Gregory George Cook passed away August 25th, 2024 with his family by his side. He fought a courageous three-month battle with cancer and was taken into God’s arms unexpectedly Sunday evening.
Greg was born on September 1st, 1960 in Sleepy Eye, MN to Melvin and Marie (Windschitl) Cook. He graduated from Sleepy Eye High School in 1979. There he was a standout baseball player who accumulated many accolades, including playing in the 1979 Lions All-Star games. His passion for baseball never faded- he went on to play amateur ball in Leavenworth for several years. And as his father had shared his love for baseball with him, he would go on to share that passion with his sons, coaching their teams and upholding that love for baseball within his family.
On December 10th, 1994 Greg was married to Stacie Holland at Zion Lutheran Church in Hanska, MN. They had three children together: Joshua, Shayla and Nicholas. His family was his greatest joy.
For 25 years, Greg worked at Downs Food Group. He spent his entire life in the food industry and enjoyed the friendships and connections he made throughout his career. He enjoyed sharing his love for food with the people around him and was an exceptional cook.
Greg was active in many organizations throughout his life. He was on the Madelia Chamber Board, as well as Church and Baseball Boards. He received the Oscar Sorbel hometown hero award for his years of volunteer contributions to the Madelia Community. Greg was humble and full of grace. He always had a hand to lend to those in need.
Most of all, we remember Greg for his infectious smile, his quick wit and genuine laugh. He was a traveler, hunter, coach, and a light to everyone who loved him. The warmth of his presence and positive outlook on the world gave those around him a lens to see things the way he did, with openness and grace.
He is survived by his wife, Stacie; their children, Joshua of North Mankato, Shayla (partner, Diante) of St. Paul, and Nicholas of North Mankato; his siblings, Dawn (Dave) Nazarenus, Denise (Jerry) Osborn, Dora Cook (partner, Butch), Darla Remus (partner, Joe), Nellie Wersal (partner, Steve), Rick Cook (partner, Paula), Doug (Melanie) Cook, Annie (Darren) Huisman, and Jason (Michelle) Cook.
Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Mel and Marie Cook; parents-in-law, Suzanne and Dennis Holland; and several aunts and uncles.
Visitation will be held from 5-7pm, Friday, August 30, 2024 at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary. Memorial service will be 11am, Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Messiah Lutheran Church in North Mankato with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at the Japanese Martyrs Cemetery in Leavenworth. Please share a memory of Greg with his family, view his video tribute, and watch his service livestreamed at www.mankatomortuary.com
Florence Janice (Zenner) Sheesley, 82 of St. Joseph, Minnesota and formerly of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died peacefully August 21, 2024. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 11:00 am on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – North Entrance in Sleepy Eye. Funeral Mass will commence immediately after and will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/
Florence was the 6th of 10 children born to Leo and Barbara (Hoheisel) Zenner. She enjoyed growing up on the family farm near Belgrade, where she was instilled with a strong faith and work ethic, helping with gardening, canning, chickens, cooking, cleaning, sewing, and quilting. She stayed active with homework, chores, 4-H projects & meetings, church activities and family picnics. As a devout Catholic, Florence went on to attend a small convent, but prior to taking her final vows, she felt God calling her to be a wife and mother.
Florence received a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology. She worked in various hospitals and clinics for 50 years before retiring in 2018. She enjoyed her profession, especially visiting with patients.
Florence was united in marriage to Arlen Francis Sheesley on May 8, 1976, at the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Belgrade. They made their home in Sleepy Eye, Arlen’s hometown, and raised a family of three children: Melanie, Devin, and Kyle. The family enjoyed camping, sports, fishing, visiting relatives, and family trips. Arlen and Florence purchased a lake lot in 1985 and made many beautiful memories at the cabin. Sadly, Arlen passed away in 1992 from esophageal cancer, with Florence lovingly caring for him until the end.
Florence married Gerald Joseph Shamla on May 24, 2002, welcoming his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren into her life. Florence and Gerald resided in St. Joseph, MN. The two made the most of their retirement years traveling the world. Cruises were one of their favorite activities. When not traveling, the couple enjoyed polka dancing, spending time at the cabin, and visiting friends and family.
Florence is survived by her husband, Gerald Shamla; daughter, Melanie (Cory) Greseth; sons, Devin (Michaela) Sheesley and Kyle (Tiffany) Sheesley; 12 grandchildren; sisters, Virginia, Betty, and Mary; brothers, Robert, Dennis and Gary; 7 stepchildren, 18 step-grandchildren, and 10 step-great-grandchildren.
