Miller-Carlin Funeral Home

01/23/2026

CORNELIUS "CASEY" JOHN LOLKUS

Cornelius “Casey” John Lolkus, of St. Cloud, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at the age of 86, following complications from myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

Casey was born on March 8, 1939, in the family home in Chandler, Minnesota, to John and Henrietta (Bandstra) Lolkus. Raised in Chandler, he attended both public and parochial schools and graduated with honors from Chandler High School. He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith.

From a young age, Casey was active and hardworking. He participated in baseball, basketball, track, and fast-pitch softball. During his high school years, he worked in the family business, in construction, and alongside local farmers during harvest—early experiences that reflected his work ethic and connection to rural life.

Casey pursued higher education at the South Dakota School of Mines in Rapid City for one year before continuing his studies at South Dakota State University. He ultimately completed his education in 1962 at DeVry College in Chicago, Illinois, earning a degree in electrical engineering.

In 1961, while in Chandler, Casey met Cecelia “Sis” Balstad as she was visiting her sister and brother-in-law at the Chandler Air Force Base. The two were married on June 1, 1962, at the Chandler Christian Reformed Church. They were married for 63 years and raised four children together: Ralo, Rory, Ryan, and Robyn. Their son Rory, who had special needs, remained a central part of their lives.

In January 1962, Casey began his professional career with North American Aviation in California, where he worked in environmental testing on major defense and aerospace projects. His work included contributions to the Minuteman missile, Hound Dog missile, the XB-70 bomber, the Apollo program, and other military equipment.

When his father’s health declined, Casey and Sis returned to Minnesota, where Casey assisted with and eventually assumed ownership of the family business, Lolkus Plumbing and Heating. He operated and expanded the business for more than 30 years, when he began transitioning operations to his son, Ralo.

In addition to his professional work, Casey dedicated himself to public service as a member of the Chandler Fire Department for 30 years, including eight years as fire chief.

In 1992, their home was destroyed by an F-5 tornado that devastated much of Chandler. Following this loss, Casey, Sis, and Rory relocated to Pipestone, Minnesota. There, Casey began a second career in education, teaching fire training for 15 years at Southwestern Technical College. He also played a significant role in firefighter and rescue training through the Minnesota State Fire Training Program, traveling throughout Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, and Wisconsin to provide instruction.

Family time was important to Casey. The family took many trips together, including several month-long journeys across the United States in their maxi van.

An active man throughout his life, Casey continued playing fast-pitch softball well into adulthood. He also enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, ice fishing, spearing fish, and trap shooting with his sons. He especially cherished pheasant and deer hunting with his boys and extended family. Known for his quick wit and easy humor, Casey was rarely without a joke and often used humor to put others at ease, particularly when meeting someone new.

Casey is survived by his wife, Cecelia “Sis” (Balstad) Lolkus; his sons, Ralo (Jennie) Lolkus of Chandler and Ryan (Tricia) Lolkus of Safety Harbor, Florida; his daughter, Robyn (Steve) Bright of Sartell, Minnesota; his grandchildren, Brandon (Emmie) Lolkus, Ashlee (James) Sherrill, Cole Bright, Carter Bright, Keegan Lolkus, and Morgan Lolkus; and five great-grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Henrietta Lolkus; his sister, Katheryne (Dick) Struiksma; and his beloved son, Rory Lolkus.

Funeral services and burial will take place at Chandler Memorial Cemetery in Chandler, Minnesota. Additional service details will be announced at a later time.

View Cornelius "Casey" John Lolkus's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/21/2026

RUSSELL "RUSS' LEE RILEY

Russell Lee Riley, 86, a beloved husband, father, granddad, schoolteacher, baritone player, master woodworker, and lifelong collector of treasures and stories, passed away in St. Cloud on January 20, 2026, after spending his last several weeks in the peace and companionship of his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Russell was born May 21, 1939, in Madelia, Minnesota, to Walter Lee Riley, a rural mail carrier, and Nina Edith Massey Riley, a first-grade teacher. Russell left Madelia to receive his B.S. in Physics from Hamline University in 1961, earned a Master's in Science Education from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN, and eventually became an educator for over 40 years.

Russ, as he was called by friends, began his teaching career in Belgrade, Minnesota, where he served as a science teacher and AV director. In 1963, he moved to St. Cloud and went on to become chair of the Science Department for North Junior High School. For years to follow, Russ became “Mr. Riley” to many of Saint Cloud’s young learners, helping them develop the habits of curiosity and analysis that would serve them well - and tolerating their occasional failures to turn off Bunsen burners or not drop test tubes.

