Shawn “Shorty” A. Sellner, age 64 of Sleepy Eye, MN, died on July 1, 2023. A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 9, 2023, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel followed by a Celebration of Life service at 5:00 PM. Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Shawn “Shorty” Avery Sellner, the son of Melvin and Pauline (Wild) Sellner, was born on April 15, 1959, in Sleepy Eye, MN. He attended school and graduated from Sleepy Eye High School. He furthered his education at Pipestone Vo-Tech. On April 7, 1979, Shawn married his high school sweetheart, Marsha Eckstein.
Shawn was a hardworking man and was fortunate to follow his #1 passion which was farming. He also worked at Laraway Roofing, BCA, Divine Providence Home, and Del Monte until it closed. In addition, he helped his brother-in-law on the side.
Shawn was a fun-loving guy who was always ready to help anybody out. He loved to visit and b.s. with whomever he would meet. He especially enjoyed going up north to his camper, fishing, playing Cribbage, and tinkering in his shop. He was famous for TV surfing that drove everyone crazy.
Shawn his survived by his wife, Marsha Sellner; mother, Pauline Sellner; brothers, Eric (Nina) Sellner and Paul (Chris) Sellner; sister, Sue (Alan) Hinderman; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nephews, and in-laws.
Shawn was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Sellner; stepbrother, Brooks Sellner; and father-in-law, William E. Eckstein.
Carol Ann Groebner, age 76, of Dawsonville, Georgia died June 29, 2023 at the Medical Management Health and Rehab Center in Macon, GA. Cremation services are being provided by Bentley & Sons Funeral Home of Thomaston, GA.
Carol, daughter of Bill and Mildred (Schroepfer) Groebner, was born on Nov 18, 1946 and attended the District 28 Albin Township (Little Red) Schoolhouse, then Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s schools with a brief stint at the Assisi Heights convent (Rochester MN). She waitressed and cooked at the Schultz Cafe and the Delroy. She married Ellsworth Dobberstein on June 1, 1976 and divorced five years later, then moved to Willmar, MN. In Willmar, she held various jobs (home health care, retail positions) and worked as an office assistant to an insurance agent. She earned her Associate’s degree at Willmar Community College (now Ridgewater College) in psychology where she then also tutored. She met the love of her life, Murphy Jennings (via eHarmony) and moved to Pequot Lakes, MN, eventually following him to Dawsonville, Georgia in 2010. Carol continued work in various retail jobs and also increasingly as a caretaker and driver (taking others to appointments) in all the places she lived.
Carol was very artistic in her early years, studying calligraphy, drawing and painting. She used these skills to create materials for Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s and a few commissioned portraits for friends and family. She was an excellent cook and seamstress. In 1981 she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) after an attack that disabled her right side. She worked hard to regain mobility and function. She loved singing and music; in Willmar, she was part of a singing group that entertained at local nursing homes and events. As her MS disease progressed, she became very active in the online and in-person support communities and was an excellent group leader, trainer and advocate. She was also active in her church communities throughout her life with Grace Presbyterian in Dawnsonville as her final congregation.
Carol loved her series of Saturn cars and the road trips she took with them (often to hear country music, and almost always with or visiting friends or family). She enjoyed traveling, including several trips to St. Petersburg, Russia to visit close friendships made in online MS communities. She learned to speak Russian and developed a lifelong love of Russian food and culture. She battled thyroid cancer in 2013 and many complications from MS over her lifetime before succumbing to its complications. She cared lovingly for her fiancé Murphy through his illnesses and eventual death (in January 2016).
Carol is survived by her dog Rusty, her brothers Jim (of Wickenburg, AZ), Chuck (of Sleepy Eye, MN) and her sister Mary (of Olympia, WA), four nieces and nephews, six great nieces and nephews, many cousins and friends, most notably Ida Mae Richardson who has cared for Rusty after Carol entered nursing home care in 2020.
She was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Mildred, her brother Robert, her ex-husband Ellsworth and her fiancé Murphy.
