Mildred Evelyn Rosenhammer, age 83 of Sleepy Eye, died at home surrounded by her family on June 8, 2023. A visitation will be held on Monday, June 12th from 4:00 to 7:00PM at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye, with parish prayers at 4:00 PM. The visitation will continue on Tuesday from 9:00 to 10:30 at the North entrance of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, June 13th at 10:30AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The clergy will be Fr. Mark Steffl. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye/live. Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Mildred Evelyn Seidl was born October 20th, 1939, to Leonard and Leona (Sellner) Seidl. The second of eleven children, she was often referred to ‘her father’s right hand’ because of her love for the outdoors and farm life. Through her involvement in 4-H, she mastered her cooking, baking, and sewing skills. In 1957 Mildred graduated from St. Mary’s High School. On May 9th, 1959, Mildred was united in marriage to Dennis Rosenhammer. This began their 64 years of marriage which was spent entirely on the same family farm. Given a few dairy cows by each of their parents was the beginning of their dairy herd which grew steadily. Mildred was the perfect farmer’s wife as she always enjoyed milking cows, feeding calves, driving tractor, and keeping the farm tidy. Mildred often started milking when Dennis would still be out in the field. She assisted with milking for over 55 years, and always with a smile!
The little spare time Mildred had was spent helping others. When St. Mary’s needed caramel rolls or other food prepared for brunches or festivals — Mildred was there. When her children were in grade school and needed a room mother or chaperone — Mildred was there. Sunday was always a special day to go to Mass. Shortly after the Schoenstatt sisters moved to Sleepy Eye, Mildred became part of a “Mothers’ Group” that has met monthly for nearly 30 years!
Years of hard work added up and her body told her to slow down. When she could no longer physically do the milking, she transitioned to moving cows, driving the gator to check on progress outside, and mowing lawn. Given an iPad for Christmas, Mildred took pictures daily of whatever was going on. She wanted pictures of planting, harvesting, making hay, and whatever projects were happening at the farm. She used these pictures to keep her daughter from Chatfield in the loop. A camera was placed in the calving pen that Mildred checked religiously. Often, she would notice a cow giving birth and notify one of her sons – even if it was the early hours of the morning.
Other hobbies included putting together difficult puzzles, caring for her beautiful roses, making her prized strawberry Jell-O, and the best sauerkraut and dumplings. Mildred was a dedicated farm wife, and mother whose faith was the foundation of her life.
Mildred is survived by her husband of 64 years, Dennis Rosenhammer of Sleepy Eye; son, John (Patty) Rosenhammer of Sleepy Eye and their children, Joe (Katie) Rosenhammer (children, Preston, Emmett, and Henry), Laura (Chris) Scholtz (children, Morgan and Mya), Mary Grace (Kyle) Fischer (children, Ava and Gracin), Rebecca (Chad) U’Ren, and Johnny Rosenhammer; daughter, Marcia (Dan) Schindler of Chatfield and their child, Drew Schindler; son, Greg Rosenhammer (fiancée Cali Brekke) of Godahl; and other loving relatives and friends.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Leona Seidl; brother, Mike Seidl; parents-in-law, John J. and Mathilda Rosenhammer; brothers-in-law, Stanley Bauer, Larry Bauer, Patrick Rosenhammer, and Leander Rosenhammer; and sister-in-law, Angela Rosenhammer.
Lawrence L. Sellner, age 90 of Sleepy Eye, MN, passed away on June 7, 2023. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM with Parish Prayers at 3:30 PM at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the Church of the Japanese Martyrs in Leavenworth with Father Mark Steffl officiating. Interment will be at Japanese Martyes Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by Sleepy Eye Honor Guard. Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Lawrence Louis Sellner was born July 17, 1932, on the family farm in Leavenworth Township, Brown County, MN. He was the second of nine children born to Albert and Sophie (Mathiowetz) Sellner. He attended Mulligan School until the 8th grade. After his completion of school, he helped his father on the family farm. Following his father’s death, he was drafted into the US Army. He served our country for two years, stationed mainly in Germany. During his tour, he passed his GED test. Following his discharge, he returned home, buying his own farm site south of Leavenworth. On June 6, 1961, he married Nadine Hoffman. They spent 53 years together. Lawrence farmed and had a dairy operation.
