by Colleen Chilson | Jun 16, 2024 | Obituaries
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Pamela Jean (Wilson) Croft, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024, in Buffalo, MN, at the age of 76. Born on January 15, 1948, in Seattle, WA, Pamela was the daughter of Douglas Wilson and Jacqueline (Coleman) Swanson.
Her early years were marked by frequent moves with her family, eventually settling in Litchfield, MN, where she grew up and graduated with the class of 1966.
After high school, Pamela pursued her passion for beauty and style at Wanner’s School of Beauty Culture in Duluth, MN. In 1966, she met the love of her life, Dean Croft, when they worked together at Universal Fiberglass Corporation in Two Harbors, MN. They were married on August 16, 1969. Pamela also contributed her talents to beauty shops in Bayport, MN; Austin, TX; and Two Harbors, MN.
During Dean’s military service, the couple lived in Austin, TX, where Pamela provided support and filled their apartment with love and warmth. After Dean’s service, they returned to Two Harbors, where they raised their three children.
Pamela loved hosting and entertaining, filling her home with warmth and laughter. Her culinary skills, especially her baking, were renowned among family and friends. People never left hungry, and it brought her joy to watch those she loved gathered around the table enjoying her delicious meals.
She was a talented seamstress, enjoyed playing bridge, lived her life as a faithful Christian woman, and was often a guest speaker at Women’s Aglow and other Christian events. She had charisma; when she entered a room, or when speaking with her, you felt like you were in a safe place with someone you could trust and who truly cared about you. Her legacy of kindness, hospitality, and love will be cherished by all who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Douglas Wilson and Jacqueline Swanson; sister, Roxanne Wilson; and sister-in-law, Mary June Wilson.
Pamela is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Dean; children, Bryan Croft, Paul Croft, and Rebecca (Adam) McGrane; grandchildren, Brittan, Malia, Savanna, and Quinn; siblings, Douglas Wilson, Darrel (Diana) Wilson, and Jamie (Virgil) Wiechmann; and many other relatives and friends.
Memorial service will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 12 PM with visitation beginning one hour prior at Buffalo Covenant Church, Buffalo, MN.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com
by Colleen Chilson | Jun 14, 2024 | Obituaries
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November 26, 1979 – June 11, 2024
by Colleen Chilson | Jun 14, 2024 | Obituaries
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February 1, 1952 – June 12, 2024
Bonnie Lou Wolf, 72, of Buffalo, Minnesota completed her earthly journey on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Havenwood of Buffalo surrounded by her family, friends and an immeasurable outpouring of love. Bonnie was born on February 1, 1952, to Christian (Christ) and Elizabeth Kirschenman in Hettinger, ND where she was raised on a farm with 3 older sisters. Bonnie attended Regent Public School, graduating class of 1969 prior to her studies in psychology and chemical dependency at St. Cloud State University. She was united in marriage to Gerald (Jerry) Joseph Wolf of Mott, North Dakota in 1969 and lived in Dickinson, North Dakota for 3 years before moving to Minnesota.
Bonnie loved the Lord and loved life. Her faith was the anchor of her soul and she always encouraged others to take the moral high ground in any situation. Words cannot adequately express how much she meant to so many people. She was colorful, vibrant, the life of the party and always lighting up the room. She loved lavishly, gave tirelessly to those in her care and was a bundle of joy with boundless energy. She was up for any adventure from gathering plants and herbs with her summer nature group to taking in a play or musical, to boat excursions and apple orchards. She was a voracious reader, life-long learner and conversationalist extraordinaire. She had a keen eye for affordable fashion and could fabulously accessorize even the most mundane ensembles. She was an amazing and creative cook who could not be stifled by the limitations of recipes. Above all, Bonnie deeply cherished the time she spent with her family and friends, creating countless special memories.
Bonnie will be greatly missed and assuredly remembered by her beloved children, Shanon Wolf (son) Storden, MN; Shariden R. Wolf-Gosselin (daughter) and husband John, Russell, MN; Sheldon Wolf (son) and wife Kari (Mandler) of Minnetonka, MN. Bonnie is also survived by two sisters, Eleanor McLaughlin, Davenport, IA; Martha Dilliard of Woodland Park, CO; and 8 treasured nieces and nephews.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her lifelong best friend, Jerry Wolf; Parents, Christian (Christ) and Elizabeth Kirschenman; her sister, Irene King (Kirschenman); Father and Mother-in-law, Joseph (Joe) and Monica Wolf; Brother-in-laws, Don McLaughlin and Joe King; and nephews, Blyndon McLaughlin and Ron Allen King.
Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. followed by a 4:00 p.m. memorial service on Saturday, June 22, 2024, located at Peterson’s Chapel 300 Main Street North, St. Michael, MN 55376.
Our family would like to extend a special debt of gratitude to mom’s friends who diligently and compassionately included, cared for and watched over her these past 6 months. She was eternally grateful for every home-cooked meal, every social outing and bible study she was able to participate in, and all the assistance you provided with her physical mobility and transportation. Most of all, she treasured your company and felt loved. May God multiply these things and more back to you.
by Colleen Chilson | Jun 14, 2024 | Obituaries
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July 30, 1943 – June 13, 2024
Elmer Dean Abbas passed away on June 13, 2024 at his home in Buffalo, Minnesota sitting next to his wife of 38 years, Carole.
Elmer was born the ninth of ten children on July 30, 1943 in Titonka, Iowa to Ted and Lena (Hundt) Abbas.
He grew up in rural Iowa where he helped with his older brother’s trucking business. He washed trucks as a young boy, and in later years drove trucks to help pay for his undergraduate degree in Business Education. In 1976 Elmer and his first wife moved to Buffalo, Minnesota with their two children, Chris and Jen. During that time he pursued his Master’s in Special Education. After his relationship with his first wife ended, Elmer reconnected with his faith and deepened his personal relationship with Jesus. Elmer met Carole at a church group in 1983. They developed a friendship, fell in love, and were married on June 14, 1986. Together they had Liz, and Elmer adopted Carisa. He also gained two step children, John and Jacob, to add to their blended family.
Elmer taught at Hopkins school district for 28 years. He finished his teaching career at the Buffalo Alternative Learning Center and worked at Functional Industries helping people with disabilities find employment.
In 1991 Elmer started Buffalo Golfmaster’s Driving Range. The driving range started out as a business to fill his summers, and it turned into a place where people came to relax and often would sit at the picnic table for hours sharing and praying with Elmer.
As Elmer’s beard turned white, many started to refer to him as Santa. For over 20 years Elmer was a well-loved Santa throughout Minnesota, and even had a national story feature on Good Morning America. He was uniquely equipped with his gentle spirit and twinkling eyes to comfort children of all abilities so that they could experience the spirit of Christmas and the celebration of Christ’s birth.
In 2014, Elmer and Carole’s home in Buffalo was lost in a house fire, and the community rallied around them. Instead of rebuilding a house, they transformed the existing red brick barn into their home, finding beauty from ashes.
Elmer saw beauty in things and people that others may have passed by. Elmer was an artist, he created wire masterpieces, most notably, he crafted Jesus pins, cursive pins with the name of Jesus. Elmer made thousands of Jesus pins, he often would carry wire and pliers in his pocket so he could make pins wherever he went, gifting them along the way. Elmer was a collector of many things including books. Above all other hobbies, Elmer’s passion was reading scripture daily. During his 47 years as a Christian, Elmer read through the entire Bible each year. It is from scripture he learned to love unconditionally, to forgive freely, and to have a peace that passes all understanding. Elmer’s greatest desire was for those around him to feel known and loved, and his ultimate goal was to show us God’s love and point us in the direction of Jesus.
Elmer is survived by his wife, Carole Abbas, his children Chris (Kelly) Abbas, Jen (Niels) de Jong, John (Mary) Schulke, Jacob (Meghan Casey) Schulke, Carisa (Andy) Rasmussen, Liz (Chris) Burd, plus 10 grandchildren. Elmer is survived by one brother, Ted (Sandy) Abbas and one sister, Margery Asche and sister-in-laws Mary and Janice Abbas and brother-in-law Greg Arrowood. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Lena Abbas; siblings, Harold (Louise) Abbas, Arlene (Robert) Pate, Christina (Robert) Christen, John Abbas, Delbert Abbas Derold (Ruby) Abbas, Judy Abbas Arrowood, and brother-in-law Faye Asche.
