Vernard T. Riebel, 86, of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota died on September 30, 2023, at New Ulm Medical Center in New Ulm, Minnesota. Visitation will be on Thursday, October 5th, from 4 to 7pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel and will continue on Friday from 9:30 am until 10:30 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church-North Entrance in Sleepy Eye. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye on Friday, October 6th, at 10:30 am and will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye. The clergy will be Fr. Mark Steffl. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. 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 St. Mary’s Catholic School.
Vernard “Vernie” Thomas Riebel would like to let you know that his work here is done. He received an offer he couldn’t refuse, on Saturday, September 30th, for an appointment with our Lord, from which he will not be returning. This assignment comes with great benefits and a reunion with his beloved family and friends.
His new role takes him to a wonderful place where he will be harvesting an abundant crop every fall, joking with family and friends, walking and dancing with no pain, hunting in the woods, reeling in the “big one” at the lake and having “just one more” while all the world problems are solved.
Vernie attended St. Mary’s School and spent his entire life on the farm. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Those missing him include his loving wife, Myrt (Klossner) of 62 years; children, David & Nancee of Sleepy Eye, Mark & Kathy of Milaca, Gwen & Darrel Brey of New Ulm and Sue & Blaine Lueck of St. Cloud; grandchildren, Amber Riebel, Terry Riebel, Nick Riebel, Jacob Riebel, Katie Riebel, Joe Brey, Ali Winter, Ben Lueck, Josh Lueck and Sam Lueck; and 8 great grandchildren. Vernie is also survived by his brothers, Gerald & Diane and Ken Riebel of Sleepy Eye; brother-in-law, Harvey Klossner (Marge) of Silver Lake; and sister-in-law, Ruth Klossner of Bernadotte.
He is reunited with his parents, Bernard “Ben” and Minnie (Klinker) Riebel; brother, Richard who died in infancy; his in-laws, Hillard “Jake” and Edna Klossner; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
We thank the Allina Health Hospice and Hospital staff for the compassionate care our Dad received. We will forever be grateful!
Dylan R. Maas, age 31 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on September 20, 2023. Visitation will be on Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel and will continue on Monday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye. A funeral service will be held at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye on Monday, October 2, 2023, at 11:00 am and will be livestreamed at www.stjohnsse.com/page/live-
Dylan Robert Maas was born to Bob and Missy Maas on January 19, 1992, in New Ulm, MN. He was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Sleepy Eye, on February 2, 1992. He attended St. John’s Lutheran grade school and was confirmed on May 7, 2006. He was a lifelong member of St. John’s and a firm believer. Dylan graduated from Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School in 2011. He went to Minnesota West Technical College in Jackson, MN, to become a Lineman. Through his studies, he received his CDL. After graduating, Dylan worked as a power lineman for many years. He left the powerline trade to become a trucker. His high expectations for himself led him to accomplish his goals. In 2019, Dylan realized his lifelong dream of owning his own business. He utilized his strong work ethic to build Dylan Maas Trucking. He operated out of his family farm and lifelong residence. It became a family business, and he drove with his Dad and brother, Dustin.
Dylan was passionate about his many hobbies. He spent every Fall hunting waterfowl and deer with his friends and family. He was an avid fisherman and incredible bowfisher. He was a skilled trapshooter and shot with his family. Dylan had a love for classic trucks and muscle cars. He enjoyed working on his vehicles and lending a helping hand to his friends and family. He used his passion for family and vehicles to build a truck for his little brother as his first vehicle. He answered anyone’s call for help with a smile and a truck full of tools. He was highly intelligent and always learning. He spread wisdom and advice in every situation. Dylan cherished his time with his girlfriend Kallie and her two children, Hudson and Quinn. He loved them deeply, and they shared countless laughs and stories. He enjoyed going to great lengths to prank his Mom. The greatest of Dylan’s hobbies was spreading laughter and sharing stories. His limitless one-liners and stories never failed to put a smile on someone’s face. His deep love for family and friends was unfathomable. Dylan’s greatest qualities were his love, charm, humor, and compassion.
Dylan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gilbert & Milred Maas and Nick & Rosemary Mertz; uncles, Kim Mertz, Nick Mertz, Brian Maas, and Loren Blick; and cousins, Scott Maas, Cole Mertz and Andrew Mertz.
Dylan is survived by his parents, Robert Maas and Melissa Maas; stepmother, Kathy Purdie-Maas; brothers, Dustin Maas and Colten Maas and Colten’s special friend, Audrey Petersen; Dylan’s special friend, Kallie Kociemba and her children, Quinn and Hudson; and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.
Cyrilla H. Portner, age 93 of New Ulm died peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at her home in New Ulm.
Mass of Christian burial will be 11 am on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Ulm. Father Jerry Meidl will celebrate the Mass, and burial will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 4-6 pm on Wednesday, and continue from 9-10:30 am on Thursday at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-North Chapel in New Ulm.
