Deborah Kaye Heiderscheidt began bobbin’ July 23, 1953, and moved on to bigger and better lakes, surrounded by her family, on July 5th, 2024, after an arduous and impressive battle against many ailments. Visitation will be on Thursday, July 11, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Christian Mothers Rosary at 3:30 p.m. and Parish Prayers at 3:45 p.m. prior to the visitation. Visitation will continue on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – North Entrance. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. and will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye. 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.

Deborah Kaye (Bertrand) Heiderscheidt was born in New Ulm, MN, to Robert & Marion (Sellner) Bertrand. She attended school at St. Mary’s in Sleepy Eye for grades K-6th, Holy Trinity School in New Ulm for 7th-9th and St. Mary’s again for 10th-12th. Deborah met the love/pain of her life, Laverne (Trixie) Heiderscheidt, at the Sleepy Eye Centennial Celebration and they were married for 27 years. From this union came three children: Nichole, Heather and Joseph. Deborah worked at various places during her lifetime, including the Sleepy Eye Herald Dispatch, First Security Bank, St. Mary’s Credit Union, Braun Oil and Sleepy Eye Public School. She was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Church and belonged to St. Mary’s CCW, the Divine Providence Auxiliary and Christian Mothers.

Deborah enjoyed painting, doing crafts and bowling. She loved spending time at the lake with her family and her favorite past-time was fishing whenever possible. She spent a lot of time going to her grandkids’ sporting events and when she wasn’t up for attending, she watched them online. She was and will be their biggest fan! In her latter years, she passed the time watching cooking shows and snacking on sweets. Deborah was one of the smallest, toughest women you will ever meet.

Deborah is survived by her three children: Nichole (Nathan) Wintheiser, Heather (Andrew) Hoffmann and Joseph (Laura) Heiderscheidt; grandchildren: Patrick, Adelinde, Charlie, Gus, Roman, Colton and Aubree; mother, Marion Bertrand; siblings: Denise (Jim) Tauer, Bob (special friend Eileen Sellner) Bertrand and Bill Bertrand; siblings-in-law: Larry (Diane) Heiderscheidt, Lorrayne (Rich) Carlson, Marcia Heiderscheidt, Lowell (Gail) Heiderscheidt, Leo Heiderscheidt, Leona Heiderscheidt, Lyle (Diane) Heiderscheidt, Lenus (Ginger) Heiderscheidt, Lynette (Grant) Jensen, LeAnn (Michael) Duckett, LaMonte (Chris) Heiderscheidt; Great aunt and godmother, Lillian Stimpert; uncle and godfather, Marlin (Judy) Sellner; aunts: Carol Drown, Sandy (Dave) Running and Bernice Schneider; special friend, Ken Rothmeier; and many other special relatives and friends.

Deborah was preceded in death by her husband, Laverne Heiderscheidt; her dad, Robert Bertrand; parents-in-law, Helen and Nick Heiderscheidt; siblings-in-law: Jim & Lois Filzen, Leon & LaDonna Helget, and Leonard Heiderscheidt; and aunt and uncles: Fred and Janet Tauer, Dave Drown and Jerome Schneider.

Memorials preferred.

Jerome R. Mathiowetz, age 79, of Morgan, died Friday, July 05, 2024 at the Cedar Heart Homes in Franklin.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, with Father Craig Timmerman celebrating the mass. Burial will be at a later date in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday prior to the service at the church.

Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes in New Ulm are assisting his family.

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

Jerome is survived by his wife, Shirley; son, Greg (Lisa) of Cody, WY; sisters, Janet McCauley of Minneapolis and Phyllis (Kenneth) Wenner of Nicollet; granddaughter, Kyra; nephews, Lucas and Kyle Mathiowetz; and nieces, Julie (Erik) Berge and Colleen (Shane) Jensen.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Loren “Lonnie”.

