Dolores K. Braunger, age 93 of Faribault, MN passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at the Allina Health Faribault Medical Center.

Dolores Kathryn, the daughter of Edward and Mary (Seidl) Pelzel, was born on October 18, 1930 in Sleepy Eye, MN.  She attended Sleepy Eye High School and graduated with the class of 1948.  In 1949 she was united in marriage to Linus Braunger at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye.  They lived in LeSueur, MN until 1957 when they moved to Faribault.  Dolores worked as a clerk and bookkeeper at JCPenney for 18 years. She enjoyed spending time with her family, working on stitching and crafts and playing cards.  Dolores was very involved at the Moose Lodge in Faribault, especially in the kitchen where she was in charge for many years.  She has been a member for over 50 years.  She was also a member of the Eagles Auxiliary in Faribault, the Catholic Order of Foresters, Daughters of Isabella, Rosary Circle and Divine Mercy Catholic Church.

She is survived by her daughters, Linda Braunger of Faribault, MN, Kathryn (Robert) Jones of Faribault, MN and Mary (Gordon) Taggart of Mesa, AZ; by seven grandchildren, Jeremy Meyer (Cathy), Jeffrey Jones, Jessica (Chad) Meixner, Jennifer Jones, Kate Jones (Billy Briggs), Gordie Taggart and Garrett Taggart (Tierney); by twelve great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter; by her sisters, Arlene (Alcuin) Tauer and Rita Wersal, both of Sleepy Eye, MN and by nieces, nephew and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Edward Braunger and brother, Jerome Pelzel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault with Fr. Clayton Forner officiating. Interment will be held at the Calvary Cemetery, Faribault.

Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The family prefers that memorials be directed to the Divine Mercy Catholic School Building Fund in memory of Dolores.

Arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault.

Edward T. Mathiowetz, age 88 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota died on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at the New Ulm Medical Center. Visitation will be on Sunday, April 7, 2024, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel. Rosary will be prayed at 1:30 pm prior to visitation. Visitation will continue on Monday, April 8, 2024, from 9:30 to 10:30 am at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel. Requiem Latin Mass will be on Monday at 10:30 am at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel. The Clergy will be Father Thomas Mroczka. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. 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.

Edward Thomas Mathiowetz was the son of Thomas and Mary (Billmeier) Mathiowetz. He was born December 23, 1935, and grew up and lived near Sleepy Eye, farming with his dad and brother.

Ed became interested in music at about 10 or 11 years of age. In the fall of 1949, Ed’s dad purchased a Pearl Queen Reed concertina. In June 1950, Ed played along with his cousin, Cletus Goblirsch, for a party. Soon after, they started playing for wedding receptions, shows, parades and other events. Ed also played a few dance jobs with Bruno Randles and his Jolly Brewers.

In November 1957, he joined the Active Army Reserve, training for six years. He received his honorable discharge in 1963.

Ed married Caroline Rothmeier from Clements on May 18, 1960, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Clements. They farmed near Sleepy Eye and raised three daughters.

Ed continued playing the concertina with several area bands including the Sota Band and Tony’s Combo Band. He, in later years, had his own small band named Ed’s Old Time Band.

Ed loved to invent things, weld, and modify equipment. He did a lot of work for area farmers.

He is survived by his wife of almost 64 years, Caroline; daughters, Brenda (Mark) Sand of Avon, MN, Teresa (friend Lavern Hauser) of New Ulm, MN, and Joanie (Marc) Barkosky of Amboy, MN; grandchildren, Brandon (Gemma), Bryan (friend Erin), Brittany (Brian) Stay, Blake (Thuan), Matthew, Jesse, Seth (Cherie), Cassaundra, Breanna, Victoria, Vanessa, and Tabitha; great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Kyrah, Damian, Avery, Aubree, Sebastian, Evelynn and Grayson; and sisters, Delores (Donald) Helget and Carol Davies.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Mary Mathiowetz and brother, Denis.

