Myron William Lochner, age 89 and 5 days died from bone cancer on Friday, August 27 at Whispering Creek Nursing Home in Janesville, MN. Funeral Service will be held at the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be on Saturday, September 4, 2021 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the church. The clergy will be Pastor Nathanael Mayhew. Interment will be at the Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. Military Honors 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.

The family would prefer memorials be made to Grave Ev. Lutheran Church in lieu of flowers.

Myron was born in Springfield, MN to John & Emma (Weilage) Lochner on August 22, 1932. Myron attended Cobden grade school and graduated from Sleepy Eye High School in 1950. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the US Army. For two years he was stationed at US Army headquarters in Chicago, IL where he worked in intelligence gathering. Following his honorable discharge, he started a career at Kraft Foods in New Ulm, MN and retired after 30 years of service. Myron’s lifelong ambition was to restore old cars, especially Model T Fords. His two 1914 Model T’s were his pride and joy. Myron was a life-long bachelor, but cherished his moments with his nieces and nephews. He was known as “Uncs” to them as a term of endearment. Myron was a charter member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church where he held various offices.

He is survived by his sister, Arlene of Rogers, AR, and brother, Darwin (Karen) Lochner of Janesville, MN. Myron was preceded in death by his father, John, his mother, Emma and his step-mother, Lula.

Dorothy F. Fischer, age 90, of New Ulm, Minnesota died on August 23, 2021, at Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm.

Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of the Japanese Martyrs, Leavenworth, on Monday, August 30, 2021 at 10:30 am.

The clergy will be Father John Fischer & Father Mark Steffl.

Interment will be at the Japanese Martyrs Catholic Cemetery in Leavenworth.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Dorothy Frances Fischer was born March 28, 1931 on the family farm in Mulligan Township, Brown County, MN to Joseph and Theresa (Schumacher) Fischer. She was the 8th of 9 children. She was baptized, received her first communion and was confirmed at the Church of Japanese Martyrs, Leavenworth, MN. Dorothy was currently a member of Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm, MN. She grew up in rural Comfrey where she attended District 42 Mulligan Township country school and later attended St. Paul’s Catholic School, Comfrey. In 1949 she graduated from Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s High School.

For most of her working years, Dorothy lived in Mankato where she worked as a home health aide for Immanuel St. Joseph’s. While in Mankato she pursued her interest in art and cake/pastry baking classes. In her retirement years, Dorothy lived in Sleepy Eye, New Ulm and became a resident of Oak Hills Living Center in 2014.

She enjoyed doing volunteer work, whether it be making rosaries for the missionaries, helping to serve the New Ulm Community Thanksgiving dinners, sewing many dresses for impoverished African children or volunteering at the Federal Correctional Facilities for which she received recognition in 2004.

Dorothy liked scrap booking eventful newspaper articles, collecting unusual stamps, and playing the piano and accordion. During the summer months, she especially enjoyed riding on the “Let’s Go Fishing” Pontoon with Sleepy Eye Sportsman’s Boating and Bobbers group on Sleepy Eye Lake.

She is survived by 27 nieces and nephews. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; siblings and in-laws, Sister Myrna Fischer, Elizabeth Fischer, Alfred and Jean(Witt) Fischer, John Fischer, Gertrude(Fischer) and Kenneth Hillesheim, Josephine(Fischer) and Philip Lang, Teresa(Fischer) and Melvin Huiras, Valentine Fischer; nieces Julie Huiras, Cathy (Fischer) Gloe, and nephew Jim Huiras.

Ronald “Ron” Bloemke, 79 of Franklin, Minnesota passed away on Saturday, August 7 at the Laurel Peak Rehabilitation Center in Mankato, Minnesota. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, August 16, 2021 from Nelson-Hillestad Funeral Home in Redwood Falls. Visitation will be held Monday, August 16, 2021, from 1 until 2 p.m. at Nelson-Hillestad Funeral Home in Redwood Falls. Burial will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are with Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Redwood Falls and Morgan. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com.

