William J. “Bill” Jirik, age 81, of New Prague, died peacefully after a long battle with heart disease on Monday, July 20, 2020 at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Bill was born on March 24, 1939 in New Prague to William J. and Josephine J. (Javurek) Jirik, Sr.  He attended St. Wenceslaus Parochial School, graduated from New Prague High School, and served in the US Army Reserve for 6 years during the Vietnam War and Cuban Missile Crisis.  Bill married the love of his life, Joan M.

Russell Charles Thurston, age 81, of Eagan, passed away Friday, July 17, 2020 with his loving family by his side. He was born June 2, 1939 in Minneapolis, MN, to Oscar W. and Irene M. (nee Ganglehoff) Thurston.
Russell is survived by his children, Steven, Gregory (Melanie), and Anne (Wencel Kubes) Thurston, and Lynn (Todd) Olson; grandchildren, Tanner Thurston, Peter (Danielle McCool) Celatka, and Benjamin Olson; brother, David (Teresa) Thurston; sister-in-law, Millicent Johnson; several nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Sharron Lynn Gillingham, age 88, of New Prague, MN died on July 15, 2020 at her home.  She was married to her love, the late Sterling Hart Gillingham for 63 years. 
She was born in Rock Bridge, WI on August 14, 1931, daughter of the late Bernard and Bernice Johnson.  Sharron graduated from Richland Center High School in 1949.  She enjoyed helping her four children understand and appreciate that lives lived most fulfilled, are those lives based on inclusivity and respect for others. 

Gordon J.

Kay Schanus, age 74, of New Prague, died suddenly at her home on Monday, July 13, 2020.  Kay was born on January 27, 1946 in La Crosse, WI to Arnold and Pat (Corcoran) Forschler.  She attended and graduated from Brownsville Public Schools and went on to attend secretarial school in Winona, MN.  She worked for a short time at the University of Minnesota, then for 32 years as the medical secretary for Dr.

James Walter Krenik, 62, Lonsdale, died on Friday, July 10, 2020, at his home. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 15 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Fr. Tom Niehaus and Fr. Tom Krenik officiating. Interment will be in the St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in New Prague.

Patricia B. Ambroz, age 84, of New Prague, died peacefully with her son at her side on Friday, July 10, 2020 at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Patricia was born on June 6, 1936 in New Prague to Edward W. and Mathilda C. (Busch) Zaun.  She grew up in the Lydia/St. Patrick area and was active in 4-H in her youth.  She graduated from Jordan High School and married the love of her life, Leonard J. Ambroz on June 7, 1958 at St.

Roman Hertaus, age 80, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away unexpectedly, from a brain bleed, on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at Fairview Southdale Hospital, in Edina, MN.  
Roman John was born on January 16, 1940, in Wheatland Township, MN, to William and Elizabeth (Marek) Hertaus. He married Janice Kechely on August 8, 1964, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, in New Prague, MN. They were blessed with two children, Todd and Penny. 

Sister Mary Catherine Shambour, beloved teacher, board member, historian, writer, and peacemaker, passed peacefully on May 30 at St. Scholastica Monastery from Lymphoma.   Having marked the milestones of 25, 50 and 60 years of religious life, Sister Mary Catherine was in the 67th year of vowed commitment. An alumna of The College of St. Scholastica, Sister served many years on the Board of Trustees.