Teaching also led Russ to his wife, Patricia. After meeting as fellow schoolteachers, Russ and Pat were married on December 18, 1971, and went on to raise three children. Russ retired from teaching in 1996, but not one to slow down, went on to work for Education Minnesota, where he spent over 10 years negotiating for and defending the benefits and rights of public school teachers across the state.

Russ’ curiosity extended well beyond the classroom. A devoted collector of old-fashioned cars and other antiques, he had a gift for seeing history and meaning in everyday objects. He taught himself to become a highly skilled woodworker, fashioning dining tables, credenzas, and other heirlooms for his family from his backyard woodworking sanctuary. Russ also devoured books of every sort, leaving bulging bookcases that reflected his varied interests. And his car license plates still show his ham radio operator handle.

An avid storyteller, Russ had a remarkable gift for bringing moments to life. Whether sharing memories from his travels, recounting family history, or spinning a humorous tale, he had an audience wherever he went.

Above all else, Russ was committed to his family. He approached family life with the same thoughtfulness and spirit of teaching and curiosity he brought to every craft—always ready with a gentle joke, a patient explanation, or a beautifully-made object. Relying on the driving lessons his father gave him at age 9, Russ enjoyed taking cross-country trips with Pat and the children, and later, his grandchildren. The frequent road trips commonly took them “off the beaten path.” When not on the road, he made good use of his varied camping equipment and enjoyed spending time at Minnesota’s state parks and at Big Turtle Lake near Bemidji.

Russ is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Pat; his children, Meghan (Omar Syed) of Houston, TX, Patrick (Erin) of Wrenshall, MN, and Caitlin (Ryan Bell) of Hendersonville, NC; his grandchildren, Sofia and Gabriel Syed and Jack and Isabel Riley; and his many nieces and nephews spread around the country. He was preceded in death by his parents and his dear sister Charlotte Nelson. His family and circle of friends will remain enriched by his wisdom, stories, optimism, and wry humor.

Russ’ family will hold a celebration of his life in St. Cloud this spring. Memorial gifts in Russ’ honor may be made to the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota (https://www.parksandtrails.org/support/donate), 275 4th St. E, Suite 250, Saint Paul, MN 55101, or the Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103.

https://www.millercarlin.com/obituaries/russell-russ-riley

View Russell "Russ" Lee Riley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/20/2026

01/20/2026

DUANE W. SORENSEN

St Cloud – Duane W. Sorensen, age 94, passed away January 16, 2026, in St. Cloud, MN. Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes.

Duane was born in Bozeman, Montana, on March 13, 1931 (Friday the thirteenth) to Harry and Edith (McEntee) Sorensen. In 1936, Duane and his family, his twin brother Douglas, and his parents, moved to Wayzata, Minnesota. In 1938, the family bought a 110-acre farm near Hamel. Duane’s last seven years of elementary school were in a one-room school. He attended Wayzata High School and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in accounting. Following graduation, Duane entered a two-year tour in the Army. After completing his time in the Army, he joined the Minnesota National Guard until receiving relief in 1961 with the rank of Captain. Duane was employed as an accountant for six years and obtained his CPA certificate. Much of the time in accounting was at banks, and in 1962, Duane entered banking for his professional years and was president of three banks. While in the Army, he married Charlotte Illa at the Catholic Chapel at Fort Ord, California. Duane enjoyed University of Minnesota sports, Minnesota Twins, and Vikings games. On April 21, 1961, he attended the first game the Twins played in Minnesota.

Duane is survived by his son Richard of Andover, daughter Diane (Don) Schaffer of Ankeny, Iowa, and son Scott (Cindy) of Eagan. He was also survived by his six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Charlotte Sorensen, parents Harry and Edith Sorensen, and twin brother, Douglas Sorensen.

View Duane W. Sorensen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/20/2026

BARBARA "BARB" JEAN OSOWSKI

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Barbara Jean “Barb” Osowski, age 94, of Waite Park—formerly of Clear Lake—will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, at St. Marcus Catholic Church in Clear Lake. Barb passed away on January 13, 2026, at St. Cloud Hospital.

Visitation will take place from 4:00–7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, at Miller-Carlin Funeral Home in St. Cloud, and again one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Cemetery in Little Falls, MN. Arrangements are entrusted to Miller-Carlin Funeral Home.

Barb was born on July 16, 1931, in Little Falls to Joseph and Mary (Spychalla) Stoltman. She grew up on her family’s farm and later married Lawrence “Larry” Osowski on August 6, 1955, in Little Falls. Together, they lived in Little Falls and McKenzie, ND, before settling in Clear Lake in 1965, where they raised their family. In 2002, Barb sold the family home and moved to Waite Park. She was a devoted member of St. Marcus Catholic Church.