Ron was born on April 18, 1942 to Henry and Mabel (Hoffman) Bloemke in Springfield, Minnesota. He grew up in the Sleepy Eye area. Ron worked various jobs along with seasonal jobs which included welding, hotel managing and cars. Ron enjoyed playing cards with friends and family. He enjoyed tinkering with things to try to make it work again. Ron enjoyed music of all sorts especially Johnny Cash, and old-time music.

Ron is survived by his beloved lifelong partner, Joyce Schwint of Franklin, children- Brenda Mahn of Atwater, Missi (Michael) Ross of Hendricks, Paul (Kari) Bloemke of Nicollet, Debra Bloemke of Sleepy Eye, Lance Schwint of Layfette and Troy Schwint of St. Cloud. Ron also is survived by 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Ron is also survived by a brother, Wayne (Lois) Bloemke of St. Clair.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mabel Bloemke, son, Blake and 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

Cheryl Vinson, age 74, of Eden Prairie, MN passed away peacefully at home on August 8th, 2021.

Cheryl was born on October 30th, 1946 to parents Lawrence and Marjorie (Bellig) Kramer in Sleepy Eye, MN. She was the first of five children and grew up on the family farm. After graduating from Sleepy Eye Public High School, Cheryl went to Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Cheryl then moved to Minneapolis to pursue her career as a registered nurse and later went on to get her master’s degree in education. Cheryl met her husband Keith (Mike) Vinson in Minneapolis. They planted their roots in St. Louis Park and had two children (Eric and Erin) and soon after moved to Eden Prairie where she lived for the remaining 40 years of her life. Cheryl and Mike later divorced but remained friends, celebrating holidays together as a family.

Cheryl spent her career helping others. She worked as a public health nurse as well as a school nurse. She spent many years at Cooper High School where she met wonderful friends including one teacher in particular who caught her eye. Harvey Weiss and Cheryl became great friends and partners and spent the last 20 years traveling, enjoying barbershop concerts, dining out and just enjoying their time together.

Cheryl loved volunteering her time at Eden Prairie’s PROP Shop. She had a passion for thrifting and a keen eye for a great deal. She was a creative soul and spent much of her spare time crafting.

Cheryl is survived by her children Eric (Marcie) Vinson and their son Sawyer of Eden Prairie, daughter Erin (John) Carlson and their kids Brennan, Caden, Quinn, Rowan and Ashlyn of Prior Lake. Her very special friend Harvey Weiss of Eden Prairie and his kids Julie (John) Opheim, their daughters Hannah and Amelia, Tim (Christine) Weiss and their kids Spencer and Annika. Sisters Cindy (Joe) Steffl and Sue (Rich) Lund, along with ten nieces and nephews.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Larry and her sister Vicky.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 15th, 2021 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie (16515 Luther Way).

Timothy Andrew Beech was born September 29, 1958, in Sleepy Eye to Richard and Eleanor (Steinke) Beech. He attended Sleepy Eye High School and went on to study music and electrical engineering at Mankato State University.

He was employed with Delta Engineering, doing lighting designs under contract for 3M, traveling the globe and designing systems. Later, he and wife, Karen, owned and operated the Orchid Inn in Sleepy Eye for over six years. Timothy was known for his love of music. He played multiple instruments and was in the Ellis St. Singers for MSU, touring the world and performing for crowds. He loved to golf, caring for all animals, especially his dogs, even adopting Karen’s cat in the process. Timothy and his brothers loved sailing large sail boats, including outings on Lake Superior. He was known for his big heart and often gave his last nickel to friends in need.

Timothy died on August 16, 2021 at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, MN at the age of 62. He was preceded in death by his parents. He will be loving remembered by his wife, Karen of Belview; step-son, Grant (Heather) Romberg of Sleepy Eye and eight grandchildren. Timothy is also survived by brothers, Jerry (Marcy) Beech of Northfield and Brian (Mary) Beech of Bloomington.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Jeffrey Mark Schmid, 65, of Sleepy Eye, died on Aug. 17, 2021, at Sleepy Eye Care Center.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021 at the Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel and will continue on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sleepy Eye.

Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sleepy Eye. Interment will be in Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye.

