI and MN until he retired in 1993. He enjoyed traveling, camping, working on and displaying antique double fly wheel gas engines. He most enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In recent years Glenn enjoyed going on car rides and eating out.
Left to cherish his memory are his children Gail (Ray) Karls of Molt, MT, Gary (Kim) of Pillager and Gene (Marla) of Pillager; grandchildren: Jason (Clarissa) Pilgrim of New Auburn, MN, Angela Henning of Minneapolis, MN, Amanda (Jesse) Brock of Columbia Heights, MN and great-granddaughters; Haley and Justine Brock.
Glenn is preceded in death by his spouse Louise, his parents; infant son, Michael Lee; and all of his brothers and sisters and their spouses.
A private gravesite service will be held for the family. A memorial service will be planned for the summer/fall of 2021. Glenn was a very active club member and worked in the Gas Engine Area. He and his wife Louise, and their children are all very active club members.
Glenn Marvin Pilgrim, age 89, of Pillager, MN, passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at home with his family by his side. Glenn was born January 5, 1931 in Town of Wein, Edgar, WI to Gustave and Mary (Flegel) Pilgrim. He married the love of his life Louise Williams on April 26, 1952. Glenn worked as a diesel mechanic at various trucking companies in WI and MN until he retired in 1993. He enjoyed traveling, camping, working on and displaying antique double fly wheel gas engines. He most enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In recent years Glenn enjoyed going on car rides and eating out.
Left to cherish his memory are his children Gail (Ray) Karls of Molt, MT, Gary (Kim) of Pillager and Gene (Marla) of Pillager; grandchildren: Jason (Clarissa) Pilgrim of New Auburn, MN, Angela Henning of Minneapolis, MN, Amanda (Jesse) Brock of Columbia Heights, MN and great-granddaughters; Haley and Justine Brock.
Glenn is preceded in death by his spouse Louise, his parents; infant son, Michael Lee; and all of his brothers and sisters and their spouses.
A private gravesite service will be held for the family. A memorial service will be planned for the summer/fall of 2021. Glenn was a very active club member and worked in the Gas Engine Area. He and his wife Louise, and their children are all very active club members.
Gary A. Konsor
Avon - Gary Konsor passed peacefully with his family by his side on February 14, 2020 after a short battle with brain cancer. Funeral services will 11:00 a.m. on Monday February 17, 2020 at the Avon Community Church. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday and after 9:30 a.m. on Monday at the church in Avon.
Arrangements were by the Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud.
Gary Alfred Konsor, was born on December 15, 1947 to Richard
and Gwentha (Arnold) Konsor. He grew up in Holdingford having many adventures with the Schmidt boys and Gary Bielejeski. He met his wife, Bonnie (Bonita Frie) during their sophomore year at Holdingford High School and they were married on December 22, 1972.
Gary and Bonnie enjoyed many adventures together, and enjoyed sharing their stories with their kids, Alicia and Jedediah. Gary worked at St. Cloud State University as a Pharmacist for 38 years.
In his free time, Gary loved being outdoors, both raising waterfowl and hunting them. Gary passed along his love of the outdoors and hunting to his kids, taking them out to the duck blind each fall as they grew up. He and Alicia shared hunting ducks, snow geese and sand hill cranes and an aborted mountain goat hunt in Alaska! Gary and Jed enjoyed many successful hunts, including Dall sheep, Roosevelt elk, and moose in Alaska; along with mule deer and antelope in the Montana and Wyoming.
Upon retirement, Gary and Bonnie traveled many times to Alaska, including dipping his feet in the Arctic Ocean at Prudhoe Bay. They loved their adventures in Hawaii, Egypt, and Israel.
Gary is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children, Alicia and Kevin Showalter, and Jed and Stacy Konsor; along with their four daughters, Kylee, Brenna, Kinley and Cora. Gary is also survived by his sisters, Diane and Sharon (Tim Berscheid); his Frie family in-laws; and many nieces and nephews.
Thanks to Gary for supporting the Pioneer Club in several activities.
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Avon - Gary Konsor passed peacefully with his family by his side on February 14, 2020 after a short battle with brain cancer. Funeral services will 11:00 a.m. on Monday February 17, 2020 at the Avon Community Church. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday and after 9:30 a.m. on Monday at the church in Avon.
