Joseph James Bendzick, 68, of Waxahachie, Texas, formerly of New Prague, passed away on February 10, 2026, due to a fatal car accident. Joe was born on 09/07/57 to Ervin & Audrey Bendzick in New Prague, MN.

He attended St. Wenceslaus School and then New Prague High School where he graduated in 1975.

Joe married Donna Pumper in 1979 and they had 2 sons together, Christopher and Adam.

They later divorced.

Donna Marie Cochran, age 65, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, in Sebring, Florida. Donna was born on July 21, 1960, in New Prague, Minnesota, the daughter of Gilbert and Shirley Schoenbauer. She attended school at St. Benedict, New Prague Schools and graduated from Mankato State with degrees in Early Childhood and Education. 

Max Prange, age 35, of New Prague, peacefully went with God after receiving his final blessing surrounded by family after a sudden illness on February 16, 2026. Max was born into his earthly life on February 19, 1990, and was raised on a dairy and crop farm in rural Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. Throughout his years he treasured his generational family farm; he grew a love for the land and the animals. He developed a strong work ethic that would stay with him throughout his life. Max succeeded at everything he did.

Jeanette C. Wieskus, age 89, of New Prague, formerly of Fulda, died peacefully with her family at her side on Friday, February 20, 2026, at her home at Praha Village.  Jeanette was born on November 8, 1936, in Fulda, MN, to William and Agnes (Dorpinghaus) Odenbrett.  She grew up in Fulda, graduating from Fulda High School and then a calling led to a degree as a nurse from St. Mary’s College in Rochester, with her career beginning on night shifts at St.

Marcy Von Bank, age 90, of New Prague, MN, formerly of Jordan, MN, entered eternal life on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Kingsway in Belle Plaine, MN.

Harvey Eugene Chapman, age 85, of Montgomery, MN, passed away peacefully in his favorite chair on his farm on February 16, 2026.

Glenn M. Mueller, age 89, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away at his home on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Delores Ann Lang, age 93, formerly of New Hope, passed away February 8, 2026. 

Delores was born to Lillian and James Shimota in Belle Plaine Township.  She grew up in and around New Prague, MN.  After high school she moved to Minneapolis and met her husband, Bernie.  They were married September 4, 1954.  Delores enjoyed being a homemaker, wife, mom, and grandmother.  Time with the family and friends, cooking, gardening, and travel were things she enjoyed. 

Francis “Fritz” Flicek, was born June 20, 1938, and entered eternal life on February 8, 2026.  He was born to Albert and Catherine Flicek. Raised on farms in the Lonsdale area with his siblings. Fritz learned early the values of hard work, humor, and family - qualities that defined his life.

Donald E. Novak, age 75, of St. Patrick, Minnesota, passed away on February 8, 2026, after surviving a stage IV cancer diagnosis, and fighting Parkinson’s with Lewy Body Dementia. He was born on December 24, 1950, to Eugene and Helen Novak in New Prague, Minnesota, where he spent his formative years on the family farm in St. Patrick.

Kathleen “Katie” Scheel was a beautiful wife, devoted mother, and cherished grandmother, among the many roles she carried with quiet strength and grace throughout her life. A woman of deep integrity, unwavering faith, and boundless kindness, Katie lived her values rather than simply speaking them. Her love was steady, her compassion sincere, and her actions, always thoughtful and selfless, spoke far louder than words ever could.

Eunice Mae Ott, age 97, of Lakeville, MN, passed away on January 29, 2026. Born and raised on a farm in Cherry Grove Township, Eunice carried her rural roots, faith, and love of service throughout her life. 

David "Dave" H. Dezelske Sr., age 84, passed away at home on January 25, 2026, at 84 years old. Dave loved the Lord with all his heart and passionately walked out the Great Commission as commanded by his Savior Jesus Christ in Matthew 28. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Randall “Randy” Lee Ellman, aged 64, of Charles City, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at his home.

Born on April 11, 1961, in Blue Earth, Minnesota. Randy was the son of Vincent and Delores (Johnson) Ellman. Randy enjoyed many activities, including spending time with his loved ones, camping, fishing, gambling and eating ice cream with dots every evening.

Judith "Judy" Ann Parry, age 85, passed away peacefully at her home on January 19, 2026. Born on August 11, 1940, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to John and Dorothy Bork, Judy grew up with a generous heart and a steadfast faith that shaped every season of her life.

On January 20, 1962, she married the love of her life, Don. Together they raised three children, first in New Prague, Minnesota, later making homes in Plymouth and Apple Valley. Wherever Judy lived, she created a warm, welcoming place where friends and family knew they belonged.

Norman Eugene Hallet, age 94, of New Prague, passed away on January 23, 2026.