Linus “Linnie” Kral, age 80 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died at his home on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 26, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Parish Prayers at 3:45 pm. Visitation will continue on Friday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – North Entrance in Sleepy Eye with Knights of Columbus Rosary at 10:30 am. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 11:00 am and will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/
Linus Benjamin Kral, the son of Raymond and Loretta (Haala) Kral, was born on December 19, 1943, with his twin sister Phyllis in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. He attended country school through the 6th grade and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School in 1961. After high school, Linus drove truck for Mathiowetz Construction. In 1964, he enlisted in the National Guard where he served his country for six years. Linus developed great cooking skills while feeding the soldiers, and he became the designated chef for family gatherings.
Linus met his bride, Janet Cunningham, at a dance and they were married on June 5, 1971, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. They were blessed with two children and raised their family on their farm in Stark Township. Linus farmed for decades, retiring in 2004. He also drove part-time for Pork Storks for over 20 years.
Community-minded with a heart for service, Linus was the first to offer up his time and lend a hand. He served on various boards including the Stark Baseball Board since 1976 where he served as president, Stark Township Board since 1978, Sleepy Eye Farmers Elevator Board from 1979 to 2001 where he served as secretary, and Brown County Pork Producers for six years. Additionally, Linus coached a girls’ softball league. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, an active member of the Knights of Columbus since 1969 where he shared his cooking with the community, and a member of Catholic Aid Association since 1956.
Music was an integral part of Linus’ life. When he was around ten years old, he learned to play the concertina from his uncle and in high school he had his own three-piece band. He loved old-time music and played drums with the Leon Helget band. He was a member of the Sleepy Eye Area Concertina Club where he served as president from 2015 until 2022. Linus and his wife Janet together, gave back to the community through music by volunteering countless hours playing concertina and keyboard for various occasions and facilities.
Besides music, Linus enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing cards, and putting puzzles together with his grandchildren. He especially loved going to his grandchildren’s activities including football, BMX dirt bike racing, go-kart racing, baseball, hockey, demolition derbies, softball, volleyball, theater performances and dance competitions.
Linus never hesitated to help others and when he saw a need, he filled it whether it was donating blood or being a sponsor to four young boys in Guatemala, one of whom he met there in 2005 on a Mission Trip. He sought out ways to give, to help, and to care. Linus was an amazing husband, dad, and grandpa who loved his family beyond measure. He leaves a legacy of generosity, kindness, and service to others and he will be profoundly missed.
Linus is survived by his wife and musical partner of 53 years, Janet Kral; daughter, Sandi (Corey) Koop; son, Shaun (Shannon) Kral; grandchildren, Blake (Kayla) Kral, Jayda Kral, Lexi Kral, Brecklyn Kral, Casey Koop, and Calli Koop; brother, Ray Jr. (Susie) Kral; sister-in-law, Eileen Kral; and other loving relatives and friends.
Linus was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Sr. and Loretta Kral; brother, Marvin Kral; twin sister, Phyllis Juni; brother-in-law, Frederick Juni and parents-in-law, Russell and Louise Cunningham.
On May 3, 1950, Michael A. Seifert came into this world, bringing three sisters with him. It was an exciting day for Sleepy Eye when the Seifert quads were born. On December 16, 2024, Mike experienced another exciting day when he passed from this world to the next where so many of his family and friends were waiting to welcome him. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Parish Prayers at 3:45 pm prior to visitation. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – North Entrance. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye at 11:00 am and will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye. The clergy will be Fr. Craig Timmerman. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Mike was the son of Arthur and Dolores (Ludewig) Seifert. He attended grade school in a one room school in Stark Township. Later he attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Sleepy Eye, graduating in 1969. Mike spent his whole life on the family farm, running the land and milking cows. He married Linda Schroepfer, his high school sweetheart, on July 3, 1976. Later they became parents to a son and daughter, Timothy and Kailey. Soon after, Mike sold the milk cows and became a maintenance man and groundskeeper, first at the Sleepy Eye Golf Course and then at Dacotah Ridge Golf Course where he worked for 19 years before retirement. He also spent time working for Del Monte and Rathman Silage Company. He took great pride in his John Deere tractors, especially the 4020 model, keeping the farm in pristine shape, and passing the love for farming onto his children. There wasn’t much time for fun, but Mike found time for league bowling, slow pitch softball, and Stark baseball. He also took time to coach Stark girls’ softball for several years. He enjoyed petting and playing with the numerous farm dogs that came and went over the years while drinking many cans of Dr. Pepper! He fought a hard fight with Parkinson’s, living the last year or so of his life at Woodstone Senior Living Center in New Ulm where he received wonderful care from staff.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother; twin brothers, Lewis and Lowell; brother-in-law, James Wenish; and parents-in-law, Leo E. and Phyllis Schroepfer.
