LaMonte D. Henrichs, age 78 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on February 13, 2024, at home with his family by his side. Visitation will be on Monday, February 19, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm. Private interment will be at Brookville Dannebod Cemetery in rural Sleepy Eye. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

LaMonte Donald Henrichs, the son of Warren and Louise (Bauch) Henrichs, was born on October 21, 1945, in Pacific, Washington. At the age of four, he moved with his family to Minnesota and grew up in the Evan/Sleepy Eye area. On August 6, 1968, LaMonte married Donna Matter and they were blessed with three children. LaMonte and Donna enjoyed their five-acre hobby farm over the last 52 years.

LaMonte began working at Kraft Foods in New Ulm in the 1970s, and after 35 years, he retired at the age of 55. Not one to sit still, LaMonte easily filled his time with working seasonal at the Cobden elevator and going to auctions and collecting all sorts of treasures. Mechanically inclined, LaMonte could fix and build almost anything and even crafted new objects out of the remnants of old ones. LaMonte was an incredibly hard worker and great provider for his family, he also readily helped others without hesitation. He was a selfless man who had a great sense of humor and an even greater love for his wife, children, and grandchildren, he thoroughly enjoyed visiting with his family, friends, and strangers alike.

LaMonte is survived by his wife of 54 years, Donna Henrichs of Sleepy Eye; children, Joe Henrichs of New Ulm and Dulcie (Chris) Osmonson of Mankato; grandchildren, Brianna Henrichs, Cheyenne Henrichs, Parker Osmonson, and Ava Osmonson; and other loving relatives and friends.

LaMonte was preceded in death by his parents; son, Brian Henrichs; and siblings, Betty, Jerome, Jim, Steve, Sylvia, and Wanda.

Debra A. Windschitl, age 63 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on February 5, 2024, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Visitation will be on Monday, February 12, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with Parish Prayers at 3:45 pm. Visitation will continue on Tuesday from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm 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, February 13, 2024, at 12:00 pm 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. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

 Debra Ann (Pelzel) Windschitl, the daughter of Robert and Mercedes (Gulden) Pelzel, was born on May 13, 1960, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. The oldest of six children, Debra attended school and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Sleepy Eye. Following graduation, Debra attended Alexandria Technical College where she earned an Associates of Arts degree in business.

 Debra met Joseph Windschitl in high school, and they were united in marriage on June 6, 1980, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. This union was blessed with two daughters, Cassandra and Shelby. In addition to raising their daughters, Debra was the manager for the local Casey’s General Store for over 30 years, seeing the building of both stores from the ground up. After retiring from Casey’s, Debra worked at Schutz Family Foods in the floral department, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

 Community was important to Debra, and she was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church as well as a treasurer for Miss Sleepy Eye for a number of years. Creativity came naturally to Debra, and she loved all kinds of craft projects. Debra’s greatest joys in life were being a wife, mom, and nana. She loved her family immensely, made everyone and their activities a priority, and never missed an opportunity to support those she loved. Debra lived for holidays, tradition, and simply being together. She was pretty fond of her grand-furbabies and the Minnesota Vikings, too. Debra will be loved forever and missed beyond measure.

 Debra is survived by her husband of 43 years, Joseph Windschitl; daughters, Cassandra (Emmanuel) Saye and Shelby (Nicole) Neudecker; grandchildren, Emmanuel Saye III, Xavier Saye, and Maliya Saye; parents, Robert and Mercedes Pelzel; siblings, Larry (Lisa) Pelzel, Barb (Tim) Weicherding, Linda (David) Reinarts, Rhonda (Brian) Sieve, and Lisa Pelzel; many nieces and nephews; and other loving relatives and friends.

 Debra was preceded in death by her parents-in-law, Jerome and Rita Windschitl; nephew, Samuel Pelzel; and niece, Abby Windschitl.

James E. Mathiowetz, age 76 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on January 29, 2024, at Sleepy Eye Medical Center in Sleepy Eye. Visitation will be on Friday, February 2, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with the Rosary at 3:30 pm and Parish Prayers at 3:45 pm. Visitation will continue on Saturday 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 Saturday, February 3, 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 Japanese Martyrs Catholic Cemetery in Leavenworth at a later date. 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.

