Charlene “Char” Rae Lemcke, age 74 of New Ulm died peacefully with her family by her side at her home on Monday, May, 15, 2023.

Funeral service will take place at 11 am on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Ulm.  Pastor Timothy Smith and Rev. Dr. Leonard Hummel will officiate, and burial will follow in the Vesta Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, May 17^th at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-South Chapel in New Ulm.  The visitation will continue from 10-11 am on Thursday at Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Ulm.

To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Charlene is survived by her husband, Glenn “Pete” Lemcke of New Ulm; her daughters, Toni (Jamie) Hames of Courtland, Melissa (Brent) Opsahl of Modesto, California; her grandchildren, Caden, Ashton, and Mya Hames, and Brooks and Brielle Opsahl; her sisters, Patricia (Alan) Lang of Sleepy Eye, Renata (Dennis) Guetter of Wabasso, Roberta (Robert) Jenniges of Wabasso, Penny (Michael) Greenlee of Wabasso; her brother, Perry (Jody) Hansen of Wabasso; her sisters-in-law, Dawn Hansen of Big Lake, Fayette (Alvin) Benson of Lakeville, Betty Lemcke of Goodlettsville, Tennessee; her brothers-in-law, Dale (Murry) Lemcke of Lakeville, Russell (Shirley) Lemcke of Eagan, Richard (Cookie) Lemcke of Savage, Sid (Linda) Lemcke of Eagan, Harlan (Karen) Lemcke of Vesta; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Marjorie (Benson) Hansen; her father-in-law, and mother-in-law, Fred Sr. and Florence (Kohls) Lemcke; her brother Curtis Hansen; her sister-in-law, Audrey Macht; and her brothers-in-law, James Lemcke, and Fred Lemcke Jr.

Charlene “Char” Rae Hansen was born on March 8, 1949, to Robert and Marjorie (Benson) Hansen in Tracy, Minnesota.  Growing up in southwestern Minnesota, Char was a 1967 graduate from Milroy High School.  She was united in marriage to Glenn “Pete” Lemcke on June 7, 1969, in Milroy; a union that blessed the couple with two daughters.  Early in her life, Char worked at Kraft Foods in New Ulm, but after marriage, Char and the family travelled to where the Army called Glenn.  During this time, Char began to excel in the art of crafting.  She became an incredible home designer, and ran her own long arm quilting business.  Char loved getting to work with her hands, and whatever she touched, turned to gold.  She enjoyed getting to share her art with family and friends over the years quilting, crocheting, knitting, and sewing countless treasures for people to appreciate for years to come.  Char knitted numerous prayer shawls for her church as well as caps and clothing for the NICU and area shelters in need.  Besides being artistic, Char also had a tremendous talent in the kitchen baking, cooking, and providing for her family.  As someone who always appreciated music, Char also enjoyed dancing and singing. To relax, she enjoyed tending to her beautiful flower gardens, or simply spending time enjoying summers at the lake fishing.  She was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Ulm as well as the Quilters Guild.  What brought her the most joy in life was always her family.  She loved every minute she got to spend with them, she especially loved getting to follow her grandchildren’s events and watching them grow.  She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.  Blessed be her memory.

Jon Arden Frederickson passed away Monday January 8th, 2018 while sleeping peacefully in his home.
He is survived by his wife Patricia of Scottsdale, AZ, step-children Chaz Hernandez of West Grove, PA, Ken Hilario Flores of Scottsdale, AZ, Nicole (Scott) Steiner of Cave Creek, AZ, and Mark Flores of Los Angeles, CA, mother Annette Johnson of Sleepy Eye, MN, brother James (Linda) of New Ulm, MN sisters Brenda (Mike) Walden, Karolyn Marks of Sleepy Eye, MN and Karen (Kenneth) Schaefer of New Ulm, MN, Grandchildren Brenden Steiner of Cave Creek, AZ, Caroline Hernanadez of West Grove, PA, Jackson Steiner of Cave Creek, AZ and Greyson Steiner of Cave Creek, AZ along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Jon was preceded in death by his father Arden Frederickson (1950), step-father Neil Johnson, his father and mother-in-law Epifanio (2007) and Hilda Hilario (2014), brother-in-law Richard Hilario (2015) and brother Bruce Frederickson (2016).

Jon was born March 27, 1941 in New Ulm, MN, and grew up in Sleepy Eye, MN. Jon went on to attend St. Mary’s High School and graduated in 1959. Soon after, he entered the United States Air Force where he served for four years. Upon completion of his military duty Jon returned to Minnesota settling in Minneapolis, where he stayed for a few years before moving to California. Jon spent the majority of his professional career as a Software Engineer with First Interstate Bank and Wells Fargo Bank. On March 9, 1985 he married Patricia Hilario. In 1991 Jon and Patricia moved to Scottsdale, Arizona where they have resided since.