Arrangements were by the Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud.
Gary Alfred Konsor, was born on December 15, 1947 to Richard
and Gwentha (Arnold) Konsor. He grew up in Holdingford having many adventures with the Schmidt boys and Gary Bielejeski. He met his wife, Bonnie (Bonita Frie) during their sophomore year at Holdingford High School and they were married on December 22, 1972.
Gary and Bonnie enjoyed many adventures together, and enjoyed sharing their stories with their kids, Alicia and Jedediah. Gary worked at St. Cloud State University as a Pharmacist for 38 years.
In his free time, Gary loved being outdoors, both raising waterfowl and hunting them. Gary passed along his love of the outdoors and hunting to his kids, taking them out to the duck blind each fall as they grew up. He and Alicia shared hunting ducks, snow geese and sand hill cranes and an aborted mountain goat hunt in Alaska! Gary and Jed enjoyed many successful hunts, including Dall sheep, Roosevelt elk, and moose in Alaska; along with mule deer and antelope in the Montana and Wyoming.
Upon retirement, Gary and Bonnie traveled many times to Alaska, including dipping his feet in the Arctic Ocean at Prudhoe Bay. They loved their adventures in Hawaii, Egypt, and Israel.
Gary is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children, Alicia and Kevin Showalter, and Jed and Stacy Konsor; along with their four daughters, Kylee, Brenna, Kinley and Cora. Gary is also survived by his sisters, Diane and Sharon (Tim Berscheid); his Frie family in-laws; and many nieces and nephews.
Thanks to Gary for supporting the Pioneer Club in several activities.
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Ronald B. Eisenschenk
St. Joseph - Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2020 at St. John's Abbey and University Church in Collegeville, MN for Ronald B. Eisenschenk, age 74, who died Thursday, January 23rd at the St. Cloud Hospital after a courageous battle with mesothelioma. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Parish Cemetery.
Friends and family may visit from 4:00-8:00 on Thursday at St. John the Baptist Parish Center on Fruit Farm Road in Collegeville. Visitation will continue Friday morning from 8:30 a.m.-9:45 a.m. at the church.
Ron was born March 15, 1945 at the Richmond Hospital in Richmond, MN to Lawrence and Elizabeth (Barthel) Eisenschenk. He grew up on the family farm in Collegeville Township.
Ron proudly served his country in the Army Reserves. On May 24, 1969 he was united in marriage to Charlotte Gruber. They are the proud parents of two girls and two boys. And proud grandparents of eight granddaughters and three grandsons.
Ron enjoyed farming his entire life. He owned and operated Ron Eisenschenk Concrete and Masonry Construction. He enjoyed his collector cars, however, his true passion was collecting and restoring antique International Farmall Tractors and equipment. Ron enjoyed spending time at the family lake cabin, pontoon rides, fishing, bonfires, Sunday brunch, and watching the grandkids play and fish in the water.
Ron was a lifetime member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish in Collegeville. He was an active member of the Stearns County Pioneer Club and the International Collector Clubs 15 and 26.
Left to treasure his memory are his wife of 50 years, Charlotte; children, Brenda Ramler, Douglas (Lora), Darren (Heather), Bonnie (Shane) Rathbun; grandchildren, Krystal, Austin, Jozalyn, Natasha, Bryce, Bailey, Kylee, Kenna, Alayna, Samantha, Michael; siblings, Leander (Elaine), Eugene (Dottie), Dorothy (Jerry) Notsch, Ralph (Celeste), Frank (Mary Jo), Joanna (Jim) Ruprecht, Mark (Diane), Mary Ann (Steve) Terwey, Betz (Mike) Marquette, Lois Gilgen; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Roger.
Ron was a very active member of the Pioneer Club. If there was a project to be worked on, you can bet that Ron was there. His talents in cement work can be seen by a lot of buildings on the Pioneer Grounds.
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SANDRA ROTZ
Mass of Christian Burial for Sandra Rotz, age 77, of Milaca, will be held Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 11 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Milaca with Fr. Jim Remmerswaal, OSC officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.
