Obituaries

DEAN W DENNING, 96

Dean W. Denning, age 96, who peacefully went home on April 6, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Dean was born on August 9, 1927, in Leader, Minnesota, to Ward and Donnie (Grove) Denning. Raised on a farm, he embraced the value of hard work and developed a deep affection for horses, which were integral to his daily life working the fields. Known for his appreciation of polka and square dancing, Dean found joy in these pastimes throughout his life.

During the Korean War, Dean bravely served in the Army as part of the Corps of Engineers. Following his military service, he settled in the cities and raised three children: DeeAnn, Jeff, and Eric. Dean's career spanned various roles, from driving semi-trucks to contributing to the construction of the Fort Randall Dam in South Dakota. He later transitioned to becoming a skilled heavy equipment operator and job foreman in road construction for the union.

Dean was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jenna Denning, his parents, his wife Arlene Denning, and seven siblings.

He is survived by his daughter DeeAnn (Mark) Yzermans of Cottage Grove, sons Jeff Denning of Kansas City, and Eric (Joelle) Denning of Hastings, along with grandchildren Zach (Lindsey) Yzermans, Natalie, Julie, and Charisma Denning, five great-grandchildren, and a host of other cherished relatives and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:30 PM on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033. Following the service, there will be a time for fellowship to honor and remember Dean’s Life.

Memorials are preferred to be directed to the Journey Church at 216 4th St. E, Hastings, MN 55033, in honor of Dean W. Denning.
   

GLEN N HENN

Gale N. Henn, age 88, of Hastings, passed away at home on January 11, 2024.

Gale was born February 17, 1935 in Plum City, WI to Rose and Edmund Henn.

He was the youngest born and brother to John Henn, Robert Henn, Harriett Henn Siewert, Goldeen Henn Staehli, Verona Henn Branson, Alberta Henn Beuchat and Harold Henn. His siblings all preceded him in death. Gale graduated from Red Wing High School where he spent most of his time in shop class – which is no surprise to those who knew him. He worked at the Red Wing Shoe Factory for a while before joining the Air Force in 1958. After being discharged, he attended and graduated from Northwestern Electronics School in Minneapolis in 1963. His first job was at Gopher Aviation, then Flying Cloud Airport and finally Northwest Airlines, which he retired from in 1997.

Airplanes were Gale’s first love – his favorite place to be was up in the clouds! On June 6, 1964, he married Linda Winblad. Before the wedding ceremony that evening, he spent many hours flying around the Red Wing airport in the Red Wing Soaring Club’s glider.

Gale was a true sportsman – he did it all and loved being in the woods or on the river soaking up nature’s beauty. One summer he marked 52 times on the calendar for the days he spent fishing or boating with his family.

He could fix anything – his granddaughters often called him MacGuyver. In his later years he really got into woodworking – he especially excelled in carving and produced pieces to perfection. People would often call out his talent and patience when admiring his work. For those of you that have seen his carvings, you know how precise he was on everything he created. His friend and neighbor, Bruce, gave him the title “Wood Wizard” – that he was!!!

Gale leaves us with a beautiful legacy. He passed peacefully in his home, just as he wished always telling everyone the only way he was leaving his home was feet first.

He was special and had a good life filled with love and sugary baked goods – especially pie and ice cream which he had every day for lunch. Gale was the best husband, father, grandfather and friend – we love you and miss you.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughters, Jen Henn, and Shelly Henn (Bill Kasel); granddaughters, Avery and Elsa Marshall; a very loved granddog, Olive; sister-in-law, Lora Henn; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Gale’s life will be held in late spring. A date will be coming soon.

GLEN N HENN

Gale N. Henn, age 88, of Hastings, passed away at home on January 11, 2024.

Gale was born February 17, 1935 in Plum City, WI to Rose and Edmund Henn.

He was the youngest born and brother to John Henn, Robert Henn, Harriett Henn Siewert, Goldeen Henn Staehli, Verona Henn Branson, Alberta Henn Beuchat and Harold Henn. His siblings all preceded him in death. Gale graduated from Red Wing High School where he spent most of his time in shop class – which is no surprise to those who knew him. He worked at the Red Wing Shoe Factory for a while before joining the Air Force in 1958. After being discharged, he attended and graduated from Northwestern Electronics School in Minneapolis in 1963. His first job was at Gopher Aviation, then Flying Cloud Airport and finally Northwest Airlines, which he retired from in 1997.

Airplanes were Gale’s first love – his favorite place to be was up in the clouds! On June 6, 1964, he married Linda Winblad. Before the wedding ceremony that evening, he spent many hours flying around the Red Wing airport in the Red Wing Soaring Club’s glider.

Gale was a true sportsman – he did it all and loved being in the woods or on the river soaking up nature’s beauty. One summer he marked 52 times on the calendar for the days he spent fishing or boating with his family.

He could fix anything – his granddaughters often called him MacGuyver. In his later years he really got into woodworking – he especially excelled in carving and produced pieces to perfection. People would often call out his talent and patience when admiring his work. For those of you that have seen his carvings, you know how precise he was on everything he created. His friend and neighbor, Bruce, gave him the title “Wood Wizard” – that he was!!!

