Leo V. Wagner, Jr., age 89, of Elko, Minnesota, passed away on September 4, 2026, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. He lived a full and hardworking life rooted in service, craftsmanship, faith and, above all, his love for family and friends.

Leo was born October 21, 1936, in New Prague, to Leo Sr. and Helen (Ceplecha) Wagner. From an early age, Leo learned that hard work came first, followed by fun. He worked on the family farm while attending school, building the work ethic that would stay with him throughout his life.

Kathleen Marie Anderson, 79, of Webster, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital in Shakopee after a brief illness. 

Donald John Hauer, age 88, passed away on August 30, 2026, at Praha Village in New Prague, after a short battle with skin cancer.

Don was born on May 4, 1938, in Derrynane Township, Le Center, Minnesota, to John and Eleanore (Studnicka) Hauer. He was raised alongside his two siblings on the family Century Farm. Don attended St. John’s Parochial School in Union Hill and later New Prague High School.

Natasha “Tasha” (Siefker) Cook, of New Prague, passed away unexpectedly on August 16, 2026, at the age of 48. She was surrounded by her two sisters and her three beloved children, who were the greatest loves of her life.

Eleanore Jirik, age 86, of Northfield, died on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Three Links Care Center.

Bernice M. Tupy, age 95, of New Prague, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Mala Strana Rehabilitation Center in New Prague. Bernice Marie Ambroz was born on May 28, 1931, in New Prague to Frank and Emma (Shetka) Ambroz. She attended country school in New Prague.

Richard Dale Lukes, age 72, of Champlin, MN, passed away June 1, 2026.

Mary Sue “Sue” Ambroz, age 65, of New Prague, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at her home in New Prague.

Sue was born on August 22, 1960, to Lawrence and Mary Jo (Chromy) Sirek in New Prague, MN. Sue graduated from New Prague High School with the class of 1978. She went on to earn a teaching degree from Mankato State University.

Levi Perry Schelhaas, age 15, of New Prague, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by family and friends on Friday, August 21, 2026, at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale. Levi was born on May 3, 2011, in New Prague, to Zachary and Brittany (Mude) Schelhaas.

Kevin William Zwirner, age 38, of New Richmond, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026. Born on September 16, 1987, in Maplewood, MN, Kevin was the son of Sheila Sarafin and Bill Zwirner.

Kevin loved fishing, nature, playing with the dogs, and spending time with his nieces and nephews. He was a kind and gentle person with a big heart. Kevin saw the good in every single person he encountered and often had a smile on his face. He was an avid Timberwolves and Vikings fan and loved watching college sports.

Joseph “Joe” Mathias Sand, Jr. age 71, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026, in his home surrounded by his family after a month-long battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He was a resident of New Prague, MN. 

Dennis Joseph Novak, 72, of Veseli, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at home surrounded by loved ones.

Scott Malecha, age 62, of Lonsdale, passed away on August 15, 2026.

Scott was preceded in death by his father, Ray Malecha; and brother-in-law, Marty Berg.

Daniel "Dan" Young LaBelle of New Prague, MN, passed away unexpectedly on August 9, 2026. Dan was one of five children born to Joseph and Ann (Kelly) LaBelle. He was a graduate of Mounds View High School and Winona State University. After college, he began his career with ADC Telecommunications, where he met the love of his life and future wife, Stephanie (Sinclair). Together they built a life filled with adventure, love, laughter, and family.

Julia M. Busch, age 93, of Jordan, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on August 16, 2026.

Michael “Mick” Patrick McGuire, age 73, of Montgomery, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.