Above being a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend Jon enjoyed, fishing, music, films, classic cars, Angels baseball and an occasional game of poker. Although, nothing shined brighter in his heart than his grandchildren and the time he spent with them. Even his beloved Minnesota Vikings took a back seat to them.

A funeral service will be held on Friday January 19th at Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church with a private burial service to follow.

Dale Grundmeyer, 79, Peru, passed away at home on April 29, 2023. He was born October 21, 1943 in Sleepy Eye, MN to Henry and Bernice Grundmeyer. Dale grew up in Sleepy Eye and graduated from Sleepy Eye High School in 1961. On March 18, 1972 he married Evie. They raised a son (Brian) and a daughter (Mary). They lived in various cities while Dale served in the U.S. Air Force before settling in Indiana in 1987, where they raised their family and built lifelong friendships.

Dale joined the United States Air Force in 1963 and served for 30 years, retiring in October 1993. He served as a boom operator, flying more than 5,000 hours. Dale served our country in the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. He also was awarded several honorable decorations and medals throughout his career. Dale retired as a Chief Master Sergeant.

Dale was an avid golfer, enjoyed fishing and loved telling stories about his grandchildren.

Survivors include two children Brian (Shannon) Grundmeyer of Marietta, GA and Mary (Justin) Dietz of Woodstock, CT, grandchildren Evan and Lauren Grundmeyer, sisters Sandy (Red) Zarn, Linda Glenn, Judy (Gary) Haala, sister-in-law Nancy Rummel, brother-in-law Tom Engel and numerous nieces and nephews. Dale was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Bernice Grundmeyer, wife Evelyn Grundmeyer, sister Dianne, brothers Charles Rummel and Gary Grundmeyer.

Gail Susan Christensen was born on March 7, 1953, in Olivia, MN to Edward and Jean Kodet.

Gail graduated from Franklin High School in 1971. She married Andy Fox in 1972. The couple later divorced. Gail married Reynold Christensen in 2000.

Gail was a women of many talents. For many years, you could find her behind her sewing machine making clothing, costumes, or dolls. She loved gardening and canning. Gail also loved to cook. She worked for Cedar Mountain Elementary School as a cook and custodian for more than 25 years. In retirement, Gail enjoyed surrounding herself with plants and flowers as well as shopping adventures.

She is survived by daughters, Melissa Fox (Sean McDermott) and Sheila (Paul) Glynn; son, Jesse Fox; stepdaughter, Melissa (Ian) Hanson; granddaughters, Gabrielle Gall and Shayla Christensen; grandsons, Landon and Easton Hanson; great-granddaughter, Mila Secory; mother, Jean Standfuss; six siblings, Janet Kodet, Laurie Kodet, Anne Wendinger, Amy Wendinger, Todd Wendinger, and Brad Wendinger; brother-in-law Jerry Deming; sister-in-law, Marilyn Arlt; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Edward; husband, Reynold; stepdaughter, Lori Christensen; brother, Mark Kodet; sister, Joyce Deming; and nephew, Michael Deming.

Special thanks to Gail’s longtime caregiver, Doreen Christensen, and CentraCare Hospice.

CURLIN “CURLY” SWANSON Curlin “Curly” Swanson, 77, of Eagle Lake passed away Friday, April 21, 2023, at Oak Lawn Health Care Center in Mankato while surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at English Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery north of Walnut Grove. A visitation with the family will also be held from 4:30 – 7 p.m. Monday at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato with a prayer service at 6:45 p.m. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Curlin Swanson was born January 22, 1946, in Sleepy Eye to Laverne and Leona (Nelson) Swanson. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye. Curlin graduated from Sleepy Eye Public High School in 1964. He helped farm with his grandfather and neighbors before enlisting in the US Air Force November 16, 1965. He worked as an airplane mechanic and served a year in Vietnam.

While in the service, Curlin was united in marriage to Carol Moseng in Marshall on September 10, 1966. He received his honorable discharge November 15, 1971. After the service, he attended Southwest MN State University in Marshall and earned his degree in Agriculture Business. He also joined the Minnesota National Guard, serving an additional 17 years. Curlin worked at several agriculture related businesses including Lindsey Bros. in Mankato.

Curlin and Carol made their home in Eagle Lake where he was a member of American Legion Post 617. Curlin was a longtime member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato and was also active in the DAV in New Ulm and Boy Scouts of America. Curlin loved spending time tinkering on Allis Chalmers Tractors at the family farm near Walnut Grove. He belonged to Upper Midwest Allis Chalmers Club. He was very mechanical and enjoyed working on cars and woodworking. Curlin also enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling and visiting family.

