Joyce R. Gunneson, age 74 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota died on Monday, September 30, 2024, at her home surrounded by the love of her family. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye. A funeral service will follow at Trinity Lutheran Church at 11:00 am. The clergy will be Pastor Grant Fischer. 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.
Joyce Rose (Postel) Gunneson, the daughter of Otto and Lillian (Clyne) Postel, was born on December 12, 1949, in New Ulm, Minnesota. She attended school at St. Mary’s Catholic School in New Ulm. On February 2, 1974, during a snowstorm in Essig, Joyce married the love of her life, Stanley Gunneson of Sleepy Eye and they settled in Sleepy Eye where they raised their family. Joyce absolutely loved being a wife, mom, and grandma. She showed her love in many ways including making sure everyone always had plenty to eat, offering cautionary reminders, and texting with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Going camping up north, listening to Elvis, and watching “Bandwagon” were ways Joyce loved to spend her time. She never turned down a shopping trip or a leisurely car ride. Joyce loved to cook and had an impressive cookbook collection. She also loved black bears, sauerkraut, sunflowers, hummingbirds, and her dogs. Joyce was courageous, loyal and cared about others. She will be incredibly missed by her family and friends.
Joyce is survived by her husband and best friend of 50 years, Stan Gunneson; daughters, Melissa (Mike) Rosales and Shelley Gunneson; grandchildren, Aubree Rosales, Jersey Deree, Natalie Deree, and Trevor Grau; brother, Larry (Connie) Postel; sisters-in-law, Joyce (Bill) Polchow, Marlene Walters, Darlene Beranek, Betty (Dale) Braun, Mary Lou Postel, and Carla Postel; and many nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her son, Jamie Gunneson; parents, Otto and Lillian Postel; sisters, Gloria Korkemeier and Marilyn Zobel; brothers, Gary Postel, David “Pete” (Dorothy) Postel, Howard “Howie” Postel, and Mike Postel; parents-in-law, Kimball and Leona Gunneson; and brothers-in-law, Roger Gunneson, Ray Walters, and Steve Beranek.
Alice M. Hillesheim, age 96, of New Ulm died peacefully on Monday, September 30, 2024, at the Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm.
Mass of Christian burial will be 11 am on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. Burial will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 10-11 am on Monday at the Cathedral prior to the Mass.
The Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes of New Ulm are assisting the family with arrangements at this time.
To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org
Alice is survived by her daughter, Carol (Michael Sr.) Stott of Mankato; her sons, Steven (Gwen) Hillesheim of Kimball, Randy Hillesheim of New Ulm, Pat (Julie) Hillesheim of New Ulm; her 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; her sister, Donna Paquette of Savage; her sisters-in-law, Alice Wilfahrt, Bernette (Cliff) Schumacher, Bernice Ludwig; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Linus Hillesheim in 2006; her brother, Willard Wilfahrt; her daughter-in-law, Sandy Hillesheim; and her brother-in-law, Jerry Paquette.
Alice Martha Wilfahrt was born July 29, 1928, in Sleepy Eye to Robert and Martha (Berg) Wilfahrt. While growing up in Sigel Township, Alice attended country grade school. On May 24, 1949, Alice was united in marriage to Linus Hillesheim at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. This union blessed the couple with a daughter and three sons whom together they raised on the farm in rural Searles. Besides being a loving mother and home-maker, Alice also worked along side her husband Linus on the farm doing whatever was necessary. She also took tremendous pride in her beautiful and bountiful flower and vegetable gardens. As a provider, Alice always enjoyed cooking, baking, and canning from her kitchen. Many laughs where shared over card games with family and friends, and also at the bowling alley when she could. To relax, Alice loved the peace and quite of a good day fishing. She was a past member of St. John the Baptist Church in Searles, and a current member of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm where she volunteered wherever there was a need. What brought her the most joy in life was always her family. She loved getting the see her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow, and did the best she could to spoil them whenever she had the chance. Alice will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her, but countless memories of the good times shared will forever stay in their hearts. Blessed be her memory.
