Kenneth L. Helgestad, age 96, of New Prague, Minnesota, formerly of Edgerton, Wisconsin and Richfield, Minnesota, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, while under hospice care. He was born in Edgerton, Wisconsin on January 7, 1929, the son of the late Peter and Bergliot (Stalsberg) Helgestad.

Francis “Chico” Krenik, age 87 of Northfield, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, March 31, 2025, at Three Links Care Center.
 
Francis Albert “Chico” Krenik was born to Frank J. And Emma C. (Sticha) Krenik in Wheatland Township, Rice County, on December 4, 1937.  He attended Immaculate Conception School in Lonsdale, graduating in 1951, then graduated from Northfield High School in 1955.  He had two years of post-secondary education. 

Robert “Bob” Henry Koenig, age 84, of Belle Plaine, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Mala Strana in New Prague. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic Church in Belle Plaine. Fr. Michael Kaluza will preside, concelebrating with Fr. Eugene Theisen. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine and will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Saturday morning.

Patrick William Smith, Jr., age 89, of West Saint Paul, MN, formally of Le Center, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, at Walker Methodist Care Facility. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Le Center, MN.  

Leroy F. Mamer, age 88, of New Prague, died peacefully with his family at his side on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Mala Strana Care and Rehabilitation Center.  Leroy was born on July 16, 1936, in New Prague, to Henry and Josephine (Nohava) Mamer.  He graduated from New Prague High School and entered the US Air Force, serving in Saudi Arabia.  
Leroy married Arlene M. Sindelar on August 6, 1955, at Most Holy Trinity Church in Veseli, MN, and the two made their home and raised their two sons in New Prague.  

Stephanie J. Rahn was born October 2, 1948, in Faribault, Minnesota, to William and Jacqueline (Springer) Luther. She passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Golden Years of Walworth.

Duane Deutsch, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, farmer, and friend, passed away March 24, 2025.

Noreen A. Hruby passed away quietly on March 4, 2025, at her home in Mankato.
Noreen was born in New Prague, MN, on January 30, 1949, to Leonard and Bernice Hruby (Kajer) and lived most of her life in Mankato. She was the oldest of seven and leaves behind siblings, Richard (Mary Jo), Margaret (Gary), Barbara (Gary), Anita (Keith), and Stevie and many nieces and nephews. Her parents and brother, Mark preceded her in death.

Merlin James Plonsky left this world peacefully on March 19, 2025, at the age of 79, surrounded by his family at Central Health Care in Le Center. Merlin was born on April 24, 1945, to Peter and Cecelia (Konopik) Plonsky. He grew up in Montgomery and graduated in 1963 from Montgomery High School.
 He was united in marriage to Carmen Dalsted, on May 8, 1965. He started his career as a professional painter alongside his father-in-law and later went on his own as Plonsky Painting.