Barb will be remembered for her love of gardening, canning, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her Catholic faith was central to her life. She taught religion for many years and worked alongside several priests at St. Marcus. She was truly the family’s prayer warrior—faithfully reading her daily devotionals and participating in a prayer group that brought her great comfort and joy.

Barb is survived by her children: Kathleen (Dave) Fisher of Dunedin, FL; Karen (John) Peters of Corcoran; Ron Osowski of Eden Prairie; Kimberly (Jon) Osborn of Hot Springs, AR; and Sharon (Todd) Sherwood of St. Cloud. She is also survived by seven grandchildren—Geoffrey (Susan), Gillian (fiancé Duncan), Nicollette, Harrison, Andrew, Benjamin, and Robert—as well as numerous others who lovingly considered her a grandmother figure.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary Stoltman; her husband, Larry Osowski; her brother, Eugene Stoltman; her sisters, Genevieve Wiczek and Mary Louise Zilka; and her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Osowski.

Barb will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

View Barbara Jean Osowski's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/20/2026

ANNETTE FISHER

Annette (Winn) Fisher, age 81, of St. Cloud, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, at Cherrywood Advanced Living in St. Cloud, surrounded by her loved ones. Arrangements are being made with Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes of St. Cloud.

Annette was born on October 23, 1944, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Howard and Jane (Witworth) Winn.

On January 18, 1964, she was united in marriage to Emery C. Fisher in Pocatello, Idaho. Together, they shared more than five decades of marriage, raising their family while supporting Emery’s military career, which led them to live in many places over the years. Emery preceded her in death in 2016.

Annette was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was the center of her life, and she took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and her great-grandbaby, who was born this year.

Annette also had a lighthearted side that those close to her knew well. She loved her coffee and chocolate and never passed up either, especially when shared with family or friends. A lifelong dog lover, she found great joy and companionship in her canine friends. Annette enjoyed sewing and reading, but she was also remarkably handy. A self-taught and fearless problem-solver, she was a novice plumber and electrician who could fix or rebuild just about anything, often surprising those around her with her skill and determination — and if all else failed, she grabbed the duct tape.

She is survived by her sons, Emery Scott Fisher of St. Cloud and Everett H. Fisher (Misty) of Devils Lake, North Dakota; her daughter, Margaret Sonmor (Mike) of St. Cloud; her six grandchildren, Kayla Fisher (Andy Eglin), Elizabeth Sonmor (Wyatt Oxton), Addison Sonmor, Christopher Fisher, Sabrina Fisher, and Thomas Fisher; and her great-grandbaby, Emerie Kathryn Oxton.

She is also survived by her in-laws, Jamie Patterson (Chuck Otey), Beth Patterson, Bill Fisher, and Jim (Girley) Fisher, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Emery C. Fisher; her parents Howard and Jane (Witworth) Winn; and her siblings Myrna Combe, Barbara “Judy” Black, Pat Justice, Frank Winn, and Paul Winn.

Services for Annette will be held at a later date.

View Annette Fisher's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/16/2026

GERRI L. DOWNEY

A visitation celebrating the life of Gerri L. Downey, age 58, of St. Cloud, will be from 5:00–8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 19, at the Miller-Carlin Funeral Home in St. Cloud. A Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, at The Waters Church in Sartell. Gerri passed away on Wednesday at her home, surrounded by her children and loved ones.

Gerri was born on January 27, 1967, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Joseph and Dolores (Szala) Carnahan. She married Mike Downey on August 3, 2001, in Pittsburgh. Together, they lived in Youngstown, Ohio, and Hartland, Michigan, before moving to St. Cloud in 2009. Above all else, Gerri cherished being a mother and grandmother. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family, especially on vacations.

Gerri is survived by her husband, Michael Downey, of St. Cloud; her mother, Dolores Carnahan, of Youngstown, Ohio; her children, Kailey Dodge of Sartell, Matthew Dodge of St. Cloud, Alexa (Downey) Packert and her husband Robert, of St. Cloud, and Johnathan Downey, of St. Cloud; her sister, Patricia McLaughlin, of Washington, Pennsylvania; her brother, Martin Carnahan, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania; and her five grandchildren, Sophia Dodge, Beau Hagen, Lucie Hagen, Mila Dodge, and Maverick Dodge.

Gerri was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Carnahan, and her brother, David Carnahan.

View Gerri L. Downey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/13/2026

RICHARD "DICK" G. SCHAEFER

Mass of Christian burial celebrating the life of Richard G. Schaefer, age 94 of Sartell, will be at 10:30 am Monday, February 16, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell. There will be a visitation at 9:30 am prior to the service at the church. Father Tim Baltes will officiate with a reception following. A private family interment will be at Assumption Cemetery. Richard died peacefully in his home on January 4. Arrangements are being made by the Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes.

