The Obituary Section

Mildred "Millie" F. Degree

, Minnesota

Memorial Services will be 11:00 AM Friday, May 22, 2026 at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids for Mildred “Millie” F. DeGree who passed away Friday at Hilltop Care Center in Watkins. Pastor Rick Koehn will officiate and burial will be at Langola Cemetery in Rice. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the Funeral Home. There will be a luncheon following the service and burial at Russel Arms Apartment Community Room; 315 Division St Sauk Rapids, MN.Mildred “Millie” F. DeGree was born September 8, 1946 in Rice to Kelly and Addie (Warrick) Doeden. She worked as a Dietary Aide in Healthcare. Millie enjoyed bingo, shopping, magazines, and recently got into embroidering. She lived for her children and grandchildren.Mildred is survived by her children, Jim DeGree of Fargo, Jackie Mishow of St. Cloud, Jason (Chris) DeGree of Watkins; 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.She was preceded in…

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Karen K. Wolbeck

, Minnesota

May 15, 2026

Karen Kay Wolbeck, 67, of St. Cloud, passed away on May 16, 2026, surrounded by family and friends after a hard-fought battle with lung cancer. Through it all, Karen never complained, remaining strong and spirited until the very end.Karen was born on July 7, 1958, in St. Cloud to Melvin and Gail (Levandowski) Wolbeck. She was the eldest of seven girls and carried that role with strength, humor, and heart throughout her life.Karen dedicated more than 40 years of service to Fingerhut, faithfully remaining through layoffs and the transition to Jefferson Capital. She was known for her hardworking nature, loyalty, and friendship.Karen’s home was always open to her grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and her children’s friends. Countless memories were made during silly sleepovers, family gatherings, and everyday moments filled with laughter. She especially adored her grandchildren, Ivan and Delilah, who lovingly called her “Grandma Harold.” Karen will be remembered for…

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Theresa "Pat" M. Knier

, Minnesota

Theresa Marie “Pat” Knier, 97, passed away at Ecumen St. Benedict’s, St. Cloud, MN on April 26, 2026. Theresa was born on the family dairy farm outside of Sauk Centre on January 24, 1929 tp Alex and Theresia (Unger) Bromenshenkel. She was the youngest child. The lore is that her siblings clamored to name her “Patty! Patty!” and as a result, Theresa was called Patty for most of her life. Patty graduated from Sauk Centre High School, attended the College of St. Benedict for one year, and graduated from the St. Cloud Hospital School of Nursing. She later worked as a registered nurse at the hospital, and was part of the trio that began the Natural Family Planning office at the diocesan Family Life Bureau, retiring in 1988.On Sept. 2, 1950, Pat married Clifford Knier in St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. She and Cliff were considered “the cute,…

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Alice V. Haupt

, Minnesota

Alice Vivian Haupt, 90, said her last Minnesota goodbye on May 15, 2026 at Edgewood Memory Care in Baxter, MN. Alice was born on April 26, 1936, in Avon, Minnesota. She attended St. Cloud Technical High School, graduating in 1954. She married Wayne Haupt on June 25, 1955. Together, they followed Wayne’s career with the Great Northern and Burlington Northern railroads to various locations including St. Paul, Willmar, White Bear Lake, Grand Forks and Minot before returning to Minnesota in 1978 and eventually settling in St. Anthony Village. She was a bookkeeper and homemaker who took great pride in her home.Alice was always active in her Catholic faith and a long-time member of St. Charles Borromeo catholic church where she served as a eucharistic minister, volunteered in the church library, and kept weekly vigil in the adoration chapel. She was an excellent cook and loved to try new recipes. She…

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Lester I. Adelman

, Minnesota

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Annunciation Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids for Lester I. Adelman, age 91, who passed away Tuesday at his home in Rice. Rev. Thomas Knoblach will officiate and burial will in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2026 at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids and one hour prior to service at the church. Parish Prayers will be at 4:00 p.m.Lester was born November 22, 1934 along with his twin brother, Sylvester, in Minden Township, Benton County, MN to John and Luella (Neary) Adelman. He spent most of his life in Benton County, MN, where he graduated Foley High School in 1952, staying connected with some classmates most of his life. He served the National Guard from 1957 to 1962 and was a member of the Foley Knights of Columbus Council…

