Irene E. Schulz, age 89, of New Ulm passed away Thursday, November 10, 2022 at the New Ulm Medical Center.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am Friday, November 18, 2022 at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Nathan Hansen celebrating mass. Burial will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church on Friday.
She is survived by her sister, Colette Powers, of Montevideo, MN; brother, John Lammers, of New Ulm and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Clarence (Marge) Lammers, Raymond (Dolores) Lammers, and an infant brother; sisters, Verena (Wendlen) Bruckbauer, Esther (Melvin) Henle, Elinor (Milo) Moon, Marian (Les) Selvog, Lorraine Lammers and Colleen (Leo) Fleck.
Irene Elizabeth Lammers was born January 24, 1933 to Herman and Gertrude (Joanning) Lammers in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Irene graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Sleepy Eye with the class of 1952. After high school she married and the couple farmed together in Milford Township where they raised Turkey’s. While farming she also worked as a waitress at the Wagon Wheel restaurant in Essig which is now Carl’s Corner. She then moved to Sleepy Eye to live with her sister where she worked at the pharmacy and eventually the grocery store until her retirement. After her sister passed she moved to New Ulm where she was a member of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church and was active in the church choir. Irene was a woman with strong faith praying the rosary multiple times a day. She was also known as the fun aunt by her nieces and nephews often opting to sit at the kids table. She enjoyed dolls, singing and music but above all else she loved to spend time with her family. She will be greatly missed by those who knew her. Blessed be her memory.
The family would like to thank Dr. Collins and the ER and ICU staff at the New Ulm Medical Center for the care they provided for Irene
Lowell Alfred Seifert, age 87 of Sleepy Eye died peacefully on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at his home in Sleepy Eye with his family by his side after a long and hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s.
Mass of Christian burial will be 11 am on Friday, November 18, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Father Tanner Thooft will celebrate the Mass, and burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Sleepy Eye.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Thursday, and continue from 10-11 am on Friday all at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye.
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
Lowell is survived by his loving wife of over 64 years, Mary Ann Seifert; his son, Steven (Barbara) Seifert; his daughters, Judith (Michael) Sellner, Mary (Steve) Kissner; his 9 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Viola (Dennis) Leff, Teresa (Jim) Wenisch, Marie (Gary) Hoffmann, Martha (Richard) Anderson, Monica (Larry) Clayton; his brothers, Marvin (Janice) Seifert, Gerald Seifert, Michael (Linda) Seifert; his sister-in-law, Arlene Seifert; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother, Lewis Seifert; his grandson, Nicholas Sellner; and an infant brother.
Lowell Alfred Seifert was born October 16, 1935, in Sleepy Eye to Arthur and Dolores (Ludewig) Seifert. He attended country grade school in Iberia and St. Mary’s Catholic School in Sleepy Eye, and later went to work on his family’s farm where he attained his strong work ethic from a young age. Lowell proudly served his country for 7 years with the U.S. National Guard. On April 29, 1958, Lowell was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Ann Bianchi at the St. George Catholic Church. This union blessed the couple with a son and two daughters whom together they raised on their farm in Stark Township. Lowell worked his entire life as a dedicated crop and dairy farmer. He enjoyed his cows, his Allis Chalmers machinery, and took tremendous pride in being a farmer. Lowell served as the Stark Township clerk for over forty years. When he wasn’t working on the farm, Lowell enjoyed bowling in the couple’s league in Hanska, dancing to good old tyme music, and mowing lawns for the Sleepy Eye and New Ulm Country Clubs. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, the Catholic Order of Foresters, and the Sleepy Eye Eagles Club. Lowell took pride in his faith, and his farm, but what he took the most pride in was his family. He loved every moment he got to spend with them, and especially loved getting to see his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Blessed be his memory.
David Schwartz, formerly of Springfield, passed away peacefully at Oak Hills Care Center in New Ulm on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at the age of 82.
Visitation will be on Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Springfield American Legion. Service will be held at Springfield American Legion on Saturday at 1 p.m. The clergy will be Pastor Tricia Mattson. Interment will be at St. Raphael Catholic Cemetery in Springfield.
Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Springfield. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
David was born on September 19, 1940, to Carl and Loretta (Moeller) Schwartz in North Star Township, Brown County. He attended Springfield Public Schools until entering the U.S. Navy in January 1959. During his time in the Navy, he obtained his GED. Dave was honorably discharged in January 1963. On November 30, 1963, David was united in marriage to JoAnn Lang in Sanborn. The couple made their home in New Ulm until moving to Springfield in 1973 where they owned and operated Dave’s Bar for 26 years. He was a member of the Springfield American Legion and Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. David enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, small game hunting, playing cards, and listening to music especially old-time music. He was known as a prankster and enjoyed as he said “spreading the fertilizer”.
He is survived by his children – Bonnie (Dan) Seidl of Sleepy Eye and Kirk Schwartz of Leesburg, Va., five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. David was preceded in death by his parents, wife JoAnn in 2009, stillborn son, brothers – Harold and Richard, and sisters – Gladys, Jeannie, Sharon, and Margie.
John C. Toomey age 95, of Mesa, Arizona formerly of Sleepy Eye, MN died on October 11, 2022, at his home in Arizona. Private Family Service will be held at the Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel, on Saturday, October 29, 2022. Public Visitation will be on Saturday from Noon to 3:00 pm at the Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye. The clergy will be Pastor Tim Berg. Interment will be at the New Ulm City Cemetery at 3:30pm on Saturday. Military Rites 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.
John Calvin Toomey was born on November 14th, 1926 in Bever Falls Township, Minnesota the son of John and Evelyn Toomey. Dad grew up and attended school in Morton. He was a 1944 graduate of Morton High School. After High School, John joined the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946. John was married to Angeline Schultz on January 14th, 1950 until her passing on August 18th, 2003. They spent their married years in Sleepy Eye, Truman, Fairmont, and back in Sleepy Eye until John retired in 1991. They then spent the rest of the married life in Mesa, Arizona. John was a 40+ year employee of Moorman Feed Company in a variety of roles from a delivery driver to the Sleepy Eye Division Manager for the last 20+ years. John was a member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Mesa and a past Member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye. John held a number of Council and leadership roles during his membership time at St. John’s.
John married Helene Travis in 2007 and they were together until her passing in 2019.
John is survived by his four Children and Spouses or significant others. His children are: Roger and Deb Toomey of Prior Lake, Minn., John and Anne Toomey of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., Jeff Toomey and Vicki Stich of Saint Michael, Minn., and Jenny Toomey and Doug Braulick of Sleepy Eye. John is also survived by Julie Chute, a foster daughter, from New Ulm, MN. In addition, John is also survived by six grandchildren Jordyn Toomey, John A. Toomey, Brooke Thibado, Emma Thibado, Brittney Ward, Spencer Sellner and Jarrett Toomey and great-grandchild, Elia Ward.
John was preceded in death by his first wife Angeline, and second wife Helene.
Marlys Lucille Carstensen, 97 of Eagan, Minnesota, was taken home by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 4, 2022 in Eagan, Minnesota. A Victory Service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church of Sleepy Eye, MN on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Nathanael Mayhew officiating. Visitation will be held before the service at the Church at 10:00 AM. The committal service for family is at Home cemetery at 9:00AM on Saturday.
Marlys was born in Eden Township of Brown County, Minnesota to Edward and Linda (Drusch) Beilke on August 7, 1925.
Marlys is survived by her sister Janice (Mike) Schieffert of Bloomington, MN, children, Susan (Mark) Rehm of Eagan, MN, Deborah (Bill) Geschwind of Blaine, MN and Dean (Virginia) of Eau Claire, WI. 12 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sherman, her parents Ed and Linda Beilke, and her brother Donald.Beilke.
Memorial donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, Church Expansion Fund or the American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be left at www.sturmfh.com
Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye, MN.
