Esther Grace Kabes, age 99, of New Prague, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center, just two weeks shy of her 100th birthday.
Virginia A. “Ginny” Mahowald, 98, of New Prague, died peacefully on December 31, 2025, at Praha Village. Ginny was born on June 8, 1927, in New Prague, Minnesota, to George and Rose (Holec) Layne. She attended St. Wenceslaus Grade School, New Prague High School, and the College of St. Catherine, graduating with a degree in nutrition and dietetics. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota and later married her childhood sweetheart, Allen Mahowald.
Mary Kay Dolejs, age 82, of Nicollet, formerly of Montgomery, died on the afternoon of Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Mala Strana Assisted Living and Rehabilitation Center in New Prague.
Donald M. "Don" Picka, age 82, of New Prague, died peacefully on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center. Don was born on April 6, 1943, in Derrynane Township, Le Sueur County, MN, to Edward and Angeline (Brezina) Picka. He graduated from Montgomery High School, and his first job began his career in the print shop at Suel Printing.
Fidelis “Charlene” Scheffler, 89, passed away on December 17, 2025, at The Rosemount. She was born in Sand Creek Township, Scott Co., MN, to Carl M. and Fidelis T. Tieben Schmitz. She grew up in Credit River Township, attended District 16 Grade School, Lakeville High School and graduated from Prior Lake High School and went on to receive an Associate in Arts Degree from Normandale Community College.
Rita Ann Nash, age 70, of New Prague, died unexpectedly on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital Mankato. Rita was born on August 18, 1955, in Shakopee, to John E. and Irene (Woerdehoff) Nash, Sr. She contracted polio at age 5, resulting in numerous surgeries, and was left with a permanent disability. It didn’t deter her, however, from living life to the fullest.
