Austin Trebesch, age 27 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on August 29, 2023, at Sleepy Eye Medical Center in Sleepy Eye. Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel and will continue on Wednesday from 9:00 am until 10:30 am at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 11:00 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.
Austin Brett Trebesch, the son of Brett Trebesch and Danna (Domeier) Trebesch, was born in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, on April 14, 1996. Raised in Sleepy Eye with his younger brother Caleb, Austin graduated from Sleepy Eye Public High School in 2014. He attended South Central College where he obtained a degree in agriculture. On June 5, 2021, Austin married his best friend and the love of his life, Justine Gonzalez, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. They were blessed with a beautiful daughter Gigi whom Austin absolutely adored. He loved nothing more than spoiling his two girls along with their dog, Mia. Sharing his life with Justine and Gigi meant the world to him.
When he wasn’t working at Miller Sellner, a job he loved, Austin could be found playing or watching basketball and hunting. Going to car shows every year helped fuel the enthusiasm he had with restoring his 1977 GMC truck. He looked forward to finding new restaurants to experience with others. Being present in the lives of his family and friends was most important to Austin. Attending his brother-in-law Cole’s sporting events as well as helping his brother Caleb with various projects were ways Austin valued spending his time. Having a kind and generous heart and a willingness to help others, Austin was a blessing to so many. He will be missed beyond measure.
Austin is survived by his beloved wife, Justine Trebesch and their daughter, Gigi; mom, Danna Trebesch (Craig Lund); dad, Brett Trebesch (Tammy Ellanson); brother, Caleb Trebesch; grandparents, Vernard and Kay Domeier and William Trebesch; parents-in-law, Mark and Maria Schroepfer; brother-in-law, Cole Schroepfer; grandparents-in-law, Maria and Julian Tejeda and Linda Schroepfer; and other loving relatives and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Joan Trebesch and his grandfather-in-law, Paul Schroepfer.
Ronald J. Fischer, age 80 of Sleepy Eye, MN, died on August 26, 2023, at Sleepy Eye Medical Center in Sleepy Eye. A visitation will be on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel and will continue on Thursday from 9:30 am until 10:30 am at the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye. A funeral service will be held at the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at 10:30 am. The clergy will be Pastor Nathanael Mayhew. Interment will be at the Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Ronald “Ronnie” James Fischer, the son of Clarence and Pearl (Sucker) Fischer, was born in Sleepy Eye, MN, on February 7, 1943. He attended school at Sleepy Eye Public School. On May 19, 1957, Ronnie was confirmed at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye. He married his high school sweetheart, Jane Kyar, on August 27, 1959, in Spirit Lake, Iowa. This marriage was blessed with three children, Cathy, Rick, and Ross. They raised their family in Sleepy Eye.
Ronnie worked hard to support his family and had a successful career in heating and sheet metal. He first started out working with his grandfather, Ben W. Sucker and his uncle, Robert Sucker. Later, he worked at Sleepy Eye Utilities, AJ Penner and B & W Construction until he opened Fischer Heating and Sheet Metal which he owned and operated for 40 years. Ronnie also worked in maintenance at Ross Park Apartments. He was a lifelong member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church where he served on the church council. Giving back to his community was important to Ronnie and he volunteered for the Sleepy Eye Fire Department for 38 years where he was a trustee and building and equipment caretaker. Most of all, Ronnie loved his family dearly and he will be incredibly missed.
Ronnie is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 64 years, Jane Fischer of Sleepy Eye, MN; children, Cathy Fischer of Sleepy Eye, MN, and Ross (Christina) Fischer of Sleepy Eye, MN; grandchildren, Ryan Fischer, Jesse (Jill) Fischer, Alexa (Ethan) Moorhouse, Sophie Gustafson, Kylie Fischer, Cooper Fischer, Justin (Sara) Weiss, and Jerimiah Eustice; great-grandchildren, Landen Fischer, Nash Moorhouse, Aurora Moorhouse, Carson Weiss, Tegan Weiss, and Jacoby Weiss; sister, Sharon Remus; sisters-in-law, Marlene Fischer and Oradell Fischer; daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Fischer; and other loving relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Rick Fischer; parents; brothers, Larry Fischer and Robert Fischer; grandparents; and aunts and uncles.
