Gene Howard Sanford, age 75, of Faribault, passed away March 18, 2026, at the Mayo Clinic Health System, New Prague.  

Funeral services will be held on April 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at First English Lutheran Church, Faribault.  Interment will be at Forest Cemetery, rural Rice County.

Anna Mae Witt, age 95, of New Prague, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on March 22, 2026.

Anna Mae was born on September 4, 1930, to Thomas and Evelyn Shaughnessy on her family’s farm in St. Thomas, Minnesota. She grew up on the farm and graduated from Le Sueur High School. After earning her teacher training certificate, she began teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in St. Thomas.

Brianna Kiefert, age 38, of New Prague, passed away unexpectedly at home on March 19, 2026.

Brianna was born April 18, 1987, in Shakopee, Minnesota, to Randy and Teresa (Nordrum) Kes. She grew up in New Prague and graduated from New Prague High School in 2005. After graduation, she followed her love for children by working in childcare. She met her husband, Tim, in 2012, and they were married in 2014.

The family and friends of Dr. Kurtis Malecha, Ph.D., are deeply saddened to announce his passing on March 10, 2026. He was born on October 1, 1990 in Lonsdale, MN, to Tim and Sue Malecha. Prior to attending college, he worked at his parent's shop learning the values of hardwork and problem-solving. He obtained a Bachelor's in Chemistry from Minnesota State University, Mankato, followed by a Master's and Doctorate in Atmospheric Chemistry from University of California, Irvine.

"Happy Holidays!" That was John's signature greeting, and whenever he spoke it, he instantly filled the room with warmth and cheer. His presence made everyone feel welcome, a true reflection of the joy and kindness he shared with all who knew him.

John Joseph Radermacher, age 72, of Le Center, MN, passed away on March 13, 2026, at his home.

Larry Marvin Schanus, age 75, of Medina, Minnesota, was born on December 20, 1950, to Edward and Irene (Frank) Schanus in New Prague, Minnesota, and passed away on January 29, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. 

Jon F. Nickolay, age 40, of Elko, passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by his family, on March 10, 2026.

Timothy Paul Nelson passed away peacefully at Our Lady of Peace hospice on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the age of 58.

Timmy was born to Donald and Rosalyn Nelson on June 1, 1967 in New Prague, MN.
He was the second youngest of six children. He grew up in Jordan, MN, and graduated from Jordan High School.

Jessica Karin Riedy (née Nordstrom), age 45, of North Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on March 4, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Jessica was born on June 1, 1980, in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, to Todd Nordstrom and Donna King (née Harshman).