Lois Irene Tessmer age 93, of Cobden, MN died on September 20, 2022, at her home. Graveside Service will be held at the Home Cemetery, on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 11:00 am. The clergy will be Pastor Tim Berg. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Lois Irene Tessmer was born on April 3, 1929 to Hans & Olga (Schiller) Moeller in Sleepy Eye, MN. She attended school in Cobden and Cosmetology School in Minneapolis. Lois worked doing hair for Lorainne Laux under the old State Bank for many years. She also worked seasonally at Del Monte for years. Lois married Byron Tessmer on November 9, 1956 and made their home in Cobden where they resided all of their lives. She enjoyed word search puzzles, going to Jackpot, dancing and bandwagon. Her greatest joy was being able to watch her only grandson, Colin grow up and be the great police officer he is today. She will be missed.
She is survived by her daughters, Tammy Tessmer, Rhonda Groebner, Dawn (Randy) Hagert all of Cobden, grandson, Colin (Rebecca) Hagert of Fairmont, MN and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Byron in 2003, son, Ricky in 2019, siblings, Elmer (Verna), Vincent (Dorothy), Willmar, Rosella (Wesley) Trebesch and Syvilla (Alphonse) Fromm.
Mary Ann (Surprenant) Steffen passed away on June 10th, 2022, at Auburn Home in Waconia, MN after a brief battle with lung cancer.
Mary was born on October 17, 1941, in New Ulm, MN to Ralph and Augusta (Dresow) Surprenant. She was baptized and confirmed at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Currie, MN and she graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School in Currie, MN in 1959.
After graduation, Mary enrolled in the 3-year Registered Nursing Program at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN, receiving her RN degree in 1962. She was always proud of her strong nursing skills and was looking forward to a long career in this important profession.
Mary married Jim Steffen at IHM Catholic Church in Currie on June 10, 1967, and together they raised two sons, Philip and Kurt. They lived in Cottage Grove, Eden Prairie, and Minnetonka MN. Unfortunately, Mary suffered from a brain aneurysm and stroke in her mid-thirties that prevented her from continuing in her career and significantly affected her, both physically and mentally, for the rest of her life. The death of her eldest son, Philip, in a plane crash in 1990, brought significant sadness to her. Her Catholic faith was always a strong part of her life, during both the good and challenging times.
Mary is survived by her son, Kurt Steffen (Becky), of Houston, TX; grandchildren Philip, Penelope, and Charlotte; her siblings, Doris Peterson of Blaine, MN, Ralph Surprenant of Tracy, MN, Phyllis Ahrndt of Ham Lake, MN, Jim Surprenant (Barb) of Slayton, MN, Leo Surprenant of Redwood Falls, MN, Bernadette Koester of Mitchell, SD, Fr. Paul Surprenant of Hartford, SD, Joan Surprenant of Tracy, MN, and Mike Surprenant of Currie, MN, sister-in-law, Mary Jo Surprenant of Kansas City, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; ex-husband Jim (James) Steffen; son Philip Steffen; sister Louise Gervais, brother Ken Surprenant, brother Fr. John Surprenant; brothers-in-law Hugh Gervais, Stephen Koester, Vern Ahrndt and Floyd Peterson and sister-in-law, Myrna Surprenant.
Visitation, memorial service, and reception will be at the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia on Friday, July 1, 2022. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., and will continue until the memorial service, officiated by Father Paul Surprenant, begins at 11 a.m. The reception and luncheon will immediately follow the memorial service, at the funeral home. At Mary’s request, her remains will be placed next to her son, Philip, at Resurrection Cemetery. A graveside service, at Resurrection Cemetery, 5555 Covington Road, Shorewood MN will begin at 1:30 p.m., following the memorial service and reception.
Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia. 952-442-2121 www.johnsonfh.com
Patricia “Pat” Soukup, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. Visitation will be on Sunday from 3 to 6 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye and will continue on Monday from 9:30 until 10:30 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Sleepy Eye. There will be a Rosary at 5:30 pm Sunday at the funeral home. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Sleepy Eye, on Monday, May 16, 2022 at 10:30 am. The clergy will be Father 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 . Service can be watched at https://www.facebook.com/
Pat was the fifth of six children, born on March 17, 1934 in Tracy, MN to Wenzel and Barbara (Zangel) Sellner. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Sleepy Eye in 1953. Pat married the love of her life, Edward “Spud” Soukup on October 17, 1955 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, MN. Their loving bond blessed them with three children whom they raised together on the family farm. Pat’s hard work ethic and strong faith were present her entire life. She held a job at Pietrus Foods, candling eggs; Ries Jensen Insurance Agency and for over 55 years was employed at Sleepy Eye Auction Market where she did bookkeeping. She also held several accounting jobs in the Sleepy Eye community. Pat was a member of St. Mary’s CCW, past member of the Cecilian Choir, past 4H leader for the Sleepy Eye Busy Bees, a member of the Divine Providence Auxiliary and lifetime member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Pat spent her time on earth with Spud at her side. She enjoyed embroidering, crocheting and quilting and made many beautiful items over the years that are cherished by all who received them. Pat liked to cook, bake and garden. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought happiness and joy to her life. In all that Pat did, she was sustained by her faith and family. She will be dearly missed.
Pat is survived by her devoted husband of over 67 years, Edward “Spud” Soukup; daughters, Pam (Paul) Penkert of New Ulm, Deb (Pat) Buley of Mankato; son, Tom (Ed Sepich) Soukup of Las Vegas, NV; sister, Barb (William) Mielke of Brookings, SD; sister-in-law, Mary Sellner of Rosemount; grandchildren, Joey (Kim) Penkert, Jeremy (Katie) Penkert, Chelsey (Jay) Hoffmann, Riley (Samantha) Buley, great-grandchildren, Carter and Avery Penkert, Blaine, Beckett and Baylor Penkert, Everett and Lincoln Hoffmann and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Marcella (Benny) Suess, Bernice (Lawrence) Kirchner, Alex (Doris) Sellner, Floyd Sellner; siblings-in-law, Lorraine (Art) Pelzel, Lucille (Maurice) Simonsen, Elmer (Hildegard) Soukup, Sylvester (Connie) Soukup, Harold Soukup, Victor Soukup; parents-in-law, Joseph (Mary) Soukup.
Thank you to Sleepy Eye doctors and nursing staff for their care, Country Side Retirement Community and health services and aides, Mayo palliative group and hospice nursing staff. Your compassion and caring was a blessing to all. Special thank you to Chris Steffens, her personal care giver.
Gladys Laura Reinarts passed away December 26, 2021, at Sleepy Eye Medical Center, surrounded by her family.
Gladys was born February 18,1936. She grew up at the Haala family farm in Albin Township. She attended the Little Red Country School near Stark. Gladys’ life was completely surrounded by the needs of her family. She truly dedicated everything to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved cooking and baking for her family. Some of her joys in life were being a cook at Sleepy Eye Public School where she was well-known to give extra helpings to the athletes. She also worked in the cafeteria at Del Monte and Divine Providence for several years. She enjoyed sewing.
Gladys married her late husband, Lester, of almost 60 years, on April 3,1956. They were dedicated to watching sporting events of their own children through their great grandchildren. They loved to attend dances and play cards in their early years. They both enjoyed listening to polka music and they cherished family fishing trips.
Gladys was a woman of deep faith. She was devoted to praying the rosary daily, helped at funerals, and gave to the needs of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Sleepy Eye. Her devout beliefs prepared her for everlasting life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Gladys is remembered for expressing her unconditional love, truly holding the Reinarts family together by weaving the four generations at family gatherings. She was fortunate in having many visitors, everyone helping themselves to the goodies in the kitchen, or as she would say, “whatever you can find.” Not a single grandchild grew up without Grandma’s hamburger hot dish, or mashed potatoes and corn. She was infamous for her German potato salad taking on the request and making it with pride.
