Lorraine M. Seifert, 81, of Clements, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2023 at her home in Clements, Minnesota. A Requiem Latin Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2023 from St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Morgan with a Rosary at 11:15 a.m., all at the church in Morgan. A luncheon will follow the Mass at the church before going to the burial in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Clements. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Morgan. Family prefers memorials to the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Morgan or St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye.
The Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Morgan and Redwood Fall are in charge of the arrangements. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com.
She is survived by her husband, Lawrence Seifert of rural Clements; her son, Michael and wife Jean Seifert of Redwood Falls, and daughter, Denise and husband Larry Mahoney of Appleton, MN; two grandchildren, Andrew and Anna Mahoney; sister, Mary Jane and husband Everett Sellner of Sleepy Eye, MN; brothers, Leonard Hauser Jr. and special friend Joyce of Essig, MN, Lavern Hauser and special friend Teresa of Sleepy Eye, MN, John Hauser and wife Sharon of Sleepy Eye, MN. Lorraine was preceded in death by her son, Jerome Seifert; one brother, Anthony Hauser; one sister, LuAnn Aschenbrenner and brother-in-law, Mark Aschenbrenner; and a nephew, Leon Hauser.
Lenora H. Schumacher, age 89 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died Saturday, February 4, 2023, at her home at Countryside Apartments in Sleepy Eye.
Visitation will be held Monday, February 13, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Parish Prayers at 4:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church in the North Entrance.
Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. The clergy will be Father Samuel Perez. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at a later date.
Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel, is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Lenora Hildegard (Tauer) Schumacher was born on May 25, 1933, to Clarence and Ida (Stadick) Tauer in Mulligan Township and lived there until her marriage to Marvin Schumacher on May 22, 1956. She lived on the farm with her husband Marvin and their son Dean until Marvin’s death in 1988. Together, with her son Dean, she farmed and milked cows for many years. Lenora found joy in planting her vegetables and flowers each year, feeding the calves, mowing lawn, and anything outdoors. She also loved baking, canning, puzzles, going to ball games, and sitting on the front steps chatting with her grandkids. In later years, she enjoyed many trips with her brother-in-law, Sylvan Schumacher, sisters-in-law, Donna Schumacher and Carol Schumacher, and friends, Dorothy Lax and Fran Schumacher.
Lenora is survived by her son, Dean Schumacher (Kathy Olson); brother, Leon (Lorraine) Tauer; grandchildren, Kristy Schumacher (Stevie Content), Katie (John) Townsend, Kellie Schumacher, Kimberly (Micah) Bhatti, Kari Schumacher, Corey Schumacher, and Caleb Schumacher; and her eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Marvin Schumacher; and her parents, Clarence and Ida (Stadick) Tauer.
Kathleen Mary Spaeth age 69, of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota died on January 21, 2023, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, from 3:30 to 7:00 PM at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Parish Prayers at 3:30 PM. Visitation will continue on Thursday beginning at 9:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye in the North Entrance with Christian Mothers leading the Rosary at 10:30 AM in the church, everyone is invited to attend.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye, on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 11:00 AM.
The clergy will be Father Mark Steffl. Interment will be at the St. Mary’s Catholic 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. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to San Lucas Guatemala Mission Coffee Program via www.juananacoffee.org.
Kathleen Mary Moran was born on December 19, 1953, to Murland “Moe” and Sylvia (Loftness) Moran in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. She was the oldest of 5 siblings and grew up in Sleepy Eye. Part of her childhood was lived with her family in “Little St. Mary’s,” a home that stood where the parking lot of St. Mary’s church is now set. She graduated from St. Mary’s School in 1972. Kathy went on to study nursing at St. Mary’s College in Minneapolis. She returned to Sleepy Eye and was dedicated to her work as a registered nurse at the hospital. Kathy and Chuck Spaeth were married on July 5, 1975, at St. Mary’s Church. Faith, family, travel and friends were part of their marriage from the very beginning. They welcomed four daughters into the world. Kathy excelled at everything she set out to do, and motherhood was one of these things. She was detailed, smart, and thorough, while at the same time was loving and creative and fun. Some of her special commitments including volunteering with the Council of Catholic Women, Minnesota Citizens Concerned For Life, Christian Mothers, and making time for countless contributions to St. Mary’s parish and school. When Chuck and Kathy acquired the Ford dealership in 1985 Kathy shifted gears from nursing to accounting. She did most of her work when the girls were at school or sleeping. She and Chuck continued to work together for all of these years. It was said that Kathy’s name was the one who should really be on the building, as she did such an incredible job of keeping things organized and growing their business. In 2004 they welcomed their first grandchild and were so very proud to see that number grow to 26 grandchildren this past year. Kathy was the best grandma; so proud of her grandchildren, so generous of her time with them, and so thoughtful with gifts for them. Long before it was popular, Grandma Kathy began the tradition of gifting her grandchildren matching Christmas pajamas and still did it this last Christmas for all 26! Above all, Kathy’s most significant legacy was passing along the treasure of her Catholic faith to her daughters and grandchildren. Her love for Chuck was beautiful and selfless. The hope she had in Christ was made evident by the way she lived and up to the moment of her final breath. Kathleen died on January 21, 2023, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital.
Kathleen will be deeply missed by her husband of 47 years, Chuck; her daughters and their families: Laura and David Fischer, Thomas, Maria, Terese, Matthew, Grace, Charles, Henry, Audrey, and Felicity of Woodbury, MN; Rachel and Joseph Snyder, Noah, Charlotte, Lucy, Elizabeth, Joseph, Jude and Jonathan of Woodbridge, VA; Amanda and Craig Murphy, Kiara, William, Max, Maya, Oliver, and Ivy of Sleepy Eye, MN; Mary and Erik Olson, Theodore, Louis, Margaret, and George of Waconia, MN; siblings: Bill Moran, Jane Cook, Sheila LaPlant, Mary Beth and George Heim; mother-in-law Delores Spaeth; and many other loving relatives, friends and the Ford family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Murland “Moe” and Sylvia Moran; father-in-law, Sylvester Spaeth; and brothers-in-law, Marcus LaPlant and Jeff Cook.
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