Michael is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda; son, Timothy and his fiancée, Jenna Zuhlsdorf; daughter, Kailey; sisters, Viola (Dennis) Leff, Teresa Wenish, Marie (Gary) Hoffmann, Martha (Richard) Anderson, and Monica (Larry) Clayton; brothers, Marvin (Janice) Seifert and Gerald Seifert; sisters-in-law, Arlene Seifert and Mary Ann Seifert; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Katherine M. Bergs, age 68, of Acoma Township, rural Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at her home. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at River of Hope Lutheran Church at the Hutchinson Event Center in Hutchinson. Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. and will continue one hour prior to the service ALL at the church.
Kathy was born on March 19, 1956, in Northfield, Minnesota, to Lester and Doris (Quam) Flom. She grew up on the family farm in beautiful Sogn Valley. Attending school in Cannon Falls, she enjoyed cheerleading, playing flute, and competing intensely in powder puff football. After graduating from Cannon Falls High School in 1974, Kathy attended Mankato State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Parks, Recreation, and Community Education, with a minor in Geography.
A wonderful outcome of her time at Mankato State was meeting the love of her life, Daryl Bergs. Kathy and Daryl were joined together in marriage on June 2, 1979. Soon thereafter, they moved to Sleepy Eye and welcomed their children, Mishell (Shelly) and Bret.
Kathy loved working as the elementary librarian at Sleepy Eye Public School for 25 years. She shared her love for reading whenever possible and was always looking for new books to recommend to students, teachers, family, and friends. At Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye, Kathy served in a variety of ways, including that she sang alto in the choir, oversaw the church’s Christian Education, served with the local chapter of the Women of the ELCA (WELCA), and pioneered the annual “Cookie Walk” at Trinity, which has been an epic success and continues to this day. Some years, Kathy made as many as 40 dozen intricate cookies! This highlights another theme of Kathy’s life, which is baking: she was a terrific cook and baker, and she always had treats on hand for anyone who popped over for a chat.
When Kathy & Daryl moved to Hutchinson upon retirement, Kathy continued serving in many ways, especially in their church, River of Hope. She did everything from singing in the choir to organizing the storeroom to leading the women’s Bible study. She also enjoyed being part of the Crow River Conference of WELCA, where she served multiple terms as president.
Kathy was a researcher – everything from her Norwegian heritage to family vacations, from medical topics to interesting tidbits she heard in sermons and book studies. She cultivated beautiful flowers and bountiful gardens. She loved nature and carried a strong work ethic throughout her life. She was passionate about getting 10,000 steps a day and capturing memories through photography. Kathy valued relationships with close friends, and she was always ready to make new friends – even while in line at the grocery store, and with young and old alike. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren! Kathy continued serving until the end through her church and the Crow River Singers, and she even helped plan and speak at her 50th class reunion while undergoing cancer treatments.
Kathy was a deeply loved wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She will be greatly missed by her husband of 45 years, Daryl; her daughter Shelly Lemons and husband Brandon; her son Bret Bergs and wife Shannon; grandchildren Mikias & Tehila Lemons and Addison Bergs; sisters Julie Warner and Pam (Steve) Tralle; brothers Eric (Melanie) Flom and Evan Flom; mother-in-law Geraldine Bergs; three nieces and one nephew; numerous cousins; and her many friends. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-law Gary Warner, and sister-in-law Mary Flom.
To honor Kathy’s love for singing, there will be a special choir opportunity at her funeral service. If you are interested in singing a choir piece during the service, please arrive at the Hutchinson Event Center at 10:00am on Saturday, December 21, for a brief rehearsal.