Florence was preceded in death by her first husband, Arlen Sheesley; parents, Leo and Barbara (Hoheisel) Zenner; brothers, Steven and Leroy Zenner; and sister, Shirley (Zenner) Lipold.
Florence spent the final ten days of her life at Quiet Oaks Hospice House on the outskirts of St. Cloud. Gerald, Melanie, Devin, and Kyle moved in as well to spend every possible moment together. The team took such exceptional care of Florence – so much love, compassion, grace, and dignity. In lieu of flowers, please honor Florence’s life with a donation to this extraordinary home: Quiet Oaks, 5537 Galaxy Rd, St. Cloud, MN 56301 quietoakshospicehouse.org/
Curtis was born in Sleepy Eye, MN on September 10, 1992.
Curtis was baptized at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, MN and confirmed at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church in Springfield, MN. He was involved in the St. Raphael’s Church youth choir while in high school. He graduated from Springfield High School in 2011. Curtis was active in the Sleepy Eye Hockey program throughout his school years. The love he had for hockey is what lead him to Gillette, Wyoming. After graduation, he tried out for a few junior hockey teams in different states and ended up signing with the Gillette Wild. He lived with host families while in the program and it was those families that became his family in Wyoming.
With the time spent, friends made, and love for his host families out in Wyoming, Curtis decided to stay and work after his hockey years came to an end. He worked at various oil field companies and on the oil rigs. He truly enjoyed the work and the people he worked with. Most recently, he was helping out at Jon and Perry’s ranch and this family became a huge part of Curtis. They treated him as their own. Curtis spent a lot of time on their ranch and doing activities with them and their kids. The family commented that Curtis brought so much joy to their whole family and taught them to treasure what’s important.
He was an outdoors person. He loved hockey, skateboarding, snowboarding in the mountains, caving, and fishing at the Keyhole Reservoir in Wyoming. When Curtis would come home to Minnesota to visit he enjoyed reconnecting with friends he had here and especially going fishing by Willmar with his dear friend, Calvin.
Although Curtis has had many ups and downs throughout the years, he always managed to have a smile on his face that was so contagious. He was so selfless and had the most amazing heart. He recently couldn’t handle the dark days he was having, God could see he was struggling and called him home.
Curtis will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Tim and Lisa Scholten; brothers, Cody (Vanessa) Shoen and Connor Scholten; niece, Scarlett Shoen; nephew and Godson, Brayden Shoen; grandmothers, Eileen Vogel and Thelma Scholten; aunts and uncles, Renae Scholten, Tami (Jeff) Wiener, and Randy (Wendy) Scholten; cousins, Tyus, Madori, Brecken, Brianne, Lindsay, Kenley and Alexis; his Wyoming families; special friends, Jon (Kristin) Rikke and their children, Kamden, Korbyn and Kaylea, Perry (Loretta) Study, and Lisa McCue and entire family; and many other friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Bill Vogel and Stanley Scholten; uncle, Curt Vogel; and very dear friend, Calvin Wells.
Curtis has touched so many lives in Wyoming and Minnesota with his smile, sense of humor, and laugh. He is now at peace.
Bernice Clara Sturm, age 99, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. Visitation will be on Monday, August 26, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Sturm Funeral Home, Springfield Chapel and will continue on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the St. Raphael Catholic Church in Springfield, MN. Service will be held at the St. Raphael Catholic Church on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. The clergy will be Father Jeremy Kucera. Interment will be at the St. Raphael Catholic Cemetery in Springfield, MN. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Springfield, MN. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Bernice Clara Sturm was born on January 4, 1925, in Stark Township to Ben and Ida (Neidecker) Braulick. She attended country school District #45 and St. Mary’s Catholic School. Bernice was united in marriage to Norbert Sturm on February 12, 1945, at St. Marys’ Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, MN. The couple made their home in Leavenworth Township where they farmed for 52 years before they moved to Springfield in 1997. Bernice worked at Del Monte in Sleepy Eye and enjoyed spending time outside gardening, tending to her flowers, feeding the birds, and embroidery. She also enjoyed spending time in her kitchen baking and cooking for her family, especially during the holidays. She was a member of St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, honorary member of the CCW, spent time making rosaries for the missions, volunteering at the thrift store, and delivering meals on wheels.
Bernice is survived by her children – John (Sharon) Sturm, Dick (Alicia) Sturm, Beverly Sturm and Colleen (Pat) Windschitl; 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Norbert in 2014, brothers and sisters-in-law Ervin (Rita) Braulick and Benny (Shirley) Braulick, granddaughter Tiffini Sturm in 1999, and numerous relatives.
