Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services

12/15/2025

Constance Brooks Manbeck

Constance Brooks Manbeck, age 88, passed away on Dec 3, 2025, in the Riley Crossing Memory Care Unit in Chanhassen, MN. A memorial service will be held on January 10, 2026, at the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church located at 511 Groveland Avenue, Minneapolis, MN. Visitation begins at 2:00 PM, followed by the service at 3:00 PM, and hospitality at 4:00 PM.

Constance Ruth Brooks was born to Newton Earl and Ethel Nancy (Eklund) Brooks on Oct 17, 1937, in Aitkin, MN. She graduated from Princeton High School in Princeton, MN. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics Education at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

She married Deane Monroe Manbeck on June 11, 1960, in St. Paul, MN. They traveled the world, forging many close friendships and cherished memories. They lived in St. Paul, Minnesota; Medellin, Colombia; Lincoln, Nebraska; Lahore, Pakistan; Little Falls, Minnesota; Naperville, Illinois; Malang, Indonesia; Lombok, Indonesia; Richfield, Minnesota; and finally, Chanhassen, Minnesota. Their travels always returned them to their rustic and charming island cabin on Lake Vermilion in Northeastern Minnesota.

Connie worked for Minnegasco for several years as a cooking show host and recipe developer. Her delicious nutmeg stick cookie recipe (circa 1960) was featured in the Minnesota Star Tribune annual holiday cookie contest in 2004. She taught elementary school in Pakistan and was an English language tutor in Indonesia. She was very generous with her time and talents by serving in many volunteer roles.

She exhibited great creativity in all aspects of her life. She was a talented and versatile chef, a meticulous seamstress, a patient photographer, an oil painter, an interior designer, an aesthetic visionary, a collector of rocks, a gardener, a riveting storyteller, a gracious and welcoming host, and the list goes on.

Connie cultivated a friendly and vivacious personality throughout her life, easily befriending everyone she met. Even as she struggled with dementia in her final months, she remained bubbly and happy and drew people—both young and old—to her positive spirit.

Connie is survived by her husband Deane Manbeck; children, Kevin (Angie) Manbeck, Krista Abrahams, and Keith (Tracey) Manbeck; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild; brothers Earl Brooks and James (Kathy) Brooks; and sister Nancy Stephen. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Delbert Brooks, sister Muriel Walker, and son-in-law Andrew Abrahams.

Connie will be dearly missed, but her spirit, creativity, and love will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Nutmeg Sticks

Connie Manbeck

6 dozen cookies

Cookie Ingredients

· 1 cup butter

· 2 tsp vanilla

· 2 tsp rum

· 3/4 cup sugar

· 1 egg

· 3 cups all-purpose flour

· 1 tsp nutmeg

· 1/4 tsp salt

Cream together butter, vanilla, and rum. Gradually add sugar. Blend in egg. Sift together flour, nutmeg, and salt. Mix all ingredients together.

Shape pieces of dough on a sugared board into long rolls 1/2 inch in diameter. Cut into 3-inch lengths and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes at 350°F. Cool. Spread Frosting on top and sides of cookies. Sprinkle lightly with nutmeg.

Frosting Ingredients

· 1/3 cup butter

· 1 tsp vanilla

· 2 tsp rum

· 2 cups confectioners’ sugar

· 2 tbsp cream

Cream butter, vanilla, and rum. Blend in sugar and cream. Beat until smooth and creamy.

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12/15/2025

James Vanek

Pastor James Vanek, age 87, of Pecos, Texas, entered eternal rest on December 5, 2025.

He was born on May 5, 1938, in Brook Park, MN, the youngest of eight children. His early connection to the church began through release-time classes at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hinckley, MN. He was baptized and publicly confirmed his faith in the tenth grade by Pastor Roegge.

After graduating from Hinckley High School in 1956, Pastor Vanek pursued his calling to ministry through studies at Concordia Junior College in St Paul, MN, Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Concordia Seminary in St Louis, MO. He served his vicarage under Pastor Brauer in Green Bay, WI, and was ordained into the public ministry on June 6, 1965, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hinckley, MN, by Pastor Frank Sass.

