Leonard C. Fassbender, age 84 of Saint James, Minnesota, died on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Gil-Mor Manor in Morgan, Minnesota. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. The clergy will be Fr. Craig Timmerman. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Leonard Cahoon Fassbender, the son of Delbert and Elva (Fuller) Fassbender, was born on May 13, 1940, in Aitkin, Minnesota. He grew up in Cambria and attended New Ulm Public School where he earned his high school diploma.
On August 21, 1995, Leonard was united in marriage to Roxanne (Meyer) Marti at Minneopa Falls State Park and he was blessed with her three children. They lived on a hobby farm in Cambria before moving to a hobby farm in Saint James. Leonard loved raising horses and had a special fondness for his beloved dogs. After working for Kraft Foods for 43 years, Leonard retired and was able to spend time with Roxanne doing the things they loved including camping, traveling, and attending horse auctions. Not one to sit still, he kept busy with mending fences, gardening, carpentry, hunting, and tinkering on anything that needed fixing.
Leonard is survived by his step-children and their families, Jennifer Marti (Aletta, Weston, Everly, and Ram); Brooks and Jodi Marti (Kaden); and Adam and Lisa Marti (Justin, Cheyenne, and Dustin); brother-in-law, Dean (Darla) Meyer; and nephews, Jeff and Joe Meyer.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Roxanne Fassbender; parents, Elva and Delbert Fassbender; infant granddaughter, Harleigh Marti; parents-in-law, Melania and Delmar Meyer; several in-laws; and aunts and uncles.
Gregory D. Nessett, age 61 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, Minnesota surrounded by the love of his family. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2024, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel. Visitation will continue on Monday, November 25, 2024, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am at the funeral home. The clergy will be Pastor Grant Fischer. Interment will be at Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. Military Honors will be provided by Sleepy Eye Honor Guard. A Celebration of Life will continue at the Servicemen’s Club in Sleepy Eye following the burial. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Gregory Dean Nessett, the son of Kenneth and Alice (Wikoren) Nesset, was born on January 25, 1963, in Glenville, Minnesota. In his early teen years, he moved with his parents to Sleepy Eye where he attended Sleepy Eye Public School and excelled in sports. He was a member of the Class of 1981. In 1982, Greg enlisted in the United States Navy where he specialized in cryptology, a field that required much personal sacrifice not only of him, but his family as well. Not wanting to have parameters around his family, after 10 years of service, Greg was honorably discharged in 1992. He returned home to Sleepy Eye where he worked at McCabes Ace Hardware, Anderson Custom Processing, Kraft Foods, and Firmenich in New Ulm.
On November 21, 1998, Greg was united in marriage to Sheila Starrett, blending a family that included his two children, her three children and was completed with the addition of their sixth child. Family meant everything to Greg, and he loved attending sporting events of his children. He was very loving and caring, making sure others had what they needed or wanted.
Master of the grill, and one-liners, Greg thoroughly enjoyed cooking for his family and keeping them on their toes with his quick wit and great comebacks. Determination and hard work enabled Greg to take on challenges thrown his way. It also helped that he wasn’t one to just sit still. Greg loved to camp, watch the Minnesota Vikings, play pool, and throw darts. He was a member of the American Legion Post 7 in Sleepy Eye.
Greg is survived by his wife, Sheila Nessett of Sleepy Eye; children, Christopher (Jenna Arkins) Nessett of Sleepy Eye, Greg “Dean” Nessett of Texas, Jaclyn (Brandon Hansen) Nessett of Sleepy Eye, Jesse (Kate) Widmer of Sauk Rapids, Jacob (Rhonda) Widmer of Sauk Rapids, and Samantha (Matt) Leite of Sartell; 18 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; mother, Alice Anderson of Sleepy Eye; brother, Jeffrey (Deb Eidem) Nesset of Jackson; siblings-in-law, Melissa Wellnitz of Mankato and Steve (Ann) Starrett of Mankato; and other loving relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Nesset; stepfather, James Anderson; sister, Jacqueline Oudekerk; parents-in-law, James Starrett and Jeannie Pipes; and siblings-in-law, Shelley Krueger, Carey Starrett, and Dan Starrett.
