William J. “Bill” Jirik, age 81, of New Prague, died peacefully after a long battle with heart disease on Monday, July 20, 2020 at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Bill was born on March 24, 1939 in New Prague to William J. and Josephine J. (Javurek) Jirik, Sr.  He attended St. Wenceslaus Parochial School, graduated from New Prague High School, and served in the US Army Reserve for 6 years during the Vietnam War and Cuban Missile Crisis.  Bill married the love of his life, Joan M.

Russell Charles Thurston, age 81, of Eagan, passed away Friday, July 17, 2020 with his loving family by his side. He was born June 2, 1939 in Minneapolis, MN, to Oscar W. and Irene M. (nee Ganglehoff) Thurston.
Russell is survived by his children, Steven, Gregory (Melanie), and Anne (Wencel Kubes) Thurston, and Lynn (Todd) Olson; grandchildren, Tanner Thurston, Peter (Danielle McCool) Celatka, and Benjamin Olson; brother, David (Teresa) Thurston; sister-in-law, Millicent Johnson; several nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Sharron Lynn Gillingham, age 88, of New Prague, MN died on July 15, 2020 at her home.  She was married to her love, the late Sterling Hart Gillingham for 63 years. 
She was born in Rock Bridge, WI on August 14, 1931, daughter of the late Bernard and Bernice Johnson.  Sharron graduated from Richland Center High School in 1949.  She enjoyed helping her four children understand and appreciate that lives lived most fulfilled, are those lives based on inclusivity and respect for others. 

Gordon J. Malterud, age 65, of New Prague, died peacefully, with his family present after a prolonged illness at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital – Mankato on Tuesday, July 14, 2020.  Gordy was born on May 15, 1955 in Corpus Christi, TX to James and Janet (Roberts) Malterud.  He grew up in the Mountain Iron/Virginia, MN area, moved to and finished his early education graduating from Owatonna High School.  He earned an associate degree from Austin Vo-Tech school and went on to further his education with an electrical engineering degree from the U of M and an MBA from the University of St.

Kay Schanus, age 74, of New Prague, died suddenly at her home on Monday, July 13, 2020.  Kay was born on January 27, 1946 in La Crosse, WI to Arnold and Pat (Corcoran) Forschler.  She attended and graduated from Brownsville Public Schools and went on to attend secretarial school in Winona, MN.  She worked for a short time at the University of Minnesota, then for 32 years as the medical secretary for Dr. Roger Rynda, and finally for 11 years as the friendly face behind the counter for New Prague Marketplace.  She married the love of her life, Daniel J.

James Walter Krenik, 62, Lonsdale, died on Friday, July 10, 2020, at his home. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 15 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Fr. Tom Niehaus and Fr. Tom Krenik officiating. Interment will be in the St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in New Prague.
  James was born on February 1, 1958, in New Prague to Donald and Pauline (Busch) Krenik. He was a graduate of Montgomery High School and worked as a heavy equipment operator and turned to farming.

Patricia B. Ambroz, age 84, of New Prague, died peacefully with her son at her side on Friday, July 10, 2020 at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Patricia was born on June 6, 1936 in New Prague to Edward W. and Mathilda C. (Busch) Zaun.  She grew up in the Lydia/St. Patrick area and was active in 4-H in her youth.  She graduated from Jordan High School and married the love of her life, Leonard J. Ambroz on June 7, 1958 at St.

Roman Hertaus, age 80, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away unexpectedly, from a brain bleed, on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at Fairview Southdale Hospital, in Edina, MN.  
Roman John was born on January 16, 1940, in Wheatland Township, MN, to William and Elizabeth (Marek) Hertaus. He married Janice Kechely on August 8, 1964, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, in New Prague, MN. They were blessed with two children, Todd and Penny. 

Sister Mary Catherine Shambour, beloved teacher, board member, historian, writer, and peacemaker, passed peacefully on May 30 at St. Scholastica Monastery from Lymphoma.   Having marked the milestones of 25, 50 and 60 years of religious life, Sister Mary Catherine was in the 67th year of vowed commitment. An alumna of The College of St. Scholastica, Sister served many years on the Board of Trustees.

Martha J. Svoboda, age 97, of New Prague, died peacefully on Monday, July 6, 2020 at Mala Strana Care and Rehabilitation Center.  Martha was born on May 22, 1923 in Veseli, Minnesota to John J. and Emily A. (Hruza) Havlicek.  She attended school in Veseli and worked as a live-in nanny for Dr. Komarek until she met the love of her life, LeRoy Svoboda, and married on March 9, 1943 in Veseli.  Martha was a gifted seamstress and worked for many years at Munsingwear until the company closed.

Steve Halvorson, age 75, passed away at his home in rural St. James on Saturday, July 4, 2020.
 Private Family services will be 11:00am, Saturday, July 11, 2020 at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James.
 You may send the family condolences online at www.sturmfh.com.
 Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in St. James.

Gaertner (née Nickolay), Mary “Rita” age 88, of Richfield, MN.  Passed away on May 16, 2020.  Preceded in death by husband of 62 years, William “Bill” Gaertner; parents, Bessie and John Nickolay and siblings, John, Richard, Donald, and Charles. Survived by sons, Robert (Cheri), Michael (Karin); grandchildren, Mike, Adam (McKenzie), and Catie; great-grandchildren. Brantley and Knox; siblings, Lucille, Ruth, George, Willy and Francis. 

Hofmeister, Donald L.  Age 89, of St. Paul, passed away June 26, 2020.  Survived by beloved wife of 63 years, Elsa, daughter Elizabeth (Marshall, Dave); sons Andrew (Linda), Franz (Jeannie), and Joseph (Teresa), 12 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren and one sister.  Preceded in death by parents and brother. 
Mass of Christian Burial Friday, July 3, 2020 at Cathedral of St. Paul at 10AM. 

Lloyd “Angel” Troendle, age 80, of New Prague, died peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2020 at St. Joseph Hospital in St. Paul. 

Mary Frances Loula, age 84, passed away peacefully in her home June 18th, 2020, with her family by her side. She was born on October 6th, 1935 in New Prague, Minnesota to Harold and Helen Picha. After graduating from New Prague High school and working in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she married her high school sweetheart, Myron (Mike) Loula, on August 9th, 1958 at Saint Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague, Minnesota.  Mary was a dedicated mother and grandmother first and foremost. She treasured her children and grandchildren and embraced every moment with them.

Donna Germscheid, age 84, lost her battle with Alzheimer’s Thursday May 7th, 2020 at Shoreview Senior Living.  Donna is remembered as a strong woman who loved her family, golf, gardening, sewing, crossword puzzles, reading, music, fishing and animals.