James Edward Mathiowetz, the son of Rudolph and Alma (Nelson) Mathiowetz, was born on July 7, 1947, in St. James, Minnesota and he was the oldest of seven children. James attended school in Leavenworth, Sleepy Eye, and St. James before joining the United States Navy in 1966 where he proudly served his country while stationed on the USS St. Paul. Following his honorable discharge, James served in the Army National Guard. Freedom was important to James and he was a lifelong member of the NRA.

On September 15, 1978, James was united in marriage to Lucille Sellner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Ulm. They made their home in Sleepy Eye where James worked as a boiler operator for the City of Sleepy Eye for a number of years.

James never met a stranger and could easily strike up a conversation with anyone. He enjoyed fishing, had a fondness for cactus, and loved cats. He especially loved watching TV and reading with his cat Patches nearby. He was an avid gardener and generously shared the produce he and Lucille grew with family and friends. James especially enjoyed the time he spent with his family and friends who knew they could always count on him to give a helping hand if needed.

James is survived by his wife, Lucille of 45 years; siblings, Jerry (Janet) of Oklahoma, Elaine of Arizona, Harold of Corcoran, Ervin of New Ulm, Jean (Mike) of Wyoming, and Rudolph (Pam) of New Ulm; several nieces and nephews; and other loving relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his parents-in-law.

Gardell Robert Marti age 85, of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota died on January 10, 2024, at his home. A visitation will be on Monday, January 15, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel and will continue on Tuesday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Faith United Methodist Church in Sleepy Eye. A funeral service will be held at Faith United Methodist Church in Sleepy Eye on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 11:00 am. The clergy will be Pastor Michael Baker. Interment will be at Home 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.

Gardell was born July 29, 1938, to Vernon and Glayd (Sampson) Marti of rural Sleepy Eye. He was the oldest brother of Carol and Mark. He attended country school and graduated from Sleepy Eye High School in 1956. He was confirmed in his faith at Faith United Methodist Church and was a life-long member. Gardell was drafted into the United States Army in September of 1961, where he served as a Military Police Officer. He met Mary Mae Hieronymus in 1962 when he was stationed in the Army at Fort McCoy, WI and they were married on May 4, 1963, in Junction City, Kansas. After his active duty, Gardell and Mary returned home to Sleepy Eye where he was able to pursue his true passions of farming and nature. They moved to the homeplace on February 29, 1965, and together they raised three children, Mitze, Dell and Gina, and honestly along with many relatives and others who were always welcome. Besides crop farming and raising livestock, Gardell also worked at the Sleepy Eye Auction Market, was a truck driver for Del Monte, did various jobs with BCA, Krienke Brothers Turkey Farms, Care Cab, Custom Carriers, and Pork Storks, in addition to logging.

Farming taught Gardell to be a “make do” sort of guy and he, in turn, taught his children, along with countless others, that most things could be fixed with some duct tape, wire, and twine, along with creative ingenuity. In addition to farming, he loved all things about nature and appreciated watching the sun rise and sun set. He was very grounded in both nature and in spirit. He also loved animals, hunting, history, and fishing with his kids and grandkids. He cherished walks in nature and by the river.

Gardell cared for, and about, those around him. He quietly went about life looking out for and helping others in ways both known and unknown, never wanting recognition and always willing to be a part of the solution. He was hard-working and true to his word. A man of few words, he spoke up when he felt it necessary and always had the best interest of others in mind. A selfless man who showed others there was always a way to solve a problem and giving up was never an option, his generosity and love for others knew no boundaries. Gardell loved his family more than anything and reserved Sundays for family time. He was an amazing husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa. Gardell’s calming presence, unwavering support, and kind and generous heart will be profoundly missed.

