Colonel Jacob C. Helgestad passed away on May 17, 2024, in Mankato, Minnesota, after a strong fight against cancer.  While his friends and family are shocked at the abrupt passing, they are grateful for every moment of his life. 

Richard F. Tikalsky, age 80, of New Prague, died peacefully at home with his family at his side on Friday, May 17, 2024.  Richard was born on March 3, 1944, in New Prague, to James and Bessie (Pikal) Tikalsky and attended New Prague Public Schools.  He married Jeanne A. Pumper on July 31, 1968, in Cleveland, Minnesota. He spent his career working as a roofer.  His favorite job, however, was probably driving bus for the Montgomery School District for the many special education students who graced his life.

Shirlee Ann Muetzel, age 91, of Lonsdale, passed away peacefully May 14, 2024.
Shirlee was born August 12, 1932, to Harry Harvey Jahnke and Luella Adeline Lueck Jahnke, south of Olivia, MN. She attended school in Renville and Danube and graduated in 1950. Shirlee and her husband Maurice Milo Muetzel were married 61 years, Ruby and Lori were born to this union. Maurice passed November 3, 2014.

Jackie Zimmerman, age 93, of Le Center, MN, passed away on April 28, 2024, at Central Health Care Nursing Home in Le Center. A family gathering will be held to honor Jackie’s life. 
Jackie was born January 31, 1931, to Jacob and Jessie (Running) Lucksinger in Johnson, MN. Through her many years, she loved gardening and loved her family. She is now reunited in heaven with her loving husband, Kenny. She will be greatly missed.

Phil Mickus, aged 76, passed away on April 29, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was born on May 27, 1947, in New Prague, Minnesota.
Phil is survived by his wife, Patricia, his children Brian and Heather, his stepdaughters Lisa and Laura, as well as his brothers Glenn and Patrick, and his sister Shirley. He was also a loving grandfather, uncle, and friend to many.
He was preceded in death by his father Harold, his mother Florence, his brothers George and Steve.

Our beloved mother, Ann Catherine Rhodes, 84, of Bloomington, MN passed away peacefully on March, 28, 2024, two weeks after her 84th birthday.

Jon A. Tonkin, age 67, of Prior Lake, died peacefully at home after an extended illness on Thursday, May 2, 2024.  Jon was born on February 24, 1957, in St. Paul to Robert and Edna (Koski) Tonkin.  He grew up in Roseville and went to work as a clerk at the Veterans Administration.  It was there that he met Debbie Pexa when both of them were playing on the federal employees softball team. They were married on April 28,1979, at St.

Devin Michael Efta, age 26, of Le Center, died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.  Devin was born on June 11, 1997, in Shakopee, to Lee and Trisha (Slavik) Efta.  He grew up in New Prague, graduating from New Prague High School.  He was currently employed as a landscaper, which allowed him to be in the world he loved the best, the outdoors.  He loved nature and his interests reflected that and he loved nothing more than camping, biking, and fishing.  He was free-spirited and hard-working.  His goofy personality found him always

Ellie Dahl Rutherford, age 88, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away April 28, 2024, at McKenna Crossing in Prior Lake. A celebration of life for Ellie and husband Robert Rutherford will be on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, with a gathering from 10:30-11:45 a.m., at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Prior Lake.  Internment at Crystal Lake Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Ellie and Bob’s memory.