Ralph Eugene Church passed away on June 19, 2025. He was preceeded in death by his parents. His father was Ralph E. Church, his mother was Clarice Marie Cameron. Ralph sadly never met his biological father. He was serving in the Army and passed away 3 months before Ralph was born. At age 5 his mother remarried. His stepfather was Raymond H. Bergquist. Ralph called him dad, and he loved him very much.
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Harriet Elaine Johnson, who died peacefully on May 1, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on July 29, 1938, in Chisago, Minnesota, Harriet was a cherished member of the community, known for her kindness, generosity and unwavering spirit.
Barbara “Barb” Joan (Zevenbergen) Givens passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, at her home in Montgomery. She was born on February 21, 1947, in Hull, Iowa to loving parents, Ruth (nee Dorsman) and John Zevenbergen, Jr. She graduated from Northwestern University in Orange City, Iowa, in 1969. She taught English in Stillwater to middle school students. She loved teaching! She later moved on to help the Givens’ Family Best Lock Business. While her kids were little, she loved volunteering with the Cubbies at Awana and other opportunities at church.
Veda Sirek, age 88, of New Prague, died peacefully with her loving family at her side on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital Rochester.
Amanda A. Shimota, age 91, of New Prague, died peacefully on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center. Amanda was born on April 20, 1934, in New Prague, to Sigmund and Anna (Schommer) Schmitz. She attended elementary school in St. Benedict and graduated from New Prague High School. She met her future husband at a dance in Jordan and married Charles J. Shimota on October 20, 1951, at St.
Dr. Helen Therese Berg Fish
With heavy hearts but countless memories, our mother, sister, published author, educator, and friend, Dr. Helen Therese Berg Fish (81), passed away peacefully in Savannah, Georgia, surrounded by love on May 27, 2025.
Madalen "Mutz" Louise Friedges, age 89, of New Market, died unexpectedly with her family at her side on Friday, June 6, 2025, at M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital. Madalen was born on October 13, 1935, in Belle Plaine Township, to Michael M. and Mary J. (Pint) Solheid. She graduated from New Prague High School and went on to beauty school in Faribault. She married her high school sweetheart, David N. Friedges, on May 11, 1957, at St.
Mildred Adeline Flicek, age 95, of rural Lonsdale, MN, passed away peacefully with family at her side, on June 5, 2025. Mildred was born on April 3, 1930, in New Prague, MN, to Albert and Anna (Sticha) Sempaur. Mildred married Ralph Flicek on January 12, 1949, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lonsdale. She worked for many years for Franchise Mailing, but what she loved the most was being a mom and a homemaker.
Donna Mae Ginter, age 90, of New Prague, died peacefully at her home at Praha Village on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Donna was born on April 4, 1935, in New Prague, to Frank and Mary (Velishek) Rutt. She graduated from Montgomery High School and met an enticing young man at a dance named Clarence Ginter. The two were married in Montgomery on February 7, 1953. Donna was a dynamo, never letting the grass grow beneath her feet. In addition to raising her four children, she worked at a variety of places, most notably Munsingwear for 23 years and Dispatch Industries in Lakeville. Her favorite
Anne Marie Zimanske, age 68, of Lonsdale, MN, died peacefully with her family at her side after a 3-year valiant battle with ovarian cancer on Friday, May 30, 2025. Anne was born on March 11, 1957, in New Prague, to LeRoy and Martha (Havlicek) Svoboda. She attended St.
Jerry Allen Sandmann, 79, of Golden Valley, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer.
Jerry is survived by his partner of 38 years, Richard Kelley and his sister, Betty Nelson, of Webster; nephews and nieces, James, Timothy, Kimberly and Kristine; great- and great-great-nephews and -nieces, Jason, Sarah, Carrie, Nicholas, Kayla, Ashton, Avery, Lily; sister-in-law, Roxanna. He is also survived by Richard’s siblings Donna, Nancy and John. Jerry leaves behind many other loving family members and friends.
Faye A. (Fowler) Matters, 91, passed away peacefully May 23, 2025. Preceded in death by husband Edward. Survived by daughter Rebecca (Jon) Pugh, sons Kevin (Michelle), Michael, and Steve (Colleen).
Funeral Mass on Friday, May 30, 11 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague with visitation one hour prior. Burial following at Resurrection Cemetery. www.whitefuneralhomes.com
Meleah Joy Christenson, age 43, of Montgomery, passed away May 19, 2025. Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Community Baptist Church, New Prague, MN. Arrangements by www.whitefuneralhomes.com.
Cecilia Katherine Becker, age 99, of New Prague passed away peacefully as her family prayed the Rosary at her bedside on May 23, 2025.
Robert "Bob" Lee Miller, age 85, of Montgomery, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, at The Villages of Lonsdale.
In loving memory of Harold R. Shimota, age 90, who passed away Sunday, May 18, 2025, at his home at Praha Village Assisted Living in New Prague, MN. He was surrounded by his family by his side and the memory of his wife, Angie, of 68 years, who passed this last September.
Born June 7, 1934, to Charles and Anna B (Trenda) in Cedar Lake Township, Harold met and married his high school sweetheart Angie (Schoenbauer), raising nine children, actively supported the community, and excelling at his carpentry skills.