Gardell is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Mae (Hieronymus) Marti; daughter, Mitze Marti (Keven Hofmann) of New Ulm and their son Wyatt Hofmann; son, Dell (Cindy) Marti of Sleepy Eye and their children Jamie (Tristan) Pietig, Hannah (Shane) Minor, Natalie Marti and McCoy Marti; daughter, Gina (Wayne) Nienhaus of Sleepy Eye and their children Kolten Nienhaus, Martina Nienhaus (fiancé Carter Lloyd), Winsten Nienhaus and Carsten Nienhaus; great-grandson, Reign Pietig; brother, Mark Marti; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by a daughter in infancy, Tina Marie Marti on February 6, 1964; parents, Vernon and Glayd (Sampson) Marti; sister, Carol Hinderman, and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Marvin L. Petersen, age 72 of Elko New Market (formerly of New Ulm), passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at The Moments of Lakeville.
Marvin was born on August 2, 1951, in Park Rapids, MN, the son of Carl and Pauline (Solma) Petersen. He was raised on a family farm near Hardwick, MN, with his brothers: LeRoy and Gerald. He attended high school in Luverne and graduated with the class of 1969; he went on to attend the University of Minnesota – Morris and graduated with his degree in Vocal Music Education in 1973.
Marvin was united in marriage to Janine Mayo on June 17, 1972 in Sherburn, MN, and their union was blessed with a daughter, Julie.
Marvin will always be remembered for his beautiful tenor voice and was a dedicated vocal music educator in Sleepy Eye Public Schools for 16 years. His passion and talent for music and vocalization extended to directing church choirs for many years, too. He later became a salesman for Jensen Motors in New Ulm for 20 years.
Marvin enjoyed traveling, fishing, and playing cards as well as spending time with his family, especially his cherished grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Janine; daughter, Julie (Brian) Meier of Elko New Market; grandchildren, Leighton and Libby Meier; brother, LeRoy (Marcia) Petersen of Moscow Mills, MO; sister-in-law, Lora Petersen of Bethalto, IL; brother-in-law, Curtis (Janice) Mayo of Sherburn, MN; sisters-in-law, Anita (Kenneth) Tumbleson of Fairmont, MN, and Marcia (Randy) Musser of Fairmont, MN; as well as other extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Pauline; brother, Gerald Petersen; parents-in-law, Glyndon and Muriel Mayo; as well as his paternal and maternal grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Funeral services for Marvin will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 6 at the Northfield United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, January 5th at the Northfield United Methodist Church as well as one hour prior to the funeral on Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Interment will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery in Northfield.
NorthfieldFuneral.com

Jose Sanchez, Jr., our Huey, passed away on December 31, 2023, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. A visitation will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel. A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 pm at the funeral home. The clergy will be Fr. Timothy Hall. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his family, Jennifer Martinez, 613 Maple Street S.W., Sleepy Eye, Minnesota 56085.

Jose “Jr” was born on August 31, 1992, in New Ulm, Minnesota and grew up in Weslaco, Texas. Jr was a great grandson, son, brother, uncle, partner, and especially father to his son JJ. If you knew Jr, you know he could light up any room. He was the most funny, kind, and respectful person you could ever meet. He was so loved by his family as everyone knew he was the “favorite.” He also loved his family so much, especially his siblings.

Jr is survived by his son, Jasiel Jose Sanchez; his wife, Jennifer Martinez; and his siblings, Lydia (Hugo) Nuncio and their children, Jose, Damian, Carlos, and Jaselyn, Claudia (Roel) Martinez and their children, Kayla, Roel II, and Nicolas, Omar (Bianca) Sanchez and their child, Paulina, Joey (Priscilla) Sanchez and their children, Daniel and Elias, and Delilah (Victor) Bernal and their children, Diego and Dalia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Sanchez, Sr. and Dalia Martinez.

Kathy C. Turbes, 83, of Willmar, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at Glen Oaks Senior Living in New London.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 30, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar with Fr. Steve Verhelst officiating.  Interment will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org.

Kathleen “Kathy” was born February 27, 1940, in New Ulm, Minnesota, the daughter of John and Hazel (Picker) Bauer.  She grew up in Sleepy Eye and graduated from St. Mary’s School in 1958.  On August 19, 1961, she married Glen Turbes.  They lived in Sleepy Eye, Humboldt, IA, and Webster City, IA.  In 1974, they moved to Willmar, where they have resided for the past 49 years.  Kathy worked various jobs in Willmar, ending her career working for Peterson Chiropractic and Nelson Chiropractic.  She retired in 2005.