Gerald “Jerry” Schueler, age 83 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota passed away December 12, 2024, at Sleepy Eye Medical Center. Jerry, the son of Waldamar and Florence (Marks) Schueler, was born on July 10, 1941, in Sleepy Eye. After graduating in 1959, he began employment with area farmers. In 1972 he began his career at Del Monte where he spent over 30 years of dedicated work. He met Linda Stark in 1961 and they were united in marriage on June 13, 1964, at Stately Church in rural Comfrey. Jerry and Linda raised their three children in Sleepy Eye.
Jerry was a great provider for his family but always made time to have fun with friends. He loved fishing, hunting, and watching and listening to MN sports, but above all, his passion was playing cards. He loved to take his friend’s nickels. His wit, laughter, strength, and wisdom will be greatly missed.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda; children, Faye Baumann (fiancé Eric Rankine) of Noblesville, IN, Stephanie (Tate) Tetreault of Columbus, OH, and Cory (Hazel) Schueler of Annandale, MN; grandchildren, Laina, Brian, Grady, Lyla, Trey, Jade, Timothy and Matthew; seven great-grandchildren; brothers, Dennis (Janice), Allen (Judy); and sister-in-law, Elaine all of Sleepy Eye and many nieces and nephews and other loving relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Merle and Gaylord.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, from 10:00 am until 12:30 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye with a memorial service following at 12:30 pm. The clergy will be Pastor David Nissen. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be donated to the Sleepy Eye Ambulance Service.
The family wishes to thank SEMC, DaVita, and Sleepy Eye Ambulance for their dedication and ongoing care over the years. There are no words to express how grateful we are for all the help from our neighbors and close friends for always being willing to lend a hand.
Mary Bohnen, age 93, of New Ulm passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Valley View Manor in Lamberton.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – North Chapel in New Ulm. Burial will be in the Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye where full military honors will be provided by the Sleepy Eye Honor Guard.
Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – North Chapel in New Ulm.
To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Brenda Guldan, Maureen Bohnen, Bridget Fischer; sons, Timothy Bohnen (special friend, Sharon Jones), Kevin (ReNaye) Bohnen, Patrick (Missy) Bohnen; ten grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Glenn Bohnen; daughter, Sheila Ortlip; and son-in-law, Deacon James “Jim” Guldan; and siblings, Peggy and John Callahan.
Mary Theresa Callahan was born on October 20, 1931, to Timothy and Anna (Carolan) Callahan in New York. She graduated from high school, continued her education by graduating from Votech, and then enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951. Mary served her country in active duty during the Korean War, specializing in teletype, morse code, and HAM radios. On July 31, 1954, Mary was united in marriage to the love of her life, Glenn Bohnen, at the Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts. That same year, her military service concluded, and the couple soon relocated to Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, and began their family. Their union was blessed with seven children. In addition to being a mother, Mary also worked at 3M in New Ulm. Her career spanned twenty-eight years when she retired. Outside of work and raising children, Mary was a proud Irishwoman. She celebrated her heritage whenever possible and especially enjoyed her trip back to Ireland later in life. Mary also found and celebrated her strong faith in God and the Word, spreading it to those who would listen and furthering her own faith with many bible groups. Mary will be fondly remembered for the 93 years she was able to share with all of us. She will be dearly missed by those that knew her. Blessed be her memory.
Memorials are preferred to the Brown County Humane Society.
Mvfh.org
Albert A. Craddock, age 68 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at Sleepy Eye Medical Center. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring of 2025. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. Memorials are preferred to Sleepy Eye Medical Center.
Albert Allen Craddock, the son of Albert A. and Sylvia Maryinne (Mason) Craddock, was born on January 25, 1956, in Mankato, Minnesota. He grew up around Mankato and after graduating from high school, Albert earned a degree from South Central Technical College in Mankato. On February 18, 2000, Albert was united in marriage to JoLene Seidl in New Ulm, Minnesota and they moved to a farm in Brown County. He worked for a number of years as an electrical maintenance engineer at 3M in New Ulm, retiring in 2012.
Albert enjoyed woodworking and raising fainting and pygmy goats, miniature cattle, bulls, peacocks, and potbelly pigs. Albert thoroughly enjoyed tinkering around their hobby farm where his favorite pastime was utilizing his “shootin” window to clear the yard of varmints. His greatest joy, though, was his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly and cherished the time he got to spend with them.