Lawrence was very active in the community. He spent 50 years on the Leavenworth Township Board, 14 years as Supervisor, and 36 years as Clerk. He was an officer on the Brown County Township Association and served on the Brown County Solid Waste Advisory Committee. He served as Sec/Treas of the Sleepy Eye Rural Fire Dept., was a Director on the Sleepy Eye Farmers Elevator Board, as well as the Renville County Co-op Transport, and was a District Officer for AMPI.
Lawrence was a member of the Church of the Japanese Martyrs, Leavenworth, MN. He served the church as an usher and a courtesy usher his whole life. He was a KC member for over 50 years, as well as the Catholic Aid Association where he served as the President. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Catholic Aid Assn. He also maintained the church and cemetery grounds for many years.
Lawrence also gave the gift of life, donating blood to the American Red Cross for over 50 years, totaling over 15 gallons donated. He was the caretaker of Treml Park in Brown County. He drove school bus over 16 years. In 2008, he was chosen by Kare 11 as one of the 10,000 good people in the state of Minnesota. That year he also received his honorary high school diploma from Sleepy Eye Public High School.
Lawrence is survived by his daughter, Connie Schroepfer of New Ulm; granddaughter, Megan (Tyler) Koenigs of Leavenworth; great-grandsons, Everett and Asher Koenigs; sister, Elaine Schueler of Sleepy Eye; brothers, Bro. Martin (Robert) of Manila, Philippines and Jerome of New Ulm; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Lawrence was preceded in death by his wife, Nadine in 2014; parents; brothers, Leander, Vernard, Erwin, and Albert; and sister, Viola.
Earle William Stevermer passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at the age of 81 at the Mayo Clinic Mankato Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Friday, June 16, 2023, at the Church of St. Mary in Sleepy Eye with Father Tanner Thooft officiating. Visitation with the family will take place on Thursday, June 15, from 4-7pm with a prayer service at 4:00pm at Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye and also one hour before the service at the church on Friday. Military Honors will be provided by Sleepy Eye Honor Guard. Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Earle was born on April 29, 1942, to Henry and Lucilla (Rollenhagen) Stevermer in Easton, MN. After graduating from Wells High School in 1960, Earle attended the University of Minnesota-St. Paul campus for agricultural studies. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1963 and served in Germany until 1966. He returned to Wells where he met his wife, Patricia Irvin, who was teaching Home Economics there at the time. They were married on June 14, 1969, at St. Casimir Catholic Church. Earle enjoyed a 32-year career as a field supervisor with Del Monte, starting in Wells and transferring to the Sleepy Eye, MN plant in 1970. Earle was an avid bowler, amassing many trophies for his efforts. He was also an avid golfer, but without the same success as bowling. He enjoyed gardening both vegetables and flowers, particularly his lovely rose garden.
Earle was a community servant. He was a council member on the Sleepy Eye City Council for 21 years. He served on the Sleepy Eye High School Athletic Booster Club board and the Sleepy Eye Golf Club board, many years as president of each. He was a long-standing member of the Lions Club, volunteered his time coaching golf and running the clock at Sleepy Eye Indians football and basketball games, and ushered for many years at St. Mary’s Church. He and Pat opened their home to an AFS student from Iceland, Þorbjörn (BJ) Ólafsson. Earle especially enjoyed listening to polka or marching band music or the Statler Brothers and watching any kind of sporting event, particularly if it involved the Sleepy Eye Indians, the Minnesota Gophers, or the Minnesota Vikings. Earle was a conversationalist and could visit with most anyone. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and loved them dearly.