Gladys is survived by her eight children, Gail (Mark) Bertrand, Sheri (Dale) Tjernagel, Shirley (Ed) Hornick, Doug (Deb Seidl), Randy (Deb), Kevin (Tammy Schenk), Scott (Darla), and Janelle (Terry) Kopacek, 23 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren, and her sister Delores Spaeth, in-laws Joleen (Tom) Greene, LaVonne (Sylvester) Fischer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Theresa Haala, husband, Lester Reinarts, brothers Elmer (Mabel) Haala, Walter (Mildred) Haala, Wilbert (Angie) Haala, Vernard Haala, her sister Orlene (Harold) Kral, brother in law, Sylvester Spaeth, Dennis (Loraine) Reinarts, Leon Reinarts, Marvin (Delores) Reinarts, and grandson, Jeremy Reinarts.
VISITATION
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Thursday, December 30, 2021
St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
11:00 am
Thursday, December 30, 2021
St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye
Dennis “Denny” Clarence Sellner, age 81 of Wells died peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Thursday, September 23, 2021. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wells. Pastor Scott Olson will officiate, and burial will follow in the Rosehill Cemetery where the Wells American Legion Honor Guard will provide full military honors. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Friday, and continue from 10-11 am on Saturday at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wells.
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
Denny is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elaine Sellner of Wells; his daughter, Pam (Rollie) Warmka of rural Easton; his son, Todd (Sonya) Sellner of Clinton, Wisconsin; his grandchildren, Eric (Sarah) Warmka, Megan Aldrich, Callen (Kara) Warmka, Nikki (Jhavi) Sellner, Jamie (Matt) Lee; his great-grandchildren, Jackson, Ryker, Roslyn, Jhovi, Rhedy, Laila, Isaiah, Greyson, Oakley, and Saylor; his brother, Jim (Val) Sellner of Sleepy Eye; his sister-in-law, Phyllis Sellner of Kasota; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudy and Lucille Sellner; his sister, Joan Richert; and his brothers, Charles “Chuck” and Ronald “Ron” Sellner.
Dennis Clarence Sellner was born October 1, 1939, in Sleepy Eye to Rudolph and Lucille (Hornick) Sellner. He was a 1958 graduate from Sleepy Eye Public High School where he met the love of his life Elaine Schrieber. The couple was united in marriage on July 29, 1959, in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Soon after marriage, Denny enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia where the couple made their first home while he proudly served from 1959 until 1963 during the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Denny later returned to Minnesota where together the couple raised their family in Wells.
Denny worked for over thirty years as a plant supervisor at various Del Monte plants starting in Wells, and later Burley, Idaho before his eventual retirement from the Del Monte plant in Sleepy Eye. To give back to his community, Denny served as a Boy Scout leader for many years, volunteered with the Wells Lions Club, the Wells Ambulance Department, and was a life member of the Wells VFW Post 1778 as well as the Wells American Legion Post 210. Denny also flew with Harry’s Hawks Flying Club and was active in numerous bowling leagues.
In his retirement Denny enjoyed spending many great summers with his family at his cabin of Fox Lake, and made countless friends wintering at his home in Mesa, Arizona. There weren’t too many mornings that he didn’t start without a cup of coffee with his morning coffee crew, and an afternoon stop at the VFW. There wouldn’t be a problem left in the world if someone would just listen to the conversations that were shared around these tables. The term jack of all trades gets used quite often, and Denny was one of these through and through. There weren’t too many things he couldn’t build, fix, or do in life. He was always there to help a neighbor out, or at least there to supervise with his hands on his hips making sure it was done right.
To relax, he enjoyed watching his old westerns with the volume too high and cheering for the Minnesota Twins and Vikings with an EJ-7 in hand. Many great memories were made with his family while fishing at the lake and on the numerous RV family vacations he shared with them. Denny was proud of the work he did in life, but what he was most proud of was his family. He loved every moment he got to spend with his family, and loved getting to see his grandchildren grow up. He was always there for them any time they were in need. He will forever be remembered for his big heart and wonderful sense of humor. Although watching him go has been hard, he lived a life to be proud of. He is in a better place supervising all of us now making sure the job gets done right. Blessed be his memory.