Gale leaves us with a beautiful legacy. He passed peacefully in his home, just as he wished always telling everyone the only way he was leaving his home was feet first.

He was special and had a good life filled with love and sugary baked goods – especially pie and ice cream which he had every day for lunch. Gale was the best husband, father, grandfather and friend – we love you and miss you.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughters, Jen Henn, and Shelly Henn (Bill Kasel); granddaughters, Avery and Elsa Marshall; a very loved granddog, Olive; sister-in-law, Lora Henn; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Gale’s life will be held in late spring. A date will be coming soon.

MICHAEL RECER

Michael "Mike" Recer, age 46 of Hastings, died peacefully just after bar close (2:07 a.m.) on Saturday morning, January 6, 2024.

Michael Ryan, the son of Timothy and Joyce (Galvin) Recer, was born on January 4, 1978, in Minneapolis. Recer attended Hastings High School where he played baseball and raced on the ski team, which he also enjoyed doing all throughout his life. Mike was a longtime employee (almost from day one) and family member of the Duggie's team where he truly enjoyed the many friendships made over the years with customers and co-workers. Most of all, Recer enjoyed spending time with family at the cabin in Hackensack.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mike is survived by his brother, Charlie (Shelly) Recer; nieces and nephews, Holly, Natalie, Cody, Grady, Wesley, and Riley; his extended Duggie's family; and by many other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Mike's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2024, at a local funeral home in Hastings.

Although we won't gather for a visitation before the service at 11:00 a.m., everyone is invited to Duggie's immediately following the service to continue Celebrating Mike's Life.

THOMAS "TIM" SERRES

Thomas "Tim" Serres, age 84 of Hastings, passed away after a courageous battle with COPD and a brief illness at Regina Medical Center surrounded by his family on January 4, 2024.

Thomas Serres, the son of Marcus and Ursula (Shannon) Serres was born on September 8, 1939 in Hastings and was raised in Etter, Minnesota. He married the love of his life, Carol (Maher) Serres on May 11, 1963 in Hastings, Minnesota. Tim enjoyed fishing, deer and duck hunting, traveling and many casino trips. He also enjoyed playing a game or two of cribbage and online games at Pogo.com. Tim had an enormous heart and kept a daily phone call schedule to check in on all of his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; both of his parents; and siblings, Kate, Rose Ann, Patricia, Bud, John, Bob, Dick, and Betty Lou.

Tim is survived by his loving daughters, Jane Snyder (Mike Banaszewski), Sheila (Timothy "Tim") Groth, and Kathie "Kate" (Steve) Sutton-Brown; grandchildren, Rachel Serres (John Klein), Matthew Snyder (Kayla Kluge), Megan (Matt) Bauer, and Abbie (Caleb) Thurmes; great grandchildren, Taryn, Bentley, Camden, Maverick; brother, Fred Serres; and his loving cat, Dolly; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation for one and a half hours prior to the Mass at church, and to a reception immediately following the Mass at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.

In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to the family.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Regina Medical Center in Hastings, MN.
   

DOLORES "DEE" KOCHENDORFER

Dolores "Dee" E. Kochendorfer, age 95 of Hastings, passed away peacefully at Hastings Health & Senior Living on Tuesday, January 2 2024.

Dee enjoyed all the celebrations with her kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed playing cards with her card club girlies. She liked eating out with the neighbor and having her Keystone beer everyday at 4:30 p.m. She enjoyed going to Arizona every winter. She liked to shop and always made sure she had clothes and accessories to match. She liked her scratch off lottery tickets but she wasn't happy if she didn't win.

She is preceded by her husband, Stan (Pudge); and both of her parents.
Dolores is survived by her children, Terry (Janet), Cindy (Gordy) Bauer, Rick (Nancy); 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and sister, Virginia Gardell.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 15, 2024, at a funeral home in Hastings. Interment will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery in Hastings.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., and to a reception following the graveside prayers, all at the funeral home on Monday, January 15, 2024.

JOHN DACHEL

John W. Dachel, 66, of Hastings, passed away on January 3, 2024.

A 1975 graduate of Hastings High School, he dedicated many years to Smead and was an active member of the Eagles Club. John enjoyed playing Euchre with friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Nancy Dachel and Alice Dachel.

John is survived by his siblings, Ben (Mary) Dachel, Peggy Dachel (David Laursen), Tony (Linda) Dachel, and Ros? Dachel, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Private family services will be held to honor John's life.

Genevieve "Jenny" Hoeschen

Genevieve "Jenny" Hoeschen, age 94 of Hastings, died peacefully at home on Tuesday morning, January 2, 2024.