Robert “Bob” M. Forster, age 79 of Park Rapids, MN (formerly of Sleepy Eye, MN) passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at his home. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 13th, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Visitation will continue on Monday from 9:30 am until 10:30 am at Sturm Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Sturm Funeral Home immediately following the visitation. Interment will be at the Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye MN. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Robert Martin Forster, the son of Walter and Helen (Mo) Forster, was born on February 20, 1945, in Sleepy Eye, MN. He attended and graduated from St. Mary’s School in Sleepy Eye, MN. It was during his school days when he cultivated his strong work ethic that carried him through life. Bob worked many jobs growing up, including helping his dad (Wally) run the projectors at The Pix Theater, he worked at the Forster Bar owned by his grandpa and was a bus-boy at the Orchid Inn. After high school he attended Mankato State University for a short time before he entered the work force. He worked for Roman Weiss where he discovered his natural talent for carpentry, but it was at Beech Electric where he found his true passion: Electricity. He eventually became a Master Electrician. With dedication and skill, he started, ran and grew his own electrical business in Sleepy Eye, MN – Forster Electric. He successfully operated his business for many years before moving up north and working for a number of rural electric co-ops in their off-peak programs. After working for the co-ops, he once again started and operated his own electrical business – A1 Greater Minnesota Contracting Electric. There wasn’t a task too great or small that Bob couldn’t fix or build and he was always willing to lend a hand when needed.
He built a cabin on Lake Amelia near Glenwood, MN with his own two hands. It was at this cabin where many fun and fond memories were made with his family. Skiing, tubing, and fishing were among the many memories. With Bob there was always a lesson to be learned. If you were going fishing with him, you were going to learn to bait your own hook, take off your own fish, and you were definitely going to have a job when it came time to clean the fish!
Bob had many one-liners. One he instilled in his children was: “Work and then play.” It was very important to Bob to pass on his strong work ethic to his children and grandchildren, instilling in them a sense of pride in a job well done. Mission accomplished!
When Bob would find a little free time in his busy schedule, fishing was at the top of the list. He enjoyed building his own fishing poles to catch the “Big One” with. He loved the outdoors, playing board games, having a cold one at the end of the day with always a story or two to tell. In his younger days, he enjoyed playing basketball and golf.
Bob was a member of Catholic Order of Foresters, Knights of Columbus and he was a dedicated and passionate firefighter for the Sleepy Eye Fire Department for many years.
Bob is survived by his children: Todd Forster of Grand Forks, ND, Jerry (Sue) Forster of Minnetrista, MN, Lisa Hoffmann of Sleepy Eye, MN, Sandi Sportelli (Jeff Zinniel) Hutchinson, MN, and Kristy (Mike) Suess of Sleepy Eye, MN; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; siblings: John (Charlene) Forster, Beverly (Mike) Cleary, and Marian (Tom) Belle; nephews; and other loved ones and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his mother & father, Helen and Wally Forster.
Though his hands are now at rest, Bob leaves behind a legacy of hard work, craftsmanship, a love for the water and of the outdoors that will continue to inspire those he has left behind. His wisdom, storytelling and one-liners will be missed. Rest in peace Dad, you’ve more than earned it!
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Francisca Garcia Navarro de Liñan, age 90 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota died on September 24, 2024, at her home surrounded by the love of her family. Visitation will be on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel and will continue on Friday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye. A funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 11:00 am. The clergy will be Pastor Ismael Vargas. 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.
Francisca Garcia Navarro de Liñan: A Life Well-Lived
Francisca Garcia Navarro de Liñan, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was born on May 2, 1934, in Saltillo, Mexico. Her parents, Francisco Garcia and Maria Luisa Navarro, raised her in a loving and nurturing home. Francisca’s childhood was filled with joy and laughter, surrounded by her family and friends.