Services will be held at Buffalo Covenant Church on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Visitation at 1 p.m., funeral at 2 p.m. with reception to follow. Interment to follow reception at 4:30 PM at Swedish Mission Cemetery. We invite you to wear your Jesus pin, if you have one, a Hawaiian shirt as Elmer often wore, or a joyful color.
by Colleen Chilson | Jun 12, 2024 | Obituaries
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March 27, 1940 – June 9, 2024
Mary Lou Cameron Gaster, age 84 of Dayton, MN, joined her husband in Paradise on Sunday, June 9, 2024 surrounded by her children. She was born to Duncan Cameron and Lillian Patterson on March 27, 1940. Mary Lou grew up in North Minneapolis and graduated from Benilde-St Margaret’s. In November of 1962 she met the love of her life, Lacy, at a roller rink. They married in February 1963 and spent the next 60 years together raising their family.
Mary Lou held many different jobs in her lifetime such as a telephone operator, sales associate, and photo developer before finishing her work career as a pharmacy tech. Her most important roles, and favorite ones, were being a mother to her four children, grandmother to her seven grandchildren and great grandmother to her four great grandchildren. She was always very active in everything her children were into. She attended every baseball/softball game, swim meet, dance recital/competition, band/choir concert and track meet. When she became a grandmother, her world expanded into t-ball, soccer games, lacrosse, basketball, and plays/musicals; almost never missing an event. She was very proud of the fact she got to see all seven of her grandchildren graduate from seven different high schools. Though she couldn’t get around as well when the great grandchildren came along, she still found her way to soccer games, dance recitals and volleyball to show her support. Mary Lou wasn’t just a mom to her own kids; she treated all her kids’ friends as if they were hers as well. Everyone was family. She was an avid reader and loved to play bingo, go to bible study, watch the sunrise on the ocean and spend time with her family and friends. She will be greatly missed, especially by her granddogs; Sully, Kole, Remy, Callie, Eldee and Quinn.
Mary Lou is preceded in death by her father Duncan Cameron, mother Lillian Patterson, brother Richard Cameron, sister Patricia Cameron Follett, and husband Lacy Gaster, Jr. She is survived by daughters Linda (Dave) Taylor, DeAnn (Michael) Oquendo, Renee (Derek) Mosolf; son Tom (Yolanda) Gaster; grandsons Jeff (Heidi) Lundholm, JT Gaster, Matt (Emily) Mosolf, Tony Mosolf, Gabriel Oquendo and Josiah Oquendo; granddaughter April (Justin) Johnson; great granddaughters Avery, Tessa, Teagan; great grandson Parker; Sisters in-law Kathlean Cameron, Ann Brower, Sue Carol Aaron and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 13 at The Peterson Chapel 300 Main St N, St. Michael, MN 55376. Service will begin at 3:00p with coffee and cookies to follow.
by Colleen Chilson | Jun 11, 2024 | Obituaries
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Richard M. Mastellar, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on June 10, 2024 at the age of 52. Rich was born on September 25, 1971, in St. Louis Park, MN, to Fred and Gloria (Springer) Mastellar. He grew up in Nelson, MN, attended school in Alexandria, MN and graduated with the class of 1990.
Rich briefly attended North Dakota State University before returning to the Alexandria area. In 1994, he met the love of his life, Brooke Baker. The two were married in Brandon, MN, in 2000. Rich often said that the best was yet to come when he became a father. His daughter, Mikayla, was his pride and joy, and the bond they shared was extraordinary. Mikayla was not just his daughter, but his best friend.
Rich had a dedicated career at J&B Group in St. Michael, where he worked for 18 years. Outside of work, his heart belonged to the great outdoors. His happy place was at the lake, where he enjoyed early morning sunrises and being out on the water. Fishing and duck hunting with friends were among his favorite activities, always accompanied by his loyal dog, Shelby. Family meant everything to Rich. He cherished every moment spent with loved ones and made sure those moments were filled with laughter.
A passionate Minnesota Vikings fan, Richard was well-known among fellow fans at the stadium, where he held season tickets for many years. He gained internet fame for a YouTube video showing him leading an enthusiastic cheer, wearing his iconic Zubaz.
Rich was the life of the party; a man with an undeniable zest for life. His outgoing and bold personality left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He had an incredible ability to make people laugh and ensured that those around him always had a good time.
He is preceded in death by his father, Fred; grandparents, Ray and Ellen Mastellar, and Glen and Jean Springer.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Brooke; his beloved daughter, Mikayla; mother, Gloria Mastellar; sisters, Sandy (Art) Chapin and Carrie (Jon) Buller; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Ducks Unlimited in Richard’s name.
Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Brandon Town Hall, Brandon MN. It is encouraged to wear your favorite Viking apparel or Zubaz!
Private interment will follow at the Chippewa Lutheran Cemetery in Brandon.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael-Albertville. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com
