Geraldine “Gerrie” Ann (Johnson) Haferman, age 89, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, and Leesburg, Florida, passed away on November 30, 2024, while holding her devoted husband's hand as the angels came to bring her to Jesus in Heaven, where she is now at peace.
“And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His hand.”

Allan Alfred Neeser, age 88, of Horton, Michigan, originally of New Prague, Minnesota died at Arbor Manor in Spring Arbor Michigan on December 8, 2024.  He was born on July 25, 1936, to Leo and Grace (Voerding) Neeser in St. Cloud, Minnesota where he met and married his first wife, Marjorie Lumley in February 1958.  

Duane Franek of Prior Lake, MN, passed away peacefully at the age of 72, on November 25, 2024. Born in New Prague, MN. Duane proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and later built a successful career as an entrepreneur with his business, Franek Laser & Fab, retiring in 2024.

Jon Frederick Schilling, born on February 4, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 80, following years of complications due to COPD.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Edna Schilling (nee Sholin), and his sister, Nancy Hafermann (nee Schilling).

Gertrude A. “Gertie” Chlan, age 88, of New Prague, died peacefully at her home with her family at her side on Thursday, December 5, 2024.  Gertie was born on March 15, 1936, on the family farm in Lanesburgh Township, Le Sueur County, to Valentine and Gertrude (Topic) Tupy.  She started out at country school, went to St. Wenceslaus Parochial School, and graduated from New Prague High School with the class of 1953.  On the weekend that Emil Chlan was discharged from the US Army, he and Gertie met at a dance at the Park Ballroom and love bloomed!  They were married at St.

Ronald M. Ruhland, age 87, of Bloomington, formerly of the Union Hill area, died on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at his home in Bloomington.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Catholic Church in Union Hill, MN.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass at church.  Burial to follow in church cemetery with veterans honors.  Lunch will be at the Knights of Columbus Hall in New Prague after the burial.  

Francis J. Nickolay, age 98, of New Prague, died peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Francis was born at home in New Prague on August 10, 1926, to John F. and Bessie (Bazil) Nickolay.  He attended eight years at St. Wenceslaus Parochial School and graduated from New Prague High School, though his education was interrupted for two years when he enlisted in the US Navy, serving during WWII, traveling through Pearl Harbor four months after the bombing by Japan.  After returning home, he met Lorraine L.

Kathy (Toner) McBroom, age 79, of New Prague, died peacefully from glioblastoma at Our Lady of Peace Hospice House in St. Paul on Nov. 26. She was preceded in death by her parents, William & Kathryn Toner, and siblings, Mary (infant), Jim, Bern, Pat, and Julie. 

Adeline “Addie” Martha Bradford passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024, surrounded by her family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd. There will be a visitation at 10:00 a.m., and a luncheon will follow at Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter. Burial at Baxter City Cemetery will follow lunch.

Lawrence J. Schoenbauer, age 94, of New Prague, died unexpectedly at his home, on Friday, November 22, 2024.  Lawrence was born on September 9, 1930, on the family farm in Helena Township, Scott County, MN, to Joseph B. and Rose L. (Tuma) Schoenbauer.  He met the woman that he would spend his life with at the country school they attended.  He and Mae Ann Kubes were married on September 24, 1955, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.  

Larry Paul Lehman, age 68, of Le Sueur, died suddenly on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Le Sueur. Memorial services will be on Monday, December 2, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Zion United Church of Christ in Le Sueur. Visitation will be at the church that morning, one hour prior. Burial will be at a later time at the Tyrone-Salem Cemetery. Lunch will follow immediately after the service. 

Steve A. Simon, age 78, of Montgomery, died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, November 14, 2024. Steve was born on October 1, 1946, in Sioux City, IA, to Andrew and Clara (James) Simon.  He proudly graduated from Central High School in Sioux City and then went on to accomplish both his Bachelor of Science and MBA from the University of South Dakota.  

Ronald Joseph Larson, age 84, of New Prague, died peacefully with his family at his side on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at St. Gertrude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Ron was born on the family farm near Brooten on July 9, 1940, to Walter and Bette (McDermond) Larson.  Born at 1 ½ pounds, he was given a slim chance at survival, but he defied the odds and that determination would chart the rest of his life!  

Brian Zaun, age 60, of Shakopee, Minnesota, entered eternal life on Monday, November 11, 2024, in Shakopee.
Brian was born in Shakopee on November 4, 1964, the son of Alfred and Ann (Sirek) Zaun. He was very happy at his home in Eden Prairie, MN, at Lotus View, and made many friends there. In his younger years, Brian worked at the Chaps Thrift Store in Burnsville, MN, and then worked as a custodian at St. Patrick's Tavern in rural New Prague, MN.

Christopher Lee Shimota, age 42, died unexpectedly on November 8, 2024. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him. Chris was born on January 7, 1982, in Northfield, to Allen and Joyce (Odette) Shimota. He was raised in rural Prior Lake and graduated from Jordan High School in 2000. He worked on the family farm, where he learned skills, including sandblasting and heavy equipment painting, which became his occupation along with welding.

Dorothy D. Orr, age 86, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at St. Gertrude Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Dorothy was born on April 21, 1938, in Gary, Indiana, to Stanley and Helen (Murawski) Nawrocki.  The family moved to East Chain, MN, before settling in Granada, MN, where Dorothy graduated from High School.  She went on to become a Licensed Practical Nurse from the program at St. Joseph Hospital in Saint Paul.  Dorothy married William M.