Curlin is survived by his wife Carol of 56 years, son Charles (Stephanie) Swanson of Walnut Grove, daughter Sam “Eunice” (Shon) Huettl of Atlanta, Ga., grandchildren: Sophia and Sadie Swanson, and Alix, Tasha and Zac Huettl, sister LuAnn (Bill) Koetter of Sandstone, Va., and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Curlin Jr., and a sister and brother-in-law Dianne and Jeff Saari

JANICE MAE ZIMMERMANN, age 79, of Waseca died on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Waseca.

Born on December 22, 1942, in Sleepy Eye to Clarence and Mildred (Jensen) Kuelbs. She grew up on a farm near Sleepy Eye and attended Sleepy Eye Public School, graduating with the class of 1960. Following her education, she worked for the United States Postal Service in Redwood Falls where she met her future husband, Raymond Zimmermann. They were united in marriage on June 26, 1964, at St. John Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye. Janice and Raymond began their married life in the cites before making their home in Waseca where they raised two children. Together they shared 49 years of marriage before Raymond passed away on June 29, 2013. Although Janice never worked outside of the home, she spent many hours volunteering at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waseca and taught Sunday School for many years. She enjoyed the outdoors, nature, and animals. Janice cherished her children and grandchildren, always staying on top of their activities. She was always willing to help others and will be dearly missed.

Janice is survived by her children: Scott (Tracy) Zimmermann of Owatonna, and Kelly Zimmermann of Waseca; grandchildren: Danielle (Andrew) Helms, Jeremy (Abby) Zimmermann, and Courtney Zimmermann; great grandchildren: Levi and Jacob Helms and Easton and Indie Zimmermann; sister, Joyce (Roger) Berkner of Homestead, AR; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brother in infancy.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services. Interment will follow at Woodville Cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the funeral chapel on Wednesday.

JEFFREY ALAN RISTAU Jeffrey Alan Ristau “Jeff”, 45, of Loretto passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 8, 2023.

He was born July 22, 1977, to Dean and Judy (Bieberdorf) Ristau in Sleepy Eye. Jeff grew up in Sleepy Eye and graduated from Sleepy Eye High School in 1995. He enjoyed following in his brothers’ footsteps in wrestling and golf and broke tradition by playing basketball. He went on to excel academically at South Dakota State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, followed by his Doctor of Pharmacy Degree. With this degree he provided pharmaceutical guidance to the community near his home.

Jeff was a loving father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. His passion was spending time with his two girls, Emma and Lily. He was a very active father who greatly enjoyed doing fun, hands-on science experiments, card tricks, crafts, imaginative play or going on outings. He lived for them, adored them and his greatest joy was being a dad to them. Jeff and his girls enjoyed camping with his extended family which included setting up camp, hiking, making s’mores and storytelling around the campfire. His trips to the Ristau family farm created entertainment for all with his fireworks on the 4th. The open space of the farm allowed Jeff and his girls to fly kites.

Along with his dad and brothers, Ken and Mark, and brother-in-law, Kent, great memories were made on Canadian fishing trips and while hunting waterfowl. Outside work and family, he spent time learning new skills using his hands. One skill was taking old coins and transforming them into rings. It was fun to hear him speak to others and figure out what type of coin each would like, finding the right size and presenting that personally made ring with pride. Sharing that woodworking trait with his dad, Dean, Jeff created a woodworking shop in his garage allowing him to make chairs, serving trays, tabletop display boxes, turn bowls with the lathe, willing to try any new challenge to create. Most recently, he found a new passion for his career working as a substitute teacher with elementary students and had begun taking online courses to become a teacher. He often spoke of how cool it was to be in the same school with his daughters as a substitute teacher.

Jeff’s family will miss his witty sense of humor, serving as our family’s resource to help solve computer related challenges, regular phone calls to check in and his ever-famous deviled eggs.

Jeff was preceded in death by his grandparents Kenneth and Maxine Ristau and Hugo and Marie Bieberdorf. He is survived by his children Emma and Lily Ristau; parents ShurrDean and Judy Ristau; siblings Jodi Kittleson (Kent), Ken Ristau (Brenda), Mark Ristau (Diane); nieces and nephews Taylor, Olivia, Grace, Savannah, (godson) Justin, Payton and Lauren.