As a young woman, Francisca met and fell in love with Jose Guadalupe Linan Palma. They were married in Guanajuato, Mexico, in 1950, and together they embarked on a journey that would span decades and two countries. In search of a better life for their growing family, Francisca and Jose relocated to Rio Bravo Tamaulipas, where they established their roots and raised their children.
In 1990, driven by their unwavering commitment to their children’s well-being, Francisca and Jose made the momentous decision to immigrate to Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. This move marked a new chapter in their lives, filled with both challenges and opportunities. Francisca embraced the new culture and language, demonstrating her resilience and adaptability. She worked tirelessly to provide for her family, taking on various jobs, including working on farms and cleaning houses.
Despite the demands of work and family, Francisca’s true calling was nurturing her loved ones. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a doting grandmother. She cherished every moment spent with her family, cooking their favorite meals, spoiling her grandchildren with affection, and ensuring they went to school with full bellies and big smiles. Francisca’s unwavering love and dedication made her a second mother to her grandchildren, who adored and respected her deeply.
Francisca, affectionately known as “Doña Kika” by her family and friends, was a vibrant and charismatic woman. She had a passion for shopping and garage sales, where she delighted in discovering hidden treasures. Francisca also enjoyed pampering herself with manicures, taking pride in her appearance. Her youthful spirit and playful sense of humor shone through, even as she gracefully aged.
Francisca’s culinary skills were legendary, and her recipes have been passed down through generations. She was always eager to experiment with new flavors and techniques. Her love of food and cooking was a testament to her warmth and hospitality. Francisca’s home was a place where family and friends gathered, drawn by the aroma of delicious home-cooked meals and the comfort of her warm embrace.
Francisca’s legacy extended far beyond her immediate family. She touched the lives of countless individuals through her generosity, kindness, and unwavering optimism. Her love, joy, and infectious laughter will forever be remembered by those who knew her.
Francisca’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of her loved ones, but her memory will forever be cherished. She is survived by her children: Maria (Felix Rosales), Cruz (Rosaura) Linan, Maria Guadalupe (Antonio Alvarez), Maria Francisca (Alejandro Guerra), Natividad (Francisco Trevino), Ana (Santos Jasso), Delia (Genaro Roman), and Jorge (Martha) Linan. Her legacy continues through her 30 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Though Francisca’s earthly journey has come to an end, her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love her. She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Francisca was preceded in death by her husband, son Juan Antonio Linan, her parents, her brother Jose Garcia and sister Eloisa Garcia.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Francisca García Navarro de Liñan: Una vida bien vivida
Francisca García Navarro de Liñan, una amada esposa, madre, abuela y bisabuela, nació el 2 de mayo de 1934 en Saltillo, México. Sus padres, Francisco García y María Luisa Navarro, la criaron en un hogar amoroso y acogedor. La infancia de Francisca estuvo llena de alegría y risas, rodeada de su familia y amigos.
Cuando era joven, Francisca conoció y se enamoró de José Guadalupe Linán Palma. Se casaron en Guanajuato, México, en 1950, y juntos se embarcaron en un viaje que abarcaría décadas y dos paises. En busca de una vida mejor para su creciente familia, Francisca y José se mudaron a Río Bravo Tamaulipas, donde establecieron sus raíces y criaron a sus hijos.
En 1990, impulsados por su compromiso inquebrantable con el bienestar de sus hijos, Francisca y José tomaron la trascendental decisión de emigrar a Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Este movimiento marcó un nuevo capítulo en sus vidas, lleno de desafíos y oportunidades. Francisca abrazó la nueva cultura e idioma, demostrando su resiliencia y adaptabilidad. Trabajó incansablemente para mantener a su familia, asumiendo varios trabajos, incluido trabajar en granjas y limpiando casas.