Carol A. Gent, age 74 of Bowlus, MN, formerly of Sleepy Eye, MN, died on August 21, 2023, at home. Visitation will be on Sunday, August 27, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Parish Prayers at 3:00 pm and will continue on Monday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Monday, August 28, 2023, at 11:00 am. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye/live. The clergy will be Fr. Mark Steffl. Interment will be at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Carol Ann (Haecherl) Gent, the daughter of Archiebald and Lorraine (Helget) Haecherl, was born on April 28, 1949, in Sleepy Eye, MN, grew up there, and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School. On July 12, 1968, Carol was united in marriage to Maurice Gent at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and they were blessed with four children, Tim, Archie, Brian, and Crystal.
While raising her children, Carol volunteered in many ways at school, helped with homecoming events, and hosted the best spaghetti dinners on Friday nights for the football team and cheerleaders. She also worked part time at the hospital in Sleepy Eye as a nursing assistant and in the lab/x-ray department. Later, she worked at the Old Creamery Café in catering as well as at Saint John’s University and the Sartell school district in their food programs. She had a gift for cooking and those who enjoyed her homemade pizza, pizza burgers, and dumplings never left hungry.
Faith was important to Carol, and she was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She treasured having coffee with friends and the time she spent at the lake. She had a great time bowling over the years and she loved to shop, play Bingo, and try her luck at the casino. She had a knack for decorating and created beautiful floral arrangements. Carol found the greatest joy in being with people and she was the very definition of a social butterfly. Everybody knew her and she loved on everybody. She was the proudest of her children and grandchildren. Carol’s kindness, thoughtfulness, and presence will be greatly missed.
Carol is survived by her beloved husband of 55 years, Maurice Gent of Bowlus; children, Tim Gent (Sherri Sellner) of Sleepy Eye, Brian (Dawn) Gent of Sartell, and Crystal (Matt) Ibberson of Sleepy Eye; grandchildren, Thomas Gent, Alexis (Austin) Stainbrook, Kathryn Gent (AJ), Emma Gent, Samantha Ibberson, McKenna Ibberson, Piper Ibberson, Cody Gent, and Logan Lux; father-in-law, Frank Mueller; sister-in-law, Diane Gent; niece, Carla (Junior) Steinbrink; great-niece, Chelsy Steinbrink; and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Archiebald and Lorraine Haecherl; infant son, Archie Gent; mother-in-law, Marian (Pelzel) (Gent) Mueller; father-in-law, Roderick Gent; sister and her husband, Yvonne (Robert) Eckstein; brother-in-law, Ronald Gent; and son-in-law, Josh Lauzer.
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Vernone M. Wylie, age 91, of New Ulm passed away Sunday, August 20, 2023 at the Sleepy Eye Care Center.
Memorial service will be 11:00 Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Christ the King Lutheran Church with Pastor Timothy Anderson officiating. Visitation will take place from 9:00 – 11:00 am before the service at church on Tuesday. Burial will take place at a later date in the Maine Prairie Cemetery in Kimball.
Vernone is survived by her children, Jill (Robert) Wise of New Ulm, Jeff Wylie of Hibbing, Jon (Melanie) Wylie of Eagan, Julie (Mark) Spurbeck of Gold Canyon, AZ., Janet (Kurk) Kramer of Sleepy Eye; 13 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren and her sister, Arnita Rieger of Richfield.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wilbert LeRoy Wylie; son, Joey Wylie; granddaughters, Stephanie and Taylor and her siblings, O’Linda, Harlan, Vernis and Dennis.
