Pete Menke, age 82, of Jordan, MN, entered eternal peace on Thursday, January 9, 2020, at St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Shakopee, MN. The family was present at his bedside.
On Sunday, January 5, 2020, Elizabeth Rose Sammons, loving wife, daughter, and friend, passed away at the age of 35.
Elizabeth was born on March 21, 1984, to Sandy (Odenthal) & Ken Uhlir. On August 14, 2004, she married her best friend, Dustin Sammons. Together they lived a life full of laughter and adventure, focused on loving and serving those around them, and spent time getting into mischief with their two dogs, Stitch and Gabby.
Robert Charles Simon, age 96, of New Prague passed away peacefully on December 27, 2019 at Mala Strana Rehabilitation and Care Center with his family at his side. Robert was born on September 27, 1923 to Bohumil and Ludmilla (Kalina) Simon on their farm five miles southeast of New Prague. He attended grade school in Veseli, MN and graduated from New Prague High School. After graduation he attended a government sponsored trade school in Shakopee, studying metal machining, then moved to California to help build troop ships during World War II. After returning to Minnesota, he married the
Denise B. (VonBank) Despenas, 68, of Kensett, IA passed away Sunday, December 22, 2019 in Mason City, IA.
Denise, the daughter of Isidore and Clara (Steinhoff) VonBank, was born September 14, 1951 in New Prague. She was married to Peter Despenas for 40 years. They enjoyed gardening, canning,and sharing their harvest with family and friends.
Alvin R. Pany, 90, of New Prague, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019, at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital New Prague. Visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery with Memorial Mass at 11 a.m. with Father George Grafsky officiating. Burial will be in the Bohemian National Cemetery in Montgomery.
Jayne E. (Pint) Palma, 64, of Kenyon, died Saturday, December 28, 2019 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
She was born December 13, 1955, in New Prague, the daughter of Joseph and Alma (Steinhoff) Pint. Jayne graduated from New Prague High School in 1975. On April 29, 1978, she married Kenneth Palma at St. Benedict Catholic Church in rural New Prague.
Eugene B. “Gene” Arves, Jr., age 72, of Prior Lake, died peacefully, in the presence of dear friends and kind caregivers on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at New Perspectives Assisted Living in Prior Lake. Gene was born on September 24, 1947 in Minneapolis to Eugene B. and Eunice I.
Jane Nash, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away surrounded by family on December 18th at Our Lady of Peace Hospice in St. Paul, at the age of 75.
Lawrence L. “Larry” Sirek, age 84, of New Prague, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on Friday, December 20, 2019 at Three Links Care Center in Northfield, MN. Larry was born on November 6, 1935 in Wheatland Township, Rice County, Minnesota to John J.
Sylvia L. Rezac, age 95 of Webster, MN passed away peacefully on December 17, 2019 at the Mala Strana Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family.
Sylvia was born on April 8, 1924 in Scott County, MN to Joseph and Helen (Novak) Cervenka. She married Edward A. Rezac on September 19, 1944 in Veseli, MN, he was the love of her life for over 72 years.
Sylvia loved playing cards, crafting, gardening and making quilts for family and friends.
Nathan J. America, age 33 of Chaska, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, December 10, 2019.
The youngest of three boys, Nate was born on January 1, 1986 in St Paul, MN, the son of Martin and Louise (Rieck) America. A graduate of New Prague High School, Nate loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, fishing and archery.
He is survived by his father, Marty; brothers, Jesse and Alexander; his fifteen aunts and uncles and many cousins. He was preceeded in death by his mother, Louise; grandfather, Jesse Rieck and grandparents Joseph and Minnie America.
Patricia Rose Ploumen, age 79, of Shakopee, MN, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at All Saints Senior Living in Shakopee.
Pat was born in New Prague, MN, on June 4, 1940, the daughter of Martin and Emma (Pavek) Donnelly. She grew up on the family farm in Cedar Lake Township, Scott County, MN. For over 35 years, Pat was employed as a social worker for Scott County and then the State of MN.
Milton F. Holetz, age 89, of Montgomery passed away suddenly but peacefully Monday, December 9, 2019, at his home on the farm where he lived for 53 years.
Milton was born in rural Lexington Township, Le Sueur County, on May 14, 1930 to Frank and Emily (Kalina) Holetz. As a child he attended country school and helped his parents on the farm back when fields were plowed with a team of horses and everyone looked forward to threshing day in the fall. He graduated from Montgomery High School and attended a commercial college in Mankato to be an accountant.
Bessie Mae Kohout Janousek was born on February 17, 1938 in Jordan, Minnesota to Emil and Helen (Dubbe) Kohout. She grew up on the family farm in Minnesota where she attended school. Being part of a farm family, Bessie spent much of her time cooking, cleaning and caring for her siblings.
Richard L. Rybak, age 57 of Savage, passed away on December 4, 2019. Rich was born on January 30th, 1962 in New Prague to Myles and Jean Rybak. Rich attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School, and graduated from New Prague High School.
Rich developed a deep love for sports at an early age. He enjoyed playing basketball and baseball throughout most of his life. This love for sports was passed along to his daughter, Hannah. Rich was a proud father, Hannah’s biggest cheerleader, and a wonderful brother, uncle, friend to many.
Roman F. Stepka, age 90, of New Prague, died peacefully but suddenly with his family at his side on Friday, December 6, 2019 at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee. Roman was born on January 25, 1929 in New Prague to John F. and Barbara P. (Hanzal) Stepka. He grew up in the St. Patrick area and attended country school. He married the love of his life, Rita M. Tupy on September 3, 1966 in New Prague. Farming was ingrained in Roman’s blood so raising his family on a dairy farm in the St.