To sign the guestbook, or leave an online condolence for her family, go to: mvfh.org
Cyrilla is survived by her daughter, Leona (Jim) Arndt of New Ulm; her daughter-in-law, Donna Portner of Winthrop; her grandchildren, Holly (Mike) Syverson, Jill (Ben) McAninch, Cory (Erin) Portner, Justin (Nancy) Arndt, Scott (Heather) Portner; her great-grandchildren, Taylor (Jon) Hammerschmidt, Nicholas (Layne Bottin) Syverson, Bart, Frankie, Jack McAninch, Charlie and Maggie Arndt, Cade, Emma, and Easton Portner, Maddison, Brielle, and Kase Portner; her sisters, Carol Ludewig of New Ulm, Lavon Bode of Walker, Mercedes (Bob) Pelzel of Sleepy Eye; her brothers, Milton Gulden of New Ulm, Ken (Marcy) Gulden of New Ulm; her sister-in-law, Mildred Forst; her brother-in-law, Darwin Gieseke, and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marvin Portner; her son, Ronald “Ron” Portner; her sisters, Diane Gieseke, Mary Gulden; her brothers, Matthew Gulden, and Leander Gulden Jr; her sisters-in-law, Colletta Gulden, Sandy Gulden, Lois Harthaus; and her brothers-in-law, Dan Ludewig, Roland Bode, Stan Forst, and Bart Harthaus.
Cyrilla Helen Gulden was born April 8, 1930, in rural New Ulm-Brown County to Leander Sr. and Bernice (Ernsterhoff) Gulden. Cyrilla grew up in rural New Ulm, and attended grade school at St. Mary’s until the eighth grade when she went to work with her family on the farm. She was united in marriage to Marvin Portner on September 11, 1951, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Ulm. This union blessed the couple with a son and a daughter whom together they raised in New Ulm. Cyrilla started her working career sewing drapes at Herberger’s in New Ulm. After Marvin’s passing in 1971, she went to work at 3M until her retirement in 1992. Besides her work, there were a variety of hobbies Cyrilla enjoyed in life. Cyrilla was a gifted and talented quilter, and was able to hand-stitch quilts for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to appreciate for generations to come. Family was always important to Cyrilla. She enjoyed decorating and hosting holiday events, and family Sunday Suppers were always important to her. Cyrilla led her life independently, and kept her same resilient attitude toward life until the end. Cyrilla was proud and devout Catholic her entire life. She was a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Ulm. Cyrilla was quite proud of her faith, but what brought her the most pride in her life was always her family. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and enjoyed following all of her family’s events through life.
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Elvira Grace Epp Obituary
Elvira, born April 25, 1922, in Mankato, died September 3, 2023 at her Lake Crystal home. Her husband, Henry preceded her in death. Vera taught in St. James and Sleepy Eye.
A detailed obituary will be updated at a later date.
Dempsey, Terence “Terry” M. age 91 died peacefully on September 2, 2023 surrounded by family. Terry was born in Henderson, Minnesota on February 17, 1932 to Mark and Mable Dempsey. He graduated from Henderson High School and went on to the College of St. Thomas where he participated in the ROTC program. Upon graduation in 1954, Terry completed flight training and was later stationed at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California. There he met his future wife, Janet Helm. Upon discharge from the Air Force, Terry remained in California and attended the University of California’s Hasting College of Law earning his law degree in 1962. He and Janet married in 1963 moved to Minnesota, settling in New Ulm. Terry joined the Somsen & Dempsey law office where he practiced until 1992. He worked as a public defender and was the New Ulm City Attorney for 10 years. In 1978, Terry was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives representing all or part of Brown, Cottonwood, Nicollet, and Redwood counties. He was re-elected six times eventually serving as minority leader. In 1992, he was appointed a district court judge for Watonwan County by Governor Arne Carlson.
Terry and Janet had one child, Matthew, but over the years had more than 15 foster children and eight foreign exchange students along with hosting numerous visitors from around the world. Terry along with Janet was active in more community groups that can be listed including Lion’s Club, Farm-City Hub Club, American Legion, Turner Hall, Boy Scouts, New Ulm Area Catholic Schools, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee. Terry was a member of the Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards, Minnesota Combative Sports Commission, and the Minnesota Board of Aging. He served on the advisory committee that recommended the University of St. Thomas open a Law School and was named St. Thomas’ Distinguished Alumnus in 1997.
A life-long Catholic, Terry was a member of St. Mary’s parish. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Dr. John (Marian) Dempsey and Jerome (Joanne) Dempsey, a sister Janet Ann (George) McWilliams, and a second sister, Colleen, who died in infancy. He is survived by his son, Matthew (Anne) and grandchildren Emma and Ethan of Bloomington, MN.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 14 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Ulm with visitation one hour prior at the church. As there was no public service for Janet when she passed, “An Irish Farewell” will be held for both Janet and Terry following the service from 1:00-4:00 pm at Turner Hall in New Ulm. All are welcome to attend.
Agnes M. Kortte, age 75 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on September 14, 2023, at Sleepy Eye Care Center. A private family service will be held at a later date.