Vernone Mae Muehring was born May 15, 1932 to Louis and O’Tillia (Schmidt) Muehring in South Haven. She graduated from Kimball High School. She was united in marriage to Wilbert Wylie on May 9th, 1953 at the Fair Haven Lutheran Church. After marriage Wilbert and Vernone farmed together early on, starting their family near Kimball, MN. Vernone was a housewife and mother while the family relocated several times. They returned to the country in the early 60’s to Cokato and then Gibbon, MN. Then after retirement, they bought Vernone’s childhood home near Fair Haven and lived there until their second retirement. They finished their years together in the country by Lake Carnelian. Vernone moved to New Ulm in the early 90’s and has lived there until becoming a resident at the Sleepy Eye Care Center. Vernone enjoyed gardening, fishing and sewing but above all else she loved to spend time with her family especially her grandchildren. Vernone will be dearly missed by those who knew her. Blessed be her memory.
Leon F. Haubrich, age 93 of New Ulm died peacefully on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at the Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm.
Mass of Christian burial will be 11 am on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity 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 4-7 pm on Friday, and continue from 9-10:30 am on Saturday all at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-North Chapel in New Ulm.
To leave on online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org
Leon is survived by his children, Ruth (Haubrich) Berreman of Eagan, Pat (Carol) Haubrich of New Ulm, Greg (Kim) Haubrich of New Ulm, Rachel Haubrich (Steve) Alwin of Chandler, Arizona; his 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; his brother, Thomas Haubrich of New Ulm; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 68 years, Marian Haubrich in 2020; his daughter, Kathy Haubrich; grandson, Eric Berreman; his brother, Robert Haubrich; his sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Leo Eckstein; and his sister-in-law, Frances Haubrich.
Leon Francis Haubrich was born May 31, 1930, in New Ulm to Edward and Josephine (Arnoldy) Haubrich. Growing up in New Ulm, Leon was a 1948 graduate from Cathedral High School. Leon was united in marriage to Marian Dietz on November 27, 1951, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Little Falls. Together they worked on their farm in Milford Township where they raised their five children. Leon actively farmed for 70 years until the age of 88. In recent years, he still helped his son and grandson on the farm with bailing hay, plowing, and especially enjoyed riding his 4-wheeler to check the crops. In addition to growing corn and soybeans, he grew cannery crops for Del-Monte for many years and raised cattle and hogs. Leon loved the land, the farm, and nature. He was a hard-working, strong provider for his children and grandchildren, and loved to tease and make the grandkids laugh. Leon was a natural athlete and enjoyed playing baseball for Cathedral High School and later in life, softball for the church softball team as a left-handed pitcher and first baseman. He also enjoyed attending Essig baseball games. In service to his community, Leon served as the Milford Township Supervisor and Chairman for 46 years from 1969-2015. As an active member of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm, Leon was active with the St. Joseph/St. Elizabeth Catholic United as well as the Knights of Columbus. Although Leon lived a strong 93 years, he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Countless memories of Leon will forever stay in the hearts and minds of all who knew him best. Blessed be those memories.
Memorials are preferred to NUACS, the Oak Hills Living Center, or the donor’s choice.
LaVonne G. Pautzke, age 92, of Springfield, MN died on August 12, 2023, at St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield, MN. Visitation will be on Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the United Methodist Church, Springfield, MN with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00 am. The clergy will be Pastor Michael Baker and Chaplain Noel Wetter. Interment will be at the Springfield City Cemetery in Springfield, MN. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Springfield, MN. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
LaVonne Gertrude (Roiger) Pautzke, the daughter of Robert and Gertrude (Puchta) Roiger, was born in Springfield, MN on September 10, 1930. She attended school in Springfield and following graduation from Springfield High School, she completed Licensed Practical Nurse training through Franklin Hospital. On November 19, 1949, LaVonne married Edward Pautzke Jr., and they began their life together that would be blessed with five children, many years of hard work and dedication to their community and sharing their faith with others.
