Monticello Times

Bernard James Decker, the son of Charles Peter and Connie Regina (Dedrick) Decker, was born July 25, 1934, in Monticello, Minnesota. Following a year at St. Cloud College, Jim joined the United States Army and would serve until 1985. On April 16, 1963, Jim was united in marriage with Helen Louise Chew in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She would precede him in death on June 21, 2004. On December 20, 2008, Jim was united in marriage with Marilyn Keller. She would precede him in death on August 3, 2018. Following Jim's years in the service he would resettle in Newton, Iowa, where he became a Jailer for the Jasper County Sheriff's Department. He would continue there for twenty-four years. Jim...

Lorraine Neddersen Sanford Age 91 of Big Lake, MN Born on November 8, 1930. Passed peacefully on July 31, 2022 at Monticello Care Center. Preceded in death by husband Truman "Pete" Sanford; brother William Neddersen; son Jeff (Nancy) Sanford; and great-granddaughter Hailey Sanford. Survived by son Jim (Sue) Sanford; 8 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. Lorraine was a longtime farmer, originally in Brooklyn Park, then in the Big Lake area since 1959. She grew up in Osseo, MN graduating in the class of 1948. She enjoyed her Bridge and 500 card clubs as well as reading and puzzling. Lorraine took much pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, speaking of them often and...

Age 80 of Monticello Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on July 31, 2022. Preceded in death by brother Jim; parents Fred & Bernice (Hirsch) Boller; husband Gary; sister Virginia; granddaughter Cheyanne; and daughter Jacqueline; Survived by children Dirk (Julie), Michael, Scott (Diane), Norman (Jenni), Christine Crockett (Mark), and Carrie (Joel) Martens; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; brother Frederick (Donna) Boller; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends. Sharon loved flowers, especially roses and crocheting. She was an excellent cook, and always made sure there was plenty when she was preparing her meals,...

Age 90 of Monticello Archie passed away peacefully July 30, 2022. He was born in Cold Spring , MN July 26, 1932 to Leo and Augusta Theisen. He was preceded in death by siblings Rose, Lillian, Lollie, Angie, and Lee. He was a member of St. Henry's Catholic Church. He was an active 4th degree of the Knights of Columbus for over half his life. He was an avid golfer and proud to have played until age 89. Bowling was another passion and he bowled in leagues well into his 80's, achieving two perfect games. He grew up in a family who loved singing and his beautiful voice enriched many sing-a-longs. He spent hours playing cards with friends and family at the Senior Center and his dining room...

Age 72 of Monticello, MN Passed away on 7/25/22. Preceded in death by parents Violet (Juntti) Koch and Erwin Koch; son David Peterson (2007); and daughter Laura Peterson (Jans) (2020). Survived by children Joe Peterson, Polly (Sean) Edgett, and Carrie (Ted) Huebner; grandchildren Shyrene (Kevin), Traeton (Ivy), Eden, Creed, Rafe, Gwen, Jo, Will, and Behr; great-grandchildren Kaiser, and Ariella; siblings Ricky Koch, Randy Koch, Danny (Lucy) Koch, Larry (Gail) Koch, and Marcy (Delbert) Dahlheimer; and nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends. She was an amazing mother and homemaker and proudly raised her 5 children with much love and affection. Wendy liked to be outside, especially in...

Nicole Lee (Faber) Peterson, age 42, of Birmingham, Alabama and formerly of Monticello, Minnesota, died unexpectedly in Birmingham on Friday, July 15, 2022. Nicole was born (along with her fraternal twin sister, Jennifer) to Sharon Faber and Bruce Christian on March 22, 1980, at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids. Her entire childhood was spent in Monticello, from attending Pumpkin Patch preschool to Monticello High School, where she graduated in the top ten of the Class of 1998. She and Jennifer, known as "the Faber twins," were nearly inseparable as they grew up, attended school, and participated in numerous extracurricular activities together. Following high school, Nicole spent her freshman...

Delwin Cardinal, age 85 of Monticello, born May 30, 1937, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2022 after losing his battle with bladder cancer. Preceded in death by wife of 63 years Marlene (Strand), parents Willmar and Muriel, brother Garryl, sister Verla (Lyrek) and grandson Austin. Survived by his children Curtis (Robyn), Craig, and David (Tami); siblings Willis, Mylen, Marlette (Babatz), Arlynn, Gerlene (Klingelhoets), Orlan and Dorlyn; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; many more relatives and friends. In 1955, Del Completed Army Basic Training in Fort Carson, CO, and deployed to Nancy, France, where he was the Auto Hobby Shop supervisor. Work history includes being a...

