Jerry George Herrmann left this world peacefully on February 15, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by his family. Jerry was born on June 25, 1938, in New Prague, MN, to Jerry and Mary (Tikalsky) Herrmann of Lonsdale. He grew up in Lonsdale, graduated from New Prague High School in 1956 and the University of MN School of Pharmacy in 1962.
Curt Jasmer, of Belle Plaine, went Home to Heaven on February 10, 2025, at the age of 62.
Edward Alvin Koktavy, age 74, of Lonsdale, MN, passed away unexpectedly on February 9, 2025. Ed was born on September 8, 1950, in Northfield, MN, to Joseph F. and Agnes (Kotek) Koktavy. He was a 1968 graduate of Northfield High School, a member of the Army National Guard for 7 years, and farmed with his brothers most of his life. He married Arlene Sirek on September 11, 1971, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Veseli.
Darrin Palma, age 59, of Janesville, WI, formerly of New Prague, MN, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025.
Memorial service will be at 11 a.m., on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1300 Main St. E. New Prague, MN, with visitation one hour before at the church as well.
Darrin was born on February 15, 1965 to Maylon and Carolyn (Dahl) Palma in Northfield, MN. He graduated from New Prague High School in 1983. Following high school, Darrin attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.
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.