Raising their family on the farm, LaVonne cherished her roles as wife, mom, and grandma. Over the years, LaVonne and Ed’s efforts and dedication were honored with being named Brown County’s Outstanding Family in 1987, WCCO’s Farm Family of the Year and they received WCCO’s Good Neighbor Award. LaVonne was community-minded and shared her time and talents as a member of the Eastern Star and the American Legion Auxiliary for over 50 years. Service to others naturally carried over into LaVonne’s faith and in addition to being a member of the United Methodist Church in Springfield, she was junior and senior choir director for over 50 years along with playing the organ and singing for many funerals and weddings, taught Sunday school, and participated in Sarah’s Circle as well as the Springfield Nativity Pageant for 30 years. She also participated in many community plays throughout the years. The Gideon Auxiliary and Clown Ministries were other ways LaVonne valued spending her time and sharing her faith. LaVonne also enjoyed reading and playing the piano and was a great supporter of Ed’s woodworking projects and the finish work he did.
LaVonne is survived by her children, Edward (Becky) Pautzke of Springfield, MN, Jacklynn (Roger) Schmidt of Appleton, MN, Gary (Rosalyn) Pautzke of Northfield, MN, Sheri McGruder of Bloomington, MN, and Connie (George) May of Corcoran, MN; 13 grandchildren; 6 step-grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandson; sister-in-law, Sandy Roiger of Desoto, TX; brothers-in-law, James Pautzke of Northome, MN and Donovan (Jeanne) Pautzke of Northfield, MN; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Pautzke, Jr; parents, Robert and Gertrude Roiger; parents-in-law, Edward G. and Grace Pautzke; brother, Dennis Roiger; brother-in-law, Jack Pautzke; sister and brother-in-law, Jeanne and Andy Magochy; sisters-in-law, Judy Pautzke and Elaine Pautzke; daughter-in-law, Gail Pautzke; son-in-law, Chris McGruder; and great-granddaughter, Kennedy Kells.
Donald (Donn) P. Krueger died Sunday, Aug. 6 in Eau Claire, WI.
Krueger was born Oct. 2, 1946 to Leo and Viola (Weiss) Krueger of Sleepy Eye, MN. Donn graduated from Sleepy Eye Public School and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Donn moved to Minneapolis and had a watch repair business. In June 1982, he was united in marriage to Marilyn J. Kuduk and later moved to Ladysmith, WI. Donn enjoyed spending time with family, friends fishing and hunting.
Donn was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Viola Krueger and sister Virginia Welter. A celebration of Life will be held in Sleepy Eye at a later date.
Arlene M. Schroepfer, age 95 of Sleepy Eye, died on August 6, 2023, at Divine Providence in Sleepy Eye. A visitation will be held Friday, August 11, 2023, at 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church-North Entrance. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s with Father Mark Steffl officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye. Interment will be at New Ulm Catholic Cemetery. Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Arlene Marie (Altenburg) Schroepfer, the daughter of Alex and Hildegard (Zangel) Altenburg, was born on the family farm in Brown County on March 2, 1928. She attended country school through the 6th grade and attended Holy Trinity School in New Ulm through the 8th grade. Arlene married the love of her life, Jerome “Jerry” Schroepfer, on November 25, 1953. This union was blessed with three children, Carol, Ronald, and Steven. Arlene and Jerry raised their family in Sleepy Eye with Arlene enjoying her roles as wife and mother.
Once her children were older, she began working at St. Mary’s Catholic School where she was tasked with baking 500 delicious cookies daily. After 19 years, Arlene retired from the school. In addition, Arlene spent many years helping her brothers and father on the farm, bringing her children to help on a weekly basis. She loved flower and vegetable gardening, polka music and playing cards – 500 with a monthly card club, and cribbage with her family. The Minnesota Twins and just about any game show could be found on her TV. As a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Arlene was in the “M” section of the Council of Catholic Women.
A bit feisty, some would say strong-willed, and definitely witty, Arlene leaves a legacy of kindness which she generously shared with others. Her daily phone calls, humor, and unique one-liners will be greatly missed.
Arlene is survived by her children, Carol Schroepfer of Mahtomedi, MN, Ronald (Karen) Schroepfer of Brooklyn Park, MN, and Steven (Karen) Schroepfer of Waite Park, MN; grandchildren, Jared Schroepfer and Cali Schroepfer; sisters-in-law, Gloria Altenburg and Pearl Schroepfer; and other loving relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Schroepfer; parents; and two brothers, Florian and John Altenburg.