On July 10, 1965, James was united in marriage to Betty, a registered nurse from Illinois. Together they shared a life of faith, service, and family. In 1965, James accepted his first call to Trinity Lutheran Church in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, where he served faithfully for twelve years. He later accepted calls to serve congregations: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Frederic; Christ Lutheran Church, Comstock; St John’s Lutheran Church, Cameron in Wisconsin, before retiring from active ministry in August 2003.

Pastor James was devoted to his congregation and community. He made countless hospital visits to comfort the sick, supported youth groups by chaperoning gatherings, and brought the gospel to life through vivid illustrations in his sermons and Bible studies. Beyond his ministry, he cherished time with his wife and children, enjoying simple moments together as a family.

Pastor James Vanek will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his compassionate ministry, and his love for family.

He is survived by his children: Peggy Vanek, Karen Vanek, and Jason (Saundra) Vanek; grandchildren: Collin, Kyle, Alyjah, Luna, Azeekyal, and Josiah. Additionally, numerous nieces and nephews, along with their families. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty.

The memorial service honoring and celebrating the life of James Vanek will be conducted at (visitation at 10:00 am) 11:00 am, Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, 410 Main St S, Pine City, MN. Lunch will be provided. We will be offering a recording of the service on Pastor Glen Kleppe’s YouTube channel.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com

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12/12/2025

Ardyce Virginia Sandberg

Ardyce Virginia Sandberg (Burnikel) passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 93 on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Burnett Medical Continuing Care Center in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Ardyce was born January 7, 1932, to parents William and Esther Burnikel in Siren, Wisconsin, where she was raised on the family farm and graduated from Siren High School in 1950. On June 25, 1955, she married Cleo Lyle Sandberg at Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren and began a life rooted in faith, family, and devotion to those she loved.

Ardyce and Cleo made their home in East Bethel and later Columbia Heights, Minnesota, where they raised their four children and were active members of Our Lord and Savior’s Lutheran Church and St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. Ardyce worked for many years as a bookkeeper at Northrup King Seeds, a career she took pride in until her retirement. Ardyce and Cleo lived a happy life together with lots of time spent with family at their cabin on Little Wood Lake. In later years, Ardyce and Cleo returned to Wisconsin, settling in Grantsburg. For the past five years, Ardyce lived with her eldest daughter, Cheryl, before moving into senior care. She found joy in caring for her family, reading a good book, and fishing. She especially loved looking for deer through the window of a slow-moving vehicle, watching the birds from the comfort of her favorite chair, and sitting by a crackling fire with good company. Ardyce never met a crossword that she couldn’t solve and had a unique talent for finding words of wisdom in any situation.

Ardyce is survived by her children Cheryl Chelmo, Cleone (Paul) Schreier, Connie (Richard) Anderson, and Roger (Dawn) Sandberg; 11 grandchildren Dan (Nicole), Tom (Allison), Rita (Kerrie), Lynnea (Mike), Lisa (Bronson), Ashley (Bobby), Brett (Leah), Mitchell (Brittany), Corey (Kelsey), Jonathan, Joel (Hannah); and 15 and counting great grandchildren: Charlotte, Henry, Lillian, Baze, Brenton, Kinsley, Kaiden, Laramie Jean, Rosalie, Eliud, Sequoia, Lainey, Addison, Penelope, and Oliver as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Esther Burnikel, her husband, Cleo, her sisters Genevieve (Fred) Shostedt and Maxine (Les) Lindquist, and son-in-law John.

A service will be held on Tuesday, December 23rd, at Trinity Lutheran Church of Falun (10394 WI-70, Siren, WI 54872), officiated by Pastor Tim Krieg. Visitations will be from 11:00 am to noon, with the service starting at noon, followed by fellowship. A private family interment will take place at Lakeview Mudhen Cemetery, where she will rest beside Cleo. Ardyce will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose quiet strength and deep faith shaped generations.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the Burnett Medical Continuing Care Center for their compassionate staff. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Grantsburg, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swerdberg-taylor.com

View Ardyce Virgina Sandberg's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/11/2025

Joanne Marilyn Enders

Joanne Marilyn Enders went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 6, 2025, at the age of 87. She was born to Roy and Christine Olstead in Minneapolis, MN.

Joanne loved being a long-time member at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Webster. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and weekends at the cabin. After working as a stay-at-home mom during her children’s school years, she worked as a cashier at Wayne’s IGA in Webster. During retirement, she and her husband Ralph enjoyed life, traveled, and spent many winters in Florida.