Albert is survived by his spouse, JoLene Craddock; children, Kelly (Melinda Lund) Craddock, Terry Craddock, Cory Thomas, Nicky (Shawn) Kohn, and Daniel Borson; grandchildren, Easton Craddock, Dylan, Hailey, and Allie Lund, Memphis and Mahlia Gable, Destiny Jewison, Joey and Meara Craddock, and Collin Thomas; sister, Sarah (Jim) Boblit; siblings-in-law, Patty (Ken) Rademaker-Hinderman, Marlene Seidl, Joyce (Kevin) Bigalk, Elaine (Bob) Gajewski, Rita (Dave) Gehrke, Roger (Peggy) Seidl, Carol (Steve) Bass, Dan (Bonnie) Seidl, Stan (Karen) Seidl, Mark Seidl, Bud (Kim) Seidl, and Arvid Pautsch; and fur baby, BJ.
He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved father and mother-in-law, Arthur O. and Rita C. (Goblirsch) Seidl; sister, Jodi Pautsch; son, Michael Allen Craddock; and fur babies, Axel, Cocoa, AJ, and Trike.
Sharon “Boots” Remus, age 89 of Sleepy Eye, died on Sunday, November 24, 2024. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, November 29, 2024, at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel and will continue on Saturday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the funeral home. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 11:00 am at Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. Military Honors will be provided by Sleepy Eye Honor Guard. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Boots, the daughter of Pearl (Sucker) and Clarence Fischer was born May 17, 1935, in Sleepy Eye. She graduated from Sleepy Eye High School in 1953.
She enlisted in the Navy in 1953 where she proudly served until 1957. She was a very proud Veteran! Following military service, she worked in Minneapolis for Federal Housing. She married Donald Remus on April 1, 1959 (later divorcing) and they made their home in Sleepy Eye where they raised three children.
Boots worked at the Sleepy Eye Herald Dispatch, Advertising Unlimited and the Pix Theatre where she proudly ran projector. She eventually found her passion in childcare where she spent over 40 years as a daycare provider. During that time, she also felt a calling to help the community, joining the Sleepy Eye Ambulance Service at the age of 57. She served for 22 years, ending her career as an EMT two months prior to her 80th birthday. Community Service didn’t stop there, she went on to volunteer with Allina Hospice until the time of her death. She volunteered at Sleepy Eye Elementary School assisting students with reading and she taught Sunday School for many years at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye. She also was a Sleepy Eye Holiday Lights in Motion board member who worked diligently at helping the project get started and she continued to help in any way possible each season.
Boots touched so many people in her lifetime, sending birthday and congratulatory cards, as well as reaching out when people were going through difficult times. She enjoyed cooking and was famous for her sauerkraut.
She adored her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved spoiling them. They affectionately called her Grandma “Bootsie”. She also loved her daycare kids, doing her best to keep up with their lives into adulthood. She was a friend to everyone.
Boots is survived by her children, Steven (Laurie Neid) Remus (Sleepy Eye), Shari (PJ) Hittesdorf (Sleepy Eye), and Todd (Debbie Olson) Remus (Brooklyn Center); 11 grandchildren (Sam (Jennifer) Remus, Vanessa (Jon Nihart) Remus, Sydney (Andrew) Geiger, Karrah Edwards, Lucas Hittesdorf, Zach (Nicole Brazle) Hittesdorf, Tucker Hittesdorf, Tanner Hittesdorf, Palmer (Katlyn Aviles) Hittesdorf, Elana (Amber) Remus, Emma (Donte) Remus); three step-grandchildren (Kara, Bennett and Morten); five great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Marlene Fischer, Jane Fischer, and Oradell Fischer; many nieces and nephews; and many, many former daycare kids.
She was preceded in her death by her parents; brothers, Larry Fischer, Robert “Pork” Fischer and Ronnie Fischer; niece, Cindy Fischer; nephew, Rick Fischer; and many aunts and uncles.
Her legacy is the many people whose lives she touched. May all of you carry on her love of helping others.
Leonard C. Fassbender, age 84 of Saint James, Minnesota, died on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Gil-Mor Manor in Morgan, Minnesota. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. The clergy will be Fr. Craig Timmerman. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Leonard Cahoon Fassbender, the son of Delbert and Elva (Fuller) Fassbender, was born on May 13, 1940, in Aitkin, Minnesota. He grew up in Cambria and attended New Ulm Public School where he earned his high school diploma.
On August 21, 1995, Leonard was united in marriage to Roxanne (Meyer) Marti at Minneopa Falls State Park and he was blessed with her three children. They lived on a hobby farm in Cambria before moving to a hobby farm in Saint James. Leonard loved raising horses and had a special fondness for his beloved dogs. After working for Kraft Foods for 43 years, Leonard retired and was able to spend time with Roxanne doing the things they loved including camping, traveling, and attending horse auctions. Not one to sit still, he kept busy with mending fences, gardening, carpentry, hunting, and tinkering on anything that needed fixing.
Leonard is survived by his step-children and their families, Jennifer Marti (Aletta, Weston, Everly, and Ram); Brooks and Jodi Marti (Kaden); and Adam and Lisa Marti (Justin, Cheyenne, and Dustin); brother-in-law, Dean (Darla) Meyer; and nephews, Jeff and Joe Meyer.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Roxanne Fassbender; parents, Elva and Delbert Fassbender; infant granddaughter, Harleigh Marti; parents-in-law, Melania and Delmar Meyer; several in-laws; and aunts and uncles.
Gregory D. Nessett, age 61 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, Minnesota surrounded by the love of his family. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2024, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel. Visitation will continue on Monday, November 25, 2024, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am at the funeral home. The clergy will be Pastor Grant Fischer. Interment will be at Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. Military Honors will be provided by Sleepy Eye Honor Guard. A Celebration of Life will continue at the Servicemen’s Club in Sleepy Eye following the burial. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Gregory Dean Nessett, the son of Kenneth and Alice (Wikoren) Nesset, was born on January 25, 1963, in Glenville, Minnesota. In his early teen years, he moved with his parents to Sleepy Eye where he attended Sleepy Eye Public School and excelled in sports. He was a member of the Class of 1981. In 1982, Greg enlisted in the United States Navy where he specialized in cryptology, a field that required much personal sacrifice not only of him, but his family as well. Not wanting to have parameters around his family, after 10 years of service, Greg was honorably discharged in 1992. He returned home to Sleepy Eye where he worked at McCabes Ace Hardware, Anderson Custom Processing, Kraft Foods, and Firmenich in New Ulm.
On November 21, 1998, Greg was united in marriage to Sheila Starrett, blending a family that included his two children, her three children and was completed with the addition of their sixth child. Family meant everything to Greg, and he loved attending sporting events of his children. He was very loving and caring, making sure others had what they needed or wanted.
Master of the grill, and one-liners, Greg thoroughly enjoyed cooking for his family and keeping them on their toes with his quick wit and great comebacks. Determination and hard work enabled Greg to take on challenges thrown his way. It also helped that he wasn’t one to just sit still. Greg loved to camp, watch the Minnesota Vikings, play pool, and throw darts. He was a member of the American Legion Post 7 in Sleepy Eye.
Greg is survived by his wife, Sheila Nessett of Sleepy Eye; children, Christopher (Jenna Arkins) Nessett of Sleepy Eye, Greg “Dean” Nessett of Texas, Jaclyn (Brandon Hansen) Nessett of Sleepy Eye, Jesse (Kate) Widmer of Sauk Rapids, Jacob (Rhonda) Widmer of Sauk Rapids, and Samantha (Matt) Leite of Sartell; 18 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; mother, Alice Anderson of Sleepy Eye; brother, Jeffrey (Deb Eidem) Nesset of Jackson; siblings-in-law, Melissa Wellnitz of Mankato and Steve (Ann) Starrett of Mankato; and other loving relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Nesset; stepfather, James Anderson; sister, Jacqueline Oudekerk; parents-in-law, James Starrett and Jeannie Pipes; and siblings-in-law, Shelley Krueger, Carey Starrett, and Dan Starrett.