Jeffrey Mark Schmid, “Schmidy”, was called home August 17, 2021 at the Sleepy Eye Care Center. He was born on March 30, 1956 in New Ulm, Minnesota to Ethelbert and Neoma (Wegner) Schmid. He grew up in Home Township, Sleepy Eye, MN.

He started his education at the District 185 Brown County Elementary School, then attended St. John’s Lutheran School, Sleepy Eye and graduated in 1974 from Sleepy Eye Public High School. After high school, Jeff worked for his father on the farm and worked as a sub-contractor through Overson Lumber-St. James putting up pole/machine sheds. When his father retired in 1982, he took over the farm. While farming he farrow to finish pigs, milked cows and crop farmed.

On August 13, 1977 he was united in marriage to Joanna Hillesheim. They made their life together dairy and crop farming on the family farm. While farming Jeff was a member of the Brown County Holstein Association and was Mid-America Dairymen’s Young Cooperators recipient. After retiring from the dairy industry, Jeff had a small beef operation and was a member of the Redwood Cattlemen’s Association. Throughout his working years he was employed at Case Sales and Service, Crows Seed Corn Dealer, Sleepy Eye Auction Barn, Del Monte, River Region Coop, substitute semi-driver for Merv Speckman and Leavenworth Silage. Jeff was active in several organizations including Prairieland Flywheelers Two-Cylinder Club and Sleepy Eye Sportsman’s Boating and Bobbers. He was a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Sleepy Eye. Jeff enjoyed many things in his life including restoring his high school car, a 1974 Dodge Challenger and most recently his 1953 Massey-Harris tractor. He loved going to car shows and most recently his tractor was the featured tractor at FarmFest 2021 for the Two-Cylinder Club. He also enjoyed visiting with his friends and family, traveling, ice fishing, deer hunting, watching the Minnesota Vikings, enjoying coffee with the crew and spending time with his grandchildren.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Joanna of 44 years, daughters, Laura (Joe) Laechel, Mary (Tim) Woltjer, both of Sleepy Eye and son, Thomas Schmid of Mankato; along with 2 grandchildren, Evelyn and Cayden. He is also survived by his brother, Glen (Carol) Schmid and sisters, Eunice Utterback, Linda (Lenny) Halbur and Janelle (Bruce) Guggisberg; sisters-in-law, Barb (Tim) Kleiter, Carol Hillesheim, Marylin (Mike) Schuaman, Kenwyn (Rich) Evers, Maggie (Jim) Schroepfer; brothers-in-law, Mike (Marion) Hillesheim, Pat Hillesheim, Bob (Dana) Hillesheim and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Kenneth and Gertrude Hillesheim; brother-in-law, Charles Utterback; and his aunts and uncles.

Dennis J. Ludewig, age 70 of New Ulm died Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at the St. John’s Circle of Care in Springfield.

A public visitation will be held from 2-4 pm on Sunday, March 28, 2021, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home North Chapel in New Ulm.  A private family burial service will take place on Monday at the Church of the Japanese Martyr’s Cemetery in Leavenworth.

Social distancing guidelines must be practiced at all times, and masks must be worn by all guests in attendance at the visitation.

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

Dennis is survived by his sons, Jesse (Melissa) Ludewig of Farmington, Jason (Gina) Ludewig of New Ulm; his grandchildren, Trentin, Lottie, Jaksen, Makayla, Jayden, Leyton, and Lauryn; his sisters, Diane Maurer of Sleepy Eye, Lois (Joel) Fromm of New Ulm; a special friend, Lainie Bukkila of New Ulm; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Ludewig and Della Schieffert; his step-father, Edward Schieffert; and his brother-in-law, Eugene Maurer.

Dennis John Ludewig was born July 27, 1950, in Sleepy Eye to Marvin and Della (Mickelson) Ludewig.  He was a graduate from New Ulm Public High School.  Dennis worked a variety of jobs in his youth, but took great pride in the 30 plus years he worked for New Ulm Public Utilities in the Power Plant until his retirement in 2009.  Dennis took pride in his work but was most proud of the family he helped raise.  He enjoyed every moment he got to spend with them, and especially loved getting to see his grandchildren grow.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.  Blessed be his memory.

