Donald J. Novotny, age 83, of New Prague, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026.
Donald was born on January 11, 1943, to Joseph and Mary (Tupa) Novotny. He was raised on the family farm alongside his ten siblings and was the second oldest of the family. Don attended New Prague High School and, after graduation, worked for a short time before being drafted into the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam era.
Jennifer A. Kajer, age 64, of New Prague, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, May 15, 2026.
LeRoy A. Skok, age 88, of New Prague, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026.
LeRoy was born on September 21, 1937, in New Prague, Minnesota, to Albert and Florence (Dahlberg) Skok. He was raised in New Prague and graduated from New Prague High School. Following high school, he attended Dunwoody College to study carpentry, where he developed the woodworking skills that would remain a lifelong passion.
The family of Judith Ann (Hennes) Miller, 1948–2026, invites you to a celebration of her life and faith. Family and friends are welcome to gather in thanksgiving for her life.
Service will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1300 Main St E, New Prague, MN, Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Larry Tupa passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and stories that will be cherished forever.
William Charles Bergevin, age 91, of New Prague, died peacefully on May 6, 2026, at New Perspective Senior Living in Prior Lake, Minnesota.
Lucille M. “Lucy” Palma, age 91, of Faribault, died on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Friendship Manor in Shakopee, Minnesota. Lucille was born to Joseph and Salbina (David) Maxa on July 27, 1934. She attended Holy Redeemer School and Montgomery-Lonsdale Schools in Montgomery, MN. Lucille married Clarence Palma on June 16, 1953. They enjoyed 27 years of marriage before his passing in November 1980. Together they had 5 children, enjoying farm life outside of Lonsdale before moving into the town of Lonsdale in 1970.
Shirley Ann Cervenka (nee Friedges), age 84, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Noon, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Detroit Lakes, MN. A second Mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, St. Patrick, MN, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at the parish cemetery. Visitation will take place on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at West Kjos Funeral Home, Detroit Lakes, MN, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Richard E. Pexa, age 74, of Lonsdale passed away on April 30, 2026, in Watertown, MN, surrounded by family.
He was born March 6, 1952, in New Prague to Frank and Julia (Smisek).
Gavin J. Burggraff, age 20, unexpectedly passed away on April 17, 2026. Born on March 16, 2006, in Faribault, Minnesota, Gavin was a beloved son, brother, and dedicated member of the United States Marine Corps.
A proud infantryman, Gavin achieved the rank of Lance Corporal during his service. His commitment to his country and to protecting the freedoms we cherish was evident in the way he lived and served.
Gregory “Greg” Joseph Wacker, age 75, of Montgomery, died on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Mala Strana Care and Rehabilitation Center.
Greg was born on February 2, 1951, in Sharon Township, Le Sueur County, during a bitter winter cold snap when temperatures dipped to 28 degrees below zero. He was the son of Clayton and Margaret (Picha) Wacker. Greg attended Le Sueur High School and graduated with the Class of 1969.
Joseph E. Ziskovsky, age 96, of Veseli, passed away on May 3, 2026.
Joe was born on July 17, 1929, to Joseph A. and Otillia Ziskovsky on the family farm in Wheatland Township (Webster, MN). He grew up on that farm and continued dairy farming there for 56 years.
G. Sue Guinn (née Smith), age 83, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, in Jordan, Minnesota. Born on August 16, 1942, in Dayton, Ohio, Sue lived a full and vibrant life dedicated to her family, career, and passions.
He married JoAnn Bartusek on April 29, 1978. This year, they would have celebrated 48 years of marriage, just one day away. Together they had three children: Derrick, Kristina, and Emily.
Bryan Francis Pexa, age 68, of Elko, MN, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
Bryan was born to Emil and Sophie (Havlicek) Pexa on February 25, 1958. He grew up in Elko and attended New Prague High School. Shortly after, he met his wife, Bonnie (Fredrickson), while they were working at the same job. The first time they met, Bryan offered her a red Tootsie Pop. The two began dating soon after and were married on May 13, 1978, beginning a life together that would span nearly 50 years.
Gladys L. Mader, age 85, of Lonsdale, passed away on April 23, 2026.
Gladys was born in New Prague and grew up on her family farm near Cedar Lake. She graduated from New Prague High School and remained deeply connected to farm life, continuing to work alongside her family. In 1960, she met the love of her life, Roman, and they were married in 1961. Together, they purchased their own farm in Lonsdale, where they built a life and raised their family.