Our beloved father, grandfather, great- grandfather, and friend Charles C. Hansen, aka Chisey Hansen, was called to his heavenly home on November 7, 2024, at the age of 100 years old at Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 11:00 am and will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye. The clergy will be Fr. Craig Timmerman. The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus will lead the Rosary at 10:30 am prior to the service. Interment will be at Home Cemetery in the veterans’ section in Sleepy Eye following the Celebration of Life. Military Honors will be provided by Sleepy Eye Honor Guard. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2024, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Parish Prayers at 1:45 pm. Visitation will continue on Monday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – North Entrance in Sleepy Eye. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
He is survived by his daughter, Jan (Rod) O’Marron and his two sons, Craig (Linda) Hansen and Scott Hansen; grandchildren, Rachal Becker (John Yost), Derek (Rachel) Volz, Brady Hansen, Jody Hansen (fiancé Jevan Richert) and Brandon Hansen (significant other Jackie Nessett); great grandchildren, Allison Becker, Colten Becker and Katelyn Becker; and brother-in-law, John (Jack) Mertz along with many nieces and nephews.
Chisey was born on July 4, 1924, to Charles C. and Veronica Hansen in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. He attended St. Mary’s Elementary and High School in Sleepy Eye where he really enjoyed playing football. Upon graduation from high school in 1942, he served his Country in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946 as a 2nd Class Motor Machinist Mate where he was honorably discharged. After the Navy, he worked at Del Monte as a lift-truck driver for 72 ½ cents an hour for a summer. That following fall, he attended Mankato School of Business and graduated with a Junior Accountant Degree. Upon returning to Sleepy Eye, he met and married Phyllis George on November 8,1947. With his father owning the Dray line, he and his brother Hooch soon were in the soda and beer distribution business known as Hansen Distributing Company and his brother Dick took over the Dray line. Eventually his two sons, Craig and Scott joined him as owners of the distributing business until the sale of the company in 2010.
Throughout his long life, he found himself very active in his community and held positions in many organizations such as Commander of American Legion Post #7, 1952, Director of Western Minny Baseball Team, Chairman of Sleepy Eye Servicemen’s Club, American Legion Representative, Sleepy Eye Swimming Pool Committee(Chairman); Sleepy Eye Chamber of Commerce, St. Mary’s Board of Education, Sleepy Eye Jaycees, Lion’s Club, Knights of Columbus( Captain 4th Degree); Charter Member Fraternal Order of Eagles and on the Board of Directors for Americana Community Bank for 15 years.
The organization that was his heart and soul was the Sleepy Eye Medical Center. He served on the Board of Directors for 29 years (21 years as Chairman of the Board).
His father C.C. Hansen served as the first Chairman of the Hospital Board and laid the cornerstone when construction was commenced to construct and equip a municipal hospital in 1941. He followed his father’s footsteps and guided the organization through the acquisition of the Sleepy Eye Medical Clinic and the expansion and renovation project to create a combined hospital and clinic to be called the Sleepy Eye Medical Center.
After many great years of leadership and guidance, he retired at the end of his term on December 31, 2002. Then shortly thereafter, he became an initial member of the Sleepy Eye Healthcare Foundation Board of Directors along with Mary Lou Mathiowetz and Dr. Murphy. After the passing of his wife, Phyllis, he started the Chisey Hansen Family Medical Scholarship fund in 2001, and it is still continuing to date.
He married Shirley Hendley later in life and they enjoyed retirement and traveling. Shortly after Shirley’s death, he moved into the Lake Villa Maria Apartments where he was often seen out and about walking to achieve his daily goal of 5,000 steps a day with an occasional trip around the lake on the walking path.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles C. and Veronica Hansen; spouses, Phyllis Hansen and Shirley Hendley-Hansen; brothers, Richard (Dick) Hansen and spouse, Katherine Hansen and Harold (Hooch)Hansen and spouse, Jeanne Hansen; sisters-in-law, Ethel Krzmarzick and Norma Judge; brothers-in-law, Eddie Krzmarzick and Tom Judge; and niece, Sandra Moon.
He left this world with these words of wisdom, “Work hard, enjoy life, be honest and trustworthy”.
He will be remembered for his unwavering Faith, Love for his Family and Love for his Community and Country. Blessed be his memory.
Memorials are appreciated for the Sleepy Eye Medical Center, St Mary’s School and Divine Providence Community Home, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Divine Providence Community Home Nurses and Staff, Sleepy Eye Medical Center Doctors and Staff and Allina Hospice Nurses and Staff.
Rest in Peace our dear Father.