Alvin Harold Maasz was taken home to be with his Lord and Savior on March 16, 2021 at the age of 89. He was born April 13, 1931 to Edwin and Margaret (Peich) Maasz in Whitewater, WI. He was brought into God’s family through Holy Baptism on May 17, 1931. He was confirmed in his faith May 13, 1943 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Whitewater. He graduated from high school in 1949, and served in the U.S. Army from 1951 through 1953  during the Korean War at a prisoner of war camp.

On November 27, 1954 he was joined in marriage to Hazel Magdalena Hasse at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI. Their 66 years of marriage was blessed with 4 children: Janet (Michael) Crabtree of Sleepy Eye, MN; Jane Maasz of Chandler, AZ; Kristine (Marcus) Flygare of Mankato, MN; and Paul (Judy) Maasz of Sleepy Eye, MN.

Alvin grew up on a dairy farm near Whitewater, and started married life with Hazel on the same farm. Early in married life he accepted a position on a farm near Waseca, MN. Within the year they returned to WI. Alvin worked 6 years at a fertilizer plant. Then he was able to buy a herd of cows from an area farmer and rent the land.

In 1968 Al and Hazel were able to buy a farm of their own near Whitewater. It was Al’s dream to move to MN and farm where rocks were not the “first crop”. His dream became a reality January 1973 when the family moved to rural Sleepy Eye. Al drove both cement and implement trucks while building up a dairy herd. His special interest was red & white holsteins. He was a charter member of the Red & White Dairy Cattle Assoc.

After retiring from milking, he spent much of his time helping his son at their livestock supply store in Essig.

Alvin enjoyed music – especially church hymns and polkas. He was often heard serenading the cows during milking. Church choir was one of his favorite activities. As a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Churches first in Whitewater and then Sleepy Eye, he served the congregations in various positions. He was also on the General Board of Directors for Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School.

His witty & funny expressions for ordinary objects and activities even in his last days brought smiles to family and care givers.

Alvin was preceded in death by his parents and only sibling, Eunice Grandt. He is survived by his loving wife, Hazel, 4 children, 12 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, March 26, 2021 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye. Pastor Chris Cordes will officiate. Burial will follow in the Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Visitation will continue from 1-2 p.m. Friday at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Frances Ann Heymans (91) of Sleepy Eye, MN., died on Saturday, May 9, 2020, in St. Joseph, MN. Due to the pandemic, services will be postponed until state restrictions are lifted.

Frances was the second of three children born to Martin and Veronica (Jungers) Heymans in Sleepy Eye. She graduated from the College of St. Teresa in Winona, MN, with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. She received a master’s degree in nutrition from a university in Tennessee. She had an accomplished career as a dietician in education and healthcare settings, serving as director of the Nutrition Division of the Michigan and Indiana State Boards of Health. She moved to West St. Paul, MN, where she worked for Beverly Enterprises, and in 1999 she moved back to Sleepy Eye to be close to her brother Phil and his wife Betty. She enjoyed playing bridge and shopping and had an extensive art collection. She had an enthusiasm for Native American artifacts and local history, volunteered at the Jeffers Petroglyphs, and enjoyed a trip to Colorado that included a road trip to Mesa Verde. She appreciated the finer things in life, had a lively wit, and enjoyed the company of friends. She was known as “Honey” to family and devoted to her nieces, nephews, and their children.

Frances is preceded in death by her brothers Robert and Phil (Betty), parents Martin and Veronica, and niece Therese Heymans.

She is survived by nieces and nephews Michael (Kathleen), Patt Heymans, Jerry, Mary Elizabeth (Warren) Moon, Steven (Susan Sink), Amy (Kevin) Kluesner, Ann (Larry) Rodich, Greg (Mary), Tim (Annie), Mark (Yoneko), Maria (Paul) Heymans-Becker, and Christina (Mark Herzog) Heymans-Arneson; and many great- and grand-nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. Mary’s School or Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of Serenity Place in St. Joseph and the CentraCare Hospice staff for their loving physical care at the end of Frances’s life.