Tamara Lee Tessmer, age 66 of Cobden, Minnesota, died on March 23, 2024, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Visitation will be on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am. The clergy will be Rev. Tim Berg. 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.

 Tamara Lee Tessmer was born September 20, 1957, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota to Byron A. and Lois I. (Moeller) Tessmer. She grew up in Cobden, attending the Cobden School and she then went to St. John’s Lutheran School where she was confirmed. She graduated from Springfield Public High School. After graduation, she worked for many years as a secretary at Cobden Grain and Feed. After the elevator changed hands, she worked for CRC Agronomy Dept. and most recently, Koozie Group. She enjoyed reading, playing cards, taking a drive in the country, and visiting with friends and family.

 Tamara is survived by her sisters, Rhonda Groebner of Cobden and Dawn (Randy) Hagert of Cobden; nephew, Colin (Rebecca) Hagert of Fairmont; and numerous relatives and friends that will miss her. She was preceded in death by her father, Byron; mother, Lois; brother, Rick; and grandparents.

Dennis Rosenhammer, age 90 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota died on March 19, 2024, at his home. Visitation will be on Friday, March 22, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Parish Prayers at 3:45 pm. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church-North Entrance. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 10:30 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye. The clergy will be Fr. Mark Steffl. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. 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.

Dennis was born February 9, 1934, to John and Mathilda (Fischer) Rosenhammer. Dennis attended Quail Trap country school through 8th grade, he attended St. Mary’s in 2nd grade so he could receive first holy communion. In 1953, he was drafted into the U. S. Army, where he spent 2 years at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. On May 9th, 1959, Dennis married Mildred “Mil” Seidl. This began their 64 years of marriage which was spent entirely on the same family farm. Given a few dairy cows by each of their parents was the beginning of their dairy herd which grew steadily. Together they enjoyed milking cows, feeding calves, driving tractor, and keeping the farm tidy.

Dennis was a quiet man, with a love for farming, baseball, history, and polka music. At age 16, he taught himself how to play the concertina by sound, never with music notes. He took excellent care of his farm, always keeping machinery stored inside, making sure the shed doors were closed overnight, and taking time to preserve the tractors that he began his farming career, the John Deere G and Farmall H. Dennis also took time to coach baseball for Stark and served as a board member in his younger years. Dennis loved the farm animals, always taking time to pet his favorite cow, cat, and dog. He spent lots of time driving the gator to check on the farm, mowing lawn, and taking care of his dog, Comet, who rode along on many of the gator rides. Dennis always had a smile and a wave for everyone he met on the road.

Dennis is survived by his children: son, John (Patty) Rosenhammer of Sleepy Eye and their children, Joe (Katie) Rosenhammer (children, Preston, Emmett, and Henry), Laura (Chris) Scholtz (children, Morgan and Mya), Mary Grace (Kyle) Fischer (children, Ava, Gracin, and Jeb), Rebecca (Chad) U’Ren, and Johnny Rosenhammer; daughter, Marcia (Dan) Schindler of Chatfield and their son, Drew Schindler; son, Greg (Cali) Rosenhammer of Hanska; and other loving relatives and friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred; parents, John and Mathilda; brothers, Leander and Patrick Rosenhamer; parents-in-law, Leonard and Leona Seidl; brothers-in-law, Stanley Bauer, Larry Bauer, Mike Seidl; and sister-in-law, Angela Rosenhammer.

Luella M. Nachreiner, age 95, of Springfield passed away Sunday, March 17, 2024 at the St. John’s Lutheran Home in Springfield.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at St. Raphael’ s Catholic Church in Springfield with Father Jeremy Kucera celebrating mass. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Thursday.

Luella is survived by her siblings Lillian Lentsch, Kathleen (Don) Balbach, Linus (Rose) Nachreiner, Arnold (Ruth) Nachreiner and Jerry (Carolyn) Nachreiner.