Our beloved father, grandfather, great- grandfather, and friend Charles C. Hansen, aka Chisey Hansen, was called to his heavenly home on November 7, 2024, at the age of 100 years old at Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 11:00 am and will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye. The clergy will be Fr. Craig Timmerman. The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus will lead the Rosary at 10:30 am prior to the service. Interment will be at Home Cemetery in the veterans’ section in Sleepy Eye following the Celebration of Life. Military Honors will be provided by Sleepy Eye Honor Guard. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2024, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Parish Prayers at 1:45 pm. Visitation will continue on Monday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – North Entrance in Sleepy Eye. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
He is survived by his daughter, Jan (Rod) O’Marron and his two sons, Craig (Linda) Hansen and Scott Hansen; grandchildren, Rachal Becker (John Yost), Derek (Rachel) Volz, Brady Hansen, Jody Hansen (fiancé Jevan Richert) and Brandon Hansen (significant other Jackie Nessett); great grandchildren, Allison Becker, Colten Becker and Katelyn Becker; and brother-in-law, John (Jack) Mertz along with many nieces and nephews.
Chisey was born on July 4, 1924, to Charles C. and Veronica Hansen in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. He attended St. Mary’s Elementary and High School in Sleepy Eye where he really enjoyed playing football. Upon graduation from high school in 1942, he served his Country in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946 as a 2nd Class Motor Machinist Mate where he was honorably discharged. After the Navy, he worked at Del Monte as a lift-truck driver for 72 ½ cents an hour for a summer. That following fall, he attended Mankato School of Business and graduated with a Junior Accountant Degree. Upon returning to Sleepy Eye, he met and married Phyllis George on November 8,1947. With his father owning the Dray line, he and his brother Hooch soon were in the soda and beer distribution business known as Hansen Distributing Company and his brother Dick took over the Dray line. Eventually his two sons, Craig and Scott joined him as owners of the distributing business until the sale of the company in 2010.
Throughout his long life, he found himself very active in his community and held positions in many organizations such as Commander of American Legion Post #7, 1952, Director of Western Minny Baseball Team, Chairman of Sleepy Eye Servicemen’s Club, American Legion Representative, Sleepy Eye Swimming Pool Committee(Chairman); Sleepy Eye Chamber of Commerce, St. Mary’s Board of Education, Sleepy Eye Jaycees, Lion’s Club, Knights of Columbus( Captain 4th Degree); Charter Member Fraternal Order of Eagles and on the Board of Directors for Americana Community Bank for 15 years.
The organization that was his heart and soul was the Sleepy Eye Medical Center. He served on the Board of Directors for 29 years (21 years as Chairman of the Board).
His father C.C. Hansen served as the first Chairman of the Hospital Board and laid the cornerstone when construction was commenced to construct and equip a municipal hospital in 1941. He followed his father’s footsteps and guided the organization through the acquisition of the Sleepy Eye Medical Clinic and the expansion and renovation project to create a combined hospital and clinic to be called the Sleepy Eye Medical Center.
After many great years of leadership and guidance, he retired at the end of his term on December 31, 2002. Then shortly thereafter, he became an initial member of the Sleepy Eye Healthcare Foundation Board of Directors along with Mary Lou Mathiowetz and Dr. Murphy. After the passing of his wife, Phyllis, he started the Chisey Hansen Family Medical Scholarship fund in 2001, and it is still continuing to date.
He married Shirley Hendley later in life and they enjoyed retirement and traveling. Shortly after Shirley’s death, he moved into the Lake Villa Maria Apartments where he was often seen out and about walking to achieve his daily goal of 5,000 steps a day with an occasional trip around the lake on the walking path.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles C. and Veronica Hansen; spouses, Phyllis Hansen and Shirley Hendley-Hansen; brothers, Richard (Dick) Hansen and spouse, Katherine Hansen and Harold (Hooch)Hansen and spouse, Jeanne Hansen; sisters-in-law, Ethel Krzmarzick and Norma Judge; brothers-in-law, Eddie Krzmarzick and Tom Judge; and niece, Sandra Moon.
He left this world with these words of wisdom, “Work hard, enjoy life, be honest and trustworthy”.
He will be remembered for his unwavering Faith, Love for his Family and Love for his Community and Country. Blessed be his memory.
Memorials are appreciated for the Sleepy Eye Medical Center, St Mary’s School and Divine Providence Community Home, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Divine Providence Community Home Nurses and Staff, Sleepy Eye Medical Center Doctors and Staff and Allina Hospice Nurses and Staff.
