Leonard “Lennie” Newman, Jr, 84, of New Prague, MN, passed away peacefully at St. Francis Regional Medical Center on July 22, 2024, and has now joined his Heavenly Father in his eternal home. Lennie was the son of Leonard and Mable Newman and was a long-standing member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New Prague, MN.
Marlys Annette Benolken, age 83, of New Prague, formerly of Lonsdale, died peacefully with her family at her side on Monday, July 22, 2024, at her home at Praha Village. Marlys was born on September 22, 1940, in Fargo, North Dakota, to James A. and Catherine M. (Kreyer) Stage. She grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, attending Holy Name Catholic School from kindergarten through graduation from high school. Once Marlys had raised her five children, Marlys entered the work force, serving as an administrative assistant for Rice County Corrections for 15 years.
Donald J. Giesen, age 84, of Union Hill, died peacefully with his family at his side on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center. Don was born on May 21, 1940, in Belle Plaine Township, to Casper and Isabelle (Ruhland) Giesen. He spent his entire life in Union Hill and graduated from New Prague High School. He entered the US Army and served a 13-month tour in the Vietnam Conflict. On September 27, 1969, Don married Ruth E. Siemon at St.
Mary Ann Maruska, age 97, of Lonsdale, formerly of New Prague, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at The Villages of Lonsdale. Mary Ann was born on September 15, 1926, on the family farm in Wheatland Township, Rice County, Minnesota to Ben A. and Anna M. (Schoenbauer) Barta. The first of six children, she attended country school, Immaculate Conception School and St. Wenceslaus School. She married Edward J. Maruska on September 25, 1945, at Immaculate Conception Church in Lonsdale and farmed in Helena Township, Scott County, where they raised their family.
Dorothy Rita Lubbers, age 94, of Shakopee, MN, died peacefully on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee.
The family will receive friends Friday, July 19, 2024, from 9:30-11:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial service at 11 a.m. All to be held at SJA-Church of Saint Mary, 535 Lewis St. S, Shakopee, MN. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.
Edward M. “Eddie” Malz, age 86, of Farmington, died peacefully with his family at his side at his home on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Edward was born on November 22, 1937, in Belle Plaine, to Edward and Emiline (Krekelberg) Malz. He grew up in Belle Plaine, graduated from Belle Plaine High School, and served in the US Army after graduating. He met Judith E.
Donald "Don" Joseph Barnett, age 87, of Kilkenny, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 8, 2024, at his home. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 12, from 4-7 p.m. at Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. Visitation will continue Saturday, July 13, from 10-11 a.m. at St. Canice Catholic Church in Kilkenny with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Father Timothy Sandquist and Father George Grafsky officiating. Interment will be held at St. Michael’s Cemetery in rural Montgomery. Military honors will be provided by the Montgomery area Veterans Honor Guard.
Gary Dennis Halloran, age 81, who was born and raised in the community of St. Thomas, MN, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2024, at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Gertrude (Brown) Halloran, and survived by his siblings: Margie Eischens (Gordon), Bruce (Cathy) Halloran, Rosanne Halloran, and Sheila Soukup (Jerry), and by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Rosemary "Rosie" Franek, age 88, of New Prague, sadly passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at Mala Strana Healthcare Center. Rosemary was born on February 13, 1936, in Wheatland Township, Rice County, to William F. and Mary Tupy, the youngest of four with three older brothers. She attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School. She went on to work at Queen of Peace Hospital for many years. Rosie married Leonard Franek on September 18, 1956. The couple was blessed with and raised three daughters on their beautiful family farm.
Marion J. Tuma, age 93, died on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at the Villages of Lonsdale. Marion Julia (Koldin) Tuma was born April 7, 1931, on the family farm in Rice County, Minnesota to Joseph J. and Mary Ann (Pesta) Koldin. She was baptized, and received her first Communion and Confirmation at Immaculate Conception Church in Lonsdale. She attended District 46 Country School, and Parochial School in Lonsdale. On May 17, 1949, she married Francis A.
Douglas Brian Simon, age 58, of Veseli, died peacefully at home with his family at his side on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Doug was born on August 7, 1965, in New Prague to Milton C. and Janet M. (Turek) Simon. He attended LNMV Catholic School, graduated from New Prague High School, and went on to attend the Hennepin Tech Journeyman Program. He worked in painting and wall covering for Wasche Commercial Finishes, Inc.
Virgil M. “Cutter” Brueggemeier, age 68, of New Prague, died unexpectedly after a short battle with cancer, on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital Rochester. Virgil was born on September 28, 1955, in Gaylord, MN, to Martin and Violet (Brockoff) Brueggemeier. He graduated from Arlington Green Isle High School in 1973 and two years later, married Katherine K. Winter on November 21, 1975, at St.
Wilson J. “Butch” Peterman, age 72, of Le Center, died on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Central Health Care in Le Center. Graveside service to be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis on Friday, July 5 at 11 a.m. Honors will be given by the Fort Snelling Cemetery Honor Guard.
Rosemary (Rosie or Rose) Hasty, was a wonderful mother, grandmother, wife and best friend, and she leaves behind a legacy of laughter. She was known for a lot of fantastic things, but making people laugh and feel good about themselves was her specialty. People were drawn to her, laughing with her, breathing her in, always walking away in stitches.
Kenneth “Ken/Kenny” Kimmet, age 74, of Le Center, died on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at the Estates of Roseville in Roseville. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 2 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 3 at 11 a.m. at St. Scholastica Catholic Church in Heidelberg with visitation one hour prior at the Church. Interment will be held in St. Scholastica Catholic Church in Heidelberg. Military honors will be provided by the Montgomery Area Veteran Honor Guard.
Norman Kent Nelson, 98, of Rochester, MN, died June 9, 2024, at Charter House in Rochester, MN.
Born February 9, 1926, in West Palm Beach, Florida, he married Hilda Marie Olive of Durham, NC, in 1949. Norman received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from Duke University where he was employed as public information officer for the Duke Medical Center. In 1964, he and his family moved to Rochester, MN. He was a member of the Section of Communications at Mayo Clinic until 1979, when he retired to pursue his interest in watercolor painting.