Julie Murphy of Big Lake passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by family, Thursday, July 7, 2022 at the St. Cloud Hospital at the age of 56. Julie was born June 20, 1966 in Minneapolis to Milton and Gloria (Spohnholtz) Anderson. After graduating high school, she went to cosmetology school and became a hairstylist. Later in life, she became a bookkeeper and payroll specialist. She married Paul Murphy on April 22, 1995 at St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Crystal. Together they created a beautiful life with their two children in Big Lake, Minnesota. Julie was a beautiful soul. She was a genuine friend and had a love for life. Julie's smile was welcoming and her laugh was infectious. She...

Kenneth W. Hansen, age 77, of Hill City, MN passed away unexpectedly at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital on Thursday, July 7, 2022. Kenneth Wayne Hansen was born May 9, 1945 to Emma M. (Kounkel) and Sydney H. Hansen in Swatara, Minnesota. He attended school in Aitkin, Minnesota. On December 13, 1962, he was married to his sweetheart, Beverly J. Tix and together they raised a family of four sons. Throughout his working years, Ken was a machinist for 37 years, retiring in 2007 from Bondhus Manufacturing in Monticello, MN where he was proud to make Bondhus hex wrenches. Following his retirement, Kenny and Beverly moved back to Hill City, MN to enjoy their retired years. Kenny was known...

Eileen R. Hanson, also known as mom and grandma peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at the age of 78. Eileen fought a courageous battle of ovarian cancer. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family and friends made her final days peaceful. Eileen was born in Alexandria, MN on November 26th 1943, the daughter of Nick and Florence Klimek, On June 23rd 1962, Eileen was united in marriage to Lyle D. Hanson. The couple resided in Big Lake during their 40 years of marriage. They raised five children in the family home. Eileen lived true to her name; she was a ray of light to those around her. She spent most of her...

A Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at Becker Christian Center in Becker for Mariah Lynn Hopson, 19 of Foley, who passed away around her loving family, after courageously battling multiple medical complications. Arrangements are entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids. Mariah Lynn was born on September 15, 2002, in Monticello to Audra (Zitzow) Lange and David Hopson. She worked various jobs in retail and customer service, including Aeropostale, House of Pizza, and Ulta. Mariah loved to listen to music of all kinds, draw, paint, and raise and nurture succulents and other flowers. She loved animals, especially her cat, Simba, and had...

Age 66 of Monticello, formerly of Chillicothe, IL passed away on June 22, 2022. He was born on July 16, 1955 in Peoria, IL. Preceded in death by parents William & Mary (Rose) Miller; brother Monty Miller; and daughter Melissa Van Bruwaene. Mitch is survived by his partner of 14 years, Lynne Knack; siblings Marty (Cindy) Miller, and Laurie (Bill) Miller; Lynne's children Jessica, and Kurt (Jackie); grandchildren Emily, Madison, Alivia, Simon, and Gavin; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Mitch was a 45-year member of Steamfitters Local #353 in Peoria, IL. He loved riding motorcycles and was a big Harley Davidson fan. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and Chicago Cubs and...

Debra "Deb" Lou Viegut, 65, of Big Lake, MN, died Thursday, June 16, 2022 at Monticello CentraCare Hospital. She was born March 19, 1957 in Waseca, Minnesota the daughter of Elmer and Hazel (Sellner) Wilker. She grew up on a farm in the Meriden area. She graduated from Owatonna High School in 1975. On June 28, 1975, she married Robert "Bob" Viegut at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna. They made their home in Owatonna before moving to Hawaii. When they returned to the mainland, they settled in Salt Lake City, Utah where they lived for six years were current residents of Big Lake, Minnesota. Debra's work career included working at the Owatonna Nursing Home, Cedarview Nursing Home,...

Age 81, of Monticello, went home to Jesus on June 16, 2022. She passed away peacefully at Cherrywood Assisted Living in Big Lake, MN, from complications due to Parkinson's Disease. She passed 17 years to the day after her husband Chuck. Karen graduated from Rake, Iowa, High School in 1958. She married Chuck in 1964, and they settled in Monticello in 1972. Karen worked for 27 years as a paraprofessional for Monticello Schools until her retirement in 2001. Karen and Chuck loved touring on their Honda Gold Wing and traveled to each of the 48 lower states. She enjoyed sharing a good meal with family and friends, especially when it was cooked by someone else. Her four grandchildren meant the...