Rest in Peace our dear Father.
Frederick “Fred” Peter Moldan, age 65, of rural Sleepy Eye, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024, at the Hennepin County Medical Center, with family at his side.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 12 pm on Monday, November 4, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye with Father Nathan Hansen celebrating the Mass. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Sleepy Eye.
Visitation will be held from 1-4 pm on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-North Chapel in New Ulm. The visitation will continue from 10-11 am on Monday, November 4th again at the funeral home in New Ulm.
Fred is survived by his wife of 39 years, LuAnn (Helget) Moldan and their 7 children, who were the pride and joy of his life; Jeff (Rachel) Moldan, Marcy (Dave) Nesje, Dain Moldan, Lisa (Nate Frederickson) Moldan, Lori (Tyler) Zollner, Molly Moldan and Marisa (Cody) Hledik. He was a proud grandpa to 14 wonderful grandchildren; Emily, Joshua and Daniel Moldan, Samantha and Graceyn Nesje, Drayden Moldan, Adrian and Isla Frederickson, Kyzer, Adler and Riker Zollner and Gavin, Zander and Damon Hledik. He was the oldest of eight siblings, survived by Teresa (Kenny) Berg, Andy (Sue) Moldan, Albert Moldan, Loretta Gerasch, Ben (Kathy) Moldan, George (Laurie) Moldan and Rob (Cindy) Moldan. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Artie (Annie) Helget, sisters-in-law, Lorraine (Leon) Tauer, Arlis (Rollie) Forstner, and Ardelle Domeier, numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and close family friends.
Fred was born August 13, 1959, in New Ulm, to Joe and Dodie (Joan Depuydt) Moldan. He grew up on the family farm in rural Searles where farming and a strong work ethic were instilled in him at a young age. Fred started milking cows at the age of 9 and enjoyed doing so with both his siblings and children for over 56 years. Fred met LuAnn at a dance at the Orchid Inn in Sleepy Eye; from that moment Fred knew his “hunt” was over. They were united in marriage on April 13, 1985, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Together, they built their life in rural Sleepy Eye, continuing both families’ farming traditions.
Fred had a passion for music and was honored to play alongside his children for over 25 years in the family polka band, Dain’s Dutchman. He was known for his warm smile and the twinkle in his eye, which were especially noticeable when playing his tuba or dancing to his favorite tunes. He could even often be found waltzing away in the barn, where he taught several of his kids to dance. When Fred wasn’t working, he could be found at the events, ball games, and concerts of his kids and grandkids. He took special care to make sure he attended every event he could. Fred also enjoyed working with his hands, building and remodeling as much as he could for his family.
Fred is preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arthur Sr. and Louisa (Rothmeier) Helget, infant twin daughters, his brother-in-law, Paul Gerasch, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, LaVerne “Satch” and Janet Helget and Leon and LaDonna Helget and brother-in-law, Vincent Domeier.
To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org
DARWIN JOHN LOCHNER Darwin John Lochner, 89, of Lakeville, previously of Janesville, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at his home.
Born on December 12, 1934, in Sleepy Eye, Darwin was the son of John and Emma (Weilage) Lochner. He attended Cobden Grade School, then Sleepy Eye High School where he graduated with the class of 1952. He continued his education at Mankato State Teachers College. In 1954, Darwin enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged after serving for a year. He returned to Mankato State and received a bachelor’s degree in education.
He met his wife, Karen Mittelstadt, while playing love interests in the play “An Invitation to Breakfast” at MSU. They were married on June 1, 1958, in Fairmont. Darwin began his career as an English and speech teacher in Mountain Lake. During his time as a teacher, Darwin spent three summers at Colorado State College, earning his master’s degree in education administration. Darwin went on to become a high school principal then the superintendent in Elkton. I
n 1965, Darwin and Karen moved to Janesville where he was superintendent until his retirement in 1991. When Darwin wasn’t supporting the students of Janesville through attending every school activity, he enjoyed contributing to the community and spending time with his family. He was part of many organizations throughout his life: Janesville Rotary Club, Janesville Area Chamber of Commerce, Janesville Development Corporation, Janesville Star Cities Commission, Janesville Building Corporation, Janesville Area Golf Association, MN and American Association of School Administrators. He was an active and dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Following his retirement, he spent much of his time golfing, at grandkids’ activities, woodworking, working on puzzles, watching Twins games, and being the family handyman.