She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Edmund (Loretta) Nachreiner, Lynora (Walter) Gentz, Leon (Betty) Nachreiner and Donna (Al) Hillesheim and brother-in-law, Omer Lentsch.

Luella Magdalen Nachreiner was born July 1, 1928 to Joseph and Catherine (Platz) Nachreiner. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1945. After high school Luella worked as a housekeeper for various families in Springfield. Luella was a member of St. Raphael’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed puzzles and listening to polka music. She will be greatly missed by those who knew her. Blessed be her memory.

Duane “Henry” Ervin Helget, age 74, of Saint James, died on March 12, 2024, peacefully in his home.

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 17, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Sturm Funeral Home, Saint James Chapel and will continue on Monday from 10:00 am until 10:45 am at Sturm Funeral Home, Saint James Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held at Saint James Catholic Church in Saint James, on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Saint James.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Henry was born April 6, 1949, to Alvin and Leona (Fischer) Helget in Sleepy Eye. He graduated from Saint Mary’s High School in Sleepy Eye in 1967.  Henry developed his lifetime passion for farming beginning at an early age working their family farm. On October 29, 1971, he married Ruthie Liebl in Saint George. Together, they built their legacy, which consisted of dairy cattle, crop farming and raising their 8 children.  Today, their family farm is carried on by the solid work ethic, love and values they instilled.

Henry lived for baseball. He played for numerous teams throughout the years and was an excellent left-handed pitcher, and considered an all-star by many.  He played for competitive teams until he was nearly 60 years old.  In his free time, Henry also enjoyed league bowling, riding his Harley, going to the cabin, and spending time with family and friends.

Henry’s joy for people was apparent.  Whether it was through his activities, his family, buying ya a beer at the local watering hole, or lending a helping hand. Henry was there, always.  He lit up a room, and his memory will be cherished forever by all that were lucky enough to be a part of his legacy.

Henry is survived by his wife, Ruthie; children, Tammy Brabazon of Black Hawk, South Dakota, Jamie “Digs” Helget of La Salle, Jeremy “JJ” Helget of Saint James, Kayla (Scott) Mathiowetz of Sleepy Eye, Justin “B-Z” (Katie Miller) Helget of Saint James, Nathan Lee Helget of near Saint George, and Jenna “PeeWee” (Michael Rezac) Helget of Hanska; grandchildren, Devon (Betsy), Noah, Elle, Hannah, Lacey, Tyler, Taylor, Darrin, Breau, Keyera Mae, Levin, Lux, and Charlee; great grandchildren, Lauren and Jacob; and siblings, Dennis (Kathleen) Helget, Darrel (Vivian) Helget, Gerald (Dorothy) Helget, Marlin (Carol) Helget, Dale Helget, and Lorin Helget.

Henry was preceded in death by his daughter, Janelle; parents; niece, Shannon Helget; and nephew, Craig Helget.

Phyllis B. Braulick, age 90 of Sleepy Eye, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 11, 2024, at Sleepy Eye Assisted Living. Visitation will be on Friday, March 15, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with a Rosary that will begin at 3:30 pm. Visitation will continue Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 9:00-10:30 am at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel. Requiem Latin Mass will be Saturday at 10:30 am at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel. The Clergy will be Father Thomas Mroczka. 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.

Phyllis Bertha Braulick was born on February 9, 1934, in New Ulm, Minnesota, to Edward and Hedwig (Hillesheim) Guggisberg. Phyllis attended the District 6 Country School in Sigel Township through the 8th grade. Phyllis helped her parents on the Guggisberg family farm and served as a nanny for a number of local families. On September 6, 1955, she was united in marriage to Roman Braulick. Together, they worked on the family farm north of Sleepy Eye while raising their six children. They were blessed with 65 years of marriage.