Loretta C. Mathiowetz, age 100, of Fairmont Minnesota, formerly of St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, June 15, 2023 at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Fairmont with interment in Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
Loretta Caroline Mathiowetz, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Gewerth) Mathiowetz was born in Eden Township near Sleepy Eye, Minnesota on May 8, 1923. Loretta attended country school in Eden Township, District 35, and St. Mary’s High School in Sleepy Eye where she graduated valedictorian and received a scholarship to the College of St. Teresa in Winona, Minnesota. At the College of St. Teresa she enrolled in the nursing program and completed her clinical training at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. She was best in her class and was awarded another scholarship from the College to continue her nursing education and completed her Baccalaureate Degree. Years later, Loretta continued her education and earned a Master’s Degree at the University of Minnesota.
Loretta resided most of her adult life in St. Paul but moved to Fairmont in 2002 to be near her sister, Evelyn. For nearly 18 years Loretta and Evelyn were inseparable; they played and laughed together, and helped each other during difficult times. Their companionship during these years was truly a blessing for them both.
Loretta loved to travel, visiting every state and traveling abroad to many interesting destinations. Her trusty 35mm camera was always at the ready to capture an interesting scene. Loretta enjoyed reading, especially mystery stories. An avid and adventurous cook, she was always willing to try an unusual fruit or vegetable and explore different and interesting ways to prepare them. She loved to entertain, hosting many family holidays and dinners with friends. Walking was always a pleasure, usually a mile or two a day. She loved playing games, especially scrabble which she would sometimes play well into the night. You could always rely on Loretta to tell a good story or joke and she was never short on material.
Loretta’s memory will be cherished by many, many nieces and nephews and their families whose lives have all been touched by her.
Loretta is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary Mathiowetz; Brothers Raymond, Clarence, Leo, Harold, Joseph, Norbert, and Robert; Sisters Rosalia Zwaschka, Angela Hornick, Evelyn Betts, and Ann (died in infancy).
Memorials in honor of Loretta may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Cole Allen Braulick, age 37 of Sleepy Eye, MN, died Monday, June 26, 2023, at Sleepy Eye Medical Center in the care of his much-treasured Dr. Dhaliwal. Surrounded by his family, Cole joined his family in heaven free of all pain and suffering. A visitation will be held Thursday, June 29, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Parish Prayers at 4:00 PM. Visitation will continue Friday from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 30, 2023, at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye with Fr. Tanner Thooft officiating. Interment will be at St. Mary’s 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.
Cole Allen Braulick was born on October 14, 1985, in Sleepy Eye the son of Allen and Pamela (Weicherding) Braulick. Cole was our “heavenly sunshine” and we were blessed to be his mom and dad.
Cole participated in Riding High, bowling, Jesus Cares, and Miracle League. Some of his greatest enjoyments were a long car ride, a breezy day with the sun to warm him. Cole loved his Wednesday evening excursions to McDonald’s. Cole cherished his time spent with family. Cole’s nephews held a very special place in his heart. Cyle and Lindsay’s unconditional love for Cole is reflected in the eyes of their boys, Bennett and Crue.
Cole lived a challenged life that taught our family many life lessons. Even though Cole was non-verbal he spoke volumes to those who knew and loved him.
Cole is survived by parents, Allen and Pam; brother, Cyle and Lindsay (Vogel) Braulick; nephews, Bennett Jon and Crue Allen Braulick; grandmothers, Patricia (Hittesdorf) Weicherding and Phyllis (Guggisberg) Braulick; Goddaughter, Elsie Rose Weicherding; Godparents, Sandy (Vic) Helget and Denise (Dale Berberich); aunts and uncles, Randy (Patti) Braulick, Jeanie (Gary) Schultz, Kevin (Bonnie) Braulick, Deanna Johnson, Timothy (Barbara) Weicherding, Terry (Pamela) Weicherding, Kay (Patrick) Davis, and Trent (Rashelle) Weicherding, and numerous great aunts, uncles and cousins. Cole is also survived by his second family and friends at Hope House where Cole received loving care throughout his life.