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Leona "Toots" B. Ekker

, Minnesota

Funeral Services will be 12:00 p.m. Monday, May 18, 2026 at Riverside Presbyterian Church in Sartell for Leona B. “Toots” Ekker, age 104, who passed away Monday at her home in Eden Prairie. Rev. Isaac Gould will officiate and burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Sartell. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church in Sartell. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids.Toots was born February 21, 1922 in Holdingford Township to Thomas and Mary (Soltis) Jancik. She married Carl Ekker on April 6, 1947 at Riverside Presbyterian Church in Sartell. The couple lived in Minneapolis before moving in 1969 to Sartell. She was a homemaker who had a keen eye for decorating. Toots was a longtime member of Riverside Presbyterian Church, involved with willing workers and the craft group. She enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins and NASCAR…

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Karen D. Wilson

, Minnesota

Visitation will be 9 AM to 12 PM Thursday May 14, 2026 at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids for Karen D. Wilson, 79 who passed away Sunday at Good Shepherd. Burial will be at Mound Cemetery in Brooklyn Center.Karen was born December 8, 1946 in Minneapolis to Byron and Phyllis (Wallin) Wilson. She earned her associates degree and worked in the medical records department at St. Cloud Medical Group. Karen enjoyed flowers, working on her house and especially spending time with her grandchildren. She was hardworking, very proud of her family, her upbringing, and her Swedish and Norwegian heritage.Karen is survived by her son, Chris Geyen of Fairfax; her daughter, Jennifer (Richard) Axelson of Queen Creek, AZ; 7 grandchildren; sister, Kathy (Dennis) Booth of Big Lake. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Kristy Wilson, Judy Lothmen.

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Bernardine "Bernie" J. Durbin

, Minnesota

Bernardine Jeanne Durbin (Kempe), 90, of Waite Park died Sunday, May 17, 2026 at her home in Waite Park. Burial will be at a later date in the parish cemetery and a private celebration of life will be held at Bernie's home. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in St. Cloud.Bernie was born March 20, 1936 in rural Staples, MN to John & Veronica (Sweeney) Kempe and graduated from Staples High School. She married her high school sweetheart, George Durbin, on January 29, 1955 at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. To this union three children were born. They lived in Minneapolis for 6 years and then moved to Tomah, WI. She and her family made their home there for 43 years. During this time, Bernie worked as a switchboard operator and at Farmers and Merchants Bank balancing accounts. Upon retiring she and George…

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Charles E. Stoltz

, Minnesota

May 13, 2026

Charles E. Stoltz, age 85 of Milaca, MN, passed away on May 14, 2026, at his home. Funeral Services will be Friday, May 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Princeton with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Glendorado Lutheran Cemetery in rural Princeton.Charles Emery was born to Ben and Paulma (Amundson) Stoltz on February 28, 1941, in Foley. He graduated from Foley High School. Charles married Carol Johnson on January 30, 1960, in Iowa. Together they raised five children. He worked as a printer at ECM Publishers for many years. Charles enjoyed his small hobby farm, gardening, fishing, hunting, and Farmall tractors. He especially enjoyed his pets, particularly the wiener dogs. He will be greatly missed as a father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him.Charles is survived by his children, Joel Stoltz of St. Cloud, James Stoltz…

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Viola "Vi" A. Boder

, Minnesota

May 11, 2026

Viola “Vi” Ann Boder died on May 12, 2026, at home surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 92. Vi was born to Walter and Elida (Lehto) Eliason on December 9, 1933, in Duluth. She graduated from Denfeld High School’s class of 1951. Vi married Tony Boder on November 10, 1951. Viola was a librarian for the City of Duluth for more than 33 years. She began in the children’s department, where she was promoted to the head of the card catalog department. There she spearheaded the transition of the card catalog from paper to digital in the mid-1980s. Vi was a lover of old movies, putting together puzzles, playing cards with family and friends, playing the guitar while singing to her grandchildren, and making beautiful, crocheted table clothes. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church for many years. Vi adored her great-grandchildren and her many nieces and…

