Duane Franek of Prior Lake, MN, passed away peacefully at the age of 72, on November 25, 2024. Born in New Prague, MN. Duane proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and later built a successful career as an entrepreneur with his business, Franek Laser & Fab, retiring in 2024.

Gertrude A. “Gertie” Chlan, age 88, of New Prague, died peacefully at her home with her family at her side on Thursday, December 5, 2024.  Gertie was born on March 15, 1936, on the family farm in Lanesburgh Township, Le Sueur County, to Valentine and Gertrude (Topic) Tupy.  She started out at country school, went to St.

Ronald M. Ruhland, age 87, of Bloomington, formerly of the Union Hill area, died on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at his home in Bloomington.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Catholic Church in Union Hill, MN.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass at church.  Burial to follow in church cemetery with veterans honors.  Lunch will be at the Knights of Columbus Hall in New Prague after the burial.  

Francis J. Nickolay, age 98, of New Prague, died peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Francis was born at home in New Prague on August 10, 1926, to John F. and Bessie (Bazil) Nickolay.  He attended eight years at St.

Kathy (Toner) McBroom, age 79, of New Prague, died peacefully from glioblastoma at Our Lady of Peace Hospice House in St. Paul on Nov. 26. She was preceded in death by her parents, William & Kathryn Toner, and siblings, Mary (infant), Jim, Bern, Pat, and Julie. 

Adeline “Addie” Martha Bradford passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024, surrounded by her family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd. There will be a visitation at 10:00 a.m., and a luncheon will follow at Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter. Burial at Baxter City Cemetery will follow lunch.

Lawrence J. Schoenbauer, age 94, of New Prague, died unexpectedly at his home, on Friday, November 22, 2024.  Lawrence was born on September 9, 1930, on the family farm in Helena Township, Scott County, MN, to Joseph B. and Rose L. (Tuma) Schoenbauer.  He met the woman that he would spend his life with at the country school they attended.  He and Mae Ann Kubes were married on September 24, 1955, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.  

Larry Paul Lehman, age 68, of Le Sueur, died suddenly on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Le Sueur. Memorial services will be on Monday, December 2, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Zion United Church of Christ in Le Sueur. Visitation will be at the church that morning, one hour prior. Burial will be at a later time at the Tyrone-Salem Cemetery. Lunch will follow immediately after the service. 

Steve A. Simon, age 78, of Montgomery, died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, November 14, 2024. Steve was born on October 1, 1946, in Sioux City, IA, to Andrew and Clara (James) Simon.  He proudly graduated from Central High School in Sioux City and then went on to accomplish both his Bachelor of Science and MBA from the University of South Dakota.