Darwin is survived by his wife of 66 years, Karen; children, Alan (Jan) Lochner of Spring Grove, Gary (Beth) Lochner of Eagan, Cheryl (Doug) Lochner-Wright of Eau Claire, Wis., Nancy (Chris) Howard of Farmington, Susan (Shaun) Atkinson of Lodi, Wis.; and nine grandchildren, Alyssa, Kevin, Rachel, and Sarah Lochner, Ben and Lucas Lochner-Wright, Emma and Sam Howard, and Leah Atkinson.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Emma Lochner; father, John Lochner; stepmother, Lula Lochner; brother, Myron Lochner; and sister, Arlene Schinkel.
Visitation for Darwin will be held from 2 – 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, 2024, in the Discipling Center at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville. A private interment for family will follow at Janesville Cemetery and a luncheon at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Darwin and Karen Lochner Scholarship at JWP High School. Dsofuneral.com. Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services, 107 N. Skookum Street, Janesville, MN 56048, (507) 234-6775.
Rev. Monsignor John Andrew Richter
January 20, 1938 – October 23, 2024
Mass of Christian Burial for Rev. Monsignor John A. Richter of Sleepy Eye, MN will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Visitation will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus will have an Honor Guard at the visitation and will lead the Rosary at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, which everyone is invited to attend and pray for Monsignor John. Visitation will continue on Thursday, October 31, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye with the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Honor Guard present. Interment at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Bird Island, MN will follow the funeral luncheon. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
John Andrew Richter was born on January 20, 1938, in Bird Island, to William and Clara (Majeski) Richter. He grew up in Bird Island and after the 8th grade, he attended Nazareth Hall Preparatory Seminary and St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul MN. John obtained his Baccalaureate Degree in history from the St. Paul Seminary. He was ordained into the Priesthood on February 22, 1964, at the Church of St. Mary in Bird Island by Bishop Alphonse J. Schladweiler. Following his ordination, Msgr. Richter went on to serve the parish communities of New Ulm (Cathedral of the Holy Trinity with teaching duties at Cathedral High School), Hutchinson, Montevideo, Madison, Canby, Sleepy Eye (while also serving as superintendent of St. Mary’s Catholic School and chaplain of Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye), Wabasso, Seaforth, Lucan, Wanda, and Searles. He served as rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm from 2002 to 2015, at which time he became senior associate pastor at the Cathedral and also assisted in the Holy Cross Area Faith Community (New Ulm, Searles, Lafayette, West Newton Township). He also served as diocesan director of Vocations and the Bishop’s Liaison to the Charismatic Renewal and on various diocesan committees.
On September 14, 2005, Msgr. Richter was named Chaplain to His Holiness with the title of “Monsignor” by Pope Benedict XVI.
In 1998, he received the Diocesan Distinguished Service Medal from the second bishop of New Ulm Bishop Raymond A. Lucker in recognition of his “faithful ministry and effective educational leadership,” and on May 23, 2019, he was inducted into the Knights of Columbus Hall of Fame.
Following retirement from active ministry in 2017, Msgr. Richter served as chaplain to the Divine Providence Community Home/Lake Villa Maria in Sleepy Eye. He was a beloved priest who will be remembered for his service to God and his parishioners that brought him great joy.
Monsignor Richter died on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, under hospice care at Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye, MN. He is survived by his siblings, Patricia O’Connor of Sioux Falls, SD, Germaine Schaeffer of St. Paul, MN and Kathleen Neubauer of Hastings, NE; sister-in-law, Kay Richter of Champion, MN; and brother-in-law, Jack Davidson of Clive, IA; and forty-six nieces and nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Clara; siblings and their spouses, Margaret (Hubert) Schneider, Helen (Martin) Schulte, William (Dory) Richter, Barbara (Richard) Baumann, Aggie Davidson, Charles Richter, Bill O’Connor, Jim Schaeffer and Don Neubauer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Divine Providence Community Home or St. Benedict Monastery Shrine in Sivagangai, India.