A pesar de las exigencias del trabajo y la familia, la verdadera vocación de Francisca era cuidar de sus seres queridos. Era una esposa devota, una madre amorosa y una abuela cariñosa. Apreciaba cada momento que pasaba con su familia, cocinando sus comidas favoritas, mimando a sus nietos con afecto y asegurándose de que fueran a la escuela con el estómago lleno y una gran sonrisa. El amor y la dedicación inquebrantable de Francisca la convirtieron en una segunda madre para sus nietos, quienes la adoraban y respetaban profundamente.
Francisca, conocida cariñosamente como “Doña Kika” por su familia y amigos, era una mujer vibrante y carismática. Le apasionaban las compras y las ventas de garaje, donde le encantaba descubrir tesoros escondidos. Francisca también disfrutaba mimándose con la manicura, norgulleciéndose de su apariencia. Su espíritu juvenil y su divertido sentido del humor brillaron, incluso a medida que envejecía con gracia.
Las habilidades culinarias de Francisca eran legendarias y sus recetas se han transmitido de generación en generación. Siempre estuvo ansiosa por experimentar con nuevos sabores y técnicas. Su amor por la comida y la cocina fue un testimonio de su calidez y hospitalidad. La casa de Francisca era un lugar donde se reunían familiares y amigos, atraídos por el aroma de las deliciosas comidas caseras y el consuelo de su cálido abrazo.
El legado de Francisca se extendió mucho más allá de su familia inmediata. Ella tocó las vidas de innumerables personas a través de su generosidad, amabilidad y optimismo inquebrantable. Su amor, alegría y risa contagiosa serán recordados para siempre por quienes la conocieron.
El fallecimiento de Francisca deja un vacío en el corazón de sus seres queridos, pero su memoria será atesorada por siempre. Le sobreviven sus hijos: María (Félix Rosales), Cruz (Rosaura) Linán, María Guadalupe (Antonio Álvarez), María Francisca (Alejandro Guerra), Natividad (Francisco Treviño), Ana (Santos Jasso), Delia (Genaro Román). y Jorge (Martha) Linán. Su legado continúa a través de sus 30 nietos, 59 bisnietos y un tataranieto.
Aunque el viaje terrenal de Francisca ha llegado a su fin, su espíritu sigue vivo en los corazones de todos los que tuvieron la suerte de conocerla y amarla. La extrañaremos profundamente, pero nunca la olvidaremos.
A Francisca le precedieron en la muerte su esposo, su hijo Juan Antonio Linán, sus padres, su hermano José García y su hermana Eloisa García.
“He peleado la buena batalla, he acabado la carrera, he guardado la fe. Por lo demás, me está guardada la corona de justicia, la cual me dará el Señor, juez justo, en aquel día; y no solo a mí, sino también a todos los que aman su venida.” 2 Timoteo 4:7-8
Cass Michael Caldwell, 60, of St. Peter, formerly of Sleepy Eye, passed away peacefully September 12, 2024, in the ICU cardiac unit, St. Mary’s, Rochester, with his sisters by his side.
Cass was born October 1, 1963, at Fort Leavenworth, KS, to Jerry and Ellen (Hansen) Caldwell. Cass was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and graduated from Sleepy Eye Public School with the class of 1982. He worked various jobs over the years but his passion was being a chef. Cass’s competitive nature drew him to be in the spotlight of many high school activities. Football, basketball, track, choir and plays. He was always down for a game of chess, cribbage, cards or any other game he could learn, teach, play and win. His family and friends knew this all too well. Cass loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting. He enjoyed reading and wrote many poems, short stories and even scratched his own quotes. He was a Miami Dolphin fan for life, while ” keeping tabs” on the Vikings and Twins.
Although his life wasn’t always easy, Cass was very proud of his last eight years of sobriety and had aspirations of moving back to the New Ulm/Sleepy Eye area to work and seek out someone to share the rest of his life with.