Joel R. Hillesheim, age 46 of Panama City Beach, Florida, formerly of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on July 25, 2024, in Panama City Beach. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 3:30 pm at Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Servicemen’s Club in Sleepy Eye from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Joel Raymond Hillesheim was born on December 9, 1977, to Leonard and Gayle (Hinkel) Hillesheim. He was baptized Catholic at Japanese Martyrs Church and attended grade school at Japanese Martyrs School in Leavenworth, Minnesota and St. Mary’s Catholic School in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. He went to high school at Sleepy Eye Public School and proudly earned his GED in 1996. In his younger life he loved to fish, hunt, take things apart and put them back together, and farm. His dad had him on a tractor by age 4. By age 15, he took apart his first engine and pieced it back together. He was a jack of all trades including mechanic, construction, carpenter, farmer, crane operator, bartender, bouncer, tree trimmer, and many odds and ends jobs. He loved the outdoors and worked 7 days a week if he could. Joel was a proud owner of a black 1963 Chevy Impala, and you could hear him come to town miles away! He drove it in parades and for celebrations and he was well known in both areas.
While working in Minnesota as a roofer, Joel was offered an opportunity through the company to help victims of Hurricane Charley in Florida. He loved the area and decided to stay. In his time in Florida, he helped rebuild many cities after devastating storms. He moved to Alabama for a few years and then to Panama City Beach in Florida for the remaining years.
Joel was a friend to all and he loved to have fun! He met many great friends between Minnesota and Florida, and anyone who met him loved him and always that smile. He always had a grin no matter what he went through. Joel loved his family and real friends and protected those he trusted. He helped many in need and protected those he loved.
Joel is survived by his mom, Gayle Hillesheim and special friend, Don Gredrose of Sleepy Eye; sister, Jennifer Hillesheim and special friend, Adam Braun of Cobden, sister, Amy and Dustin Wroolie of Akeley, and brother, Brandon and (Jennifer) Hillesheim of New Ulm; nieces and nephews, Taylor Fromm and special friend, Logan Daker, Sierra Wroolie, and Brock Fromm; many aunts and uncles; and MANY many friends.
He was preceded in death by his dad, Leonard “Skinner” Hillesheim; niece, Savanah Wroolie; grandparents, Raymond and Odelia Hillesheim and Vincent and Dorothy Moeller; and uncles, Marvin Hillesheim, Fr. Gerald Hillesheim, and Ervin Lendt.
Joel will always be remembered for his smile and he will be missed dearly.
Veronica “Bonnie” E. Hose, age 88 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on Monday, July 22, 2024, at Sleepy Eye Rehabilitation Center. Visitation will be on Monday, July 29, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Sleepy Eye – North Entrance. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. and will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye. The clergy will be Fr. Sam Perez. Family 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.
Veronica “Bonnie” Evelyn (Fischer) Hose, the daughter of Aloysius and Ida (Falk) Fischer, was born in Rochester, Minnesota on October 28, 1935. The second youngest of 11 children, she attended school and graduated from Rochester Lourdes High School. After high school, Bonnie met the love of her life, Ronald Hose, and they were united in marriage on October 22, 1955. Ron and Bonnie raised their six children in rural Sleepy Eye. Together, they owned and operated Hose Hardware until 1991 and they looked forward to fishing trips to Canada.
Bonnie was a faith-filled member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye where she attended adoration at 2 a.m. and routinely helped clean the church. She loved being a wife and mom and blessed her family with homemade meals and fresh baked bread. Celebrating the holidays, especially Christmas, and passing on traditions to the younger generations were important to her. Bonnie’s faith and her family were cornerstones in her life. She would do anything for anyone and adored her grandchildren. Bonnie will be lovingly remembered for her laughter, concern for others, and great sense of humor.
Bonnie is survived by her children, Bill (Connie) Hose, Mike (Kim) Hose, Ed (Judy) Hose, Mary Johnson (Shawn Mosiniak), and Marv (Kristi) Hose; grandchildren, Will (Kate) Hose, Chris (Dani) Hose, Amanda (Destry) Boomgarden, Jenna (Dan) Hose, Madeline Hose, Ashley (Chris) Domeier, Mallory (Matt) Sandgren, Scott Johnson, Kenzie Hose, Lindsay Hose, and Erin Doherty; 15 great-grandchildren; siblings, Cathy Jumbeck and Joe Fischer; many nieces and nephews; and other loving relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Hose; parents, Aloysius and Ida Fischer; daughter, Denise Dawson; granddaughter, Morgin; and eight siblings.