Earle is survived by his wife, Pat, of nearly 54 years; children: Darcie (Matt) Bien of Brookings, SD, Chad (Kimberly) Stevermer of West Fargo, ND, and Nathan (Nicole) Stevermer of Sleepy Eye; six grandchildren: Nicholas, Erica, and Heidi Bien, Hannah and Kylie Stevermer, and Henry Stevermer; sisters: Lorna Feist of Wells, MN, Rita (Dave) Craft of Key Biscayne, FL, Mary (Gene) Beckmann of Green Bay, WI, Kaydra Lee of Algoma, WI, and Lynette (Paul) Lair of Emmons, MN; a brother, Roland (Janice) of Blaine, MN; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant twin brother, Merle, and brother, Glenn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Sleepy Eye Public School Athletic Booster Club, Sleepy Eye Education Foundation Scholarship Fund, or the Lion’s Club.
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Ellen Kruschke-Olson, 87, of Rochester, formerly of New Ulm, died on Saturday, March 18, 2023 in Rochester.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2023 at the New Ulm City Cemetery in New Ulm.
Ellen-Jane Arlene Kruschke was born on Sept. 3, 1935 in Breckenridge, to Myra (Firle) and Armie Kruschke. She grew up on several different farms in Wilkin County and attended country schools in the area until graduating from Canby High School in 1953. She attended the Miller School of Nursing in St. Paul, finishing in September 1954. She received her license as a Licensed Practical Nurse in January 1955.
She married Arthur Elling Olson on September 19 1954 in the Methodist Church in Ortonville, and the couple moved to Loves Park, Illinois. In 1955, the couple moved to Davenport, Iowa, then to Wahpeton, N.D. in 1956. Son, Daniel was born while the couple lived in Davenport. Eventually,the couple settled in Ortonville, MN, where Ellen was employed at the Ortonville Municipal hospital. In 1958 the couple purchased a Standard Oil Station in Benson and moved to Benson. Ellen was employed at the Swift County-Benson Hospital. In that setting she was trained as a surgical scrub nurse and obtained certification as an operating room technician.
Art joined Associated Milk Producers Inc in 1967. In 1979 Art became assistant manager of the AMPI cheese plant in Clarkfield, MN and the couple moved to Granite Falls. Again, Ellen was employed at the hospital as a Certified Operating Technician until 1973. At that time Ellen sought employment at Rodgers Hydraulic. She was hired as a secretary, eventually becoming buyer/expeditor and finally an Assistant Purchasing Manager.
After seven years at Rodgers Hydraulic, Ellen was hired as Assistant Administrator of Project Turnabout (an addiction treatment center in Granite Falls.) While employed at Project Turnabout Ellen completed her college degree and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Administration of Social Services from the University of Minnesota, Morris in 1982. Ellen and Art moved to New Ulm in 1983. Art continued working for AMPI and Ellen pursued her new career as a social worker at Brown County Family Services. She obtained her Licensed Social Worker status while employed at Brown County Family Services.
Ellen began taking classes at United Theological Seminary in New Brighton. She graduated with a Diploma in Religious Education. She applied for a Ministerial License from the United Church of Christ and was licensed as a pulpit supply minister in 1994. She served two extended pulpit supply terms: St. Paul’s UCC in Henderson, and Congregational UCC in Sleepy Eye. During the 13 years she served as a pulpit supply minister she led worship at over 25 different UCC churches in southern Minnesota.
In 2001 she was recognized by the national body of the UCC at the General Synod meeting in Kansas City, MO for her work within the United Church of Christ. She retired from social work and ministry in 1997. Her “retirement undertaking” was massage. She operated “Celestial Touch Massage and Rieke” out of her home from 2001 until 2005.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arthur Elling Olson in 2000, and two infant children: Deborah Ellen in 1956 and David Armie in 1958. Also preceding her were brothers-in-law James Severson of Bottineau, N.D (1985) and Don Olson of Crescent City, CA.
