Martin J. Shuster passed away peacefully on December 19, 2024.  He was 56 years old.  In his last days, Marty was surrounded by loving family members and friends. Marty was born in New Prague, Minnesota, on March 20, 1968, to Ernest and Ellen Shuster.  When Marty was 11 years old his father unexpectedly passed away.  Marty missed him terribly his entire life.  Marty was surrounded by men who shaped his future and helped him develop his interests in manufacturing, aviation, racing, cars, and motorcycles.

Della Ann Davis, 87, of Minnetonka, formerly of Delano, New Prague, and Mounds View, MN, passed away at Minnesota Masonic Home on Friday, January 31, 2025, just a few days shy of her 88th birthday.

Ron Grossman, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, passed on January 23, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family in the comfort of Beehive Homes South Lakeville, where he resided for the past 6 months.
Ron was born to Pete and Alma Grossman in New Prague, Minnesota, on April 30, 1939. He was the second youngest of eight children. He often shared the memories of working the family farm side by side with his dad and brothers. On April 26, 1958, he married the love of his life, Bev Scheffler. They started their life in Lydia raising their 5 children; Pam, Deb, Brian, Jeff and Troy.

Margaret Ann Trnka passed peacefully in her home on January 23, 2025. Margaret was born to Cecil and Helen (Chelmosky) Pagel in Saint Paul, MN, on October 11, 1945. The third of six children, she grew up in Mendota Heights, MN, and graduated from Saint Joseph’s Academy in 1963.
 

Merlyn Swanson
In retirement, Merle and his beloved wife Donna enjoyed their home in the countryside of southern Minnesota. Merle embraced the joys of rural life, tending to apple trees, caring for goats and various fowl, and maintaining his lawn. He also had a passion for travel and adventure, often embarking on interstate trips on his Goldwing motorcycle with his brother Ernest and his sons. A lifelong lover of dogs, Merle’s bond with his canine companions brought him great joy. He also cherished quiet moments spent reading each day. 

Joel Edward Kukacka, age 73, of New Prague, died on the evening of Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Roselyn Esther "Rosie" Kabes, age 71, of Lakeville, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, MN, after a diagnosis of untreatable cancer.  Rosie's 99-year-old mother, Esther, was holding her hand as she took her last breath.

Norm Pint, of New Prague, passed away January 12, 2025, on his 74th birthday. He left the world peacefully in his sleep and in the comfort of his home. He lived a life dedicated to his family, community, and law enforcement profession.

James "Jim" F. Miller, 81, of New Prague, went home to Jesus on January 6, 2025.  As Jim is welcomed into heaven, his loved ones will be reminded of how sweetly they were welcomed into his home with a giant smile, a warm hug that said I love you and his famous greeting “Welcome to Cedar Lake”.

Helen M. Wolf, age 101, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Helen was born in New Prague on March 27, 1923, to Wencel and Rose A.

Dorothy Ann Moravec (Denzer), age 75, of Veseli, passed away peacefully at her home on December 22, 2024. She was born on April 7, 1949, to Wallace and Margaret (Ehrich) Denzer of Le Center.
Throughout her life, Dorothy held various jobs, but what she enjoyed most was gardening. She loved planting flowers and plants, which earned her the nickname “Grandma Butterflies.” Above all, she cherished spending time with her family, friends, and especially her grandchildren.

Robert Pearson, age 64, of Belle Plaine, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025, at the Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine.  Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine, concluding with an 11 a.m. prayer service.  A reception will follow at the Belle Plaine Vet’s Club.

Barbara Jongeling, 70, of Spencer, Iowa, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024, at the Ruthven Community Care Center in Ruthven, Iowa.  She is survived by her husband, Kevin Jongeling of Spencer, Iowa; a brother, Harold "Charlie" Lind of Phoenix; and a sister, Nancy (Bob) Drum of Ruthven, Iowa.
Barbara was employed by the State of Minnesota and worked as a Child Support Officer in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.  
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home in Ruthven
martinmatticefuneralhome.com

Raymond Clem Pieper, age 75, of New Prague, entered eternal life at his home surrounded by his wife and ten children on Thursday, January 2, 2025, after a 5-week battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Ray was born on June 19, 1949, to Julian and Geraldine (Pauly) Pieper. He was the oldest of eleven children and grew up on a dairy farm in rural Jordan.  He attended St. Joe’s grade school and graduated from Jordan High School in 1967. He attended the U of M where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Ag Engineering.

David Clarke Martin of New Prague, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital St. Mary’s Rochester.  David was born on March 25, 1944, in Minneapolis, to Harlan and June Lucille (Berg) Martin.  He grew up in Excelsior and graduated from Minnetonka High School.  David attended the University of Minnesota, studying English, History, and Geography, with a focus on European history and WWII.

Gladys Christine Soulek Nickolay, age 93, of New Prague, died on Tuesday, December 31, 20204, at Traditions of Montgomery.  Gladys was born on May 3, 1931, in Montgomery, to Vendelin and Emma (Zoubek) Soulek.  She was one of seven children and graduated from Montgomery High School in 1948.  She married Charles “Rock” Nickolay on September 9, 1950, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery.  Gladys and Rock celebrated 65 years of marriage shortly before Rock died in 2015.