Phyllis spent a lot of time in the kitchen, lovingly cooking and baking farm fresh meals for her family and was best known for her sauerkraut and dumplings along with her home canned pickles. She loved to sew quilts and patch farm clothes. She was a true animal lover and cared for any stray cat or dog that wandered to her doorstep.

Phyllis’ family was truly blessed to have a mother who exemplified such a strong faith which she passed on to her family. Her passion for life and faith are carried on by her children and will be reflected in the hearts of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Randy (Patti) Braulick of Sleepy Eye, Jeanie (Gary) Schultz of Scottsdale, AZ, Allen (Pam) Braulick of Sleepy Eye, Kevin (Bonnie) Braulick of Sleepy Eye, Denise (Dale) Berberich of Cave Creek, AZ, and Deanna Johnson of New Ulm; 13 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; sister, Janet Steffl of New Ulm; brothers, Ron (Barb) of Warne, NC and Leo Guggisberg of New Ulm; and sisters-in-law, Lorraine Braulick and Adeline Braulick, both of Sleepy Eye, and Agnes Gleisner and Delores Franta, both of New Ulm. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roman; her parents, Edward and Hedwig; brother, Cliff Guggisberg; grandson, Cole Braulick; sister-in-law, Joanne Guggisberg; brother-in-law, Lenny Steffl; and Phyllis’ infant sibling.

Dean R. Bernloehr, age 91, of rural Hanska died on March 4, 2024, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, Minnesota.

Funeral service will be held at Albion Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Albion Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in St. James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Dean Richard was born August 20, 1932, to Johnny and Minnie (Fredrickson) Bernloehr in rural Hanska. He graduated from Sleepy Eye High School.  From 1953 to 1955, he served in the US Army during the Korean War.

Dean lived his entire life in the Hanska area working as a cattleman, operating a feedlot for countless beef cattle, that is still in operation today. Dean was a private and determined man who could be found sporting his trademark Stetson hats and cowboy boots.

Left to remember Dean is his wife, Jan; children, Jimmy Dean, Mary (Tom) Vadnais, and Carol Peterson all of Spring Valley, Wisconsin; Jan”s children, Denise (Dennis) Krull, Chandra (Ron) Carton, and Butch (Becky) Anderson; and sister, Sandra Cox; grandchildren, Jessica (Christian) and Cody (Bridget); great granddaughter, Charlotte Rose; 6 step grandchildren; and 7 step great-grandchildren.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Linda Nelson; and brothers-in-law, Keith Cox and Nellie Nelson.

Ursula Ann (Bellig) Broich, 99, of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota passed away peacefully in her sleep Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Visitation will be on Monday, March 4, 2024, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church-North Entrance in Sleepy Eye with the Christian Mothers Rosary at 10:30 am. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 11:00 am and will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye. The clergy will be Fr. Mark Steffl. 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.

Ursula was born October 21, 1924, in Wabasso, Minnesota to Robert and Veronica (Frantz) Bellig. She grew up on the family farm. After graduation, she moved to Sleepy Eye to work at Haas Bakery where she met the love of her life, Joseph Broich. Joe and Ursula were united in marriage on October 21, 1947. They worked side by side at Handy Grocery early on and in the insurance and real estate business later. They enjoyed the company of dear friends, dancing, golfing, bowling, and traveling. Ursula was a member of the Sleepy Eye Historical Society, Sleepy Eye Collectors Club, American Legion Auxiliary, Red Hats, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and Christian Mothers Society.

Ursula is survived by two daughters, Nancy Gabler (grandsons, Joseph and Chris) and Ann (Pat) LaCourse; granddaughters, Katy (Aaron) St. Sauver, Theresa LaCourse (great-grandson, Julian Williams); sister-in-law, Audrey (Broich) Schultz; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Joe (1998); parents, Robert and Veronica; sisters and brother, Sylvia Hammerschmidt, Florance Novak, and Robert “Bob” Bellig; and many brothers and sisters-in-law.