Donald Andrew “Don” Sirek passed away on July 22nd at the age of 90, in his hometown of New Prague, Minnesota.  Don was born on April 26, 1932, in New Prague to Andrew and Sentina (Crema) Sirek.  Raised in the Catholic faith, he attended St. Wenceslaus Grade School and graduated from New Prague High School, where he enjoyed seasonal sports including football, baseball, and basketball.  In 1948 Don completed all the requirements to become an Eagle Scout with a Bronze Palm.  He continued his studies at St.

Geraldine “Geri” Komarek, age 88, of Faribault, died Sunday, July 24, 2022, at her home. 
Private family services will be held.
Arrangements are being completed by Boldt Funeral Home, Faribault. 

Laurie Lynn Rumpza (Tuma), age 60, of Rosemount, MN, passed away on July 17, 2022. 

Sidney Vikla, 90, of Lonsdale, died at the Northfield Hospital, on November 9, 2021.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 6 from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at the Montgomery American Legion in Montgomery. Sidney is survived by his wife, Betty Ann Vikla of Lonsdale; daughter, Melodi (Larry) Van Roekel of Nerstrand.
Arrangements are with the Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. 507-357-6116. Online condolences may be left at www.schoenbauerfuneralhome.com.

Kenneth A. Skelly, 70, of Montgomery passed away at his home on June 10, 2022. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 30 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. A prayer service will follow at 2:30, also at the funeral home.
Donations can be made to the Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society 1250 N. River Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 in Ken’s memory.
Ken was born on March 11, 1952, in St. Paul and adopted by Howard and Mildred (Struck) Skelly. He attended Waterville-Elysian High School.

Marian Irene Peroutka (Tikalsky), age 95 of New Prague, passed away peacefully in Edina, Minnesota on July 2, 2022.
 Marian was born on the home farm just west of Union Hill (Belle Plaine), MN to Mary Tikalsky (Trcka) and William Tikalsky on May 17, 1927. Growing up with 3 siblings, Marian frequently reminisced about the challenges of life on the farm during the depression years. Marian lived a life of hard work and dedication, influenced by her upbringing and experiences.

Joe Vaughan, age 85, of New Prague, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital New Prague.  Joe was born on September 15, 1936 in New Prague to Joseph C.

Larry Smith, 74, of New Prague, passed away surrounded by his loving family on July 6, 2022.
On February 20, 1948, Larry was born to parents Dean and Verena (Mechtel) Smith in Shakopee, MN. Larry was the second of 5 children for the Smith family. Summers for Larry were spent helping his grandparents at the Mechtel’s farm. There, he helped take care of the dairy cows and the crops. When Larry wasn’t working on the farm, he attended Shakopee High School where he would later graduate from. While in school, Larry was on the wrestling team and made it to the State Tournament.

Joe Vaughan, age 85, of New Prague, died Tuesday, July 12, 2022.  Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus.  Visitation Friday, July  22 from 4-8 PM at Bruzek Funeral Home.

Phyllis Marie Pelowski, age 90, of Lexington passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Mala Strana Health Care in New Prague.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 12 from 4:00 -7:00 pm at the Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, July 13 at 10:30 am at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery with Father Tom Niehaus & Father Mike Krenik officiating.
Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Lexington.

Bernice E. Devine, age 90 of Elko-New Market, passed away on July 5, 2022. Preceded in death by her husband, Robert; infant children; Ann, Allen, Patricia and Michael; son-in-law Jarrett Bly; siblings: John, Willie, Genny, Laura, and Mike; in-laws, Ronnie DeGross and Geralda Wagner.

Hoffbeck, James E., age 80, born March 27, 1942 in Farmington, MN passed away the morning of July 5, 2022 at his home in Isanti, MN. Jim is a 1960 graduate of Lakeville High School. He was a truck driver/mechanic for many years, including 30 years as the owner /operator of Tri-H Trucking. After his retirement, he spent his “free” time helping to keep the grounds looking pristine at the Pathfinder Golf Course in Hinckley, MN. Jim was also an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed spending time with his family and somehow always won at any kind of card game.

Schoenecker, Joseph Alvin, 82, of Bloomington, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2022 after a lengthy illness.  Joe is survived by loving wife of 59 years, Rosemary; children, Brad (Jodi) Schoenecker, Lisa (Terry) Wright, Doug Schoenecker (former spouse Kara), Bryan (Allyson) Schoenecker, and Kellie (Patrick) Migliaccio; grandchildren, Sydney, Trevor, Lauren, Andrea, Kelsi (Greg), Toni, Zach, Paige, Lexi, Lucas, Olivia, and Brian.  He is also survived by brothers, Virgil, and Earl (Mary); sisters, Rosemary Lambrecht, and LaDonna Peller; sisters-in-law, Rosie, MaryAnn, Emily, Dorothy, Cathy,

Tom Panek, age 82, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away on June 29, 2022 surrounded by his family at home. He was born on April 5, 1940 to Thomas F. and Mayme (Kucina) Panek.
He graduated from New Prague High School, and earned an Associate's Degree in commercial construction.
In 1963 Tom married Jane Hentges, enjoying 38 years with her until she passed away. They welcomed their wonderful children Jean (Gary) Langdon, Mark (Pattie) Panek, and Sandra (Mike) Overstreet. Then in 2002 Tom married Naomi Cooper to add fullness to his life.

Darleen D. Tupy, age 82, of New Prague, died peacefully on Monday, July 4th, 2022 at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Darleen was born on December 17, 1939 in Wheatland Township, Rice County, MN to Casper J. and Mary E. (Simota) Dols.  She grew up in the Veseli area, attending Most Holy Trinity Parochial School and graduating from NPHS.  She married Leonard M.

Monica S. Straiton, age 96, of Waconia, formerly of New Prague, died peacefully on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at Good Samaritan Society in Waconia. She was born a twin, the younger of the two, on June 28, 1926 in Mendota to Martin and Susan (Hart) Stevens. She grew up in Westbrook, MN, where she graduated from Westbrook High School. She and her sister enjoyed sports throughout their lives and were active as majorettes in high school, one of the few sporting activities available to girls. They were both on the softball team for Norwest Bank, Monica as the pitcher.