Robert A. Schroepfer, age 78 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, known for his big heart, generous spirit, and hearty laugh, died on Thursday, July 11, 2024. Visitation will be on Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Parish Prayers at 3:45 p.m. prior to the visitation. Visitation will continue on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at St. Marys Catholic Church – North Entrance. Knights of Columbus Rosary will be on Friday at 10:10 a.m. at St. Marys. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. and will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/
Robert, the son of Anthony and Brigitta (Soukup) Schroepfer was born December 7, 1945, in Sleepy Eye. He attended and graduated from St. Marys School in Sleepy Eye and went on to serve in the Army National Guard. On February 3, 1967, he married Linda (Gehrke) Schroepfer in Sleepy Eye.
Faith and family were the foundations of his life. He took immense pride in both, devoutly attending 3:00 a.m. adoration and always letting his children and grandchildren know that he was praying for them. He loved sports and would often share how Coach Hale visited the farm to persuade his parents to let him and his brother play football. Reminiscing about his football playing days always brought a smile to his face. He passed his love of sports on to his children by coaching Leavenworth baseball and being an avid fan. He was a constant presence at his childrens and grandchildrens sporting events, sharing his insights about the game with others in the stands. Bowling league, slow pitch softball, card club, and happy hour on Friday at the Club were among his favorite hobbies. He loved socializing with anyone and everyone.
In addition to his love for farming, Robert had a deep passion for trucking. As the owner of Bob’s Trucking, he dedicated his heart and soul to the business. His love for driving and the connections he made along the way were unmatched. He took immense pride in ensuring that his drivers were well cared for and enjoyed working for him.
Survivors include his wife Linda and children, Brian Schroepfer, Dale (Jackie) Schroepfer, Kelly (Casey) Schewe, Becky (Dave) Wilfahrt, David (Nichole) Schroepfer, and Emily (Lance) Buck. He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren, Liviya and Hayes Schroepfer, Heather (Phil) Schauman, Melissa (Stephan) Alt, Josh Kuebler, Colten Schewe, Cheyenne (Kyle) Krzmarzick, Chase (Brach) Kraus, David Jr., Jevan, and Shay Wilfahrt, Raylan and Reese Schroepfer, Caleb, Jaxson, and Grace Buck; eight great-grandchildren; and siblings, Theresia (Ernie) Kretsch, Sylvia Braun, Richard (Lindy) Schroepfer, Kathleen (Rick) Marcus, and Anthony (Shirley) Schroepfer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Brigitta Schroepfer; sisters, LaDonna Mae Mathiowetz and Barbara Jensen; father-in- law, Darwin Gehrke; mother-in-law, Bernice Gehrke; and brothers-in-law, Alphonse Mathiowetz, Melvin Braun, and David Jensen.
Robert was a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, and the Leavenworth Baseball Association. He also supported the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Marys Catholic Church, Tunnels to Towers, or Leavenworth Baseball Association.
Edward Nic Jungers passed away on July 3, 2024. Ed was a beloved husband, father, Grandfather, brother, and friend. He was born to Nic and Viness Jungers on April 18, 1931, outside of Turner, Montana. Shortly after his birth, his parents moved to Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, where he was raised with his four siblings on a modest farm.
Ed graduated from Sleepy Eye Public High School in 1949. During his sophomore year, he met his future wife, Roslyn Goldschmidt on the rural school bus. After graduation, Ed helped out on the family farm until 1952 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. In March of 1953, Roslyn joined him in California and they were married on March 21, 1953. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and joyous hustle and bustle of raising their six children.
After finishing his military commitment, Ed enjoyed a career in law enforcement with Oceanside Police Department and then the California Highway Patrol. He retired in December 1983 and opened Jungers Accident Reconstruction and Imperial Valley Safety Services.
His hobbies included fishing and hunting. He was a pilot and enjoyed cross country motorcycle trips with his wife, Rosyln.
Ed is survived by his sister Kit Orth (age 101) and his children, Dennis (Pat), Jungers, Audrey (Mike) Johnson, Jeanne (Chris) Jungers, Karen (Arthur) Saikhon, Julia (Ralph) Cordova, Danny (Jamie) Jungers. He also has 23 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, with 4 more on the way.
Funeral Service for Ed will be held at 10:00am on July 11,2024, at St.Mary’s Catholic Church, 795 S. La Brucherie Road, El Centro, California. Immediately following the service a lunch reception will be hosted by the Jungers family. Ed will be buried at a private ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery on July 12, 2024.
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/
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
