On Monday, April 4, 2022, Robert Smishek, loving husband, passed away at the age of 78 at St. Gertrude’s Nursing Home in Shakopee, MN. Robert was born on May 29, 1943 to Joseph and Angela (Smisek) Smishek. He graduated from high school in New Prague in 1961. He received his Accounting degree from George Washington University in Washington, DC in 1965, and he had an accounting practice for 25 years in New Prague. He married Ann Odenthal, on June 18, 1966 in Heidelberg  and they raised one daughter, Susan.

Betty Ann (Ewert) Zimanske passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at Northfield’s Long-Term Care Center, at the age of 86. She was born on March 2, 1936 on the home farm of her parents, August and Mildred (Hanson) Ewert near Buffalo Lake, MN.

Katie Lockrem, age 40 of Prior Lake, passed away on April 3, 2022 at her home while surrounded by her loving family and friends.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:30PM on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 13801 Fairview Dr, Burnsville, MN 55337. Seating for friends will begin at 1:00PM. Katie’s brother, Scott, will act as her urn bearer and Pastor Sandy Rothschiller will preside. 

Chlan, James T. age 87 of Elko, passed away on March 30, 2022. Preceded in death by wife, Evelyn; son, James Jr.; son-in-law, Todd Kniefel; 2 sisters, and 3 brothers. Survived by children, Jane Kniefel, Bernie, Dan (Tami), Joe (Sheri), and Aggie (Todd) Holliday; daughter-in-law, Donna Chlan; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Sirek.

Adeline M Cleasby (Herda) passed away on 3/24/2022, in Winter Park, FL.  Adeline was born to Wenceslaus and Adeline Herda (Tupy) in Lonsdale, MN on 9/3/1928.  Adeline was the oldest of 7 children. She graduated from New Prague High School.  Adeline married Ed Cleasby in 1947. They raised their 5 children in Lonsdale. Adeline was a member of the American Legion Auxillary and served as President. She also worked for Weight Watchers for 25 years. A member of the Red Hat Society. Adeline enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, coloring, playing cards and board

Valerie M. Hrabe, age 63, of Elko New Market, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, March 30, 2022.  Val was born on February 11, 1959 in Faribault to Ronald and Dorothy (Malecha) Machacek.  She graduated from Montgomery High School and started working at M.V.E. as a welder.  Unbeknown to Val, there was a young man who also worked at MVE.  They would finally meet when they both attended their milkman’s wedding dance; it was love at first sight for both of them and Val married Dan J.

Mary Angela (Thorne) Bisek
 Mary Bisek passed away suddenly March, 25th, 2022.
She was born on September 25, 1942 in Fridley, MN to Lorraine (Teetzel) Gudim. She married Gene Bisek on June 8th, 1985. Mary was a beautiful lady and singer. She often picked up her guitar and sang to family and friends.  She sang mostly country music, but also enjoyed singing gospel. Her favorite gospel song was “The Old Rugged Cross”.

Gregory John Vlasak, 73, of Montgomery passed away on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at his home. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 1 from 4 to 8 at the Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 2 at 11 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Montgomery, with Pastor Jason Pollington officiating with visitation one hour prior at the church.
Interment will be held in St. John Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the Montgomery Area Veterans Honor Guard. 

Dr. Richard D. Olson, age 87, of New Prague, died peacefully with his family at his side on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Lakeview Memorial Hospital in Stillwater.  Richard was born on April 21, 1934, in Minneapolis to Emil and Helen (Brackett) Olson.  He grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from Washburn High School.