Dare's Funeral Home - Elk River

Ryan Michael Sanford, age 38, of Elk River, passed away on Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 after a courageous three year battle against brain cancer. Ryan was deeply loved as a son, brother, uncle, coworker and friend. He grew up and resided in Elk River, graduated from Dunwoody and worked in corporate HVAC. He was steady, hard-working, calm, yet hilarious. His many hobbies included watching Minnesota sports, hunting, fishing and spending time at his lake property. Ryan is survived by his father, Mark Sanford; his sister Rachel (Alex) Powell and brother Tim (Jordan) Sanford. "Uncle Ry Ry" is also survived by his two nieces Lexie and Evie, as well as his nephew Mack. A true dog-lover, Ryan leaves...

Dennis "Denny" Carl Aleckson Sr., age 77 of Elk River, and formerly of Big Lake, passed away Sunday, April 20, 2025. He was born August 13, 1947 in Big Lake to Oris and Loretta (Pelg) Aleckson. Denny married Beth Peterson on July 6, 2002, whom he adored and called "Betty". He was a dedicated heavy equipment mechanic and a talented carpenter. A true jack of all trades, with the ability to make or fix just about anything. He took great pride in his cars and lawn, both always immaculate and a reflection of his passion for them. Denny enjoyed the simple pleasures; spending time in the sunshine with his family, dog Brinn, friends and neighbors, often with a cold Chelada and cigar in hand. He...

Sharon, age 75, of Elk River passed away at her home on April 12, 2025. She is preceded by her parents, Robert and Helen (Kulsrud) Klingsporn; brother, Steve Klingsporn; lifelong companion, Donald Vogel. Sharon is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Troy); grandsons, Austin and Wyatt; step-grandchildren, Afton, Dayton, Easton, and Ellea; sister, Marcia (Ronald); her beloved, "Bear", and his children, Matt, Nate, Jenny, Iris, Ace, Bryce, and Lindsey; nieces and nephew, Tandy, Mischelle, Darrin, Jessica, Heidi, and Joey; other family and friends. Memorial service at 12:30 PM on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Dare's Funeral Home, 805 Main Street NW, Elk River, with visitation starting at...

The memorial services for David Hanson will be held April 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Central Lutheran Church in Elk River, MN. Pastor Mike Mannisto will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the memorial service at the church. Mr. Hanson died on at Guardian Angels Care Center in Elk River, Minnesota. He was 85. David was born to Bob and Sarah Hanson in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1958 and then Austin Vocational School in 1961. In 1961, he married Deloris Paulson, from Ellendale, Minnesota at the Clarks Grove Baptist church. He was hired in the summer of 1961 by IBM in Chicago, Illinois as a Customer Engineer. He later went to Univac for a...

The memorial services for David Hanson will be held April 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Central Lutheran Church in Elk River, Minnesota. Pastor Mike Mannisto will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the memorial service at the church. Mr. Hanson died on April 6, 2025 at Guardian Angels Care Center in Elk River, Minnesota. He was 85. David was born to Bob and Sarah Hanson in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1958 and then Austin Vocational School in 1961. In 1961, he married Deloris Paulson, from Ellendale, Minnesota at the Clarks Grove Baptist church. He was hired in the summer of 1961 by IBM in Chicago, Illinois as a Customer Engineer. He...

Ed Westermeyer, passed away on Wednesday April 2nd, 2025, in Elk River, MN. Ed was born August 3rd, 1943, in Graceville, MN to Edward and Dorothy Westermeyer. Ed was an only child, but he had many cousins he was raised with, and oh the stories we have heard! Ed joined the Navy in 1962 where he served an honorable 30-year career, including 4 combat tours in Vietnam. He retired as Chief Warrant Officer 4. The Navy allowed Ed to travel the world and raise his family in a variety of unique locations. He was a proud Navy veteran. Ed married Ann McAlister on January 16th,1965. They just celebrated 60 years! They met in Browns Valley, MN in the 50's. According to Ed, he wooed her by throwing...

