LeRoy A. Skok, age 88, of New Prague, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026.

LeRoy was born on September 21, 1937, in New Prague, Minnesota, to Albert and Florence (Dahlberg) Skok. He was raised in New Prague and graduated from New Prague High School. Following high school, he attended Dunwoody College to study carpentry, where he developed the woodworking skills that would remain a lifelong passion.

New Prague Area Schools has named Michael Schmidt as the next activities director of New Prague Area Schools, pending school board approval. Schmidt will succeed Brad Skogerboe, who is resigning from his position after 18 years of service to the NPAS.

Heading down the stretch toward the section playoffs, New Prague’s girls’ and boys’ lacrosse teams earned big wins during the past week.

With the championship portion of its schedule just around the corner, New Prague track athletes are looking to round into top form as the Metro West and Section 1AAA meets near.

The Trojans were at the MetroWest Conference Championships yesterday in Orono. Wednesday, May 20, 4 p.m., NP will host an eight-team invitational. Thursday, May 28, 1:30 p.m., the Trojans will be at the section prelims at Lakeville South. The finals will be held Saturday, May 30, 9 a.m., at Lakeville South. The state meet is Thursday, June 4 and 6, at St. Michael-Albertville High School.

The family of Judith Ann (Hennes) Miller, 1948–2026, invites you to a celebration of her life and faith. Family and friends are welcome to gather in thanksgiving for her life. 

Service will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1300 Main St E, New Prague, MN, Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

On a windy afternoon in New Prague, the NPHS boys’ tennis team defeated Mankato East in the opening round of the section boys’ tennis team tournament Tuesday afternoon, May 12, at the high school.

The No. 4-seeded Trojans’ 5-2 win over Mankato East, Section 2AA’s No. 5 seed, advances NP to a showdown against top-seeded Prior Lake Thursday, 4 p.m. A win at Prior Lake advances the Trojans to the section semifinals at Gustavus Adolphus College Tuesday, May 19, 9 a.m.

William Charles Bergevin, age 91, of New Prague, died peacefully on May 6, 2026, at New Perspective Senior Living in Prior Lake, Minnesota.

Larry Tupa passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and stories that will be cherished forever.

Lucille M. “Lucy” Palma, age 91, of Faribault, died on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Friendship Manor in Shakopee, Minnesota. Lucille was born to Joseph and Salbina (David) Maxa on July 27, 1934.  She attended Holy Redeemer School and Montgomery-Lonsdale Schools in Montgomery, MN.  Lucille married Clarence Palma on June 16, 1953.  They enjoyed 27 years of marriage before his passing in November 1980.  Together they had 5 children, enjoying farm life outside of Lonsdale before moving into the town of Lonsdale in 1970. 

Along New Prague’s Main Street U.S. Armed Forces veterans, New Prague residents and families were out Tuesday evening, May 5, to honor Marine Corp Lance Cpl. Gavin Burggraff, who died unexpectedly and was being brought home for funeral services at Bruzek Funeral Home, Friday, May 8, and St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Saturday, May 9, both in New Prague. The full obituary can be found on The New Prague Times’ social media and in the Thursday, May 7, print edition of The Times. Many people gathered near the New Prague Veterans Memorial, holding U.S.

Shirley Ann Cervenka (nee Friedges), age 84, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Noon, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Detroit Lakes, MN.  A second Mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, St. Patrick, MN, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be at the parish cemetery.  Visitation will take place on Sunday, May 10,  2026, at West Kjos Funeral Home, Detroit Lakes, MN, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Richard E. Pexa, age 74, of Lonsdale passed away on April 30, 2026, in Watertown, MN, surrounded by family.

He was born March 6, 1952, in New Prague to Frank and Julia (Smisek).

    A train derailed on the Union Pacific line in far northwestern Tyrone Township, Le Sueur County, on the east side of the Minnesota River between Henderson and Ney Nature Center. A total of eight rail cars left the tracks just north of the Highway 19 bridge over the tracks.
    Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center received a call from Union Pacific Railroad at approximately 2:39 a.m. on May 2 and were notified of the derailment, according to the press release from the sheriff’s office. The report said that the cars were carrying liquid methane, propane, and grain.

Gavin J. Burggraff, age 20, unexpectedly passed away on April 17, 2026. Born on March 16, 2006, in Faribault, Minnesota, Gavin was a beloved son, brother, and dedicated member of the United States Marine Corps.

A proud infantryman, Gavin achieved the rank of Lance Corporal during his service. His commitment to his country and to protecting the freedoms we cherish was evident in the way he lived and served.

Gregory “Greg” Joseph Wacker, age 75, of Montgomery, died on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Mala Strana Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Greg was born on February 2, 1951, in Sharon Township, Le Sueur County, during a bitter winter cold snap when temperatures dipped to 28 degrees below zero. He was the son of Clayton and Margaret (Picha) Wacker. Greg attended Le Sueur High School and graduated with the Class of 1969.

Joseph E. Ziskovsky, age 96, of Veseli, passed away on May 3, 2026.

Joe was born on July 17, 1929, to Joseph A. and Otillia Ziskovsky on the family farm in Wheatland Township (Webster, MN). He grew up on that farm and continued dairy farming there for 56 years.