She is survived by her son, Daniel Deorge Olson of Rochester; special friend Franklin Schoenke, many nieces and nephews. Ellen was active in her community whereever she lived: American Red Cross First Aid Training and Teaching, Minnesota Licensed Practical Nurses Association even holding state offices. Cofounder and first president of the Minnesota Detox Directors Association, National Association of Purchasing Management, receiving National certification by passing national exams and becoming Minnesota’s first female Certified Purchasing Manager in 1979. She was a member of PEO, Literary Club, Study Group at the UCC Church,She was an active worker in the Brown County DFL.
Ellen tried to have fun wherever she went and was usually found joking around. She enjoyed playing tricks on people or getting them together so she could tell a “tall tale”.
Sister Cecile Schueller, SSND, (also known as Sister David Marie,) age 88, died May 24, 2023, at Benedictine Living Community – St. Gertrude’s, Shakopee.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 1 at Windermere Chapel, 1705 Windermere Way, Shakopee, with Visitation beginning at 10 a.m.; Sharing of Memories at 10:45 a.m.; and Funeral Mass at 11:15 a.m. Livestreaming will be from McNearney Schmidt Funeral Home Facebook page beginning at 10:45 a.m. at this location: https://www.facebook.com/McnearneyFuneralHomeAndCremationServices
Sister Cecile was born in Sleepy Eye, MN in 1934. She grew up in Sleepy Eye, and later in Le Sueur. After graduating from Good Counsel Academy, Mankato, in 1952, she entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame that same year. She professed first vows in 1954. She taught or administered in Minnesota and South Dakota Catholic Schools until 1975, including St. Mary’s, Shakopee (1957-59). She also served as parish organist and liturgist in several locations. She then spent 30 years in the Willmar area working first in pastoral ministry, and then in various capacities at the Willmar State Hospital and Regional Treatment Center. From 2005 through 2015, she served in a ministry of presence at St. Joseph Parish, Owatonna. She retired to Good Counsel in 2015, and in fall, 2022, moved to Benedictine Living Community – St. Gertrude’s in Shakopee.
Sister Cecile is survived by her sister, Penny Crymble; nieces and nephews; and her sisters in community, the School Sisters of Notre Dame and SSND Associates. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Edith (Irwin) Schueller; her sister, Judy Blomberg; and her brothers, David, Edward and William. A longer obituary will eventually be available at www.ssndcp.org/obituaries
James Edward Larson, age 90 ½ of Sleepy Eye, MN, died May 17th at St. Vincent’s Catholic Hospital in Sherwood, Arkansas after a short illness.
Visitation will be on Thursday June 8th, 2023, at the Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye, from 4-7 p.m. with Parish Prayers at 4 p.m. Visitation will continue Friday at 9 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye in the north entrance, with Christian Mothers leading the rosary at 10:00 a.m. in the church. Everyone is invited to attend. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye, on Friday June 9th, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. The clergy will be Fr. Mark Steffl and Deacon Mike McKeown. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by Sleepy Eye Honor Guard.
Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at https://www.sturmfh.com/.
James Edward Larson was born on November 15th, 1932, to Pearly Lee and Martha Larson in Sleepy Eye, MN. He was the youngest of 3 boys and grew up in Sleepy Eye. He attended St. Mary’s grade and high school graduating in 1950. For several years, starting in early grade school every lunch hour James would run home from school and take lunch uptown to his father Lee Larson who ran the Skelly station then located at the intersection of highways 4 and 14. It is at this early age he learned to pump gas and wait on customers while his father ate. This led Jim to not quite always making it back to school for the beginning of afternoon classes. This aggravated the classroom level nun to no end, and she complained to the head master. The senior nun calmly and firmly educated the instructor that it was far more important for Jim to assist his father than to miss a few minutes of class.