Sandra Rae Rotz was born July 9, 1942 to Ole and Irene (Sandeen) Olson at home in Hunt’s Cabin, Milaca, Minnesota. When she was one, her family moved to Minneapolis; and when she was in seventh grade, the family moved back to Milaca. She graduated from Milaca High School in 1960. She was united in marriage to Michael Rotz on October 28, 1961.
Sandra loved her family and friends, Bluegrass music, camping, and flower gardening.
Sandra passed away January 1, 2020 at her home near Milaca.
She is survived by her husband, Michael; children, Mark Rotz, Barbara (Mark) Tokar, Janet Rotz, Joe Rotz, Bob (Paula) Rotz, Steve (Christina) Rotz; seven grandchildren, Nicholas, Rachel, Joshua, David, Robert, Sophia and Henry; ten great grandsons; brother, Mike (Donna) Olson, sisters, Arlene (Kenny) Rosales and Judy Baas; brother-in-law, Dave Poorker; also survived by Randy Engfer, Steve and Renae McAlpine, Dylan McAlpine and her nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Ole and Irene Olson; sisters, Dorene (Pat) Markfort, Glennys (Clyde) Wilke, and Nancy Poorker and brother-in-law, Duane Baas.
Sandy helped her husband Mike set up equipment and kept things running smoothly in the Blue Grass Area.
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ROSE FUCHS
August 4, 1924 – January 1, 2020The Mass of Christian Burial, celebrating the life of Rose Fuchs, age 95 of Albany, will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 9 at Church of the Seven Dolors in Albany. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Rose died January 1, 2020 at the Mother of Mercy Campus of Care. There will be a visitation from 4-8:00 PM Wednesday at the Miller-Carlin Funeral Home in Albany again after 10:00 AM Thursday at the church in Albany. Seven Dolors parish prayers will be at 4:00 PM followed by Christian Mothers at 6:00 PM Wednesday at the funeral home in Albany.
She was born August 4, 1924 in St. Anna to Peter and Mary (Beniek) Welters. She was raised on a farm near St. Anna and attended a one-room country school. Harold Fuchs and Rose united in marriage on October 19, 1943. In May of 1958, they moved to a farm northeast of Albany on Two Rivers Lake, where she resided until 2000, before moving back to Albany. Together, they raised eight children.Rose was very active in the community. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, St. Jude’s Mission, St.Kathryn’s Medical Mission and the Christian Mother’s. Rose was involved in many aspects of the Seven Dolors Parish and was a lifetime member of the Stearns County Pioneer Club.She embraced farm life; taking care of the animals, tending the garden and canning its produce. She loved sewing and quilting, a good prank and a game of cards.
Rose and Harold opened their home to many young men – St. John’s prep students – from foreign countries. This gave them an opportunity to fulfill a dream of traveling to visit some of their “adopted” children.
Rose is survived by her children Rose Coykendall (Jack McNulty) of Rosemount, Harold “Butch” (Terry) Fuchs of Mound, Jack Fox (Shirley Wyatt) of Gilbert, AZ, Laurie (Dan) Vieths of Eagan, William “Bill” Fox of Shoreview, James “Jim” (Sheila) Fuchs of Kimball, Nancy Fuchs (Richard Fabian) of St. Paul and Gregory “Greg” (Lynn Parr) of Eden Valley. She leaves behind 17 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers; Edward and Allen Welters, son-in-law Charles “Chuck” Coykendall, daughter-in-law Karen Olson Fox, grandchildren; Kristina Fuchs, Jeffrey Fuchs, Robert Fuchs, husband, Harold Fuchs and parents Mary and Peter Welters.
The family would like to express a sincere thank you to the staff at Mother of Mercy Campus of Care for the wonderful care they provided. We also offer gratitude to Raquel, Cathy and Bryanna with Moments Hospice.
Rose was a very active member of the Pioneer Club working in many areas. Most recently she was a greeter in the Arban Church and was very knowledgeable about the history of the Arban Church. She also scheduled weddings in the church.
