Dorothy Raymond Neuman age 94, of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota died on December 18, 2022, at Sleepy Eye Medical Center in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel and will continue on Wednesday from 9:30 am until 10:30 am at the Faith United Methodist Church – Sleepy Eye. Service will be held at the Faith United Methodist Church, Sleepy Eye, on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at 10:30 am. The clergy will be Rev. Dr. Gerhardt Miller. 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.

Dorothy Raymond Neuman was born April 29, 1928 to James and Myrtle Raymond in Bruce South Dakota. After graduation from Bruce High School, she moved to Minneapolis for work. She worked several jobs in her early career, including welder during World War II. She met and married a young navy man in 1946. LeRoy and Dorothy were a true team, raising 4 children, building 3 homes and 1 cabin together.

Dorothy worked hard all her life and retired as a Reservation agent for Northwest Airlines in 1993. She loved to travel, collect antiques, and especially times spent entertaining friends and family. In 2003 Dorothy and LeRoy moved to Sleepy Eye; her life’s partner passed in 2004. Dorothy was a member of Faith United Methodist Church.

Dorothy is survived by her children; Stephen (Gail) Neuman, Marcia (Jim) Marti, David (LuAnn) Neuman, Robert (Angie) Neuman; grandchildren; Jaime (Michael) Cole, Lora (Adam) Reichley, Daniel (Kristina) Marti, Thomas (Anne) Marti, Alisa (James) Mangen, Nicole (Michael) Jordan, Sean (Kaitlyn) Neuman, Michael Neuman and Emily (Joseph) Toninato; great grandchildren, Andenet, Madison, Katelyn, and Alexandra Cole, Vivian, Emerald and Blue Reichley, Abigail, Zoe and Lucy Jordan, Madelynn, Erik and Aiden Mangen, Peter Marti, Edward and Grace Marti, Franklin Neuman; brothers David and Hubert Raymond and many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in Death by her parents; husband LeRoy, sisters Irene Hammer and Marion Wright, brother Robert Raymond and infant son Richard Lynn Neuman.

Marlene Mary Satre, age 89, of Winthrop died Saturday, December 17, 2022 at Pathstone Living in Mankato.

Charles J. Forster age 76, of Sleepy Eye, passed away on December 12, 2022, at his home in Sleepy Eye. Visitation will be on Monday, December 19, 2022, from 11:00 am to 12:00 at the Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel. Funeral Service will be held at the Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel, on Monday, December 19, 2022, at 12:00 noon. The clergy will be Fr. Mark Steffl . Interment will be at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. Military honors will be provided by the Sleepy Eye Honor Guard.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Mary Jo Hacker, age 90 of Sleepy Eye, MN, died December 4, 2022, at Sleepy Eye Medical Center.

A private family service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Tanner Thooft officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Mary Josephine (Mickelson) Hacker was born on May 22, 1932, to Fred & Josephine (Hillesheim) Mickelson, in Leavenworth Township, Brown County. She attended school and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Sleepy Eye.

On April 15, 1952, Mary Jo married Donald James Hacker at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and they made their home on the farm by Sleepy Eye. Mary Jo was a housewife and helped farm until retirement. She enjoyed gardening and raising her four children.

Mary Jo is survived by her husband of 70 years, Donald Hacker of Sleepy Eye, MN; son, Kevin (Julie) Hacker of Brainerd, MN; four grandchildren, Lucas (Caitlyn) Hacker, Kendra (Tim Paquin) Hacker, Jeff Trebesch, and Whitney Trebesch; two great-grandchildren, Waylon and Talon; special niece, Karen Greenberg; and other loving relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her sons, Jeff and Dean; daughter, Lori; parents; five sisters; and two brothers.

Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye, MN. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com .

Fay Doris Williams, 87, of St. James died on November 28, 2022, at Mayo Systems Health Systems in St. James after a brief illness.