Joanne will be dearly missed by her four children, Becky (Rick), Deb, Rob (Steve), Brad (Lori); five grandchildren, Cody, Caitlin (Dylan), Anna (Martin), Paul (Karlee), David (Brooke); one great-granddaughter, Merrin; sister, Sharon (Lowell) and brother, Bruce (Linda).

Joanne is preceded in death by her husband Ralph Enders, her parents, and her son-in-law David. The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at St. Croix Hospice and the Continuing Care Center in Grantsburg for providing excellent care and support during Joanne’s time there.

The family will have a private celebration of life and internment at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. We invite you to express your condolences online at www.swedberg-taylor.com.

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12/04/2025

Donald Fleischhacker

Donald Francis Fleischhacker, age 75, of Webster, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on December 2, 2025.

Don was born on July 4, 1950, to Frank and Pat (Kelly) Fleischhacker in St. Paul, MN.

He was married to Diane Phernetton on December 13, 1978. They had three children, whom they raised in Webster, WI. Don served in the United States Air Force and later worked for the Siren School District for many years until he retired in 2019.

He enjoyed spending time outdoors by riding his side-by-side and fishing. Don was also an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, and Timberwolves, and he treasured time spent with family.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Diane; his parents, Frank and Pat; his step-father, Duane White; his sister, Sandy; his father-in-law, Lloyd Phernetton; and his son-in-law, Jeremy Brunner.

He is survived by his wife, Pauline; his children, Jennifer Brunner (Mark) of Medford, WI, Jeremy Fleischhacker (Kandi) of Durant, OK, and Sarah Lindberg (Tony) of Cambridge, MN; his grandchildren: Nathan, Kyrsten, Megan, Matthew, Cassidy, Ellie, Brandon, Jesse, Evan, Avery, Israel, and Bella; and his mother-in-law, Rose Phernetton.

A visitation will take place on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster, WI. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM, with Father Dave Bauer officiating.

May his memory be a lasting comfort to all who knew and loved him.

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11/25/2025

Garda L (Weir) Gorman

Garda L (Weir) Gorman, 81, born in St. Paul, Minnesota to Christine and George Weir, passed away on November 11, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Genive Flannigan, Gerinda Boyd, and Marlow (Gwen) Shultz.

Garda is survived by her loving children, Micheal Gorman, Christine Gorman, and Lawrance Behr. She was a proud grandmother to Krystal Gorman, Micheal Gorman (Doreen), Macario Gorman, Alexis Behr, Leo Berglund, and Deyhani Gorman, as well as many cherished great-grandchildren. She is also remembered fondly by her siblings, Gwen (Marlow) Shultz, George and Evie Weir, Gerry and Mary Weir, and Gretchen and Fred Frascone.

Garda dedicated 10 years to Kmart and 20 years of her career to Ramsey County before retiring. Her passions included playing bingo, visiting casinos, and thrift store shopping. Halloween was a particularly special time for her, as she enjoyed watching scary movies during the season.

A celebration of Garda's life will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from noon to 4 PM at Zia's Italian, located at 26708 Lakeview Road in Webster, Wisconsin. All are invited to join her family in honoring her memory.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.

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11/25/2025

Sharon Kay Rhodes

Sharon Kay Rhodes, 76, of Grantsburg, WI, passed away on November 22, 2025. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Further details regarding services will be provided later.

Arrangements are with Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.

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11/21/2025

Raymond George Gonsior

Raymond G. Gonsior

November 18, 2025

Raymond George Gonsior, age 93 of Grantsburg Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in his home on Wood Lake. He was born on January 5, 1932, in Browerville, Minnesota to George and Agnes (Berczyk) Gonsior.

Ray was raised on the family farm in rural Browerville and graduated from Browerville High School in 1950. Ray joined the National Guard when he was a junior in high school and deployed to Camp Rucker in Alabama in January of 1951. He trained as a tank driver during the Korean War. When he returned to Minnesota he worked as a carpenter, estimator and later opened his own drywall company, retiring in 1994.