August 4, 1924 – January 1, 2020The Mass of Christian Burial, celebrating the life of Rose Fuchs, age 95 of Albany, will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 9 at Church of the Seven Dolors in Albany. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Rose died January 1, 2020 at the Mother of Mercy Campus of Care. There will be a visitation from 4-8:00 PM Wednesday at the Miller-Carlin Funeral Home in Albany again after 10:00 AM Thursday at the church in Albany. Seven Dolors parish prayers will be at 4:00 PM followed by Christian Mothers at 6:00 PM Wednesday at the funeral home in Albany.
She was born August 4, 1924 in St. Anna to Peter and Mary (Beniek) Welters. She was raised on a farm near St. Anna and attended a one-room country school. Harold Fuchs and Rose united in marriage on October 19, 1943. In May of 1958, they moved to a farm northeast of Albany on Two Rivers Lake, where she resided until 2000, before moving back to Albany. Together, they raised eight children.Rose was very active in the community. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, St. Jude’s Mission, St.Kathryn’s Medical Mission and the Christian Mother’s. Rose was involved in many aspects of the Seven Dolors Parish and was a lifetime member of the Stearns County Pioneer Club.She embraced farm life; taking care of the animals, tending the garden and canning its produce. She loved sewing and quilting, a good prank and a game of cards.
Rose and Harold opened their home to many young men – St. John’s prep students – from foreign countries. This gave them an opportunity to fulfill a dream of traveling to visit some of their “adopted” children.
Rose is survived by her children Rose Coykendall (Jack McNulty) of Rosemount, Harold “Butch” (Terry) Fuchs of Mound, Jack Fox (Shirley Wyatt) of Gilbert, AZ, Laurie (Dan) Vieths of Eagan, William “Bill” Fox of Shoreview, James “Jim” (Sheila) Fuchs of Kimball, Nancy Fuchs (Richard Fabian) of St. Paul and Gregory “Greg” (Lynn Parr) of Eden Valley. She leaves behind 17 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers; Edward and Allen Welters, son-in-law Charles “Chuck” Coykendall, daughter-in-law Karen Olson Fox, grandchildren; Kristina Fuchs, Jeffrey Fuchs, Robert Fuchs, husband, Harold Fuchs and parents Mary and Peter Welters.
The family would like to express a sincere thank you to the staff at Mother of Mercy Campus of Care for the wonderful care they provided. We also offer gratitude to Raquel, Cathy and Bryanna with Moments Hospice.
Rose was a very active member of the Pioneer Club working in many areas. Most recently she was a greeter in the Arban Church and was very knowledgeable about the history of the Arban Church. She also scheduled weddings in the church.
Louise Marie Pilgrim
March 22, 1932- Nov. 7, 2019Louise Marie Pilgrim, age 87, of Pillager, MN, passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at St. Joseph’s – Essentia Health. Louise was born on March 22, 1932 in Knowlton, Wisconsin to Carl & Rose (Kujawski) Williams. She married the love of her life, Glenn Pilgrim on April 26, 1952.
Louise was very much into playing her trumpet, in fact she was extremely proud to play her trumpet at church after she was 80 years old. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoyed working in her numerous flower gardens.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 67 years, Glenn; children: Gail (Ray) Karls of Molt, MT, Gary (Kim) of Pillager and Gene (Marla) of Pillager; siblings: Myron (Beverly) Williams of Marshfield, WI, Dawn (Jose) Hernandez of Lockhart, TX and Jerry Williams of Sarasota, FL; grandchildren: Jason (Clarissa) Pilgrim of New Auburn, MN, Angela Henning of Minneapolis, MN, Amanda (Jesse) Brock of New Brighton, MN ; great-granddaughters: Haley and Justine Brock.
Louise is preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Michael Lee; brothers: Carl Williams, Jr., Harvey Williams, Ernie Williams, Clifford Williams, Marvin Williams; sisters: Judy Miller, Ethel Schulfer, Loretta Hackbarth, Isabelle Babcock, Esther Hornik.
Funeral service for Louise will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 11AM at First Lutheran Church in Pillager. Visitation will be from 9-11AM, Saturday at the church. Interment will be at Wildwood Cemetery in Pillager.
Louise was an active member of the Pioneer Club working in a lot of different areas. She also graced us as one of our Pioneer Queens.