Cass is survived by his sisters Kelly Rae of Eden Prairie, Melody (Mike) Lang of Lewiston, half-siblings Rickey Caldwell, Vickey Jensen, Mickey Caldwell, Nickey Caldwell and nephews and nieces. Cass was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and his stepfather Warren Sandmann .
Veronica Bertha Helget, age 95 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – North Entrance in Sleepy Eye. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 11:00 am. The clergy will be Fr. Craig Timmerman. 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.
Veronica “Fronnie” Bertha (Stueber) Helget, the daughter of Joseph and Clara (Eckstein) Stueber, was born on September 26, 1928, on the family farm. Along with her 11 older siblings, Fronnie walked 2 ½ miles to attend country school. After completing the 8th grade, Fronnie set about helping her parents run the farm until she was united in marriage to Valentine Helget on April 27, 1950, at Cathedral of the Holy Trinity Church in New Ulm. This union was blessed with three children, Daryl, Lynette, and Linda. Fronnie and Valentine raised their family on their farm between Sigel and Stark Townships.
Fronnie and Valentine spent their years together dancing to old time music and working side by side on the farm that Fronnie lived on for 73 years. She readily did what needed to be done on the farm from hauling grain to caring for the animals and she enjoyed driving the 6-wheeler.
Fronnie excelled at being a wife and mom. She loved tending her garden where she grew vegetables and produce which she then canned, cooked, and most importantly, shared with her family and friends. She canned the best pickles and baked the best bread and most delicious buns. She was proud of her German heritage and spoke Bohemian fluently. Caring about others came easily to Fronnie and she always made sure everyone had plenty to eat. She especially looked forward to phone calls with her family and thoroughly enjoyed watching Bandwagon. Fronnie will be remembered for the love she had for her family, her Minnesota good-byes, and always giving a hug before parting.
Fronnie is survived by her son, Daryl (Lois) Helget of New Ulm; daughters, Lynette (Steve) Braun and Linda (Lenny) Neid, all of Sleepy Eye; grandchildren, Holly N. Helget, Scott Braun, Kevin Braun, Brian Braun, Angie Neid, and Adam Neid; great-grandchildren, Ryder and Reese Braun, Bennett and Rowan Braun, Myla Neid, and Landen Thedens; many nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law, Marilyn Walser.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Valentine in 2008; father and mother, Joseph and Clara (Eckstein) Stueber; father and mother-in-law, Edwin and Lena (Wurzberger) Helget; sisters and brothers-in-law, Matilda (Leo) Sellner, Alma (Norbert) Lang, Clara (Raymond) Lang, Rose (Clarence) Gleisner, and Alice (Leonard) Portner; brothers and sisters-in-law, Herbert (Virginia) Stueber, Joseph (Marcella) Stueber, John (Marcella) Stueber, Edwin (Elaine) Stueber, Charles Stueber, and Norbert Stueber; brother-in-law, Joseph Walser; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Theodore (Delores) Helget.
James J. Wendinger, age 85 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at his home in the loving care of his family. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 13, 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 Saturday at 9:30 am until 10:30 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 10:30 am and will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye. The clergy will be Fr. Craig Timmerman. 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.
James Joseph Wendinger, the son of Henry and Rose (Rubischko) Wendinger, was born on February 12, 1939, in New Ulm, Minnesota. He was raised with his two brothers on a farm in Fairfax and attended school at Fairfax Public School through the 8th grade. As a teenager, Jim began his life’s work of farming and never looked back. He met the love of his life, Phyllis Braulick, at a dance and they were united in marriage on June 10, 1958, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Blessed with ten children, they raised their family on their farm in Fairfax, teaching them the value of working hard, taking care of what you have and, most importantly, one another. Their children learned early on the risk of saying they were bored meant Jim found a farm chore to do.