Visitation will be on Thursday, December 1, 2022, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Albion Lutheran Church. A  Memorial Service will be held at Albion Lutheran Church on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 2 p.m.  The clergy will be Rev. Robert Springer. Interment will be at Albion Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in St. James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Fay Doris Kyar was born on April 30, 1935, in Sleepy Eye, Brown County, to parents, Herbert and Myrtle (Jensen) Kyar. She was one of seven children. She loved to farm, cook and bake. Lefse was her specialty. She was a lifetime member of Albion Lutheran Church, serving on the circles, quilting and as a deaconess. Fay married Howard Henry Johnson. To this union three children were born, Becky, Brenda and Bill. He later died. She then was united in marriage to Eugene B. Williams, together they farmed. Fay was a homemaker and took that responsibility to heart, working hard to instill good values of faith and family in her children and grandchildren. She loved to feed the birds with her many feeders, allowing her to see the beautiful creations of God. She loved having her children and grandchildren and great-grands come to the farm and cooking for the holidays, menus full of their favorites.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Warren Stevens and Frank and Debbie Schmillen for their care and generous gift of their time, making it possible for Fay to remain on her beloved farm, they couldn’t have done it without you.

Fay is survived by daughters, Becky (Wayne) Maloney and Brenda Anderson; daughter-in-law, Jane (Wade) Johnson-Juntenen; grandchildren, Heather Maloney, Amy (Corey) Pettersen, Nichole (Jake) Ebert, Lindsey (Josh) Hoppe, Warren (Renee) Anderson, Sara (Scott) Feltmann, Lizzy (Jacob) Kreitinger, Kelli (Derek) Palmer and Emily (Marc) Gemmill; great-grandchildren, Peyton Franzen, Alex and Reese Ebert, Wilson, Kaden and Henry Feltmann, Jordan and Bella Anderson, Kyar and Magdalyn Kreitinger, Finley and Rhett Palmer, Brantley, Bronson and Amiya Gemmill; sisters, Jane (Ron) Fischer, Shirley Whitmer and Gloria Hawkins; brother Roger Kyar.

In addition to her parents, Fay is preceded in death by her husbands, Howard Johnson, and Eugene Williams; son, William Johnson; sister, Joan (Doug) Freyholtz; brother, Larry Kyar and sister-in-law, Eva Kyar.

Gilbert Hillesheim, 90, of Glenwood passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at Glacial Ridge Health Systems in Glenwood.

Funeral service will be 11 AM Thursday, December 1, 2022 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral home NORTH Chapel on New Ulm with Father Gerald Meidl officiating. Burial will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard.

Visitation will be 4 – 7 pm Wednesday and 10 – 11 AM Thursday at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home North Chapel in New Ulm.

To leave an online condolence for his family or to sign the guest book go to www.mvfh.org.

Gilbert is survived by his wife Janet; daughters, Brenda (Dennis) Hoffmeister, Beth (Jeff) Schultz and Jean (Les) Osborne; his son, Timothy Hillesheim; former daughter-in-law, Charlotte Hillesheim; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brothers, Gildard (Lois) Hillesheim, Joe (Alice) Hillesheim, Steve (Sandy) Hillesheim, and his sisters, Rose Zollner, Katherine (Gene) Feige, Annette (Art) Helget and Mary Stadick.

Preceding him in death are his parents; brothers, Jerome, Lyle, Frank and Hubert Jr. “Chub” Hillesheim; and his sisters, Regina Hillesheim, Juliette Sprenger and Ruth Prokasch.

Gilbert Henry Hillesheim was born August 16, 1932 in Leavenworth to Hubert and Katherine (Schunk) Hillesheim, the 5th of 15 children. He attended School District #12 in Leavenworth. Gilbert joined the U.S. Navy in September of 1952, while in the Navy he was united in marriage to Janet Kuebler on November 22, 1955. After his discharge from the Navy in August, 1956 he was employed at Sleepy Eye Farmers Creamery until 1962 when he started working at 3M in New Ulm where he worked for 30 years until retiring in 1992. After retiring from 3M he purchased and operated Hoffman’s Hideaway Resort on Lake Osakis until 2001 when he sold the business and moved to Glenwood.