Jerome Raymond Mathiowetz was born on August 25, 1944 in Sleepy Eye to Raymond & Frances (Reiner) Mathiowetz. He graduated from Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s High School. Jerome was united in marriage to Lynette Hauser. They later divorced. He later married Shirley Mans on September 19, 1987 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. He was employed as an insurance agent, worked at Honeywell and G.E., and worked the family farm. Jerome was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He enjoyed tending to his garden, working on electronics, and restoring his uncle’s ’51 Chevy truck and his grandfather’s horse drawn buggy

Frederick “Fritz” Hoffmann, 90, of Sleepy Eye, died Thursday, July 4, 2024, at home on the farm. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 10, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with the Knights of Columbus Rosary at 3:30 p.m. and Parish Prayers at 3:45 p.m. prior to the visitation. Visitation will continue on Thursday, July 11, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. before the funeral at Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye on July 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. 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.

Fred, the son of Sylvester and Marcella (Kral) Hoffmann, was born on May 13, 1934, in Sleepy Eye. He attended and graduated from St. Mary’s School in Sleepy Eye. On June 18, 1957, he married Bernadette (Bastian) Hoffmann in St. George, Minnesota. They had just celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.

He taught his children the importance of faith and a strong work ethic. He was a farmer and was able to fix anything. His creativity was seen in objects he fixed, welded together, or saved for useful purposes. Coming from a large family, he saved and did not waste anything. He felt many things could be refurbished and saw value in simple objects most people throw away. He played football and baseball in high school and was inducted into the St. Mary’s Hall of Fame. He participated on the Stark Amateur baseball team and played softball with Berdan Wells and Rexall Drug. Playing Sheephead was an enjoyment for him. The farm was located on the Golden Gate settlement. He had a passion for the history of Golden Gate and was instrumental in getting the historical site.

Survivors include his wife, Bernadette, of Sleepy Eye and children, Barb (Jeff) Miller, Mary (Greg) Gangelhoff, Steve (Nancy) Hoffmann, and David (Linda) Hoffmann. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Amy (Lee) Simon, Mark (Katie) Miller, Brett (Desirae) Miller, Brian (Bethany) Gangelhoff, Matthew (Laura) Gangelhoff, Maria (Matt) Halverson, Heidi (Caleb) Greene, Jon (Mary) Hoffmann, Julia, Hannah, and Andrew Hoffmann; twenty great-grandchildren; siblings, Sr. Theresa Hoffmann, Joan Hoffmann, Catherine (Jim) Jarmer, Marcy Bode, and Marty Hoffmann; sister-in-law, Mary Hoffmann; brothers-in-law, Willard (JoAnn) Bastian and Jerome (Myra) Bastian; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Bastian. He was preceded in death by an infant son; parents, Sylvester and Marcella Hoffmann; siblings, Sr. Gloria, Victor, Sr. Gertrude, Tom, Margaret, and Ann; father and mother-in-law, Louis and Nora Bastian; sisters-in-law, Mary Jane and Elaine Hoffmann; brothers-in-law, Frank Bode and Bernard Bastian; and niece, Maria Lux.

Fred was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Golden Gate Historical Board. Fred was loyal to his parish and alma mater. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Mary’s Catholic School and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Sleepy Eye.

Robert K. Gates, age 50 of New Ulm, Minnesota, died on June 30, 2024, at St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota. No service is planned at this time. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Robert is survived by his siblings, Frank Gates, Jr. of Arlington, TX, Rosemary Kuehl of New Auburn, MN, Betty Case of Sleepy Eye, MN, Christie Fricke of Douglas, WY, Kathy Wurtz of Middleton, ID, and Eva Inguanzo of Marshall, MN and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Sr. and Eugenia (Gadbaw) Gates.