Jim was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. His hobbies included being outdoors, checking the fields, and mowing his lawn. He loved Polka with his favorite dance partner, Phyllis. She also happened to be his favorite travel partner, and they cherished their time in Texas and Oregon. Although he and Phyllis moved to Sleepy Eye 15 years ago, Jim never really retired from farming. Driving the combine and being the official farm gopher for his sons kept him busy. He took great pride in his work, the upkeep of the farm, machinery, and equipment. Everything had its place and Jim taught others to “make sure you do it right because I’m watching.”
A solid family man with a big heart, Jim always arrived early and was the first to lend a hand. He was straightforward and a great listener. He loved family gatherings and readily offered suggestions for the menu. Fried potatoes, sauerkraut, and ribs were his personal specialties. His wisdom, whistling, and can-do attitude, along with his very presence, will be incredibly missed.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Phyllis Wendinger of Sleepy Eye; children, Jerry (Lori) Wendinger of New Ulm, Tammie Thibedeau of Brownsville, OR, Lee (Susan Cation) Wendinger of Becker, Julie (Eugene) Krzmarzick of Sleepy Eye, Robin (Danny) Havemeier of Sleepy Eye, Jody (Greg) Anderson of Springfield, Gordy (Amy) Wendinger of Slayton, Lance (Tonya) Wendinger of Sleepy Eye, Anita (Brian) Weir of Fairfax, and Sara (Paula Marty) Wendinger of New Ulm; 18 grandchildren; 13 step-grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren with more to come; six step-great-grandchildren with more to come; many nieces and nephews; and other loving relatives and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Jamie Krzmarzick; step-great-grandson, Jackson Wotschke; son-in-law, Bob Thibedeau; two brothers; and several in-laws.
Donna F. Anderson, age 95 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on September 3, 2024, at Sleepy Eye Rehabilitation Center. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Evan, Minnesota. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Sanborn City Cemetery in Sanborn, Minnesota. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Donna Fay (Johnson) (Brazle) Anderson was born on December 22, 1928, to Joseph Johnson and Josephine (Kaushagen) Johnson on a farm in Ann Township, Cottonwood County, Minnesota. She grew up and graduated from Lamberton High School in 1946. After high school, Donna moved to Tracy, Minnesota, where she worked as a telephone operator until her marriage on October 12, 1947, to Eugene Brazle at Sharon Lutheran Church in Lamberton. They moved to Evan, Minnesota where they owned the café from 1961 until 1965 when they bought a bar in Cobden. They owned the bar until Gene’s death in 1969. Donna married LeRoy Anderson on August 11, 1973, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Evan, Minnesota. Donna lived in Evan until she moved into Sleepy Eye Care Center in 2007. Donna enjoyed crocheting, jigsaw puzzles, baking, and traveling. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Donna is survived by her children, Barbara (Ronald) Hackler, New Brighton, MN, Betty Ostrom, Orlando, FL, Vickie (Steven) Kuehn, New Ulm, MN, and Butch Brazle, Sleepy Eye, MN; son-in-law, Bud Underdahl, Anoka, MN; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; four great great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Josie Johnson; twin brother, Donald Johnson on February 17, 1929; husbands, Eugene Brazle and LeRoy Anderson; daughter, Kathy Brazle-Underdahl; son-in-law, Charles Ostrom; granddaughter, Mary Katherine Kuehn; great great-granddaughter, Raven Elsberry; sisters and brothers-in-law, Clarice and Meyer Halvorson, Cleo and Clifford Beermann, and Doris and Floyd Craft; brother and sister-in-law, Jerome and Faun Johnson.
Sister Veronica A. Hoffmann, age 90, of Shakopee, passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at St. Gertrude’s in Shakopee.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm, with Father Mark Steffl celebrating the mass. Burial will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.
To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: www.mvfh.org
Veronica is survived by her brother, Roger (Sharon) Hoffmann of New Ulm; sister, Karen (Richard) Sellner of Sleepy Eye; sister-in-law, Gayle Hoffmann of Morgan; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother, Florence Hoffmann; sister, Margaret (Joseph) Huiras; and step-brother, Ronald Hoffmann.
