Robert Dean Pierce, born Halloween, 1939 to Estelle & Merle Pierce in Minneapolis, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2022 at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis.  Bob was raised in Minneapolis by mother Estelle, step-mother, Marie, & father Merle.  He attended St. Cloud State and Northwestern Chiropractic College prior to joining the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam Era.  He attended McConnell Airline School, graduated, and worked for American Airlines in Chicago.  He returned to Minnesota and had a long career with Western and Delta Airlines.

Joyce N. (Lambrecht) Hertaus, age 77, of New Prague, MN died peacefully surrounded by family on August 23, 2022 at The Lodge on Natchez, New Market Township, MN after a short battle with cancer. She was born on August 17, 1945 in New Prague, MN to Clarence and Mary Ann (Breimhorst) Lambrecht. 

Joyce N. Hertaus, age 77, of New Prague, died Tuesday, August 23, 2022.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, August 29, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus.  Visitation will be Sunday, August  28 from 4-8 PM and Monday, August 29 from 8 – 9:30 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home.

Hedwig "Hedy" (Mares) Joachim, born of Czech heritage in rural New Prague, MN to John Mares and Mary Bartusek, Hedwig (Hedy) Joachim was the second youngest of seven children, all of whom preceded her in death. Those siblings are Eugene Maresh, Philomene Kopesky Boyd, Florence Wermerskirchen, Theophil (Toby) Mares, Helen Heckenliable and Anselma (Ann) Langer Schwingler.  Also preceding her in death was her husband, Raymond, and son, John. 

Joyce Marie Korbel, age 88 of Lonsdale, MN passed away peacefully at her home on August 15, 2022. She was born in rural Montgomery on February 11, 1934, to Theo and Florence Rynda.
She attended Saint Raphael Catholic School and graduated from Montgomery High School in 1952. She worked as a bookkeeper for the Montgomery Sanitary Creamery for 6 years. On June 10, 1958, Joyce married Milton Korbel at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery. She and her husband were dairy farmers in rural Lonsdale where they raised their 4 children.

Please join us on Saturday, September 24 from 2 – 5 pm, at Memorial Park in New Prague for a celebration for what would have been Mary’s 80th birthday weekend. Very casual. Cake, snacks, and non alcoholic beverages provided. 
Please bring any hard copies of photos you’d like to give to the family, they’ll be new to us, and a joy to keep.

Randy Siskoff of Stockton, CA passed away on Thursday, June 30th 2022 at the age of 77. Randy was born on October 6th 1944 in New Prague, MN to Gustave and Madeline Siskoff. He was the oldest of five sons.
In Randy's childhood and teenage years he worked in the family owned business which was the New Prague Chicken Hatchery. After graduating High School he served in the US Navy on the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier. In the Navy he learned his lifetime trade of being a Steel Worker and worked as a Foreman for Stockton Steel until his retirement.

Matthew David Novotny, age 38, of Minneapolis passed away unexpectedly on August 7, 2022. Visitation and celebration of Matt’s life will be held on Friday, August 12 starting at 5:00 p.m. concluding with an 8:00 p.m. prayer service at Kolden Funeral Home in Le Sueur, Minnesota. Interment will be at St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery on a later date.

Elmer Harry Kukacka, age 85 of Montgomery passed away at his home on August 4, 2022. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 9 from 4 pm-8 pm at the Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 10 at 11am with visitation one hour prior at St. John Lutheran Church in Montgomery. Interment will be held in the Calvary Cemetery in Montgomery.

Sonia H. Funk, age 94, of New Prague, formerly of Minnetonka, died peacefully with her family at her side, on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at Traditions of Montgomery. Sonia was born on February 4, 1928 in Minneapolis to William E. and Signe B. (Peterson) Hovey. She was raised in the Camden area of Minneapolis, graduating from Patrick Henry High School. She married Raymond A. Funk on September 6, 1947 in Minneapolis and in her first years of marriage, she worked for the phone company.

Erik C. Puffer, age 41, of New Prague, died peacefully with his family at his side on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. Erik was born a twin on May 28, 1981 in Minneapolis to Dr. Charles W. and Lana R. (Erickson) Puffer. Erik attended New Prague Public Schools with the class of 2001. Living his entire life with disability, Erik’s life was full and meaningful for him and those around him. He was always happy, bringing joy to his family and caregivers. He loved his roommates and could easily be coaxed into giggles and laughter.

Donald Andrew “Don” Sirek passed away on July 22nd at the age of 90, in his hometown of New Prague, Minnesota.  Don was born on April 26, 1932, in New Prague to Andrew and Sentina (Crema) Sirek.  Raised in the Catholic faith, he attended St. Wenceslaus Grade School and graduated from New Prague High School, where he enjoyed seasonal sports including football, baseball, and basketball.  In 1948 Don completed all the requirements to become an Eagle Scout with a Bronze Palm.  He continued his studies at St.

Geraldine “Geri” Komarek, age 88, of Faribault, died Sunday, July 24, 2022, at her home. 
Private family services will be held.
Arrangements are being completed by Boldt Funeral Home, Faribault. 

Laurie Lynn Rumpza (Tuma), age 60, of Rosemount, MN, passed away on July 17, 2022. 

Sidney Vikla, 90, of Lonsdale, died at the Northfield Hospital, on November 9, 2021.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 6 from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at the Montgomery American Legion in Montgomery. Sidney is survived by his wife, Betty Ann Vikla of Lonsdale; daughter, Melodi (Larry) Van Roekel of Nerstrand.
Arrangements are with the Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. 507-357-6116. Online condolences may be left at www.schoenbauerfuneralhome.com.

Kenneth A. Skelly, 70, of Montgomery passed away at his home on June 10, 2022. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 30 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. A prayer service will follow at 2:30, also at the funeral home.
Donations can be made to the Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society 1250 N. River Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 in Ken’s memory.
Ken was born on March 11, 1952, in St. Paul and adopted by Howard and Mildred (Struck) Skelly. He attended Waterville-Elysian High School.