Donna R. Konz, age 69 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota died on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at United Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. Visitation will be on Monday, July 8, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with the CCW Rosary at 3:30 pm and Parish Prayers at 3:45 pm prior to visitation. Visitation will continue on Tuesday from 9:30 am until 10:30 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, July 9, 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. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Donna Rose (Moldan) Konz, the daughter of Engelbert and Evelyn (Mickelson) Moldan, was born on January 11, 1955, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. She attended grade school at Japanese Martyrs Catholic School in Leavenworth, transferred to Sleepy Eye Public School, and graduated in 1973. While in school, Donna met Mark Konz. They stayed in touch through Mark’s military service and on July 20, 1973, they were united in marriage. Donna and Mark were blessed with three children, Tracy, Jessica, and Andrew. They celebrated 50 years of marriage that was built on friendship, teamwork, and love.

While raising their children, Donna worked in the lunchroom at St. Mary’s Catholic School and at Bic, both in Sleepy Eye. She cherished being a mom and never missed an event her children were in. Her children learned from Donna’s strong work ethic, and they knew they could count on her for solid advice and unconditional love. Donna absolutely adored her grandchildren, was super proud of them, and made each one feel special. She loved going to their activities and bringing them to meat raffles.

Donna was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. She loved to quilt, sew, and work in her garden. She had a knack for growing beautiful flowers. She also had a knack for making everyone feel welcome. Generous with her heart and concern for others, whenever Donna saw a need, she would reach out, offer support, prepare a meal, or help in any way she could. Caring for her family, in big ways and small, brought her joy. She was a great cook and hostess and loved celebrating her family and friends. Birthdays and holidays, especially Christmas, were extra special because Donna made them so. Donna was an excellent wife, mom, and grandma and she will be missed beyond measure.

Donna is survived by her best friend and husband, Mark Konz of Sleepy Eye, MN; children, Tracy (Justin) Grodnitzky of Ames, IA, Jessica (Eugene “Shorty”) Elliott of Ames, IA, and Andrew (Christine) Konz of Albertville, MN; grandchildren, Alec (Molly) Grodnitzky, Natalie Grodnitzky, Cecilia Elliott, Colin Elliott, Payton Konz, and James Konz; siblings and their spouses, LeAnn, Mary, Tammy, Norbert (Barb), David (Suzanne), Leo (Theresa), Leon (Joanie), Richard (Shauna), Glen (Lisa); siblings-in-law and their spouses, John (Alyce), Leo, Karen (Denny), Vincent (Sandy), Bernice (Reed), Steven (Denise), Phyllis, Marie (Bob), Susan (David), Joan, Ronald (Ann), and Pamela; many nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Engelbert and Evelyn Moldan; stepfather, Clarence Mathiowetz; siblings, Thomas, Raymond, Larry, and JoAnn; parents-in-law, George and Mary Konz; and siblings-in-law, Donald and Teresa.

Randal “Randy” Craig Peterson, age 67 of New Ulm died unexpectedly on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Funeral service will be 11 am on Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024, at the Bernadotte Lutheran Church in Bernadotte, Minnesota.  Pastor Mike Zaske will officiate, and burial will follow in the Bernadotte Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 9-11 am on Tuesday at the church prior to the service.

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

Randy is survived by his sister, Paullette (Allen) Botten of Albert Lea; his brothers, Bradley (Cathy) Peterson of New Ulm, Kevin Peterson of New Ulm; and his nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Gerry Peterson; and his infant nephew, Jon Peterson.

Randal “Randy” Craig Peterson was born February 24, 1957, in New Ulm to Wallace and Germaine (Dietz) Peterson.  Growing up in New Ulm, Randy was a 1975 graduate from the New Ulm High School.  As a man who loved a good adventure and enjoyed flight, Randy attained his pilot’s license shortly out of high school.   Early in his working career, he worked for Walsh Ag Equipment Manufacturing, and later worked for the Sleepy Eye Herald Newspaper.  Later in life, Randy found his true calling to work in real estate. Randy enjoyed the connections he was able to make with the countless families he worked for as a realtor most recently with Krenz Real Estate.  Randy was a true man of the people.  His easy-going personality made it quite simple to become friends with him the minute you met him.  He always knew how to find a good time, and always took time to visit and connect with his family, friends, and neighbors.  His family was always the most important to him.  Randy was a member of the Bernadotte Lutheran Church.  Although his passing was sudden and unexpected, Randy’s life will not be forgotten.  Countless memories of the good times and laughs shared will forever stay in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him.  Blessed be his memory.