After graduation in 1950 he worked for his father at the station prior to being drafted into the United States Army. During his active duty years he was a member of the Signal Corp. Following basic training completed in San Louis Obispo, California he was stationed at Camp McCauley in Linz, Austria from June 29th, 1953, to April 29th, 1955. He received the Army of Occupation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. While in the service he traveled extensively in Germany and Italy. James was honorably discharged in the rank of Private First Class in June of 1955. As a Veteran he has been a member of the local VFW & Legion for 67 years. For more than 40 of those 67 years Jim has been cooking Mulligan stew for Veterans Day noon lunch, a job he has now handed down to his boys.
Upon returning to Minnesota, he pursued Business and Finance degrees at the Business College in Mankato. After graduation in 1957 he worked at Forster’s Furniture in Springfield as both a salesman and the accountant.
On December 31st, 1960, James and Elizabeth Mohr of New Ulm were married at New Ulm Cathedral, then making their home in Sleepy Eye. In the early 1960’s Jim began working at the Broich Insurance Agency in Sleepy Eye with lifelong friends James and Joe Broich. He also counted Francis Broich as a lifelong friend. It was at this time in 1962 the couple welcomed their first child, Jeff. Jim’s wife Elizabeth taught multiple levels of grade school, special education and Kindergarten for 30 plus years commuting to the Fairfax Public school. On July 4th, 1969, with the help of many relatives, James and Elizabeth moved into their home on Sleepy Eye Lake that they occupied for the remainder of their lives. 1970 brought about their second son, Eric. Later that decade, James switched employment while remaining in insurance to the First Security Agency in Sleepy Eye, retiring in the summer of 1998.
During his 40 plus working years, Jim was involved in numerous functions to support and improve the City of Sleepy Eye. Starting in the early 1970’s James served with other local businessmen on the 1972 Centennial Committee & Lake Committee, Sleepy Eye Economic Development Committee, Sleepy Eye Labor Society, and the Plate Glass Society. He was a Police Commissioner from 1981 to 1984. James also volunteered with the Minnesota Special Olympics in the 1990’s helping fund-raise and set up events statewide.
Jim was an active and charter member of the Knights of Columbus supporting St. Mary’s for 66 years. James spent 41 of those years as the Treasurer of the Knights of Columbus from 1968 to 2009. As Treasurer he was the overall chairman of the Cadillac Dinner for many years distributing the tickets and gathering and accounting the final proceeds. Additionally, as Treasurer James oversaw the KC auction and was central to helping each new Grand Knight with their projects and priorities over the years.
James loved to play golf and was a member of the Sleepy Eye golf course playing every Wednesday Men’s Day for 30 plus years. With patience and practice he perfected his game routinely shooting in the low 40’s and coming home quite pleased to have broken 40 with the occasional 39. In addition to golf James loved reading, woodworking, winemaking, stained glass, cooking, stone carving, Black Labradors, boating, and yard work/tree planting.
Especially after retirement, he took the opportunity to travel extensively making it to 45 of the 50 states. Jeff remains on active duty in the Air Force primarily stationed in the south. This allowed James and Elizabeth to escape numerous cold Minnesota winters while on extended visits. This is where Jim really perfected his cooking skills as he knew two boys would eat almost anything.
True to his vows of “for better or for worse, and in sickness and in health” James took on the task of being a full-time caregiver for his wife Elizabeth when she needed extensive care for several years. James never needed a lot of words. As a husband and a father, he led by example.
A piece of history that never left Jim was the attack on Pearl Harbor. Many times over the years, James told his boys that he remembered vividly as a 9 year old boy sitting in front of the radio on December 7th, 1941, listening to the live broadcasts. In 2016 James and his sons were able to travel to Hawaii for the 75th Anniversary commemoration. This was a special moment for Jim and his boys.
Jim didn’t really need any help maintaining his youth long into his life, but he proved the point anyway by buying himself a new convertible Corvette for his 72nd birthday. He also enjoyed a vintage 1966 Cadillac convertible that he purchased mostly by accident at an auto auction and loved taking the top down and driving every summer.
