John Henry Schneider

John Henry Schneider, age 93 of Albany, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at his home in Albany, Minnesota.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, April 26, at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany with Rev. Edward Vebelun, O.S.B. officiating. Entombment was in the parish cemetery.

John Henry Schneider was born September 30, 1929 in Holdingford, Minnesota to Henry and Vivian (Murphy) Schneider. John graduated from Holdingford High School and furthered his education at St. John’s University and St. Cloud State University. Prior to graduation, he enlisted in the Army, serving his country for three years, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He returned to St. Cloud State University and received his BA Degree in Business Education. John and Rita (Krebs) Schneider were married on June 18, 1960, at Seven Dolors Church. John taught at Albany Area High School for 32 years. John attended many Albany High School sporting events throughout the years. He also liked watching the MN Lynx, Timberwolves, Vikings, and Twins.

During his younger years, John and Rita made several trips to California and Arizona. Throughout the summer, many weekends were spent at their cabin. John also enjoyed bowling and golf, plus the many morning coffee gatherings with friends. He was an avid chess player, spending many hours on the computer, and proud to win his matches.

John was a member of Seven Dolors Church, REAM, and a 65-year member of the Albany American Legion Post 482.

John is survived by his loving wife, Rita of 62 years; sons, John (Jeanne) Schneider of Albany, and Tom (Judy) Schneider of Albany; grandchildren, Kristin Schneider (fiancé, Dirk Maloney) of Avon, Ashley Schneider of Scottsdale, Arizona, David Schneider of Oakdale; step-grandson, Darrin (Maritza) Salzmann of Minneapolis; great-grandson Colt Solie of Avon; step great-granddaughter, Vera Salzmann of Minneapolis, and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Betty (Arthur) Viehauser, Corrine (Arnold) Soltis and Donna Schneider.

A heartfelt thank you to the Moments Hospice Team for their loving and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to donor's choice.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Melrose.

Clyde Carl Engel

Clyde Carl Engel, age 79, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2022 in Mesa, AZ, surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer.

Clyde was born in Grey Eagle, MN where he was raised and graduated before enlisting and serving four years in the U.S. Navy. Clyde met and married Darlene Farness in 1964 and was married for 58 years. Clyde was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting and four wheeling.

Clyde is survived by is wife, Darlene, sons William and Patricia (Spellerberg) of Melrose, John and Rod (Winters) of Mesa, AZ, Jim and Lynda (Froehle) of Melrose, his sister Mary and Louis Thompson of Burtrum, along with nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father George (Bud) and mother Elsie McClintock, his daughter Charlene Engel, brothers Jim and Paul, and sister Lois.

Visitation will be on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and service at 11:00 A.M. at United Methodist Church in Grey Eagle, MN. Military Honors at Lake View Cemetery, Grey Eagle, MN.

Donations to Disabled American Veterans are preferred.

Rita H. Ritter

Rita H. Ritter, age 94 of Freeport, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Friday, April 21 at the Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 28 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with Rev. Daniel Walz officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday and from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. Parish prayers will be held at 4 p.m. followed by the Christian Women and Young at Heart Club at 6 p.m. Thursday evening at the church.

Rita Helen Van Heel was born April 18, 1929 in Krain Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Anton and Mary (Arnzen) Van Heel. She was united in marriage to Gilbert “Gib” Ritter on July 13, 1954 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in St. Francis. Together, Gilbert and Rita had 6 children and built a beautiful life.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport, Christian Women, and the Young at Heart Club. Rita was an amazing and strong woman. Every summer she would grow a vegetable garden, make the world’s best pickles, and go for bike rides on her trike with her grandkids. She also enjoyed reading, playing cards, doing puzzles, and was an excellent quilter.

Survivors include her children, Ronald (Elaine) Ritter of Freeport, Judy (Bob) Theisen of St. Francis, Joseph (Brenda) Ritter of Little Falls, Mary Katherine Carlson of Three Rivers, Michigan, Steven Ritter (Tina Rust) of Grand Rapids, and Linda (Brian) Gertken of Albany; 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; and sister, Bertha Lueken of Cold Spring.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert “Gib” Ritter on June 11, 2002; parents; brothers and sisters, Alphonse Van Heel, Rose Douvier, Hilda Forster, Walburga Ebnet, Julietta Van Heel, Edmund Van Heel, and Marie Kleve; and son-in-law, Phil Carlson.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Freeport.

Alverna J. Mayer

Alverna J. Mayer, age 88 of Sauk Centre, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 17 in St. Cloud, Minnesota. A private family service will be held at a later date.

Alverna

Josephine Wiener was born April 20, 1934 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Frank and Rose (Haskamp) Wiener. She graduated from Sauk Centre High School. She was united in marriage to Kenneth “Ken” Mayer on February 13, 1965 in Osakis, Minnesota and had the wedding blessed at a military base chapel in White Sands, New Mexico. Alverna worked a variety of jobs, but her primary role was taking care of her family.

She was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre and the Christian Mothers. Alverna enjoyed shopping, stamp collecting, working crossword puzzles, and coloring.

Survivors include her husband, Ken Mayer of Sauk Centre; children, Jim (Sherise) Huntington of Andover, Chad (Lisa) Mayer of Glendale, Arizona, Brian (Rebekah) Mayer of Meridian, Idaho, and Sandra Crews of St. Augustine, Florida; grandchildren, Dillon, Jasmine, TaSean, TaMaric, Kendrick, JoLeen, Gunner, and Brady; great-grandchildren, Henry, Verna, and Maverick; brother, Paul (Fran) Wiener of Georgetown, Texas; and many loving relatives and friends.

Alverna was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Calvin Huntington; brothers and sisters, Tony Wiener, Jack Wiener, Herb Wiener, Rosie Kortan, Irene Gritzmacher, Alphonse Wiener, Reuben Wiener, Teresa Froseth, and Jim Wiener.

Arrangements were made with PattonSchad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.