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Larry D. Sohlstrom

, Minnesota

Larry D. Sohlstrom, age 83 of Dalbo, MN, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at his home. A Memorial Service will be on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Salem Lutheran Church in Dalbo. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.Larry Dale Sohlstrom was born to Vincent and Hazel (Wahlstrom) Sohlstrom on August 11, 1942, in Braham. He graduated from Columbia Heights High School in 1960. Larry married Judyth Arlene Fokken on August 17, 1963, at the Ogilvie Methodist Church, and together they raised their three children. He began working for Honeywell following his high school graduation and continued to work for Honeywell/Alliant Tech Systems until his retirement in 1999. Larry enjoyed camping all over Minnesota, snowmobiling, and spending time at their cabin near Aitkin. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching football and baseball, playing poker and card games, and in his later years, sitting…

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Diane K. Collins

, Minnesota

May 10, 2026

Diane Collins, 79, passed away on May 11, 2026.Diane was the beloved wife of Michael for 57 years, and together they built a life full of adventure, laughter, and stories that somehow grew better with every retelling. After years of marriage, they thought children might not be in the cards, so they accepted an international position in Saudi Arabia where, much to their surprise and joy, their daughter Amanda was born.A 1965 graduate of St. Francis High School and later a nursing school graduate, Diane devoted her entire career to nursing and caring for others. But her true gift was people. She could talk to anyone, anywhere, and within minutes have them laughing hard enough to forget they had just met her. Her wit was legendary — quick, fearless, warm, and perfectly timed.Living internationally allowed Diane and Michael to build lifelong friendships across many cultures, and together they traveled to…

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James L. Dezurik

, Minnesota

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 14, 2026 at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic church in Sartell for James DeZurik, 83, who passed away at his home in Sartell on May 9th. Fr. Ron Weyrens will officiate. A visitation will be from 9-10:30 AM at the church. A private burial will take place at a later date at the parish cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Funeral Home in St. Cloud.James “Jim”, the son of Laurence and Redelle (Brinkman) DeZurik was born on November 16, 1942 in St. Cloud. Following High School he attended the Brainerd Community College where he met the love of his life. He married Patsy “Patt” LaVoie on July 6, 1963 at the St. Francis Church in Brainerd. Jim also served time in the National Guard, though he did not feel worthy of military honors as he was…

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Richard M. Tholl

, Minnesota

Tholl, Richard Marcus “Dick” “Dickey” passed away peacefully Sunday, May 10th, 2026 at Quiet Oaks Hospice House from congested heart failure at the age of 89 years.Dick was the last surviving and youngest of 7 children to Liz and Paul Tholl. He attended St John Cantius elementary school, and St Cloud Cathedral High School. He joined the U.S. Navy out of High School, and served 2 years on a “kitty cruise” enlistment as a Link instructor at the tail-end of the Korean War reaching the rank of 3rd class petty officer. After enlistment he married Marlene Sobkoviak in a double wedding along with her twin sister Marilyn Sobkoviak and Anthony “Tony” Hofmann. They lived in St Cloud, MN where he became a USPS carrier for 35 years as was his father before him. They raised two sons; Perry and Todd and the boys attended school at St Anthony’s Catholic Church…

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Johnny Mccray Jr.

, Minnesota

A Memorial Service will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Williams Dingmann Funeral Home in St. Cloud for Johnny McCray Jr., 90 of St. Cloud who passed away on May 8, at Wellstead of Rogers Assisted Living. Chaplain James Neppl will officiate and visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home on Thursday. Burial will be at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Funeral Home in St. Cloud.Johnny was born on August 19, 1935 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Johnny J. Sr and Martha Lee (Walker) McCray. Later his family relocated to McComb, Mississippi. While a student in the McComb, MS school system he lettered in basketball, football and track. He graduated high school in 1954 and in September, 1954, he enrolled in Xavier University of Louisiana where he lettered in football for…

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