Francis J. Nickolay, age 98, of New Prague, died peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Francis was born at home in New Prague on August 10, 1926, to John F. and Bessie (Bazil) Nickolay.  He attended eight years at St. Wenceslaus Parochial School and graduated from New Prague High School, though his education was interrupted for two years when he enlisted in the US Navy, serving during WWII, traveling through Pearl Harbor four months after the bombing by Japan.  After returning home, he met Lorraine L.

Kathy (Toner) McBroom, age 79, of New Prague, died peacefully from glioblastoma at Our Lady of Peace Hospice House in St. Paul on Nov. 26. She was preceded in death by her parents, William & Kathryn Toner, and siblings, Mary (infant), Jim, Bern, Pat, and Julie. 

Adeline “Addie” Martha Bradford passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024, surrounded by her family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd. There will be a visitation at 10:00 a.m., and a luncheon will follow at Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter. Burial at Baxter City Cemetery will follow lunch.

Lawrence J. Schoenbauer, age 94, of New Prague, died unexpectedly at his home, on Friday, November 22, 2024.  Lawrence was born on September 9, 1930, on the family farm in Helena Township, Scott County, MN, to Joseph B. and Rose L. (Tuma) Schoenbauer.  He met the woman that he would spend his life with at the country school they attended.  He and Mae Ann Kubes were married on September 24, 1955, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.  

Larry Paul Lehman, age 68, of Le Sueur, died suddenly on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Le Sueur. Memorial services will be on Monday, December 2, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Zion United Church of Christ in Le Sueur. Visitation will be at the church that morning, one hour prior. Burial will be at a later time at the Tyrone-Salem Cemetery. Lunch will follow immediately after the service. 

Steve A. Simon, age 78, of Montgomery, died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, November 14, 2024. Steve was born on October 1, 1946, in Sioux City, IA, to Andrew and Clara (James) Simon.  He proudly graduated from Central High School in Sioux City and then went on to accomplish both his Bachelor of Science and MBA from the University of South Dakota.  

Ronald Joseph Larson, age 84, of New Prague, died peacefully with his family at his side on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at St. Gertrude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Ron was born on the family farm near Brooten on July 9, 1940, to Walter and Bette (McDermond) Larson.  Born at 1 ½ pounds, he was given a slim chance at survival, but he defied the odds and that determination would chart the rest of his life!  

Brian Zaun, age 60, of Shakopee, Minnesota, entered eternal life on Monday, November 11, 2024, in Shakopee.
Brian was born in Shakopee on November 4, 1964, the son of Alfred and Ann (Sirek) Zaun. He was very happy at his home in Eden Prairie, MN, at Lotus View, and made many friends there. In his younger years, Brian worked at the Chaps Thrift Store in Burnsville, MN, and then worked as a custodian at St. Patrick's Tavern in rural New Prague, MN.

Christopher Lee Shimota, age 42, died unexpectedly on November 8, 2024. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him. Chris was born on January 7, 1982, in Northfield, to Allen and Joyce (Odette) Shimota. He was raised in rural Prior Lake and graduated from Jordan High School in 2000. He worked on the family farm, where he learned skills, including sandblasting and heavy equipment painting, which became his occupation along with welding.

Dorothy D. Orr, age 86, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at St. Gertrude Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Dorothy was born on April 21, 1938, in Gary, Indiana, to Stanley and Helen (Murawski) Nawrocki.  The family moved to East Chain, MN, before settling in Granada, MN, where Dorothy graduated from High School.  She went on to become a Licensed Practical Nurse from the program at St. Joseph Hospital in Saint Paul.  Dorothy married William M.

Kenneth "Kenny" Bartyzal of New Prague, MN, passed away on November 3, 2024, in Mankato, MN, at the age of 90.  Born March 15, 1934, in New Prague, Kenneth was the son of Frank and Regina (Zaun) Bartyzal.  Kenneth attended New Prague public schools and entered the U.S. Army at age 17 in January, 1952, during the Korean War.  He spent most of his service time in Germany.  Kenny married Shirley Denzer in February, 1953, and together they raised five children.

Mary Lou Cathrin (LaTour) Kroyer, 89, passed suddenly at home on Saturday, November 2, 2024, just days before her 90th birthday. Born at home in Shakopee on November 8, 1934, to Nicholas and Hildegarde (Unze) LaTour. Mary Lou lived a life dedicated to faith, family, and community service.

Irene B. Ceplecha, age 94, of New Prague, died peacefully at Mala Strana Assisted Living with her family at her side on Friday, November 1, 2024. Irene was born on November 14, 1929, in New Prague, to Emil and Bessie (Novak) Ziskovsky. Raised in Veseli on the family farm she attended Most Holy Trinity Catholic School.

Mary Ann Smisek, age 79, of Lonsdale, MN, passed away at her home on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, after a struggle of several years with Lewy Body Dementia.

Martha N. Carr, age 90, of New Prague, died at Praha Village in New Prague, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Martha was born on February 27, 1934, in Ivanhoe, MN, to Andrew and Mary (Ochocki) Mihm. She married Darwin F. Carr on November 18, 1952. Martha is survived by her children, Bernadeane Carr, Thomas Carr, Deborah Schultz, Constance Carr, Gregory Carr, Paul (Susan) Carr, Marjorie Roettger, Rosemary Carr; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Zita Marczak and Kathleen (Dennis) Shisler.

Richard "Dick" J. Schmitz passed away peacefully, at home, with family by his side on Sunday, October 20. Richard was born on May 15, 1932, to Sebastian and Anna (Sames) Schmitz. He was raised on his family farm in Eagle Creek Township, Scott County, MN. He was baptized and received the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation at St. Mary's of the Purification in Marystown, MN. He attended elementary school in Marystown and went on to Shakopee High School, but left school at the age of 16 to pursue his own ambitions.