Barbara Lee “Barb” Mader, age 75, of New Prague, died peacefully at her home with her family at her side on Sunday, February 9, 2025.  Barb was born on August 21, 1949, in Minneapolis, to Harold and Alice (Sinclair) Magnuson.  She attended Minnetonka Public Schools and graduated from Richfield High School.  On a New Year’s Eve blind date, she met LeRoy Mader, the man who would capture her heart.  They married on April 19, 1971, in St.

Russell James Hunstad, age 79, of New Prague, MN, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 6, 2025, while his family surrounded his bedside at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. 
A celebration of life for Russ will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 11 a.m., with a gathering from 9-10:45 a.m., at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, 3611 North Berens Road NW, Prior Lake, MN. Pastor Jonathan Rundman will preside. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Russ’ memory by the family. 

Charles W. "Chuck" Blaha, age 88 of New Prague, died peacefully with his family at his side, on Friday, February 7, 2025, at St. Gertrude's Care Center in Shakopee.  Chuck was born on December 4, 1936, in Cedar Lake Township, Scott County, Minnesota, to Frank J. and Albina (Krejci) Blaha.  He graduated from New Prague High School and then was drafted into the US Army, serving in Germany, where he did Morse coding.  Before going into the service, he married his high school sweetheart, Alice Lambrecht, on August 17, 1957, at St.

Martin J. Shuster passed away peacefully on December 19, 2024.  He was 56 years old.  In his last days, Marty was surrounded by loving family members and friends. Marty was born in New Prague, Minnesota, on March 20, 1968, to Ernest and Ellen Shuster.  When Marty was 11 years old his father unexpectedly passed away.  Marty missed him terribly his entire life.  Marty was surrounded by men who shaped his future and helped him develop his interests in manufacturing, aviation, racing, cars, and motorcycles.

Della Ann Davis, 87, of Minnetonka, formerly of Delano, New Prague, and Mounds View, MN, passed away at Minnesota Masonic Home on Friday, January 31, 2025, just a few days shy of her 88th birthday.

Ron Grossman, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, passed on January 23, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family in the comfort of Beehive Homes South Lakeville, where he resided for the past 6 months.
Ron was born to Pete and Alma Grossman in New Prague, Minnesota, on April 30, 1939. He was the second youngest of eight children. He often shared the memories of working the family farm side by side with his dad and brothers. On April 26, 1958, he married the love of his life, Bev Scheffler. They started their life in Lydia raising their 5 children; Pam, Deb, Brian, Jeff and Troy.

Margaret Ann Trnka passed peacefully in her home on January 23, 2025. Margaret was born to Cecil and Helen (Chelmosky) Pagel in Saint Paul, MN, on October 11, 1945. The third of six children, she grew up in Mendota Heights, MN, and graduated from Saint Joseph’s Academy in 1963.
 

Merlyn Swanson
In retirement, Merle and his beloved wife Donna enjoyed their home in the countryside of southern Minnesota. Merle embraced the joys of rural life, tending to apple trees, caring for goats and various fowl, and maintaining his lawn. He also had a passion for travel and adventure, often embarking on interstate trips on his Goldwing motorcycle with his brother Ernest and his sons. A lifelong lover of dogs, Merle’s bond with his canine companions brought him great joy. He also cherished quiet moments spent reading each day. 

Joel Edward Kukacka, age 73, of New Prague, died on the evening of Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Roselyn Esther "Rosie" Kabes, age 71, of Lakeville, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, MN, after a diagnosis of untreatable cancer.  Rosie's 99-year-old mother, Esther, was holding her hand as she took her last breath.

Norm Pint, of New Prague, passed away January 12, 2025, on his 74th birthday. He left the world peacefully in his sleep and in the comfort of his home. He lived a life dedicated to his family, community, and law enforcement profession.

James "Jim" F. Miller, 81, of New Prague, went home to Jesus on January 6, 2025.  As Jim is welcomed into heaven, his loved ones will be reminded of how sweetly they were welcomed into his home with a giant smile, a warm hug that said I love you and his famous greeting “Welcome to Cedar Lake”.

Helen M. Wolf, age 101, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Helen was born in New Prague on March 27, 1923, to Wencel and Rose A.

Dorothy Ann Moravec (Denzer), age 75, of Veseli, passed away peacefully at her home on December 22, 2024. She was born on April 7, 1949, to Wallace and Margaret (Ehrich) Denzer of Le Center.
Throughout her life, Dorothy held various jobs, but what she enjoyed most was gardening. She loved planting flowers and plants, which earned her the nickname “Grandma Butterflies.” Above all, she cherished spending time with her family, friends, and especially her grandchildren.

Robert Pearson, age 64, of Belle Plaine, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025, at the Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine.  Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine, concluding with an 11 a.m. prayer service.  A reception will follow at the Belle Plaine Vet’s Club.

Barbara Jongeling, 70, of Spencer, Iowa, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024, at the Ruthven Community Care Center in Ruthven, Iowa.  She is survived by her husband, Kevin Jongeling of Spencer, Iowa; a brother, Harold "Charlie" Lind of Phoenix; and a sister, Nancy (Bob) Drum of Ruthven, Iowa.
Barbara was employed by the State of Minnesota and worked as a Child Support Officer in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.  
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home in Ruthven
martinmatticefuneralhome.com