Cole was preceded in death by paternal grandfather, Roman Braulick; maternal grandfather, Jerome Weicherding; and cousins, Ruby Lee Weicherding and Jacob Weicherding.
“The will of God will never lead you, where the grace of God cannot keep you.”
Blessed be his memory…
Joseph G. Fink, age 84 of Sleepy Eye, MN, died on June 20, 2023. A visitation will be held Wednesday, June 28, 2023, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church-North Entrance in Sleepy Eye with a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM with Father Mark Steffl officiating. Interment will be at St. Mary’s 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.
Joseph George Fink, the son of Joseph and Mary (Groebner) Fink, was born on July 5, 1938, in Leavenworth Township, MN. Joe, the youngest of three children, attended Quail Country School with the last two years of formal schooling at St. Mary’s Catholic School. Joe joined his parents in farming the family farm and throughout the years, as his parents aged, he cared for them as well. Joe was committed to crop and dairy farming and won an award for quality milk production. In the 1950s, he worked at Del Monte for a couple of years in the Corn Pack and loved it. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Church of the Japanese Martyrs.
Being an avid bowler in his younger years, Joe was in a bowling league and participated in KC bowling tournaments. He thoroughly enjoyed threshing and antique shows. He was always willing to try his luck at raffles of all kinds and found just as much joy in choosing whom to share his prizes with as he did with actually winning them. A bit of a straight shooter, Joe had a big heart and cared about others. He always followed through on commitments he made, and this mindset resulted in him donating over 27 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross over the course of his lifetime as he signed up to donate every chance he could.
Joe is survived by his brother, Alois (Deloris) Fink of Fairfax, MN; many nieces and nephews; and friends, Dain and Fred Moldan.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and her husband, Agnes and Raymond Wensauer; nephew, Jim Wensauer; and nephew-in-law, Ivan Radloff.
Rose M. Fromm, age 82 of Mankato, formerly of Sleepy Eye, died on June 18, 2023, surrounded by family at Pathstone. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Parish Prayers at 4:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Saturday starting at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church-North Entrance with Rose’s family leading the rosary at 10:30 AM in the church. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Mark Steffl officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Rose Mary Fromm, the daughter of John and Agnes (Neid) Fromm, was born on January 29, 1941, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. She attended school and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1959. Following graduation, Rose pursued a religious life for a few years. Over the course of her lifetime, Rose lived in Los Angeles, Sleepy Eye, and New Ulm before moving to Mankato in 2002. For the last ten years, she lived at Pathstone Assisted Living. Rose received much love and support from her AA friends in New Ulm and Sleepy Eye over the years. Rose thoroughly enjoyed BINGO and casino trips with friends and family. What she loved most of all was visiting with her large family and many friends.
Rose is survived by her brothers, Ervin (Dignora) Fromm of Liberty, KY, David (Janis) Fromm of Lakeville, MN, Clete (Dawn) Fromm of North Mankato, MN, Michael (Gail) Fromm of Claremont, MN, Mark (Rolene) Fromm of Eagle Lake, MN, and Joel (Lois) Fromm of New Ulm, MN; sisters, Doris (Leo) Csukker of Fairfax, MN and Carol (Mike) Whitney of Mankato, MN; sister-in-law, Kathy Fromm of Sleepy Eye, MN; and many nieces and nephews and their families.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jerome, Gene, and Ed; sister, Joanne; and sisters-in-law, Judy Fromm and Rosie Fromm.
Rose’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Ecumen Hospice and Pathstone Assisted Living for the wonderful care they provided to Rose.
Diane Marie Stage Christensen, 72, of Ashdown, AR passed away Monday, June 19, 2023 in Texarkana, TX. She was born December 26, 1950 in Sleepy Eye, MN to the late Harold and Lucille (Turbes) Stage. Mrs. Christensen is preceded in death by her parents and one son, Chad Christensen.
Survivors include her husband, Gerald Christensen of Ashdown, one son, James Christensen of Ashdown, four brothers, Greg, Mike, Dan and Dave Stage, two sisters, Rosemary Stage and Janine Stage-Kiefer and one grandchild, Kyndal Christensen.