Jim’s love of dogs started as a young lad of 4 when his father ordered a Black Labrador Retriever puppy, which was shipped out of Chicago, arriving at the train depot in a beer crate. Pal immediately became part of the family, ruining Jim’s jeans, going hunting, carrying meat home from the butcher shop uneaten and in perfect condition all while being unattended and loving car rides.
Pepper, a Black Labrador puppy came home when Eric and Elizabeth walked across town and brought her home. Jim was unaware of the new little friend he was about to have for 12 years but it was OK with him as he loved dogs.
Maxx 1, Jim’s 3rd Black Labrador puppy was also courtesy of Elizabeth and Eric as Mom couldn’t seem to put the little gal down. Jim again didn’t plan on having a Lab for 12 years but immediately fell in love with the little girl.
Maxxx 2, came home when Jim was 81 and was the only planned Black Labrador that Jim got. His patience was immediately tested by the puppy and the vehicle as it took 14 hours to arrive home. Dad enjoyed walking the dogs hundreds of times each summer to Sportsman’s park and loved it when friends drove by and honked and waved. Dad enjoyed having Black Labs for 48 of his 90 years. There is something to be said about a pet keeping one young at heart.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Pearly Lee and Martha Larson; older brothers, Gerald (Adrian, MN) and Jerome Larson (Waseca, MN); and his wife, Elizabeth (Mohr) Larson. James is survived by his two sons, Lt Col Jeff Larson (Jacksonville, AR) and Eric Larson (Sleepy Eye, MN); and 4th Lab Maxxx.
James Edward Larson will be missed by all.
Rafael Carmona, age 83 of Sleepy Eye, MN, died on May 26, 2023, at his home with his family by his side. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Rafael Carmona, the son of Alvino Carmona and Juana Rangel, was born on October 24, 1939, in Mexico. He worked in the field of cement construction and retired at the age of 80. Providing for his family was most important to Rafael. When he wasn’t working, he loved to go fishing and for rides in the car. He also loved to dote on his wife whom he adored. When he put his mind to something, he never gave up no matter what. Raphael was a kind, generous, and loving family man who cherished spending time with his family. Rafael fought to the end, and he will be incredibly missed.
Rafael is survived by his beloved wife, Gertrude Carmona; children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; siblings in Mexico; and best friend, Ruben Gaytan.
JOAN MARIA BOLLIG Edina –
Joan Bollig passed away peacefully on May 6, 2023. Joan was born on April 10, 1948, to the late Charles and Sally Bollig of Sleepy Eye. Joan was preceded in death by her brother Richard Bollig. She is survived by her siblings Robert and Linda Bollig, John and Cindy Bollig, Mark and Susan Bollig, Mary Kay and Mike Van Allen. She will be missed dearly.
Harold T. Trebesch, age 91 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye with Pastor Tim Berg officiating. Interment will be at Home Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by Sleepy Eye Honor Guard. Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Harold Theodore Trebesch, the son of Theodore and Lena (Alt) Trebesch, was born on July 27, 1931, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. He was baptized on August 23, 1931, and was confirmed on April 25, 1948, with his confirmation verse being Heb. 10:23. Harold attended school and graduated from Sleepy Eye High School. He served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1954.
Harold met the love of his life, Mary Ann Geske, and the two were united in marriage on November 26, 1961, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Wabasso. They were blessed with their daughter Tammy.
During his working years, Harold did construction on grain elevators, farmed, and worked as a mechanic at Del Monte. He spent his weekends with family camping and could often be found tinkering in his shop. Woodworking, deer hunting, and fishing kept him busy as well and during the winter, he was known to race cars on the ice. Working in his garden, and canning the fruits of his labor, brought Harold much joy. His greatest love in life was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Harold is survived by his daughter, Tammy Knaack of St. James, MN; grandchildren, Jessica (Harlan) Green of Cambridge, MN, Joseph Trebesch of St. James, MN, Julia (Martin) Jimenez of St. James, MN, and Jeanne (Bradley) Green of Truman, MN; nine great-grandchildren; brothers, John Trebesch, Paul (Sue) Tresbesch, and William Trebesch; and other loving relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, three infant children, Baby Girl, Harold, and Joseph; parents; siblings; and in-laws.
Virginia Ann Suker-Moldan, age 43 of New Ulm, died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the New Ulm Medical Center in New Ulm.
A memorial visitation will be held from 3-7 pm on Friday, May 26, 2023, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – South Chapel in New Ulm.
A public celebration of life gathering will be held from 5:30-8:30 pm at Herman Heights on Saturday, May 27, 2023.
To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org
Ginny is survived by her husband, Matt Moldan of New Ulm; their daughters, Lucia and Ellen of New Ulm; her parents, Kathy and Dave Suker of Park Rapids; her brother, Ben (Ashlee) Suker and niece and nephews, Theordore, Violet, and Otis Suker of Mankato; her sister, Annie Suker of Minneapolis; parent in laws Dave and Sue Moldan of Sleepy Eye; brother in law Nate (Chris) Moldan and nephews Sullivan and Declan of Courtland; sister in law Faith (Fred) Moldan and niece Adele of Chinook, Montana and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded by her maternal grandparents, Mildred and Clement Bertrand; and her paternal grandparents, Inez and Robert Sucker.
Virginia (Ginny) Ann Suker was born on July 20, 1979, in Winona, Minnesota and soon adopted by David and Kathleen (Bertrand) Suker.
Growing up in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, Ginny was a 1997 graduate from St. Mary’s High School where she excelled in basketball, volleyball, and softball. Being crowned Homecoming Queen was a reflection of her kind spirit. After high school, Ginny served in the AmeriCorps stationed in Colorado for nearly two years where she was able to give back and make impacts in communities across the country at a young age.
After her engagement with AmeriCorps, Ginny furthered her education studying first at Minnesota West Community & Technical College Worthington where she played basketball and volleyball with the Lady Jays as well. She then completed her education at Mankato State University where she obtained her degree in Economics.
Ginny was united in marriage to Matt Moldan on September 8, 2007, at a beautiful outdoor ceremony at a park near Sleepy Eye Lake. This union blessed the couple with their two precious daughters, Lucia and Ellen whom together they raised in New Ulm.
Early in her work life, Ginny worked as a server and later sold for Combined Insurance. Shortly after college, Ginny secured her place as a successful business woman in the hospitality and service industry, fundraising, and event planning as General Manager of New Ulm Turner Hall where she was able to get to know the community of New Ulm well.
She later used her entrepreneurial spirit to start her own company, Calm Lake Floats.
What she loved most in her life was her family and her daughters, which she had recently dedicated her life to raising. Ginny did have a variety of hobbies that she dearly enjoyed outside of work. As an avid outdoorswoman, Ginny loved spending time canoeing, kayaking, and camping. She canoed the length of the Mississippi twice, once for a voting campaign, “Paddle for the Presidency.”
To relax, she enjoyed sitting down with a good book, or working with her hands painting, drawing, and writing. Ginny always had a civic mind, and to give back to her community in ways she could she served on numerous boards and volunteer positions over the years. Most recently, she was involved with the Oak Hills Living Center Foundation Board, the Brown County Historical Society Board, a member of the New Ulm Women’s Literary Club, as well as the Heart of New Ulm Project Community Leadership Team in the past.
She will forever be remembered for her brilliant, generous, and compassionate spirit. She would do anything for someone else in need, and always wanted her daughters to have a good role model to grow into kind, thoughtful, well-rounded women someday.
Ginny touched the lives of countless people over her lifetime, and although her time on earth was not long enough, her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of having Ginny in their lives.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Children’s Hospital of Minneapolis.