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March 22, 1932- Nov. 7, 2019Louise Marie Pilgrim, age 87, of Pillager, MN, passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at St. Joseph’s – Essentia Health. Louise was born on March 22, 1932 in Knowlton, Wisconsin to Carl & Rose (Kujawski) Williams. She married the love of her life, Glenn Pilgrim on April 26, 1952.
Louise was very much into playing her trumpet, in fact she was extremely proud to play her trumpet at church after she was 80 years old. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoyed working in her numerous flower gardens.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 67 years, Glenn; children: Gail (Ray) Karls of Molt, MT, Gary (Kim) of Pillager and Gene (Marla) of Pillager; siblings: Myron (Beverly) Williams of Marshfield, WI, Dawn (Jose) Hernandez of Lockhart, TX and Jerry Williams of Sarasota, FL; grandchildren: Jason (Clarissa) Pilgrim of New Auburn, MN, Angela Henning of Minneapolis, MN, Amanda (Jesse) Brock of New Brighton, MN ; great-granddaughters: Haley and Justine Brock.
Louise is preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Michael Lee; brothers: Carl Williams, Jr., Harvey Williams, Ernie Williams, Clifford Williams, Marvin Williams; sisters: Judy Miller, Ethel Schulfer, Loretta Hackbarth, Isabelle Babcock, Esther Hornik.
Funeral service for Louise will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 11AM at First Lutheran Church in Pillager. Visitation will be from 9-11AM, Saturday at the church. Interment will be at Wildwood Cemetery in Pillager.
Louise was an active member of the Pioneer Club working in a lot of different areas. She also graced us as one of our Pioneer Queens.
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Raymond Shoberg
1926 - 2019
Raymond W. Shoberg - - Raymond W. Shoberg, age 92, passed away at his home in Peewaukee,Wi on Sunday, October 6, 2019. He was born on December 31, 1926 to Axel and Elsie (Lillund) Shoberg in Chicago, Illinois. Ray’s mother died when he was born and he was raised by aunts and uncles in northern Wisconsin for most of his younger years. In his senior year in high school they moved to Rush City, Minnesota where he graduated high school in about 1944. Ray served in the U S Navy during WWII. Preceded in death by wife Anne on November 23,1998 at age 84. Ray and Anne had no children.
Ray and Anne were both very active in the Finn/Swede Lodge in Milwaukee.
Ray was an inventor and I believe he had some patents. Ray worked for Wagner Corp in Milwaukee and also had his own machine shop with a partner.
Ray became involved with Albany in the early days of the show. He and John Peternell worked together where Ray made a small coin sized dye and they stamped coins for a fundraiser. From 1991 to 1995 Ray was involved with the 5 piece chisel set given out to exhibitors.
What Albany should be thankful for is Ray is the one that found the big rope machine and the engine that runs it.
Memorial service was held at 2:00 PM on Sunday October 20,2019 at Pagenkopf Funeral Home in Oconomowoc, Wi.
Raymond Shoberg
1926 - 2019
Raymond W. Shoberg - - Raymond W. Shoberg, age 92, passed away at his home in Peewaukee,Wi on Sunday, October 6, 2019. He was born on December 31, 1926 to Axel and Elsie (Lillund) Shoberg in Chicago, Illinois. Ray’s mother died when he was born and he was raised by aunts and uncles in northern Wisconsin for most of his younger years. In his senior year in high school they moved to Rush City, Minnesota where he graduated high school in about 1944. Ray served in the U S Navy during WWII. Preceded in death by wife Anne on November 23,1998 at age 84. Ray and Anne had no children.
Ray and Anne were both very active in the Finn/Swede Lodge in Milwaukee.
Ray was an inventor and I believe he had some patents. Ray worked for Wagner Corp in Milwaukee and also had his own machine shop with a partner.
Ray became involved with Albany in the early days of the show. He and John Peternell worked together where Ray made a small coin sized dye and they stamped coins for a fundraiser. From 1991 to 1995 Ray was involved with the 5 piece chisel set given out to exhibitors.
What Albany should be thankful for is Ray is the one that found the big rope machine and the engine that runs it.
Memorial service was held at 2:00 PM on Sunday October 20,2019 at Pagenkopf Funeral Home in Oconomowoc, Wi.