Ray was united in marriage to Arlene Jean Iten on June 21 of 1954 and to this union 4 children were blessed, David, Donald, Douglas and Susan. Ray and Arlene divided their time between winters in Florida and summers at the cabin; that he tore down and rebuilt into a year-round home on Wood Lake in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Ray enjoyed time spent in the outdoors, countless hours pulling water-skiers, fishing and hunting, especially golfing with friends and family. He could always find time for a friendly game of cards and loved to spend time with his grandchildren.

Ray was preceded by his parents George and Agnes Gonsior, brother Anthony Gonsior, sisters Marie Klang, Jeanette Meyman, great grandson Gannon Brach, nephew Pat Meyman, Dan Skinner, nieces Karla Klang and Barbara Klang, and Kristin Walm; brothers-in-law Greg Meyman, James Klang, Ronald Skinner, Harold “Butch” Iten, Karl Iten; sisters-in-law Midge Gonsior, and Charlotte Iten; parents-in-law Edmund and Faye (Dann) Iten.

Ray is survived by his wife of 71 years Arlene, children David Raymond Gonsior, Donald George (Tina) Gonsior, Douglas Edmund Gonsior, Susan Jean (Michael) Brach; grandchildren George (Erin) Gonsior , Christopher (Ashley) Brach, Elizabeth (Chris) Evans, Benjamin (Danielle) Brach, Jacob (Meagan) Gonsior, Andrew Brach, Michaela (Peter) Money, Raymond Gonsior; great grandchildren Kailey Fossum, Taylor Strum, Arlene Gonsior, Malia Brach, Lorraine Gonsior, Riley Brach, Alana Brach, Hailey Brach, Zachary Brach; sister Alice Klang, sisters-in-law Rita Skinner, Catherine (Ronald) Wavra, Joan Iten; and brothers-in-law James Iten and David Klang.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 411 WI-70, Grantsburg, Wisconsin 54840, with a reception to follow the Mass. A later Memorial Mass will be celebrated in the spring of 2026 in Browerville, Minnesota.

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11/21/2025

Kenneth Darwin

Kenneth James (Paul) Darwin, (aka: Lippy) age 75, of Webster, WI, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025. Kenny was born December 4, 1949, to Walter and Beatice (St. Martin) Darwin in St. Paul, MN.

He graduated from Mechanic Arts, class of 1967. After high school, Kenny was called to serve his country and was deployed to Vietnam from 06/24/1969 to 03/23/1971. He went on to work for UPS as a proud member of Teamsters 638 for 34 years.

Throughout his life, Kenny wore many hats. He was a husband to Debbie (Hinton) Darwin, married of 27 years, and together they had two beautiful daughters, Danielle (David) Weyandt and Nicolle Darwin (Dan Rudeen), and three grandsons, Caleb, Asher, and Bennett.

In 2010, Kenny remarried Valerie (Guerin) Darwin, and together they made their home in Webster, WI, where Kenny could golf to his heart's content. He made many lifelong friends and generously shared his talents with those around him. He kept busy at the cabin in McGregor, where fishing was always top priority, along with hunting.

Family and friends were deeply important to Kenny-not only his daughters Danielle and Nicolle, but also his new daughters, Sarah (Eric) Poff and Jennifer (Louis) Vea Vea, and his many grandchildren: Hope Elizabeth, Tavion Jordan(Sarah), Stephon Alexander (Savannah), Cindle Rae, Liam Richard, Louis James, and Kai Louis. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. One of his dearest lifelong friends was his brother-in-law, Denny Hinton.

Kenny is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Albert Darwin and Beatrice Darwin; his sisters, Midge and Sharon; his brothers, Walter, Thomas, and Ronald; his brothers-in-law, Terry Albert, Michael Faulkner, and Michael Guerin; and his nephew Brian Hubbard.

He is survived by his siblings Joseph (Cheryl), Everett (Cynitha), Duane (Phyllis), Carol Faulkner, Arthur (Roxanne), Robin Albert, and sister-in-law Carol Darwin, Louise (Wayne) Giampaolo; and by his great-grandchildren Hazel Grace, Jordyn Taylor, Dreydon James, Deon Alexander, and DeAngelo Jordan.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel (Highway 5/Highway 55) in Minneapolis. Inurnment services will take place at 9:30 a.m. Luncheon at American Legion Post 39, 2678 7th Ave E, North St Paul, MN 55109 from 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.

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11/17/2025

View Andrew Clover's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.