Services for Weldon A. Marotz, 91, of Stanton will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stanton. The Rev. Jason Schulz will officiate with burial at the Stanton Cemetery.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Home for Funerals–Stanton is in charge of arrangements.

Weldon Marotz died Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk.

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Weldon Arthur Marotz was born Oct. 12, 1932, in rural Stanton County to Hilda Schellpeper Marotz and Arthur Marotz. He was baptized Nov. 6, 1932, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hoskins, and confirmed April 28, 1946, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran by R.F. Bittorf.

Weldon attended church at Trinity in Hoskins until 1952. He then became a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Stanton, and continued as a member of St. John’s for the remainder of his life.

Weldon attended Bega School through the tenth grade, at which time it closed. He then went to Stanton High School and graduated with the Class of 1950.

Weldon married Lois Kuester on June 29, 1952, at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in rural Wisner by the Rev. Hildebrand.

Children born to Weldon and Lois include Weldon A. Jr., Lynnette Rae, Michael M. and Todd W.

Weldon farmed grain and raised livestock until he moved to Stanton in December 1982. He continued to help on the farm for many years. He also worked security at Vulcraft for 11 years. He served on the St. John’s Church council for many years, SCS, ASC and Stanton nursing home board. Weldon was elected to the Stanton County Public Power District, serving on that board for 37 years.

Weldon was preceded in death by his spouse, Lois; daughter Lynnette Rae Marotz Barr; brother Maynard Marotz; parents; granddaughter Leslie Barr; brothers- and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

Weldon is survived by three sons, Weldon A. Jr. (Debbie) Marotz of Bloomington, Ill., Michael (Diann) Marotz of Stanton and Todd W. (Jodie) Marotz of Sleepy Eye, Minn.; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.homeforfuneralsinc.com.

Barbara A. Pankratz, age 72 of Mankato, Minnesota died on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Springfield, Minnesota followed by a graveside service at St. Raphael Catholic Cemetery in Springfield at 11:00 am. The clergy will be Fr. Jeremy Kucera. Fellowship and lunch with Barbara’s family will be at the church following the service. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. She is survived by her siblings and extended families. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Roman and Adeline Pankratz.

Shane Allan Sellner, age 28, of Willmar passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 10, 2024.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., on Friday, June 14, 2024 at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato. Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m., on Monday, June 17, 2024 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 632 S. Broad St., Mankato, with visitation one hour before at the church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Mankato. Livestream of the service will be available at www.mankatomortuary.com

Shane was born on November 10, 1995 in Mankato to Rick and Traci Sellner. He graduated from Mankato Loyola in 2014 and went on to graduate from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall where he was a four-year starter on the baseball team. Shane was joined in marriage to Amanda Broman on September 18, 2021 and they made a home in Willmar. They were blessed with a son, Isaac, on September 10, 2022 and will be welcoming a second, Andrew, in the upcoming weeks. Shane loved his job and coworkers at Rambow in New London where he was employed as a Sales Representative. Shane was a proud member of the Waterville Indians Baseball Team and loved to compete on the field, but, enjoyed the camaraderie off the field with his teammates even more. Shane enjoyed sports of all kinds – especially Minnesota teams. Shane had a wealth of friends from high school, college, work, baseball and the golf course. More than anything he loved Amanda, Isaac and Andrew, they were the light of his life.

Shane is survived by his wife, Amanda; son, Issac, and baby on the way, Andrew; parents, Rick and Traci Sellner; siblings, Bobbi and Luke (Clare Schmokel); grandparents, Patricia Stierlen, and Judy Christensen; father and mother in-law, Mark and Sue Broman; sister-in-law, Andrea Broman; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Shane was preceded in death by his grandparents: Pete Stierlen, Grant Christensen, LeRoy Sellner, and aunt, Jenny Cleveland.