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.

Kenneth "Kenny" Bartyzal of New Prague, MN, passed away on November 3, 2024, in Mankato, MN, at the age of 90.  Born March 15, 1934, in New Prague, Kenneth was the son of Frank and Regina (Zaun) Bartyzal.  Kenneth attended New Prague public schools and entered the U.S. Army at age 17 in January, 1952, during the Korean War.  He spent most of his service time in Germany.  Kenny married Shirley Denzer in February, 1953, and together they raised five children.

Mary Lou Cathrin (LaTour) Kroyer, 89, passed suddenly at home on Saturday, November 2, 2024, just days before her 90th birthday. Born at home in Shakopee on November 8, 1934, to Nicholas and Hildegarde (Unze) LaTour. Mary Lou lived a life dedicated to faith, family, and community service.

Irene B. Ceplecha, age 94, of New Prague, died peacefully at Mala Strana Assisted Living with her family at her side on Friday, November 1, 2024. Irene was born on November 14, 1929, in New Prague, to Emil and Bessie (Novak) Ziskovsky. Raised in Veseli on the family farm she attended Most Holy Trinity Catholic School.

Mary Ann Smisek, age 79, of Lonsdale, MN, passed away at her home on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, after a struggle of several years with Lewy Body Dementia.

Martha N. Carr, age 90, of New Prague, died at Praha Village in New Prague, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Martha was born on February 27, 1934, in Ivanhoe, MN, to Andrew and Mary (Ochocki) Mihm. She married Darwin F. Carr on November 18, 1952. Martha is survived by her children, Bernadeane Carr, Thomas Carr, Deborah Schultz, Constance Carr, Gregory Carr, Paul (Susan) Carr, Marjorie Roettger, Rosemary Carr; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Zita Marczak and Kathleen (Dennis) Shisler.

Richard "Dick" J. Schmitz passed away peacefully, at home, with family by his side on Sunday, October 20. Richard was born on May 15, 1932, to Sebastian and Anna (Sames) Schmitz. He was raised on his family farm in Eagle Creek Township, Scott County, MN. He was baptized and received the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation at St. Mary's of the Purification in Marystown, MN. He attended elementary school in Marystown and went on to Shakopee High School, but left school at the age of 16 to pursue his own ambitions.

Richard J. Von Bank, age 93, of New Prague, MN, and formerly of Jordan, MN, entered eternal life on Sunday, October 27, 2024. 
A time of gathering will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, Jordan, and on Thursday, October 31, from 10-10:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, at 11 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Jordan. Interment will be at St. John Calvary Cemetery. 

Marcia E. Eide, age 93, of New Prague, died peacefully on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Mala Strana Care and Rehabilitation Center.  Marcia was born on March 29, 1931, in St. Paul, to Herman and Martha (Stanke) Becker.  She graduated from Harding High School and went on to Gustavus Adolphus College for a short time before finishing her nursing degree from Bethesda Hospital, where she worked as a registered nurse.  She married Arnold R. Eide on September 1, 1955, in St.

Gloria A. Kovall, age 85, of Annandale, died on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the Annandale Care Center.
A Requiem High Mass will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Traditional Catholic Church, Sartell with Fr. Nino Molina officiating. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, at Woodlawn Cemetery, Annandale. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

Shirley Ann (Schoenbauer) Schwisow passed away on Oct 14 at the Hospice House in Sarasota, FL. She was born to Walburga and William Schoenbauer on her family’s farm in Jordan, MN, on August 26, 1939. She attended school in New Prague, MN, but joined the convent before graduating high school at St. Joseph High School in Milwaukee, WI. Shirley graduated from Alverno college with a Bachelor of Science degree, teaching second grade at Catholic Schools including Winsted and Veseli.

Jerome “Jerry” Skluzacek, 55, of New London, died Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Homes, www.hafh.org.

Margaret Louise (Knutson) Hazelton, age 78, of New Prague, MN, formerly of Chaska, MN, died peacefully on Monday, October 14, 2024, at her home.
 Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, 2:00 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hill Presbyterian Church, 145 Engler Blvd., Chaska, MN. The family will receive friends 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the church. The inurnment will take place at a later date at Hillside Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.

Michael Kevin Gleason, 38, died by suicide on October 22, 2024, after a long and brave battle with depression, anxiety and alcoholism. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Richard J. Heinen passed away on September 26, 2024, in Mankato, Minnesota. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, October 27, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Wagner Funeral Home, Jordan, Minnesota. Burial will be at Fort Snelling in Bloomington, MN, on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 11:30 a.m.
Richard was born October 16, 1961, in Hopkins, Minnesota.
Rick died after a battle with lung cancer. He went to high school in Jordan, Minnesota. He loved fishing, hunting, camping, sitting around the fire, and barbecuing with friends and family.