Susan Kathleen Straiton, 72, of Belle Plaine, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, at The Lutheran Home. 

Susan was born on February 23, 1954, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Tom and Monica Straiton. She graduated from New Prague High School in 1972 and later attended the University of Minnesota, where she studied graphic design and developed a lifelong love of art and creating her own artwork. 

Jessica Karin Riedy (née Nordstrom), age 45, of North Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on March 4, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Jessica was born on June 1, 1980, in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, to Todd Nordstrom and Donna King (née Harshman). She always cherished her youth in Minnesota, graduating from New Prague High School before earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Minnesota (BS, Speech and Hearing Science) and UM Duluth (MA, Speech and Language Pathology).

Timothy Paul Nelson passed away peacefully at Our Lady of Peace hospice on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the age of 58.

Timmy was born to Donald and Rosalyn Nelson on June 1, 1967 in New Prague, MN.
He was the second youngest of six children. He grew up in Jordan, MN, and graduated from Jordan High School.

Lorraine J. Barta, age 89, of New Prague, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026.

David Peter Flaherty, formally of New Prague, MN, passed away in Phoenix, AZ, on January 17, 2026. Born to John and Gertrude on September 9, 1957, David loved God, his Harley, and Maggie.

Proceeded in death by father, John; mother, Gertrude & stepfather, Donald Wilkins; brother Terrence. Survived by brothers Steven (Sandy), Joseph (Cathy), John, and many nieces & nephews. Also survived by his special dog, Maggie, whom he loved with all his heart.

Judith “Judi” Ann Miller passed away peacefully, with grace and dignity, at home on February 26, 2026. She was surrounded by family and dear friends. She was 77 years old.

Steven Hruby, age 58, of Le Center, passed away surrounded by his family on March 1, 2026, at Mala Strana in New Prague.

Joseph James Bendzick, 68, of Waxahachie, Texas, formerly of New Prague, passed away on February 10, 2026, due to a fatal car accident. Joe was born on 09/07/57 to Ervin & Audrey Bendzick in New Prague, MN.

He attended St. Wenceslaus School and then New Prague High School where he graduated in 1975.

Joe married Donna Pumper in 1979 and they had 2 sons together, Christopher and Adam.

They later divorced.

Donna Marie Cochran, age 65, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, in Sebring, Florida. Donna was born on July 21, 1960, in New Prague, Minnesota, the daughter of Gilbert and Shirley Schoenbauer. She attended school at St. Benedict, New Prague Schools and graduated from Mankato State with degrees in Early Childhood and Education. 

Max Prange, age 35, of New Prague, peacefully went with God after receiving his final blessing surrounded by family after a sudden illness on February 16, 2026. Max was born into his earthly life on February 19, 1990, and was raised on a dairy and crop farm in rural Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. Throughout his years he treasured his generational family farm; he grew a love for the land and the animals. He developed a strong work ethic that would stay with him throughout his life. Max succeeded at everything he did.

Jeanette C. Wieskus, age 89, of New Prague, formerly of Fulda, died peacefully with her family at her side on Friday, February 20, 2026, at her home at Praha Village.  Jeanette was born on November 8, 1936, in Fulda, MN, to William and Agnes (Dorpinghaus) Odenbrett.  She grew up in Fulda, graduating from Fulda High School and then a calling led to a degree as a nurse from St. Mary’s College in Rochester, with her career beginning on night shifts at St.

Marcy Von Bank, age 90, of New Prague, MN, formerly of Jordan, MN, entered eternal life on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Kingsway in Belle Plaine, MN.

Harvey Eugene Chapman, age 85, of Montgomery, MN, passed away peacefully in his favorite chair on his farm on February 16, 2026.

Glenn M. Mueller, age 89, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away at his home on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Delores Ann Lang, age 93, formerly of New Hope, passed away February 8, 2026. 

Delores was born to Lillian and James Shimota in Belle Plaine Township.  She grew up in and around New Prague, MN.  After high school she moved to Minneapolis and met her husband, Bernie.  They were married September 4, 1954.  Delores enjoyed being a homemaker, wife, mom, and grandmother.  Time with the family and friends, cooking, gardening, and travel were things she enjoyed. 

Francis “Fritz” Flicek, was born June 20, 1938, and entered eternal life on February 8, 2026.  He was born to Albert and Catherine Flicek. Raised on farms in the Lonsdale area with his siblings. Fritz learned early the values of hard work, humor, and family - qualities that defined his life.