Christopher Lee Shimota, age 42, died unexpectedly on November 8, 2024. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him. Chris was born on January 7, 1982, in Northfield, to Allen and Joyce (Odette) Shimota. He was raised in rural Prior Lake and graduated from Jordan High School in 2000. He worked on the family farm, where he learned skills, including sandblasting and heavy equipment painting, which became his occupation along with welding.

Dorothy D. Orr, age 86, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at St. Gertrude Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Dorothy was born on April 21, 1938, in Gary, Indiana, to Stanley and Helen (Murawski) Nawrocki.  The family moved to East Chain, MN, before settling in Granada, MN, where Dorothy graduated from High School.  She went on to become a Licensed Practical Nurse from the program at St. Joseph Hospital in Saint Paul.  Dorothy married William M.

Kenneth "Kenny" Bartyzal of New Prague, MN, passed away on November 3, 2024, in Mankato, MN, at the age of 90.  Born March 15, 1934, in New Prague, Kenneth was the son of Frank and Regina (Zaun) Bartyzal.  Kenneth attended New Prague public schools and entered the U.S. Army at age 17 in January, 1952, during the Korean War.  He spent most of his service time in Germany.  Kenny married Shirley Denzer in February, 1953, and together they raised five children.

Mary Lou Cathrin (LaTour) Kroyer, 89, passed suddenly at home on Saturday, November 2, 2024, just days before her 90th birthday. Born at home in Shakopee on November 8, 1934, to Nicholas and Hildegarde (Unze) LaTour. Mary Lou lived a life dedicated to faith, family, and community service.

Irene B. Ceplecha, age 94, of New Prague, died peacefully at Mala Strana Assisted Living with her family at her side on Friday, November 1, 2024. Irene was born on November 14, 1929, in New Prague, to Emil and Bessie (Novak) Ziskovsky. Raised in Veseli on the family farm she attended Most Holy Trinity Catholic School.

Mary Ann Smisek, age 79, of Lonsdale, MN, passed away at her home on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, after a struggle of several years with Lewy Body Dementia.

Martha N. Carr, age 90, of New Prague, died at Praha Village in New Prague, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Martha was born on February 27, 1934, in Ivanhoe, MN, to Andrew and Mary (Ochocki) Mihm. She married Darwin F. Carr on November 18, 1952. Martha is survived by her children, Bernadeane Carr, Thomas Carr, Deborah Schultz, Constance Carr, Gregory Carr, Paul (Susan) Carr, Marjorie Roettger, Rosemary Carr; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Zita Marczak and Kathleen (Dennis) Shisler.

Richard J. Von Bank, age 93, of New Prague, MN, and formerly of Jordan, MN, entered eternal life on Sunday, October 27, 2024. 
A time of gathering will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, Jordan, and on Thursday, October 31, from 10-10:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, at 11 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Jordan. Interment will be at St. John Calvary Cemetery. 

Marcia E. Eide, age 93, of New Prague, died peacefully on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Mala Strana Care and Rehabilitation Center.  Marcia was born on March 29, 1931, in St. Paul, to Herman and Martha (Stanke) Becker.  She graduated from Harding High School and went on to Gustavus Adolphus College for a short time before finishing her nursing degree from Bethesda Hospital, where she worked as a registered nurse.  She married Arnold R. Eide on September 1, 1955, in St.