Born March 14, 1941, in Sauk Centre, MN and passed away March 31, 2025, in Otsego, MN, at the age of 84. Graduated 1959 from Osseo High School. Enlisted in the U. S. Army in Dec of 1959, serving 3 years (1 year being in Paris, France). Upon being honorably discharged in 1962, he met and married LouAnn (Linder) on August 31, 1963, and was blessed with 3 children. Jerry graduated from Dunwoody Industrial Institute with a degree in Electrical Construction. He went on to have a 38-year career as a proud member of IBEW Local 292 working on many Minneapolis landmarks, including the IDS Building, Mall of America, and HCMC to name a few. He was an avid hunter with trips to Canada, Montana, and...

Arlene Wells, 77, of Elk River MN, passed away on Mar. 29, 2025. Arlene Wells is survived by her daughter, Audra Wells and son, Sherman Wells. Celebration of Life for family and friends at Meadowvale Cemetery, May, 3, 2025 at 1:00. Arrangements by Dare's Funeral Services.

Age 66, of Elk River. Passed away peacefully with family by his side on March 22, 2025. He is preceded by his parents, James and Lois (Kruckeberg) Conrath. Mike is survived by his siblings, Mark (Jodi) Conrath and Laura (Mike) Babneau; nieces and nephews, Bailey (Dan) Gerdes, Tyler (Gabby) Babneau, Makayla (Alex) Newman, Moriah Babneau, and Hannah Babneau; other family and friends. Mike recently retired from Great River Energy after many years of dedicated service. He enjoyed sports, participating in football, baseball, and wrestling and attaining a Gold Medal in the long jump at the Minnesota State Special Olympics competition. Most of all, Mike enjoyed Professional Wrestling which he...

Susan M. Howry, 61, passed away peacefully in her home on March 18, 2025, in Ramsey, MN. Susan graduated from Mandan High School in Mandan, ND in 1981. She moved to Minneapolis, to attend the University of Minnesota. She double majored in Sociology and Spanish. In 1988, she married Mark Howry, of Mandan, ND. Together, they founded Howry Residential Services, dedicating their careers to advocating for and empowering persons with disabilities, making a meaningful impact on countless lives. Beyond her professional work, Susan had a deep love for history and beauty, which she expressed through many creative avenues whether it be through her writing or her appreciation of antiques. She had a...

Philip was born on July 13, 1959, in St. Paul, MN. While he was born with Down Syndrome, and needed full-time care throughout his life, Phil wasn't defined by his disabilities?he was known for his playful spirit, independence, and unquestioning loyalty to those he loved. For nearly 35 years, MacGregor Place in Elk River, MN, was his home?a place where he was supported, loved and understood. And for 42 years, he found purpose and friendship at Options in Big Lake, a workplace for individuals with developmental disabilities. Phil is preceded in death by his mother and father, Ardys and Frank Wolinski, and survived by his siblings, Julie Flaherty, Michael Ferguson, Steven and Thomas (Michele)...

Age 81 of Elk River, passed away on March 12, 2025. She was preceded in death by her son Kevin Babineau; husband Oliver Babineau; parents George and Effie (Olson) Niebergall; and siblings Rosalyn Moll, Georgene Berre, Merlin Niebergall; and son-in-law Lynn Anderson. Surviving are her children Roxanne (Bill) Harstad, Christine (Matt) Palmer, and Richard (Kelly) Babineau; grandchildren Katie Harstad (Breck), Kevin (Malissa) Harstad, Jacob (Katy) Harstad, Jamie (Anah) Anderson, Karissa (Keith) Winterhalter, Logan Babineau, and Luke Babineau; great-grandchildren Rylah Franaschouk, Everly Franaschouk, Oaklen Franaschouk, Owen Harstad, Charlotte Harstad, Oliver Harstad, Archer Harstad, Sara-Jo...

Ernest Sylvester Kukowski, age 91 of Elk River, MN, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025. He was born in Leo, MN on December 31, 1933 to John and Marian (Wirkus) Kukowski. He attended country school through 8th grade then farmed in the area, Ernest enlisted in the US Army in 1954 and was honorably discharged in 1956. He was united in marriage to Darlene J. Gramstad on March 5, 1955 in Badger, MN. The two made their home in Brooklyn Center and he worked for Consolidated Freightways for many years until his retirement, then moved to Elk River. Ernest enjoyed, playing cards, fishing, going up north to the family farm and staying at the cabin on Rabbit Lake, later in life he enjoyed...