Wade F. Pedersen, age 72 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota died on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel. Visitation will continue on Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11:00 am. The clergy will be Pastor Grant Fischer. Military honors will be provided by Sleepy Eye Honor Guard. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Wade Frederick Pedersen, the son of Wallace and Helen (Weidenheft) Pedersen, was born on June 1, 1952, in St. Peter, Minnesota. At the age of 8 years old, Wade and his family moved to Sleepy Eye where he attended and graduated from Sleepy Eye Public School. While in high school, Wade excelled in sports, especially baseball, football, and basketball. Following graduation, Wade served his country in the United States Navy where he was honorably discharged. He attended Hutchinson Vo-Tech where he learned welding.
Through mutual friends, Wade met Susan Sandmann, and they were united in marriage on May 1, 1975. They were blessed with their son, Matt. Over the years, Wade was the lead guitar player for four local bands, most recently with “Heidi and the Good Ole Boys.” He also shared his gift of music while playing for church services at Trinity Lutheran Church. Wade worked for 40 years at Del Monte in Sleepy Eye. After retirement in 2018, he was able to spend more time hunting and fishing.
Wade is survived by his wife, Susan Pedersen; son, Matt Pedersen; family members, Donnie (Jolynn Erikson) Olson, Dillon (Josie) Olson, and Diane Olson; in-laws, Deb (Tom) Moldaschel and Warren (Kathy) Sandmann; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Helen Pedersen; stepmother, Dorothy Pedersen; family member, Dennis Olson; and friend, Ted Mason.
Beverly Jean Bartz, age 94 of Sleepy Eye, MN died on Saturday, October 19, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel. Visitation will continue on Monday, October 28, 2024, from 9:30 am until 11:00 am at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye with Rev. Tim Berg officiating and will be livestreamed at www.stjohnsse.com. Interment will be at Home 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.
Beverly Jean Olker was born on May 26, 1930, to Herbert and Clyo (Weire) Olker on a farm near Osseo, WI in Eau Claire County. She was baptized on August 23, 1936, at Thompson Valley Methodist Church, Osseo, WI and confirmed in 1943 at Augusta Methodist Church, Augusta, WI. She was later confirmed in the Lutheran faith on February 18, 1951, at University Lutheran Chapel, Minneapolis, MN. Her confirmation verse was Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Bev attended rural school and graduated from Osseo High School in 1948. She then enrolled at Abbott Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis, receiving her Registered Nurse degree in September 1951. On October 6, 1951, she was united in marriage to Harold William Bartz at University Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. They moved to Sleepy Eye and Bev was employed as a R.N. at the Sleepy Eye Municipal Hospital and later at the Sleepy Eye Care Center, working the very first night shift when the building opened in September 1972.
Bev was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, serving in many capacities for the Ladies’ Aid Society. She relished her sixty years of active membership in the GFWC Woman’s Club of Sleepy Eye and many years of involvement with the Sleepy Eye AFS chapter and Brown County Pork Producers. She was a 4-H leader for the Sleepy Eye Wide Awakes and was a strong supporter of the Sleepy Eye FFA chapter, receiving their 2021 Appreciation Award. Bev was committed to the local Red Cross Bloodmobile, serving as a volunteer for sixty-six years and as a local coordinator for fifty-three years. In 2018, she received the distinguished American Red Cross Give Life Hero Award. The Sleepy Eye Chamber of Commerce recognized Bev as the 2012 Extraordinary Volunteer of the Year. In 2002, Bev and Harold were named Brown County Outstanding Senior Citizens. In 1983, the family was honored as Brown County Farm Family of the Year.
Her faith was reflected in her gentle trust that God is in control; her grateful heart reinforced how blessed she felt every day of her life. She loved her family dearly and treasured their time together. She enjoyed traveling the world with Harold and had the best time with her friends. She was well known for her delectable holiday spritz and candy cane cookies. While Harold gardened, Bev made good use of the bounty – most notably, dill pickles, beet pickles and strawberry jam.
Bev died in the early morning hours on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Sleepy Eye Rehabilitation Center – the same facility where she worked years ago.