Any donations made in Jeff’s memory will be used to set up a scholarship in his name at Sleepy Eye High School and accounts to benefit Emma and Lily Ristau. Details of Jeff’s celebration of his life will be provided by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano. http://itenfuneralservices.com/delano-facility/

Steven P. Augustin, age 66 of Sleepy Eye, MN, died on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at his home in rural Sleepy Eye. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Church of the Japanese Martyrs in Leavenworth with Father Mark Steffl officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held at Japanese Martyrs Cemetery in Leavenworth. Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Steven Paul Augustin was born December 6, 1956, in Sleepy Eye, MN, to Russell and Donna (Hose) Augustin. He was the middle of five children. Steven attended school in Leavenworth and graduated from the Sleepy Eye Public School. After graduation, he earned his CDL license and drove truck before starting his adventure of driving school bus. Steven drove school bus for several years and was lovingly known to the children on his route, who absolutely adored him, as “Auggie.” Years later, Steven worked for Anderson, which is known today as Belcam, where he was a loyal and dedicated employee.

Throughout his lifetime, Steven’s work ethic was one of many amazing qualities he developed. In addition, he had a zest for the outdoors and being able to “tinker” on the farm equipment, particularly the Farmall tractors, brought him great joy. Spending time with Steven was a blessing as he was a kind and gentle soul who treated family, friends, and all dogs with love. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend to all and he will be greatly missed.

Steven is survived by his sister, Kathleen (Bruce) Meier of Owatonna; brother, Ronald Augustin of Sleepy Eye; three nieces; two nephews; and many loving relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Michael and Daniel Augustin.

Yvonne “Vonnie” C. Windschitl, age 82 of Sleepy Eye, died on April 13, 2023, at Divine Providence Community Home. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 16, 2023, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Parish Prayers at 2:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye in the North Entrance. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 17, 2023, at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye with Father Mark Steffl officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye/live. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Yvonne “Vonnie” Catherine (Meidl) Windschitl, the daughter of Hugo and Mary (Saffert) Meidl, was born in New Ulm, MN, on January 1, 1941. She was raised with her twelve siblings in New Ulm and graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1959. Following graduation, Vonnie worked as a laboratory technician at Minnesota Valley Testing Lab. During this time, she married the love of her life, Harold Windschitl on September 1, 1962. This union was blessed with three children, Laurie, Lester, and Larry. While her children were growing, Vonnie enjoyed being home and caring for her family. In 1977, she returned to her previous job and in 1987, she worked as a scanning coordinator and cashier at various grocery stores in Sleepy Eye until her retirement.

Using her talents and creativity, Vonnie loved spending her time as an accomplished seamstress. Knitting and embroidery kept her busy as well. She could often be found in her kitchen cooking, baking, decorating cakes, and making candy. An avid gardener, she found great joy in sharing her garden produce with countless others. Camping was another favorite pastime of hers.

Being a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Vonnie had a servant’s heart and readily shared her time in many ways with St. Mary’s church and school as well as with Divine Providence Community Home. She was a friend to many and cherished the time spent having coffee, going to Bible study, and visiting. Vonnie found great purpose and value in the life she shared with Harold, raising their family, and later, being a grandma and great-grandma, two roles she absolutely cherished. Vonnie leaves a legacy of love, faith, and service to others, and she will be missed beyond measure.

Vonnie is survived by her husband of 61 years, Harold Windschitl of Sleepy Eye, MN; children, Laurie (Tim) Lundstrom of West Fargo, ND, Lester Windschitl of Mankato, MN, and Larry (Sharon) Windschitl of Davenport, IA; grandchildren, Scott Stage, Jon Stage, Jocelyn (Chad) Ziegler, Joe Stage, Brittany Thoms, Emily (Dan) Wenninger, Derek (Kyla) Windschitl, Nicole (Chris) Baker, Ashley (Nick) Bennett, and Dr. Leigh (Dr. Connor) Davis; great-grandchildren, Kyle, Yvonne, Emma, Chloe, and Phoebe Ziegler, Jasmyne Windschitl, Joey Lee, Paige Thoms, Sylas and Amelia Windschitl, Bryson, Keaton, and Sophia Windschitl, and Zachary Baker; sisters, Lois Johnston and Lorraine Schroepfer; brothers, Paul (Joey) Meidl and Ray Meidl; and sisters-in-law, Rita Meidl and Barbara Windschitl.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Walter Meidl, Hugo Meidl and wife Ann, and Martin Meidl and wife Beth; sisters, Catherine Arndt and husband Teddy, Donna Windhorn and husband Delmar, Doris Saffert and husband Gilbert, Marlys Meidl, and Barbara Farrel and husbands Craig Farrel and Jerry Pelzel; sister-in-law, Lorraine Roiger and husband Arnold; and brothers-in-law, Ervin Windschitl, Jonny Johnston, Leo Schroepfer, and Leo VanKeulen.