Richard was born August 10, 1931, in the new St. Cloud Hospital, to Richard R. and Hazel M. (Hebert) Schaefer of Albany, MN, on his dad’s 31st birthday, and his parents’ 10th wedding anniversary. He attended St. John's Prep (49ers) and St. John’s University.

Dick met the girl of his dreams, Rita M. Neeb, Sophomore year at St. John’s University and married Rita on June 12, 1954, in Sanborn, MN.

Dick graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in June 1957 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Degree.

In July 1957, Dick entered the U.S. Army Dental Corp. as a 1st Lieutenant, at Ft. Carson, CO. He received an honorable discharge in January 1958. He established a private dental practice in St. Cloud, MN, and not only treated, but became friends with many patients. He retired from his practice August 1, 1993.
Dick was active on the staff of the St. Cloud Hospital and chairman of the committee that built the Dental Assisting school at the St. Cloud Vocational Technical College ("Vo-Tech"). He served a term as a member of the advisory board for St. Ben’s High School and St. John’s Prep. As a member of the state Dental Association, he served on the board of trades and Labs and as a chairman of the West Central District Peer review committee. While a Dentist, Dick and Rita provided dental care through missionary service in Guatemala.

He was the charter president of the St. Cloud Chapter of Sertoma International and a lifetime member since 1961. He also served as District Secretary and Treasurer for the Club.
Dick obtained his pilot's license in August 1965. He then upgraded his license to include commercial and instrument single engine land and sea ratings and held endorsements for skis and complex aircraft. He was a charter member of the St. Cloud Senior Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Squadron and served as a Commander. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and was proud to have flown over 175 youngsters under the Young Eagles program, including grandchildren. He enjoyed many fly-in breakfasts with friends. He loved the freedom and solitude of flying the blue sky until his last flight in July 2016.

Dick enjoyed years of deer, duck, and pheasant hunting with family and friends. He hunted large game in Alaska. He and Rita loved fall fishing on the Gunflint Trail. He spent memorable days with friends and family fishing in northern MN, Canada, Alaska, and on the Mississippi River. The family spent summers at the “Schaefer Cavity” cabin on Grand Lake near Rockville, MN. He commuted 22 miles to and from work by motorcycle on fair weather days. Dick and Rita, and more recently Dick and Geri, traveled extensively to multiple international and U.S. destinations and local venues, where they made new friends and have treasured memories.

Dick was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and a lector in his earlier years.

Richard is survived by his special friend and companion of 11 years, Geri Blais, of Sartell. His children; Laura Garland, Woodbury; Paula (Patrick) McCarthy, St. Paul; Julie (Mark) Toskey, Eden Prairie; Sue (Joe) McNamara, Apple Valley; Tom (Maryann) Schaefer, Maplewood; Mary Schaefer, Ken Caryl, CO; Tim Schaefer, Santa Rosa, CA; Ted Schaefer, USA; Joy (Tony) Harris, La Jolla, CA; 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by Rita, his wife of 58 years (January 17, 2013), his parents, and sister, Carol Haight, and son-in-law Kerry Garland.

A special thank you from the family to the St. Cloud Hospital Hospice nursing staff, especially Stephanie, Jolene, Dean, and Brenda, for the exceptional care they gave to Richard.

Memorials are preferred to the Poor Clares Monastery, Sauk Rapids, MN, and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Sartell, MN.

View Dr. Richard "Dick" Schaefer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/24/2025

12/16/2025

WAYNE LOMMEL

The Mass of Christian Burial, celebrating the life of Wayne Lommel, age 91, of St. Cloud, will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, December 20, at the Saint Michaels Catholic Church in St. Cloud. Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery at a later date. Wayne died Monday at St. Cloud Hospital. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Arrangements are being made by the Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes.

Wayne was born April 5, 1934, in St. Cloud to Leo and Olivia (Bichler) Lommel. He graduated from Technical High School in 1952. He served in the U.S. Army between 1957 and 1959. He married Janave “Jan” Moser on June 13, 1959, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. He worked as a bricklayer with his brothers at Royl Masonry until he retired. He was a member of the Bricklayers Union, and he was a member of the Saint Michaels Catholic Church.

Wayne is survived by his grandchildren, Justin Lommel of Paynesville and Jessica (Cody) Boisjolie of Becker; his daughter-in-law, Pam Lommel of Pierz; his brother, Jim (Shirley) Lommel of Nisswa; two great-grandchildren; and his special friend, Marcy Thielen

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jan in 2011, his two sons, Mark Lommel in 1985, and Paul Lommel in 2024; his brothers and sisters, Richard Lommel, LeRoy Lommel, Dolores Hoffman, and Ione James.

https://www.millercarlin.com/obituaries/wayne-lommel