Gilbert enjoyed his many hunting trips with his son Tim, grandsons, friends and neighbors. If you went fishing with “Grandpa” you would be out on the lake until you had your limit or the “bucket was full”. He enjoyed taking care of his flowers especially HIS Moss Roses and Dahlias. Gilbert was always ready for an ice cold Keystone with whoever would have one with him. We will miss you Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. Rest in Peace.

Keith C. Haas, age 74 of New Ulm died peacefully on Friday, November 25, 2022, at the Good Samaritan Society in St. James.
A private family service will happen at a later date.

The Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes of New Ulm are assisting the family with arrangements at this time.
To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Keith is survived by his daughters, Tracy (Aaron) Berg of Byron, Krystal (Ron Leske) Haas of New Ulm; his three grandchildren, Madison Berg, Jordyn Berg, and Joseph Haas; and his brother, Curt Haas of Dolan Springs, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Sr. and Janeva Haas; and his brothers, Robert Haas Jr., and Ronald Haas.

Keith C. Haas was born on June 11, 1948, in Sleepy Eye to Robert Sr. and Janeva (Grabinger) Haas. He was a 1966 graduate from Sleepy Eye High School and furthered his education in electronics at Winona Technical College. Keith worked a long and dedicated 22 years at 3M in New Ulm where he retired as a supervisor. In his retirement, Keith opened Valley Guns in Sleepy Eye where he worked for an additional five years. Besides his work, Keith had a variety of hobbies he enjoyed on the side. As a collector, he enjoyed finding rare antiques, coins, and especially enjoyed finding Tootsie collector cars. As an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, shooting, and was a proud member of the NRA. As a man with strong political beliefs, he always appreciated a good debate with friends and neighbors. He will forever be remembered for his sense of humor, his quick wit, and his incredible sense of comfort he brought to those around him. He didn’t have a lot in life, but would give anything he had to help someone else out. He will forever be remembered by all of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Blessed be his memory.

Keith’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Erin and the other staff members of Moment’s Hospice for their compassionate care.

Meinrad Edward Hillesheim Jr. age 87, of Sleepy Eye, MN died on November 21, 2022, at Sleepy Eye Care Center. Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with a parish prayer service at 4:00PM. Visitation will continue on Wednesday from 10:00am until 11:00am at the North Entrance of St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye. Service will be held at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye, on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 11:00 am. The clergy will be Fr. Mark Steffl. Interment will be at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Sleepy Eye with Military Honors 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 www.sturmfh.com.

The service can be watched at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye/live

Meinrad Edward Hillesheim Jr. was born the 12th and last child to Meinrad and Bertha (Wiltcheck) Hillesheim on December 29, 1934, in New Ulm, MN. He attended country school at District 25 through the 6th grade and finished his education at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Sleepy Eye, graduating in 1952. Following graduation, Meinrad worked with his brother Raymond on the family farm. In 1957, he joined the Army National Guard and served his country for six years.
Upon being honorably discharged in 1963, Meinrad returned to the farm where he raised hogs start to finish. In his younger days, he enjoyed playing the button accordion for all who would listen. Meinrad’s favorite hobby was working with stain glass. He skillfully made beautiful panels, lamp shades, and sun catchers which many people are enjoying to this today. His other beloved pastime was gardening and canning tomatoes he grew.

Meinrad was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and enjoyed singing with the Caelian Choir for over 10 years. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus and Catholic Aid.
Meinrad is survived by many family members including 54 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Arnold, Clarence, Charles, Sylvester, Kenneth and Raymond; five sisters, Hatwig Guggisberg, Leona Braulick, Martha Nyers, Marian Sellner, and Rosella Ludewig; three nephews, Peter, Dominic, and Wayne; and three nieces, Maggie, Ethel, and Judy.

Harry Wojahn, age 88, of Fairfax passed away peacefully at the Sleepy Eye Care Center on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, from pulmonary fibrosis and a blood cancer, recently having said he used up a cat’s nine lives to battle those diseases, remaining with us many times when doctors said he would not.

A Polka Service and Celebration of Life will be Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, 2 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Fairfax with interment in Ft. Ridgely Cemetery, Ridgely Township, Nicollet County.