Opstad, Melford "Mel" Thomas, age 85, passed away, on Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 at Guardian Angels Care Center in Elk River, MN, his beloved wife of 59 years by his side. Mel was born on April 5th, 1937 to Bjorgo and Clara Opstad in Douglas, North Dakota. Mel attended school and then college in Minot, ND where he earned a degree in education. He joined the Marine Corps for two years following college and then went on to earn his Master's Degree in nuclear engineering. He spent his career working for Phillips Petroleum and then Northern States Power Company. Mel married Arlene Inderrieden on June 1st, 1963. They adopted two boys from Colombia, Victor and Alexander. Mel had a passion for...

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church in Becker for Douglas "Doug" Paumen, age 71, who passed away Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family. Fr. Michael Kellogg will officiate and burial will be at St. Henry's Cemetery in Monticello at a later date. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Becker and one hour prior to the services Tuesday at the church. Parish prayers will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Doug was born January 8, 1951 in Buffalo to Leonard & Muriel (Pribyl) Paumen. He grew up on a farm near Maple Lake and has lived in the Becker...

Tom passed away surrounded by his loving family on June 5, 2022. Preceded in death by infant daughter Jaqueline and brother Robert. Survived by wife of 70 years, Elraine (Farasyn) Brennan; children Kathleen Dittmer, Mike (Doris) Brennan, Dan Brennan, John (Fayth) Brennan, Bill Brennan, Cheryl Brennan (Joe), Patrick (Carmen) Brennan, and Jennifer (Mark) Vogeler; 16 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother Ward; and many other relatives and friends. Tom served our country in the U. S. Marine Corps and is a veteran of the Korean War. He then owned Brennan Construction Company until his retirement. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. Mass of Christian Burial held on...

Chris, age 49 of Clearwater, passed away on June 4, 2022. Preceded in death by son Nick, mother-in-law Evi Thole, and step-mother Ruth Chock. Survived by mother Goodrun Stanislawski; father Mike Chock; husband Shon Thole; son Matt (Courtney) Vickerman; siblings Susan (Chris) Austin, Miranda (Garrett) Smith, Casey Johnson, Michael (Anna) Chock, and Jon (Kandi) Chock; grandchildren Ellie, Cayden, and Oaklyn; several nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. Chris was stronger than most. She worked hard to build an amazing life to give her kids all she could. She was incredibly kind, thoughtful, an entertainer at heart, and so fun to be around. Chris loved gardening and...

Norma Jean Moody, who passed away peacefully, was born in Clearwater, MN to Clinton "Buster" and Bernice Clayton on the family farm. Norma Jean married Irving Moody on October 2, 1982 and continued to reside in rural Clearwater. Norma Jean worked for a number of banks, retiring from Wells Fargo after 26 years. In her spare time, she was an avid singer, quilter, baker, and sewer. Norma volunteered with the Fun Singers, sang for a number of funeral services, made beautiful quilts, embroidered gifts, and handmade gifts for those she loved. Norma Jean was welcomed into Heaven by her parents; husband, Irving; stepson, Jim; brothers, Edward and Ernest and sister-in-law, Joyce. Norma Jean...

Age 80 of Elk River, MN, passed away at the Wellstead in Rogers from Alzheimer's on 5/23/22. He was born in Monticello, MN, to Ray and Dorothy (Dyson) Martie. After graduation he worked at Minneapolis Moline, the Arsenal in New Brighton and after many years at Hoffman Engineering in Anoka, MN, he retired in 1998. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dick Martie and sister-in-law Sharon Martie. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Pat; sons, Deron (Christine) and Dean (Stacy Rogness); grandsons, Aaron, Blake and Dylan Martie; granddaughters, Kelsey Tormanen (Beau Bailey), Cadence and Jaelynn Martie; 3 great-grandchildren; brother, Russ Martie and sister-in-law Sally Martie;...

Barbara Ann Hadfield, 70, of Baxter, Minnesota, passed away on May 23, 2022. Services will be held at Divine Mercy Catholic Church 800 Marquette Ave., South Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 6, 2022. Visitation will be from 9-11 AM, followed by Funeral Mass, and burial at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery. Barbara was born on June 30, 1951, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Leo and Mary Ann (Moderski) Kitzke. She married Jim Hadfield on November 25, 1972. Barbara graduated with high honors from both high school and college. She held a Master's Degree in education and taught at Monticello High School as a math teacher. Barbara volunteered with numerous community and youth organizations. She ran 5k and 10k...