John G. Wohlers, Sr., 73, lifelong resident of Le Center, passed away on April 16, 2022, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, surrounded by his loving wife and children. 
John was born on July 2, 1948, at St. Peter Hospital to George H. and Merle E. (Hinz) Wohlers. He grew up in Le Center and lived his entire life in the community. He enjoyed growing up on the farm, working the land, helping and learning from his dad, working with the animals and just being a country boy. 

Tami M. ”Tootie” Elstad, age 56 of Backus, formerly of New Prague, was called home to the house of our Lord on April 19, 2022, dying suddenly from a heart attack. Tami was always full of life and definitely kept the party going.
 Tami was born on August 14, 1965 to Leo and Marilyn (Pavek) Odenthal at Queen of Peace Hospital in New Prague. Tami is the fourth of five children and is so very much loved by her siblings Bev, Bonnie, Brenda and Terry.

Gladys M. Tupy, age 91, of New Prague, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at her home at Praha Village.  She was born on October 25, 1930 at home in Webster Township to William and Mary (Smisek) Novak.  Gladys attended Lonsdale Parochial School and graduated from New Prague High School.  She caught the eye of a dashing young man, Donald F.

Joseph P. Pottner, died peacefully in Minneapolis at the age of 71 on April 3, 2022. Joe is survived by his wife, Ruth, of Lonsdale, Ruth’s loving children Matt (Lisa) Hins of Glencoe, Stephanie (Louie Ballman) Stemmer of New Prague, daughter Barbara, grandsons Logan and Dean Stemmer and Hunter Hins, and sister Pat (Greg) Latsch of Milwaukee. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Josephine Pottner of Nevis, Minnesota.

Valerie M. Hrabe, age 63, of Elko New Market, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, March 30, 2022.  Val was born on February 11, 1959 in Faribault to Ronald and Dorothy (Malecha) Machacek.  She graduated from Montgomery High School and started working at M.V.E. as a welder.  Unbeknown to Val, there was a young man who also worked at MVE.  They would finally meet when they both attended their milkman’s wedding dance; it was love at first sight for both of them and Val married Dan J.

Gregory John Vlasak, 73, of Montgomery passed away on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at his home. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 1 from 4 to 8 at the Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 2 at 11 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Montgomery, with Pastor Jason Pollington officiating with visitation one hour prior at the church.
Interment will be held in St. John Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the Montgomery Area Veterans Honor Guard. 

Nathan Kartak, age 30, of Montgomery, died unexpectedly on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at his home.  Nathan was born on June 10, 1991 to Christopher Kartak and Katherine Sloan at Queen of Peace Hospital in New Prague, MN.  He grew up and attended school in Moose Lake, MN and entered the US Army at age 18 and served a tour in Iraq.  Most recently Nathan worked at Seneca in Montgomery but intended to get back into carpentry, which was his chosen occupation.

Visitation for Kailey Lynn Mach will be Sunday March 6, 2022 from 4 to 8 pm at the Le Center Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 7, 2022, at 11 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Le Center.
A full obituary will follow in the days ahead.

Donna Jean Passe, 69, of Cashton, WI passed away at her home, Sunday, February 13, 2022. Donna was born to James and Mary Margaret (Bentz) Miller in Remsen, IA, on June 1, 1953.
After graduating from high school, Donna moved to Minneapolis to become a flight attendant. However, love changed her plans. Donna married Patrick Passe on September 14, 1971. Together they raised four children in Montgomery, then later divorced but remained friends.