She enjoyed attending sprint car races with Glen, knitting, and reading.  She also enjoyed watching football and baseball, especially the Vikings and the Twins.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 62 years: Glen; her daughter: Deb (Jim) Gasch of Minnetrista, MN; her sister: Mary Jo (Dale) Evers of Sleepy Eye, MN; and her nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother: Mike Bauer; her mother-in-law and father-in-law; and a sister-in-law.

Stacy Suzann Mathiowetz took her final leap to be in the arms of Jesus just two hours into Christmas Day on December 25, 2023, at the age of 37. She was at her parents’ home holding hands with her mom and dad. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with the Rosary at 3:30 pm and Parish Prayers at 3:45 pm. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, from 9:00 to 11:00 am at Church of the Japanese Martyrs in Leavenworth. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 11:00 am at Church of the Japanese Martyrs. The clergy will be Fr. Mark Steffl. Interment will be at the Japanese Martyrs Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Tim Orth Memorial Foundation.

Stacy Suzann Mathiowetz was born December 10, 1986, in the Sleepy Eye Hospital. She was the third child of Brian and Ronda Mathiowetz of Leavenworth, Minnesota.

At an early age in life, it was discovered that Stacy was indeed special and different. Discovery found that she had a deletion of her number 3 chromosome and that was a rare and mostly uncharted condition. Being a developmentally disabled child did not hold Stacy back in life. She began to attend the MSAB…The Academy for the Blind…in Faribault, Minnesota from the age of 5 until the age of 21. Essentially becoming a college student early, coming home for weekends and summers with her family. Graduating from MSAB in 2007, she began living at the first group home in Sleepy Eye. She lived in HOPE HOME with great housemates and caregivers for 16 years while spending her days at programming at Enterprise North in New Ulm and most weekends with her family.

Stacy was a social butterfly and got to many events and trips and outings. Though she was mute her entire life, she touched hearts with her loving presence and crooked little smile. Her favorite activities were Can-Am riding, boating, swimming, and being with her family.

She was a loving member of the Church of the Japanese Martyrs Catholic Church community.

She is survived by her parents, Brian and Ronda Mathiowetz of Leavenworth, MN; siblings, Brett Mathiowetz of New Ulm, MN, Rachel (Brent) Kucera of Leavenworth, MN, and Chad (Cortnie) Mathiowetz of Leavenworth, MN; grandparent, Mary Lou Mathiowetz of Leavenworth, MN; MANY aunts and uncles; former sister-in-law, Lori Mathiowetz; and 11 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Harold and Hazel Moll and Richard Mathiowetz; uncle, Leon Mathiowetz; and aunts, Janet Moll and Lila Hollmer.

Stacy’s full story is on Caringbridge/Stacy Mathiowetz.

Joyce D. Jobe, age 88, of New Ulm, died Sunday, December 24, 2023 at the Oak Hills Living Center.
Funeral Service will be at 11 am on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm, with Pastor Kathy Ulland-Klinkner officiating. Burial will follow in the New Ulm City Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-SOUTH CHAPEL in New Ulm. The visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church on Thursday.
Joyce is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Jobe of New Ulm; son, David (Kristi) Jobe of Thief River Falls; two grandchildren, Ashley (Jared) Schaefer and Kelby (Maree Poppenhagen) Jobe, who were the light of her life; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ervin Jobe; son, Dean Jobe; 4 brothers and their spouses; and 5 sisters and their spouses.
Joyce D. Radl was born on January 24, 1935 in Sleepy Eye to William & Anna (Reinke) Radl. She graduated from Sleepy Eye High School. After graduation Joyce moved to New Ulm and took a job at Kraft where she met Ervin. On March 29, 1958 Joyce was united in marriage to Ervin Jobe at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm. After marriage Joyce stayed home for a few years to raise the couple’s children. She later took a job at B.F. Goodrich where she worked for about 20 years. Joyce enjoyed cooking, baking, reading and having coffee with friends. Above all else Joyce loved to spend time with her family they were her everything. Joyce will be deeply missed by her friends and family. Blessed be her memory.