Kimberly A. Curran, age 62, of Plant City, Florida, passed away on July 9, 2023. Kim was born in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan on September 7, 1961, to Bert and Marie (Fromm) Curran. A visitation will be held Friday, August 11, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye, MN. A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, August 12 at St. Mary’s in Sleepy Eye, MN at 10:30 AM with Father Mark Steffl officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye. The interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery. A luncheon will be served at St. Mary’s after the burial. Sturm Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Kim made friends easily, as evident at her upcoming “Celebration of Life” gathering in Florida, where over 100 friends are expected to attend. She made friends with those she worked with at IBM. She was friends with her relatives. She was friends with many of the parents from her daughter Jade’s sporting events. And she made many new friends over the years, from Zumba classes to neighbors to strangers she would meet.
Kim was nearly the age of her older brother Kevin, who was close to her from the beginning, even though he tormented her when they were young. They began life in sibling rivalry. Kevin used to think he could do things better than her, but it usually turned out that she outshined him.
Kim was fairly independent – she was her own person often doing her own thing. As the oldest, Kevin followed all of the rules. And younger brother Todd was carefree. But Kim had a mind of her own and she sometimes challenged authority. She occasionally ran away from home when she did not get her way. She would spend the night at a friend’s place and be back at home the next morning. Her parents were rarely worried. And Kim rarely got her way. All was forgiven as Kim entered college and matured. She loved her parents her entire life, as they did her, but it became more apparent after her teenage years.
Todd was close to Kim as a brother and as a friend. He moved in with her when Kim was diagnosed with cancer. He took care of Kim and entertained her daughter, and his niece, Jade over the last few years.
Kim joined IBM after school and became a successful manager. The employees who reported to her saw her as much as a friend and as a manager. She brought the best out of others.
Kim’s life changed dramatically when Jade was born. From that moment on, her life was immersed in everything Jade did. Kim unselfishly gave all of her time to Jade, right up to the end. Her calendar was always full of upcoming events for Jade: cheerleading, basketball, swimming, bowling, powerlifting, tournaments, and Special Olympics. Kim sincerely enjoyed watching Jade doing even mundane things such as endless practices for the events. It was never a burden, night after night.
Kim was an excellent parent to Jade. Jade was never treated as an exception. Kim never got angry or raised her voice but, through love and patience, she influenced and guided Jade, making her the amazing girl she is today. Jade is always the life of the party.
Kim and Jade were inseparable. Jade was Kim’s life. Kim was Jade’s life. Jade now looks forward to being with Kim and her dogs Roscoe and Benson in heaven, but not before she enjoys the rest of her life.
With family and friends, those close to Kim will eventually come to accept her passing and continue to live their lives as Kim would want them to. But they will never forget their sister and mother and friend and the impact she had on so many others.
Joyce Rothmeier, 89, of Pillager, MN passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Northfield, MN on August 4, 2023. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday August 22, 2023 at 1:00pm at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the start of the service at the Chapel. A luncheon will follow, and burial will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Fort Ripley, next to her husband Don.
Joyce was born to Leo and Bernice (Fletcher) Hengel on September 17, 1933 in Wabasso, MN. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Sleepy Eye, MN. On January 5, 1955, she married the love of her life, Don, in St. Paul, MN.
Following their marriage, Joyce worked at 3M and Sheldahl for many years. Joyce was an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She cared deeply for her family and friends. Joyce and Don moved to Pine River, MN, and then to Pillager, MN to begin their retirement years. She enjoyed fishing, her flower garden, and raising their daughters.
Joyce is survived by her daughters Lynne Markuson (Reed), Sally Pratt, Pamela Roth and Sue Moldaschel (Gary). Siblings Marlyn Hengel, Phyllis Freeman and Cindy Ladd (Nelson). Many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Don, parents Leo and Bernice Hengel, siblings Roger Hengel and Colleen Berkner.
“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”
—Abraham Lincoln
Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.