She is survived by her children – Gregory and wife Mary (Greeley) Bartz of Sleepy Eye, Pamela and husband Jon Melby of Wells, MN, Bradley and wife Nancy (Gabriel) Bartz of Sioux Falls, SD; grandsons – Erik Melby, Justin Melby and wife Gillian (Fernstrom) Melby, Christopher Melby and wife Laura (Espinosa) Melby and their children Mason and Reese, Ryan Bartz, Aaron Bartz and fiancé Rebecca Hiigel; brother-in-law Lyle Puffe of Grand Forks, ND; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, in 2011; parents Bert and Clyo Olker; sister Barbara and husband Charles Barrett; brothers-in-law – Henry and wife Orvilla Bartz, Edwin and wife Ella Bartz, Raymond and wife Alice Bartz, Clifford and wife Betty Bartz, and Richard Bartz in infancy; sisters-in-law – Esther and husband Julian Swanson, Helen and husband Harley Proehl, Margaret and husband Raymond Proehl, Dorothy and husband Oliver Fjerstad, Wilma and husband Norris Svien, Jeanne Puffe, Loretta Bartz in infancy and Bernice Bartz in infancy; several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church – Sleepy Eye, Sleepy Eye FFA, New Ulm Allina Hospice and Home Care, the American Heart Association or donor’s choice. In addition, please consider donating blood (RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800-733-2767).
Joseph Zschetzsche, 68, of Morgan, Minnesota died Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Mankato following a long battle with COPD. A visitation will be on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 9:30 am until 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – North Entrance in Sleepy Eye. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. The clergy will be Fr. Mark Steffl. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery where Joe will be laid to rest between his mom and dad. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Joseph Zschetzsche was the son of the late Norbert and Bernice (Steffl) Zschetzsche. He was born in Sleepy Eye on November 28, 1955. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School. Joe was self-employed as a farmer, handyman and carpenter. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards and spending time with his many friends. He was always willing to assist anyone who needed help. Joe had a sense of humor that remained with him until his final hours.
Joe is survived by his siblings, John (Charlotte) Zschetzsche of Mountain Lake, James (Cindy) Zschetzsche of Comfrey, and JoAnn (Joe) Bautch of St. Cloud; nieces and nephews, Jennifer (Jay) Stoffers, Jeff (Jackie) Bautch and Jeremy (Megan) Bautch; Andy, Kevin (Burgundy) and Brian Zschetzsche; 11 great nieces and nephews; many cousins; and special friend, Gayle, of Morgan. He was preceded in death by his father on April 24, 1979, and his mother on January 4, 1997.
Our family is grateful for the compassionate and skilled care show to Joe during the past months at Mankato Mayo Hospital and Hillcrest.
Roxanne M. Fassbender, age 68 of Saint James, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Gil-Mor Manor in Morgan, Minnesota after a short battle with cancer. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Rosary at 3:30 pm and Parish Prayers at 3:45 pm. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at the funeral home. The clergy will be Fr. Craig Timmerman. Interment will be at Home 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.
Roxanne Marie (Meyer) Fassbender, the daughter of Delmar “Mupp” and Melania (Sellner) Meyer, was born on December 13, 1955, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. She and her brother were raised in Sleepy Eye where Roxanne was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, graduating in 1974. Following graduation, Roxanne began her 35-year career at Kraft Foods. Roxanne was blessed with three children from her first marriage, Jennifer, Brooks, and Adam. She raised her family in rural Sleepy Eye.
On August 21, 1995, Roxanne was united in marriage to Leonard Fassbender. They lived on a hobby farm in Cambria before moving to a hobby farm in Saint James. They thoroughly enjoyed camping while attending horse auctions. When Roxanne retired from Kraft Foods in 2011, she kept herself busy with farm life. She also loved to read, go on vacation, and do word searches. In recent years, she had been a caregiver for Lenny.
Her faith was important to her and Roxanne prayed the Rosary faithfully. She was a kind, loving, and caring wife, mom, and grandma who was always there for her family. She loved her grandchildren dearly and cherished the time she spent with them. She will be missed beyond measure.
Roxanne is survived by her husband, Leonard Fassbender; children and their families, Jennifer Marti (Aletta, Weston, Everly, and Ram); Brooks and Jodi Marti (Kaden); and Adam and Lisa Marti (Justin, Cheyenne, and Dustin); brother, Dean (Darla) Meyer; and nephews, Jeff and Joe Meyer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Melania and Delmar Meyer; infant granddaughter, Harleigh Marti; several in-laws; and aunts and uncles.