Gathering of Family and Friends will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Harry Albert Wojahn was born on Jan. 1, 1934, to Henry and Minnie (Finstad) Wojahn in Comfrey. He attended elementary school in the one-room country schoolhouse District #76, where he, as the only student in his grade, liked to say he was top of the class. After graduating from Comfrey High School, he served four years in the Navy during the Korean conflict and sailed around the world on the U.S.S. Remey. He recently began sharing many stories from that memorable time. Always a music lover, he and a buddy were known to play as many records as they could for those on board.

Harry married Ruth (Sandberg) Wojahn on May 17, 1959, having met out dancing at George’s Ballroom in New Ulm. They made their home in Fairfax, where he worked with his sister and brother-in-law running a bar and café before working in the drainage tile business until he retired from that hard manual labor at age 70. During that time, music was always at the forefront of his life. He learned to play the concertina in his early 30s and even quit smoking so he could afford his first concertina. One of his sisters says the concertina was his pacifier, leading him to break out of his extreme shyness. Although he had many interests, many of his favorite moments were spent sharing music at many events most months of the year. He had the best time going on the road with a young protégé and dear friend Carmin Lochner and eventually his friends in the Sleepy Eye Concertina Club to offer music for parades and many other events. He so enjoyed giving early lessons to older players as well as young concertina learners such as Lexi and Camille. His last days were rewarded with some of his “students,” including Carmin, Ann Albrecht, and Holly Simon playing concertina for him these last two months. In part due to his teaching those across generations to play, he was in 2019 inducted into the World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame, one of fewer than three hundred people to have achieved that honor. He eventually surprised all of us by composing his own songs and music in these past years.

Harry was a life-long learner who would have loved to have been a geologist had circumstances allowed. He taught himself about rocks and spent many hours hunting for specific types of rocks across Minnesota and New Mexico. He also taught himself to cut and polish rocks so he could put them in settings; many people were recipients of his jewelry and bolo ties. He donated many of his fossils, arrowheads, and favorite rocks to the local schools and loved creating rock displays for local school children each year. He collected stamps and coins and enjoyed learning to use features of the computer. Harry had also enjoyed bowling and was a member of singles and doubles leagues for many years. His love of nature was also infectious; he loved pointing out to his kids and grandkids varieties of animal tracks and scat, insects, plants, fish, reptiles, and variations in the sky, especially when it was “sky-blue pink,” as his dad used to say. Fishing year-round in Minnesota was also a great passion, and he was especially proud of a big lunker, a 52 1/2-pound muskie caught on Lake Miltona. He learned locations on that lake for catching the most fish in summer and winter alike.

During the last two years in hospitals as well as the Sleepy Eye Care Center, he was blessed by many visitors, including family, friends, and concertina buddies, some of whom entertained him with lovely tunes. He was also blessed with a friend who served as volunteer Disabled Veterans van driver, Jerry Nachreiner, who took him to weekly appointments at the New Ulm Medical Center and who kept the family informed of his health while sharing great stories with us all. One of nine children, Harry liked saying how fortunate he was that all his siblings got along so very well and always brought bad jokes and good cheer to those around them.

Harry is survived by his wife, Ruth (Sandberg) Wojahn; daughter, Patti Wojahn and Pat Morandi; son, Mark Wojahn and Julie Gilbert; grandson, Braden Wojahn and Lindsey LaBrie; granddaughter, Justina Wojahn; brother, Paul; sisters, Arlene, Helen and Bob Schroeder, Myra and Rodney Damm, and Luella and Jerry Peterson; along with many nieces and nephews and their families.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Minnie and Henry; son, Jeff; brothers, Carl, Ray, and Elmo; nephews, Mike and Scott; and in-laws Anthon and Margaret (Anderson) Sandberg, Margie Finnegan, Marlyn Sandberg, Esther Wojahn, Lyndy Skolberg, Carlton Brudelie, Emy Wojahn, Avis Wojahn, and Howard and Annette Fredrikson.

Arrangements by Hauser-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Fairfax. Online obituaries and guest book available at www.hantge.com