Richard E. Helget, age 78 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on September 11, 2023, at Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye. Visitation will be on Thursday, September 14, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Parish Prayers at 4:00 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. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 11:00 am and will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/
Richard Edmund Helget, the son of Sylvester and Helen (Hillesheim) Helget, was born on April 27, 1945, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Along with his three siblings, he was raised on the family farm in Comfrey where he developed a strong work ethic. He attended school in Comfrey, and following graduation from high school, Richard served his country for four years in the Army National Guard. On October 15, 1971, Richard married his beloved wife, Diane Pelzel at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye and they were blessed with five children.
For much of his life, Richard was a farmer – and a proud one. He loved milking cows and did so for many years. In addition to farming, he worked for Leavenworth Silage. He was also a craftsman and was quite talented at building things with his hands. In his younger days he enjoyed hunting. He also loved bowling, golfing, and baseball. To say he was an avid Green Bay Packers fan would be an understatement. What Richard loved most of all was being a husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He cherished his family and will be incredibly missed.
Richard is survived by his children, Marcy (Shawn) Runing of North Mankato, Neil (Stacy) Helget of Gibbon, Stacy Helget of North Mankato, Keith “Beaner” Helget of Sleepy Eye, and Russell (Mary) Helget of Sleepy Eye; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; siblings, Darlene (Butch) Braulick of New Ulm, Doris Schiebel of New Ulm, and Gary Helget of Sleepy Eye; and other loving relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Helget; his parents, Sylvester and Helen Helget; and Diane’s parents, Melvin and Marcella Pelzel.
Raymond William Hellmann, age 80, of Barron, passed away on August 16, 2023 at his home.
He was born on April 8, 1943 in Rice Lake to Frank & Elizabeth (Willems) Hellmann. He graduated from Barron High School in 1961. Ray worked for Koser Silo Works for many years and later, worked for Olson Farm Systems.
Ray married his high school sweetheart, Susan Rachut, on September 28 1963. Together, they raised their children, Kevin and Becky on the family farm south of Poskin, before moving to Barron in 1991.
His love for hunting and fishing began as a child with is family and continued throughout his life. His favorite times were weekends spent up north at Kukes hunting cabin.
During their retirement years, they spent much of their time at garage sales and auctions looking for treasures to keep and some to sell. People loved coming to their garage sales.
Ray and Sue also enjoyed spending time at the casino so they could get their “free dinners”. Ray was happy that they got to go two more times before the end.
Ray is survived by his wife, Sue; son, Kevin (Nettie) Hellmann of Dallas; daughter, Becky Lambert of Almena; grandchildren, Jacob (Lyndsey) Lambert of Barron, Kayla Lambert of Bradenton, FL, Ivy Hellman of Birchwood and Hunter (Brenda) Hellmann of Rice Lake; great-grandchildren, Carson, Abby, Zander, Chet and Ezra; brother, Joe (Barb) Hellmann of Boyceville; sister, Florence Gangelhoff of Sleepy Eye, MN and a brother-in-law, Wayne Roux of Rice Lake.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Kurt Lambert; brothers, Paul and Frank; sister, Bernie; brother-in-law, Jack and sister-in-law, Fern.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Almena. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday morning.
Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron. Online condolences can be made at www.rauschandsteelfuneralhome.com.
Ronald J. Johnson, age 73 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died at home on September 7, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Ronald “Herk” James Johnson, the son of James and Lois (Mudick) Johnson, was born on July 9, 1950, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. The fourth of five children, Herk was raised with his sisters in Sleepy Eye and attended Sleepy Eye Public School. On July 19, 1980, Herk married the love of his life, Mary Krueger, and they were blessed to celebrate 43 years of marriage this summer.
Herk worked in construction throughout his life, working at Mathiowetz Construction and later as an independent contractor. His attention to detail, creativity, and critical eye made him an excellent wood craftsman. He loved working with his hands and took great pride in the projects he completed including remodeling his and Mary’s home and building various wood pieces for family members. If something needed to be fixed, Herk was the guy to do it. When he wasn’t working, he loved to be outdoors deer hunting and fishing. Because of who he was – a jokester with a great sense of humor – Herk was always the center of attention with his nieces and nephews and they, in turn, were his pride and joy. He was also fond of his cat Joey, who would jump on the riding lawn mower with Herk, and the pet chickens he raised. Although he was very independent and hard-pressed to accept help from others, he was the first one to offer a hand to anyone in need. Herk was kind, selfless, and a whole lot of fun to be around. He will be incredibly missed.
Herk is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Johnson of Sleepy Eye; siblings, Shirley (Calvin) Shoen of Springfield, Sue Haala of Sleepy Eye, and Carol (Steve) Nott of Clements; ten sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; many nieces and nephews; and other loving relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lois Johnson; parents-in-law, Leo and Viola Krueger; sister and her husband, Donna and Harlan Larson; brothers-in-law, Donn Krueger, John Larson, Melvin Sellner, and Fred Hazelton; sister-in-law, Virginia Welter; and nephews, Brooks Sellner and Craig Augustin.