Eleanor Alma Hoffmann was born on May 6, 1934 in New Ulm to Bernard & Veronica (Boettger) Hoffmann. In 1952 she graduated from Holy Trinity High School in New Ulm. Upon graduation, she entered religious life with the Sisters of Christian Charity. Veronica made her final profession in 1959 at the motherhouse in Wilmette, IL. In 1975 she chose to join a group of ninety sisters who formed a new community, the Sisters of the Living World (SLW). In 1981 Veronica moved back to Minnesota to be closer to family. Blessed be her memory.
Alice J. Zinniel (nee Edelman), age 81, of Sleepy Eye, passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at her home.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. on Monday, September 9, 2024 at the Faith United Methodist Church in Sleepy Eye, with Pastor Mike Franklin officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Sleepy Eye.
Visitation will be 4 – 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – NORTH Chapel in New Ulm, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
The service will be live streamed starting at 11 a.m. on Monday on the Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes Facebook page.
To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: www.mvfh.org
Alice is survived by her husband of 57 years, Robert; daughters, Brenda (Loren “Butch”) Brey of New Ulm and Cynthia “Cyndi” (Duane) Hansen of Lakefield; grandchildren, Morgan (Aaron) Hoffmann of Sleepy Eye, Courtney Brey of New Ulm, Michael and AJ Hansen of Lakefield; great-grandchildren, Bennett “Ben” Brey and Ella Hoffmann of Sleepy Eye; siblings, Philp Edelman of Parker, AZ, Manuel (LaVonne) Edelman of Lake George, MN, Evelyn Dutra of Scottsdale, AZ, Leo (Linda) Edelman of Agawam, MA, Lyle Edelman (special friend Kathryn Smith) of Akeley, Lillian (Vern) Landin of Lake Wales, FL, Beverly Whiddon of La Porte, MN, Delmar Edelman of Phoenix, AZ, and Mary Hutchings of Hibbing; sisters & brothers-in-law, Ann Marie Scharfencamp of New Ulm, Dick (Audrey) Zinniel of Sleepy Eye, Clete (Jan) Zinniel of Sleepy Eye, Paulette (partner Doug Samuelson) Bertrand of Mankato, Chuck (Lorette) Zinniel of Sleepy Eye, Randy (Shelly Rae) Zinniel of Sleepy Eye, Ron (special friend Denise Espe) Zinniel of Sleepy Eye, Irene (special friend Jason Wolf) Zinniel of Sioux Falls, SD; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, DaNNY Hansen; father & mother-in-law, Joseph and Celestine Zinniel; sisters, Flossie Davis, Clara Bessler, and Barb Thelen; brothers, Donald, Karl, Paul, and Stanley Edelman; several sisters & brothers-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.
Alice Jean Edelman was born on August 10, 1943 in Bemidji, MN to Eugene & Anna (Hamblin) Edelman. She graduated from Park Rapids High School in 1961, continuing her education at Mankato Commercial College, where she studied General Office, graduating in 1964. She was united in marriage to Robert Zinniel on September 10, 1966 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Alice was employed with Broich’s Royal Blue Grocery Store, Pietrus, Del Monte, the Brown County Assessor’s Office, and then 30 years as a secretary at the Sleepy Eye Public Elementary School. She was involved with the Sleepy Eye Dollars for Scholars, volunteered at the Public School, and was a teacher and superintendent for Sunday School. Alice was a good bowler, and also enjoyed baking, camping, reading, fishing, and playing games, especially Scrabble. Most of all, she cherished the time she spent with her family. Alice will be remembered for her radiant smile, infectious laughter, epic Christmas goodie boxes, homemade breads and ice cream. Blessed be her memory.
Memorials are preferred to the Ronald McDonald House Upper Midwest Charities or the Alzheimer’s Association.