Gerald (Gary) Richard Kopitzke, 82, of Woodbury, MN, passed away on June 18 th, 2023.
He was born to parents Richard and Marion (Paulson) Kopitzke on February 9 th, 1941, in Morris, MN.
He was baptized March 29 th, 1942, and confirmed on May 8 th, 1955, at Hope Lutheran Church in
Wheaton, MN. He was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye, MN and Bethlehem
Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN.
Gary met Anita Minners in 1960 in Beardsley, MN. They were married on June 15 th, 1968, in Browns
Valley. They recently celebrated their 55 th wedding anniversary. Together they raised two children:
Christian and Kimberly.
Gary graduated from Cokato High School in 1959 and attended college at the University of Minnesota,
Morris. He had a long career in the banking/Ag loan industry including Cenex in Gaylord, PCA in
Madison, President of Americana Community Bank in Sleepy Eye, Vice President of 1 st National Bank in
St. Peter and finally President of First Independent Bank in Woodlake.
Gary loved airplanes and flying like his older brother Gene. He enjoyed working on old cars, going to car
shows, and being involved with the Sleepy Eye Car Club. In recent years you could find Gary tuning in
regularly to watch Dr. Pol and other vet shows.
Gary is survived by his wife Anita Kopitzke; children, Christian Kopitzke (Rob Rand) and Kimberly
Kopitzke; sister Marlene Seip; and many extended relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by
parents, Richard and Marion Kopitzke and brothers, Ed, Gene, and Floyd Carbert.
The family has entrusted Gill Brothers Funeral Home with the arrangements. A visitation and reception
are scheduled for Saturday, June 24th, 2023 from 11am – 2pm at 5801 Lyndale Ave. So., Minneapolis,
MN. A short prayer and remembrance will take place at 1:15pm.
Audrey Braun, pronounced Brown, age 88, of Alexandria, passed away on February 7, 2023. Memorial service will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023, 11:00 AM St. Mary’s Catholic Church with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net
Glenn E. Berkner, age 61 of Sleepy Eye, MN, passed on at home surrounded by his loved ones on June 14, 2023. A visitation will be held on Monday, June 19, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Parish Prayers at 4:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Mark Steffl officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye/live. Interment will be held at St. Mary’s 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.
Glenn Edward Berkner, the son of Edward and Colleen (Hengel) Berkner, was born on August 23, 1961, in Sleepy Eye, Mn. The oldest of five children, Glenn grew up in Sleepy Eye and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School in 1979.
Glenn had a strong work ethic instilled in him from a young age by working on the family farm. Glenn attended Continental Auctioneer School, discovering his exceptional talent in auctioneering at lightning speed, becoming a lifelong trade at regional auctions and weekly sales at Sleepy Eye Auction Market. He owned and operated Berkner Trucking and Hay, LLC. Glenn was also a gifted mechanic and hard-working dairy farmer. Glenn was a self-starting visionary, which resulted in him building, with his own hands, his dream shop which he loved. Fast and loud is how he rode his Harley and his passion for sprint car racing found Glenn in first place.
Glenn was a straight shooter who loved to share his perfect, and original, one-liners, complete with a telling smirk and twinkle in his eye. He was a charismatic storyteller with a great sense of humor and contagious smile. Glenn was a proud and loving father and the backbone to his family who valued carrying on holiday traditions with his children and grandchildren. Nothing made him happier than being with family and friends.
Glenn is survived by his father, Edward Berkner; significant other, Mary Jo Schuette; children, Stephanie Marie Victoria, Stacy Kay (Dain), Bradley Stanton (Angel), and Matthew Glenn (Claire); grandchildren, Norah Bee, Frieda Rain, and Nelson Wilder; step-grandchildren, Hazel and Samson; siblings, Chris (LaMonte) Heiderscheidt, DeLoy (Annette) Berkner, Maureen (Todd) Heiderscheidt, and Lynne “Tork” (Logan) Schweiss; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Colleen Berkner.
