Dennis L. Swenson, age 88, of New Prague, passed away at home April 20, 2026, with his loving wife of 53 years, Miriam, by his side.

Dennis is survived by his wife Miriam; many nieces, nephews; and other loving family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, S. August and Cora (Jacobson) Swenson; siblings, Alta Loy, Orvin Swenson, Carroll Swenson, and LaVerne Gibbins.

Gregory Jon Bruzek, age 75, of Minneapolis, died unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, April 18, 2026.  Greg was born in New Prague on April 5, 1951, to Johnny and Helen (Herda) Bruzek.  He attended St. Wenceslaus Parochial School and New Prague High School.  Greg was met with many challenges throughout his life but handled them with positivity and grace.  He worked in a variety of sheltered workshops throughout his earlier years and successfully lived independently.   

Jacqueline "Jackie" C. Ruehling, age 92, of New Prague passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026, at Praha Village.

Jackie was born on May 10, 1933, to Frank J. and Blanche E. (Kubesh) Rehor, in New Prague, MN. She attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School, and New Prague High School, followed by a secretarial school in Mpls.

Margaret Mary Christine “Peggy” Hartman, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on April 18, 2026, just 4 days short of her 77th birthday.  Peggy was born in New Prague on April 22, 1949, to Virgil and Armella (Dohmen) Hartman.  She attended St. Benedict Parochial School and graduated from New Prague High School. She spent her entire career at the IDS Financial Center in Minneapolis.

Jean A. Luskey, age 91, of Ripon, WI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Jean was born at home on August 25, 1934, in Sibley County, Henderson Township, MN, to Harold and Bertha (Westphal) Brenke. She was raised in Le Sueur, MN, where she formed the strong values and warm spirit that would guide her throughout her life.

Harold "Harry" Von Bank, born on July 14, 1936, in New Prague, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by family at his home in New Prague on April 10, 2026. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, embodying a life of dedication and service to his community.

Margaret Ann "Peggy" Iverson, age 67, of Montgomery, passed away peacefully at home on April 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Peggy was born to Richard and Doris (Perkinson) Krenik. She grew up in Montgomery and graduated from Montgomery High School in 1977 before continuing her education at Mankato State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1981.

Elmer Gustave Jabs, 95, of Jordan, Minnesota, passed away on March 27, 2026.

A visitation will be on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home in Jordan. A Christian Funeral held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, in Prior Lake. Rev. Dr. Brent Parrish will preside. Interment at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

Rita Ann Stasney, age 94, of Montgomery, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Central Health Care in Le Center.

Rita was born as a twin with her brother, Richard, on December 15, 1931, in Montgomery Township, Le Sueur County, to Frank and Agnes (Schleis) Choudek. She grew up on the family farm near Montgomery and attended St. Raphael Catholic School through the eighth grade. She graduated from Montgomery High School in 1949.

Ronald “Kopee" R. Kopet , age 82, of New Prague, passed away on March 30, 2026.

Orville R. Aman, age 94, of New Prague, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 26, 2026.

Orville was born on November 24, 1931, in Eureka, South Dakota, to Reinholt and Alma Aman. He grew up in Eureka and worked in the dairy industry before being drafted into the United States Army. He served during the Korean War and rose to the rank of sergeant, a role he took great pride in.

Anna Mae Witt, age 95, of New Prague, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on March 22, 2026.

Anna Mae was born on September 4, 1930, to Thomas and Evelyn Shaughnessy on her family’s farm in St. Thomas, Minnesota. She grew up on the farm and graduated from Le Sueur High School. After earning her teacher training certificate, she began teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in St. Thomas.

Gene Howard Sanford, age 75, of Faribault, passed away March 18, 2026, at the Mayo Clinic Health System, New Prague.  

Funeral services will be held on April 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at First English Lutheran Church, Faribault.  Interment will be at Forest Cemetery, rural Rice County.

Brianna Kiefert, age 38, of New Prague, passed away unexpectedly at home on March 19, 2026.

Brianna was born April 18, 1987, in Shakopee, Minnesota, to Randy and Teresa (Nordrum) Kes. She grew up in New Prague and graduated from New Prague High School in 2005. After graduation, she followed her love for children by working in childcare. She met her husband, Tim, in 2012, and they were married in 2014.

The family and friends of Dr. Kurtis Malecha, Ph.D., are deeply saddened to announce his passing on March 10, 2026. He was born on October 1, 1990 in Lonsdale, MN, to Tim and Sue Malecha. Prior to attending college, he worked at his parent's shop learning the values of hardwork and problem-solving. He obtained a Bachelor's in Chemistry from Minnesota State University, Mankato, followed by a Master's and Doctorate in Atmospheric Chemistry from University of California, Irvine.