Our beloved Phyllis passed away on Feb 24, 2025 at her home in St. Cloud. She is survived by her sons, Shawn and Tom (Kirsten) of Elk River; 2 beautiful grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; amazing sisters, Kathleen (Archie) Erickson, Carol Anderson, and Sandy Anderson; many wonderful nieces, nephews, other family and friends. For all those that have contributed to Phyllis's smile, A Celebration of her life will be on Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 3:00 - 9:00 PM at Ellison Park, 811 River St, Monticello, MN. Dare's Funeral Home 763-441-1212 www.daresfuneralservice.com

Our beloved Phyllis passed away on Feb 24, 2025 at her home in St. Cloud. She is survived by her sons, Shawn and Tom (Kirsten) of Elk River; 2 beautiful grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; amazing sisters, Kathleen (Archie) Erickson, Carol Anderson, and Sandy Anderson; many wonderful nieces, nephews, other family and friends. For all those that have contributed to Phyllis's smile, A Celebration of her life will be on Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 3:00 - 9:00 PM at Ellison Park, 811 River St, Monticello, MN. Dare's Funeral Home 763-441-1212 www.daresfuneralservice.com

Christina O. Saxton Howard, age 94 of Elk River, MN. Born June 16, 1930, passed away February 20, 2025. Survived by children: Michael Saxton (Diana), Kerry Saxton (Muriel), Diane Lemke (Peter); 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sister: Betty Mattson; brother: Douglas Klempke; sister-in-law: Julia Klempke; sister-in-law: Pat Davidson-Klempke; nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral service Monday, March 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at Dare's Funeral Home, 805 Main Street NW, Elk River, MN. Burial following at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN. www.DaresFuneralHome.com Elk River, MN 763-441-1212

Age 83, of Big Lake, MN. Passed away on Feb 18, 2025. Funeral service at 11AM on Mon, Feb 24, 2025 at Dare's Funeral Home, 805 Main St, Elk River, with visitation starting at 10AM. Dare's Funeral Home 763-441-1212 www.daresfuneralservice.com

Age 75, passed away on February 17, 2025 at his home in Otsego, MN. Proud U.S. Navy veteran and lifelong member of the American Legion. He is preceded by his parents, Edward and Marge; son, Jason; grandson, Connor; sister, Betty (Dack). Bill is survived by his wife of 51+ years, Mary; daughter, Sheila; grandchildren, Kyle, Emily, and Trinity; many nieces & nephews, in-laws, other family, and friends. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 21. 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 18380 Columbus St, Dayton, with visitation starting at 10:00AM. Visitation also from 4:00 - 6:00PM on Thursday, February 20 at Dare's Funeral Home, 805 Main St, Elk...

Charles LeRoy Bedbury, "Butch/Chuck", age 80 of Isanti, Minnesota, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025. He was born in Galveston, Texas, on June 30, 1944 to parents Floyd and Dorothy (Ziegler) Bedbury. At an early age, Butch's parents moved to Dayton, Minnesota where he learned to farm. He was in the first class to graduate from VandenBerge High School in 1962. As a young adult, Butch married and started his own family. During this time, he happily took on the additional responsibility of raising two of his younger siblings, demonstrating his dedication to taking care of others and "doing the right thing". Building a life on Mississippi River helped fuel his love for the great...

Susan Marie Bakken of Elk River, Minnesota, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Friday, February 14, 2025 at the age of 68. Susan was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska on February 10, 1957 to David and Mary (Vanshur) Hardin. Susan was known for her unwavering dedication to her family, always putting the needs of them before her own. She would give the shirt off her back without a second thought, showing kindness and love in every action. Though she could be stubborn at times, she had the most vibrant and spunky personality. Her warmth, generosity and loving nature left an impact on all who knew her. Together with...

Richard Leo Nelson, 100, passed away on February 11, 2025. Born on New Year's Day in 1925 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he lived a life rich with adventure, hard work, and cherished relationships. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marie (Charvat) and Nels F. Nelson; his beloved wife, Merlyn (Hetrick) Nelson; and his sisters, Betty (Robert) Anderson and Dorothy (Gary) Jenkins. He is survived by his sister, Karin Olson of Beaverton, OR; his children, Ann (Doug) Derr of New Hope, MN, Rick Nelson of Boulder, CO, and Liz (Bob) Reusch of Ottawa, KS; as well as four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, all of whom made him immensely proud. Richard's life was one of curiosity and...