Obituaries

June E. Gebhart
June 11, 1944 – August 22, 2022

June Elizabeth (Gendreau) Gebhart of North Branch passed away peacefully on Monday, August 22, 2022, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis at the age of 78.
June was born on June 11, 1944 in Hopkins to parents Philip and Elizabeth (Schieber) Gendreau, and was the fifth of seven children.
June is preceded in death by her husband Thomas Martinson in 2001 and husband Lennard Gebhart in 2021 and by siblings Arthur Gendreau, James Gendreau, and Jacqueline Patton; siblings-in-laws Frank Vermuelen, Eugene Podzimek, and Beverly Gendreau; stepdaughter-in-law Carrie Martinson; niece Francis Stangler; nephew Brian Podzimek; and stepdaughter Missy Ryder.
June is survived by her daughter Brenda Johnson, son John (Julie) Bandemer, and stepson Cory Martinson; Sisters Jean Podzimek, Judy Vermuelen and Janet (Randy Geisler) Gendreau; and siblings-in-law Albert Patton and Sherry Gendreau. She also leaves behind three grandchildren: Zakkary (Toni) Bandemer, Dylan (Megan) Buesing, and Sydney (Asher) Howell; three step grandchildren: Kelsey Martinson, Blake (Becky) Ryder, Brittany (Luke) Hanson; two great grandchildren; six step great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 19, 2022 at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in North Branch. Visitation will be held one hour prior to Mass at church. Interment will follow the service at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in North Branch.

Elizabeth “Betty” Richards
March 7, 1929 – August 4, 2022

Betty L. Richards, age 93, passed away in Transitional Care on August 4, 2022.
Betty was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota where she met and married Vernon R. Richards on May 15, 1948. Betty adored her puppy, Honey, was an avid bowler, and loved to meet her friends for Bingo. Betty volunteered her services to St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in North Branch as she continued strong in her faith.
She is survived by her sons Vernon (and wife Carol), David, and daughter Cathleen. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren Robert, Jennifer, Matthew, Christopher, and Dawn as well as great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Vernon.
Memorial services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in North Branch with visitation one hour prior to service. A luncheon will be served for all in the church directly following the service. Burial services will be private for immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to your local Humane Society.
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. Psalms 62:1

Richard Louis Peltier
January 28, 1939 – April 2, 2022

Richard, age 83, of Stacy MN, unexpectedly passed away at his E-Z Livin’ Ranch on April 2, 2022.

Richard retired from Buckbee Mears, Co. after 47 years. Richard loved the farm life. He spent 40 years living in Maplewood, on his small hobby farm. Richard also helped his parents on their dairy farm in Hugo. He then retired to his land, the E-Z Livin’ Ranch, in 2007 to enjoy watching his family grow. He sat on the porch watching the grandkids and great-grandkids as they had their own adventures. The land in Stacy is a haven, where many friends and family have enjoyed long summer days and bonfire nights.

Richard is preceded in death by his mother and father.

Richard survived by his wife of 58 years Betty (Liberty). Children, Pam (Ron) Galloway, Sue (Kevin), Mike (Mary) John; Brother LeRoy (Mary) Peltier; 5 grandchildren, Tim (Nicole), Nic (Nikki), Tamara (Mark), Jake, Dylan; 7 Great-Grandchildren; Cole, Josie, Derek, Finley, Sofia, Cooper, Cameron. As well as his extended family, Peltiers, Mirons, Libertys and numerous friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Gregory the Great on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.  Visitation will be prior to Mass at 12:00 p.m.  Please join the family after Mass today at the Peltier Ranch, The E-Z Livin’ Ranch, The Land, for a light lunch and sharing of memories.  27404 Potomac Street NE, Stacy, MN

William “Bill” Raymond Dickhausen
March 15, 1936 – March 15, 2022

William “Bill” Raymond Dickhausen of North Branch, MN, passed away on his 86th birthday, Tuesday, March 15, 2022. He was born at home on the family farm on March 15, 1936 in North Branch, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Beatrice (Klein) Dickhausen; He was the oldest of five children.

Bill is survived by Ruthann (Moynagh) Dickhausen; his four children; Catherine (Curt) Eckman of Stillwater, MN; Mike Dickhausen of Woodbury, MN; Lisa Doolittle of Apple Valley, MN; and Gail (Mike) Simones of Sartell, MN; nine grandchildren, Brian Eckman, Abbie Eckman, Ryan Dickhausen, Mason Dickhausen, Luke Doolittle, Joshua Doolittle, Dylan Simones, Jocelyn Simones, Brayden Simones; siblings, Roger (Mitzi) Dickhausen, Dale Dickhausen, Judy Weiss, and Carol (Patrick) Lynn.

Bill held various jobs throughout his life. He was the owner of a milk truck route for the Almelund Creamery, worked at the Department of Defense Arsenal in New Brighton, MN, and owned and operated a dairy and crop farm in Kost, MN, where he lived for 60 years.

