I have a sibling who doesn’t eat anything with pork products in them. Strangely enough, you will find pork products in places sometimes you don’t always think of — one of them being store-bought gelatin.
This sent me on a hunt of how I could make my own gelatin and the results were surprisingly simpler, more flavorful and more nutritious than I realized. In fact, if you can somehow make anything into a liquid, you can make it into gelatin. It also sets firmer.

Karleen M. Burgeson, age 70, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family by her side on Monday, November 27, 2023, at her home.  Karleen was born on November 1, 1953, in Bellingham, Washington to Leo and Jeraldine (Barber) Dally.  Kaleen grew up in various communities in the northern Washington area and graduated from Mount Lake Terrace High School.  She joined a sister living in Minnesota, where she started out as a waitress at the Nanking Restaurant in Minneapolis.  She met Jerold D. Burgeson at a Bible Study in Apple Valley,  quickly fell in love and were married in Mt.

Susan Ellen Fasnacht, 1950 - 2023
Sue passed away unexpectedly on November 19, 2023, at Mankato Mayo Hospital.
Born in 1950 to Cyril J. and Iverna S. Fasnacht, Sue attended Good Counsel Academy High School in Mankato and graduated from the College of  St. Benedict, St. Joseph, with a degree in education.
Sue expanded her classroom experience by teaching in Seattle and Australia. She was actively involved as a teacher and volunteer in the New Prague school system for over 40 years.

Marcella "Marcy" Hoffman, age 98, of Jordan, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 21, 2023, at Oak Terrace Senior Assisted Living in Jordan.
A Time of Gathering to honor Marcy will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (104 First Street West) in Jordan, MN. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan, MN. Interment at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan. 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of David Dvorak, a beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather, who left this world on November 16, 2023, at the age of 87. David departed peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, in Tucson, Arizona.
Born in 1936, David lived a life marked by love, dedication, and unwavering commitment. He was a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration for those fortunate enough to have known him. His passing leaves a void that will be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of sharing in his life's journey.

Beverly Jane (Bev) Pedersen passed away peacefully with her children at her side on November 22, 2023. She resided at Mala Strana Nursing Home for the past five and a half years, where she made many wonderful friends with the caring staff and residents. She was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota on June 24, 1927, to William Joseph and Ethel Jane LeClair and was the oldest of three children with a younger brother and sister. She graduated in Grand Forks from the Academy of St. James in 1945 and married Cyril Ashton (Cy) Pedersen in Grand Forks on September 15, 1948.

Kelly Nelson, left, and her mom Glad Busch enjoy dessert at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church’s community Thanksgiving meal Thursday, Nov. 23, in New Prague. “I came from out of town to take her to Thanksgiving,” said Nelson, who lives in Mountain Lake, about 100 miles away. They were among the many people who stopped by the event which brings people together to share in the spirit of community and enjoy a good meal with family and friends. (Patrick Fisher photo)

I took my father to see a show with U.S. Navy Glee Club Men’s and Women’s Chorus with the Minnesota Orchestra at Orchestra Hall earlier this month. Preceding the show, we sat down in the lobby next to a couple, approximately in their seventies.

Joel Loose and his family were thrilled and grateful for the support they received at a benefit in his honor Sunday afternoon, Nov. 19, at The Depot in New Prague.
Approximately 450 people attended the benefit fundraiser to help the Loose family with medical expenses during Joel’s battle ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) after surviving heart and lung surgery. He is planning an update next week with doctors at the University of Minnesota, said Chris Loose, his wife.

Brian C. Davis, 59, of St. Paul, and formerly of Chaska and New Prague, passed away unexpectedly at his home on November 6, 2023.
Brian was born in Ames, IA, on December 24, 1963, to Earle and Della Davis. Shortly thereafter, the family relocated to Minnesota, where he was raised on a small farm near Union Hill and attended school in New Prague.

Gladys Tupy died peacefully on November 15, 2023. She was 91 and the youngest of six children born to Charles and Josephine Sticha in New Prague, MN.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Tuesday November 21, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Owatonna, MN. Friends may greet the family from 9:30-11:00 AM at the church. A parish rosary will be recited before the visitation at 9:15 AM. Interment will be at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, New Prague.

Karen Busch Kraft, 73, of Scottsdale, AZ passed away on November 14, 2023, with her family by her side. Karen was born on October 3, 1950, in New Prague, MN, to Lando and Angie Busch. She was the eldest of six children and graduated from New Prague High School in 1968. She worked as a stockbroker in Incline Village, NV, and she co-founded Healthy Life Stars.

Joan M. Jirik, age 82, of New Prague, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center. Joan was born on May 20, 1941, in Mankato to Ludwig and Marcella (Sieberg) Schimek. She attended parochial schools including Loyola High School and graduated from Mankato West High School. She met and married William J. Jirik, Jr. on February 10, 1962 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in North Mankato. Joan had a penchant for numbers and started out working as a bookkeeper and would use that talent the remainder of her career.

Family and friends organize fundraiser for Joel Loose and family
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “If you want a friend, you need to be a friend.” For many in New Prague, the quote likely describes Joel Loose and his wife, Chris. The couple has been involved in the community either through Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, the community theater group, Generations Theatre Company, plus many other events.

Catherine M. Simek, age 63, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Monday, November 13, 2023, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.  Cathy was born on April 23, 1960, in New Prague to Lawrence and Gladys (David) Simek.  She attended St. Wenceslaus Parochial School and graduated from New Prague High School. Cathy began her career as a nursing assistant at Mala Strana Nursing Home then worked as a clerk at Kmart for over 10 years before returning to Mala Strana Assisted Living where she was currently working in the housekeeping department.

Constance Stuewe, 65, of Belle Plaine, passed away on November 12, 2023, in Shakopee, MN, surrounded by her family. A mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 AM on Monday, November 20, 2023, at Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic Church in Belle Plaine. The visitation will be the evening prior on Sunday, November 19, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine.  Fr. Michael Kaluza will officiate.  Burial will be in the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery.