Jeraline "Jeri" Pulkrabek, age 93, of New Prague, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026.

Born to Guy and Bessie Chumley on January 10, 1933, in Arp, Texas, Jeri was known for her vibrant spirit and unwavering devotion to family. After completing her education in Terre Haute, Indiana, she proudly served in the Army, where she met her husband Ralph at Camp McCoy in Sparta, WI. The couple married in January 1952 and soon made New Prague, MN, their beloved home, where they raised their nine children.

Kay Barriball Keohen, age 89, of Montgomery, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Kay was born on April 3, 1936, in St. Anne, Illinois, to Orland and Vada (Coon) Beaupre. She fell in love with the first love of her life, Richard (Dick) Barriball and got married on May 10, 1956. They were blessed with four children, Scott, Craig, Pam and Faith.

Joseph Theodore Peerboom, age 97, of Le Sueur, MN, passed away peacefully at home on January 9, 2026. He was a cherished husband, father, Papa, and friend whose quiet strength and kind spirit will be deeply missed.

Bruce Johnson passed away at the age of 68 on December 31, 2025. He was born on April 27, 1957. He was born to Eldon and Edna Johnson. He married Joan Ginter on June 2, 1984. They had one daughter Elizabeth in 1989.  He graduated from Minnehaha Academy.

His grandkids were his pride and joy. He enjoyed watching TV and playing games on his tablet. He was on dialysis and had many other health issues for a long time before his passing. 

Esther Grace Kabes, age 99, of New Prague, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center, just two weeks shy of her 100th birthday.

Virginia A. “Ginny” Mahowald, 98, of New Prague, died peacefully on December 31, 2025, at Praha Village. Ginny was born on June 8, 1927, in New Prague, Minnesota, to George and Rose (Holec) Layne. She attended St. Wenceslaus Grade School, New Prague High School, and the College of St. Catherine, graduating with a degree in nutrition and dietetics. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota and later married her childhood sweetheart, Allen Mahowald. Together they made their home in New Prague, spending summers at Cedar Lake.

Robert “Bob” Kubes, 83, of Webster, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at home on December 29, 2025.

Mary Kay Dolejs, age 82, of Nicollet, formerly of Montgomery, died on the afternoon of Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Mala Strana Assisted Living and Rehabilitation Center in New Prague.

Donald M. "Don" Picka, age 82, of New Prague, died peacefully on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Don was born on April 6, 1943, in Derrynane Township, Le Sueur County, MN, to Edward and Angeline (Brezina) Picka.  He graduated from Montgomery High School, and his first job began his career in the print shop at Suel Printing.

Charlotte A. Edberg, age 88, of Union Hill, MN, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025.

Fidelis “Charlene” Scheffler, 89, passed away on December 17, 2025, at The Rosemount. She was born in Sand Creek Township, Scott Co., MN, to Carl M. and Fidelis T. Tieben Schmitz. She grew up in Credit River Township, attended District 16 Grade School, Lakeville High School and graduated from Prior Lake High School and went on to receive an Associate in Arts Degree from Normandale Community College.  

Charles Albert Flicek was born on November 26, 1946, and died December 9, 2025, surrounded by his family in North Hills, CA. 

He was born in New Prague, Minnesota, the eldest son of Charles and Anna (Horejsi) Flicek. One of eight siblings, he graduated from New Prague HS in 1965. He enlisted in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1972. While in the Navy yards for ship repairs in San Pedro, he met his future wife in November of 1971. 

Marvin Schaak, age 89, of New Prague, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on December 13, 2025.

Rita Ann Nash, age 70, of New Prague, died unexpectedly on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital Mankato.  Rita was born on August 18, 1955, in Shakopee, to John E. and Irene (Woerdehoff) Nash, Sr.  She contracted polio at age 5, resulting in numerous surgeries, and was left with a permanent disability.  It didn’t deter her, however, from living life to the fullest. She graduated from Jordan High School and volunteered at Mala Strana in her younger years.   

Julie Ann Bisek, age 46, of New Prague, passed away peacefully with her devoted family by her side at home on Monday, December 8, 2025.  Born June 28, 1979, a 2 lb 1 oz premature baby at only 27 weeks, in Minneapolis to Alan and Jeanne (Rezac) Bisek, Julie proved from day one that she was a warrior. Living with cerebral palsy, she showed the world that this was not a “disability” but simply a condition that would never define her. 

James Milo “Jim” Schiprett, age 77, of New Prague, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Burnsville on December 6, 2025.

Jim was born on February 18, 1948, in New Prague, Minnesota, to Milo and Mary Schiprett. He graduated from New Prague High School in 1966 and went on to attend the University of Minnesota. During college, Jim was drafted into the United States Army. Choosing service over an education deferment, he proudly served his country.