Larry Michael Theis, age 71, passed away July 27, 2025.
To know Larry is to know that he lived life full throttle! However, on Sunday, July 27 after a perfect day in the Black Hills of riding side-by-sides, a good meal and playing some dice with Solveig and friends, of which he took everyone’s money, Larry died peacefully in his sleep.
As the Le Sueur County Historical Society (LCHS) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, the group looks to the future of preserving local history.
Part of the preservation is in the Elysian School project, which is moving on to its second phase this year.
“We’re right on schedule,” reported Dr. Ruth Collins, LCHS board member.
The school building has been part of the LCHS for much of the group’s history. It was obtained in 1967 and converted into a museum. In 1969, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
With three games to play in the regular season, the Waterville Indians amateur baseball team clinched the 13-60 League title and a bye in the Region Tournament, which starts the last weekend in July.
The Indians won two of three games last week, with the two wins both against 13- 60 League opponents. They defeated Minnesota Lake, 6-2, Wednesday, July 9 and routed Waseca, 14-3, in seven innings Sunday, July 13. Eagle Lake edged the Indians, 6-5, Friday, July 11 in a non-league game.
“This is why we started these discussions six months early – so we could have more discussions,” Morristown City Administrator Ellen Judd said as further debate began about cutting hours of law enforcement patrols in the city.
The topic was on the agenda at the city council’s July 7 regular meeting. It was first discussed at their May meeting, then again in June.
The sheriff’s office is currently contracted to patrol Morristown for 40 hours per week. Mayor Tim Flaten had expressed displeasure with the quality of patrols in Morristown compared to how it was in years past.
Le Sueur County’s 32nd Annual Relay for Life filled the buildings of the Le Sueur County Fairgrounds Friday, July 11.
The four-hour event brought in $58,000 in funds for the American Cancer Society (ASC). The nonprofit is the largest funder of cancer research grants in the United States, other than the federal government.
The amount raised was the total as of Monday morning. According to Co-Chair person Amy Sellner, more money is still coming in from the event.
“We raised more than $20,000 over our goal,” Sellner said.
Louise Irene Loney, age 72, of Waterville, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Traditions of Waterville.
Leslie “Les” A. Melchert, age 71, of Faribault, died on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System-Waseca.
Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, North Morristown, on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 10 a.m. with the Reverend Juan Palm officiating. Interment will be at Concordia Cemetery, North Morristown.
Visitation will be held at Boldt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Faribault, on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. and also at the church for one hour prior to the services on Friday.
William “Bill” Frederik Nikoley, age 90, of Elysian, died on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the Owatonna Hospital.
Bill was born on April 24, 1935, in Northern Minnesota. As an infant, Bill was adopted by Fred and Gertrude (Brossard) Nikoley. He received his education in Elysian and graduated with the class of 1953. On May 16, 1959, Bill was united in marriage to Mary Jo Pemble at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Marysburg. Together they made their home in Elysian while raising five children. They shared 59 years of marriage before Mary Jo passed away on May 1, 2019.
Timothy “Tim” Wayne Kletschka, age 69, of Waterville, passed away surrounded by his loved ones after a long battle of chronic illness on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System – St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester.
Born on October 1, 1955, in Mankato, Tim was the son of James and Eunice (Porter) Kletschka. He graduated from Waterville High School with the Class of 1973 and went on to attend Dunwoody Institute, where he earned his Master’s Electrical Degree. Tim dedicated his life’s work to being an electrical contractor, serving communities throughout Minnesota.
David Leland Evans, age 80, of Clarks Grove passed away at his home on Monday, June 23, 2025.
David was born on May 1, 1945, in Marshall, Minnesota, to Verdun and Hazel (Mann) Hanson. He graduated from Marshall High School and went on to earn an associate degree in telecommunications from Dunwoody Technical College. David proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Benner where he worked on distilling chambers. He was honorably discharged as machinist mate second class.
Lifelong Waterville resident and man about town, Gene Preuss, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 7, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester at the age of 80.
Gene attended grade school and high school in Waterville, graduating in 1963. He was a dedicated member of the high school wrestling team and a hunting, fishing, spearing, trapping, and cooking enthusiast.
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Bruce David Baumgarten, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who departed this life at his residence on June 14, 2025. Born on January 29, 1939, Bruce graced this earth for 86 extraordinary years, over 60 of which he spent in devoted marriage to his dear wife, Lee Ann.
Hope Karen (nee Nord) (formerly Martin) Leen was born in Hudson, WI, on Sept. 7, 1940, passed peacefully on June 11, 2025, at Hillview Senior Living Community in Mondovi, WI.
Anna Stangler of Kilkenny passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, surrounded by friends and loved ones at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN.
Anna was born on July 11, 1985, in Mankato. She was the daughter of Richard and Pamela (Hinton) Fischer. Anna was a 2003 graduate of Waterville-Elysian-Morristown High School and a 2007 graduate of Minnesota State-Mankato.
Catherine "Kate" Mary (Seys) Hansen, age 99, of Waterville, passed away on June 15, 2025, at Whispering Creek Nursing Home in Janesville.