His greatest joy was having everyone visit him on the farm whether it be his neighbors, friends, family and especially his children, grandchildren, and siblings. He always had a story to tell anyone who came.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bill’s honor to The Future Farmers of America (FFA).  Donations can be made online at FFA.org, mail to National FFA Foundation, 6060 FFA Drive, P.O. Box 68960 Indianapolis, IN 46268, or by phone 1-888-332-2668.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Gregory the Great on Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.  Visitation will be prior to Mass at 10:00 a.m.  Luncheon to follow in the Parish Hall.

Phyllis Rosetta Bennett
May 22, 1936 – October 8, 2021

Phyllis Rosetta Bennett was Born on May 22, 1936, in Minneapolis, MN to Edward and Dorothy Lutgen. She passed away at her home, the Meadows on Fairview in Wyoming, MN, surrounded by her loving family on October 8, 2021, at the age of 85. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Jason Bennett, her parents, 4 brothers, 2 sisters. She is survived by son Vince (Alice) Bennett, Lance (Debbie) Bennett and Curt (Cathy) Bennett; daughters Barb (Ray) Renner, Karen (Joel) Feigum, and Ann (Dirk) Doble; 17 grandchildren 23 great-grand-children, her sister Janet Doud and several nieces and nephews. So adored, she will be greatly missed by all.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Gregory the Great on Friday, November 5, 2021 at 12:00 p.m.  Visitation will be prior to Mass at 10:30 a.m.  Luncheon to follow in off site.

Estelle “Corinne” C. McKenzie

May 27, 1926 – October 26, 2021

Estelle “Corinne” McKenzie was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on May 27, 1926 to Pauline and Earl Thomas. Her father passed away before she was born. Corinne and her mother lived in North St. Paul and was a member of the Church of St. Peter. She attended St. Peter’s Elementary School and North St. Paul High School. Corinne was a member of the band and thespian club. She graduated in
1944 and went on to college at St. Catherine’s. Her mother remarried in Corinne’s teen years to Bill Combs, so she gained a step-dad and a little step-sister, Mary.
Corinne married her high school sweetheart, Larry McKenzie, on June 14, 1947. With a husband in the Marine Corps, they got orders to move several times in his career. She was a great military wife, turning each house they were assigned into a home for themselves and their three daughters, Cathy, Laurie, and Paula. Corinne’s love and talent for music led her to the music and Christian education ministry in the churches that they joined across the USA. She was an organist or pianist, ran the children’s, adult and even a men’s choir at several church parishes. She and Larry also either taught or ran the religious education classes or programs too.
Corinne and her family returned to North St. Paul, Minnesota when Larry retired from the Marines. She found a career as a legal secretary and later became a clerk of court. When Corinne and Larry retired they built their dream “log” home on the shores of Cedar Lake in Aitkin, Minnesota. Enjoying lake life, fishing, boating or just sitting on their front porch looking at the lake. She also enjoyed
playing scrabble with her neighbor, Betty. That log home was the perfect place for her growing family as son-in-law’s, Ed and Butch joined her family. Then came the “grands”, Heidi, Heather and Loren. Grandma Mac helped instill her love for all things “lake” in those kids.
Eventually Corrine and Larry moved to North Branch, Minnesota and quickly fit right into both the church life at St. Gregory’s and the community. One of her favorite “hang outs” was the local coffee shop. She welcomed three great- grandchildren, Delia, Brighton and Jeff (and one on the way) into the family. She was very proud and loved her “grands” and “greats”.
Corinne’s legacy is her great faith in God and the family she cherished, a part of her will live on in all of them. She is now in death, reunited with “her Larry”, mother, and the father she never got to meet along with the loved ones who have preceded her. She was blessed with a beautiful long life and now is in her peaceful eternal rest with her Lord and Savior.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Gregory the Great on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to Mass at 12:00 p.m.  Luncheon to follow in off site.

Arthur W. Onasch, Jr.

Arthur W. Onasch, Jr., age 86 of North Branch passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul.Art was born on July 11, 1935 in Isanti to parents, Arthur and Martha (Foslin) Onasch, Sr. He attended schools in Isanti and North Branch. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country during the Korean Conflict. Art married Marilyn Boll on October 25, 1958 at Assumption Catholic Church in Richfield. Art worked as mason for over 40 years. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and in his younger days spending time snowmobile racing. He was a hard worker but kind and fair to everyone. He will be remembered for “being rough on the outside but had a big heart.”
Art is survived by his wife, Marilyn, children, Dan Onasch of Bloomington, Debbie (Lance) Rochel of Center City and Michelle (Mark) Ashley of Brooklyn Park; his brothers and sisters, Hardy (Sandy) Onasch of Yakima, WA; Lola Crawford of Zimmerman, Darlyn (Vince) Glidden of Pine City, Daryl (Debbie) Onasch of Brook Park and Vonnie (Jim) Lee of Braham; his daughter in law, Vicki Onasch of Shafer; his five grandchildren, Mike Onasch, Rance (Leah) Ashley, Shelbie Rochel, Kennedy (Kayla) Ashley and Mandy Rochel and his two great grandchildren, Blake Onasch and Neveah Onasch. Art is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Martha; brother, Sheldon, sister, Terri and son, Jim in 2015.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Gregory the Great on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to Mass at 10:00 a.m.  Luncheon to follow in parish hall.