Genevieve Marie, the daughter of John and Pearl (McCoy) Macheska, was born in Hastings on May 30, 1929. Following her education, Jenny was united in marriage to Jerome "Jerry" Hoeschen at Guardian Angels Catholic Church on September 29, 1950. They were blessed with five children of which Jenny devoted her life to raising them through all aspects of life. Jenny and Jerry also owned and operated Holzmer Shoes in downtown Hastings for many years, and eventually sold the store to their son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Lynn. Jenny loved the outdoors, and had a passion for hunting, watching wildlife, and fishing, especially the frequent trips Alaska to visit her son and daughter-in-law. Jenny was always ready to challenge a willing participant to a game of Mexican Train Dominoes, and showed no mercy to her opponents in cribbage. In her younger years, Jenny loved the Christmas Season, and was known to make shoeboxes full of cookies for many people around town. Most of all, Jenny cherished the time spent with family, especially the time spent with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of sixty-five years, Jerry in 2015; sons, Kevin and one son in infancy; grandson, Cale Anger; and by her siblings, Dale, Donald, Kenneth, Lorraine Damsgard, and Marion Stinson.

Jenny is survived by her children, Michael (Joan) Hoeschen, James (Michele) Hoeschen, Janet (Dan) King, and Richard (Kathy) Hoeschen; and daughter-in-law, Lynn Hoeschen; grandchildren who she was affectionately known as Oma by eleven grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Josie Macheska, Rose Ann Collins, Joanne Smith; brother-in-law, Ken (Betts) Hoeschen; and by many other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 8, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon at a local funeral home in Hastings, and for one hour prior to mass at church on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in memory of Jenny.

Leander Sieben

Leander Sieben, age 92 of Hastings, died peacefully at Regina Medical Center in Hastings on Monday afternoon, December 11, 2023.

Leander, the son of Peter and Catharine (Bauer) Sieben, was born in New Trier on December 26, 1930.

Lee has always had an intense devotion to family. At the age of 15, upon his father's death, he sacrificed his education to go to work, keeping his family together. As a result, he had a late start in building his own life. He built his first house with his own hands in 1963 and proudly lived there until his passing. He married Dorothy Miller on May 22, 1965, starting their family shortly afterwards.

He worked most of his career as a cement finisher (while chewing on his old stogies) for his brother Al, until his retirement in 1988. After his retirement he worked part time jobs until Dorothy was ready to retire. In 1994 they became "Winter Texans" where he developed a love for shuffleboard, traveling the Rio Grande Valley in tournament play for 28 years. No matter where he went, he made close friends and was loved by everyone.

In 2020, Covid called Lee back to MN year round where he enjoyed playing euchre with his brother Tony a few times a week, doing puzzles and mowing lawns for his brother Al. He was a simple man with a soft heart that found joy in the little things. He loved unconditionally and always put family first...his greatest joy during his later years were his grandchildren and great-grand children.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; son, Joseph Sieben; parents, Peter and Catharine; siblings, Clarence Sieben and Loretta Sieben; granddaughter, Lauren; and great-grandson, Kellen.

Lee is survived by his children, Matthew Sieben, Joanne (Paul Newman), Suzanne (Joey) Pottinger, 7 grandchildren, Shawn (Amanda), Sadie, Bryce, Paige, Breck, Hailey (Zach), Hunter; 3 great-grandchildren, Layla, Kai, and Aleeza; siblings, Al (Betty Lou) Sieben, Sister M. Petrann, Tony (Carol) Sieben, and Loraine (Ted) Johnson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Hastings, with Father Dave Hennen officiating. A reception will be held at the church following Mass. Interment will be at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Cemetery in Hastings following the reception.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday evening at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings, and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday morning at church.

For guestbook and further information, please visit www.hastingsmnfuneral.com

Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.
    

Eugene A. Brockton, age 79, of Hastings, peacefully passed away at home on November 30, 2023. Eugene was born on June 7th, 1944 in Bridgewater, MN and grew up in Northfield.
Eugene worked for many years as a truck driver and then for Waste Management. He met his wife, Joanne McKillips Schweich, while working there and they were married on May 18, 2012, in Peoria, IL.
He loved going to car shows, collecting train memorabilia and had a great interest in the search and find of recyclable metals. He had a group of friends he enjoyed having morning coffee with at Ptacek's in Prescott , WI.
Eugene is survived by his wife, Joanne; his children, Steven and Monica; step-children, Tom, Rob (Chris), Deanna, Erin, Yvette and Dan. 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, many relatives and friends and all of his 4 legged fur buddies.
He was preceded in death by his parents, step-sister, step-brother, his son and grandson.
A final resting place and private burial service will be determined at a future date.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, December 15, at The Studio Downtown, located at 205 2nd St. E. Hastings, MN., from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM. A small potluck will be available for those in attendance. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.

Sally Matsch, 85, of Hastings, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2023. Sally was born on November 29, 1937, in Cumberland, Wisconsin, to Lawrence and Dorothy Mayer. She attended Cumberland High School, and was united in marriage to John Matsch on August 1st, 1959. Sally enjoyed all the holidays and festively decorated their home each year. She was very caring and thoughtful and didn't forget a birthday, anniversary or holiday. She adored her children and grandchildren and enjoyed each minute with them. Sally is preceded in death by her parents; and brother Philip Mayer. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, John; daughter Nancy (Mike) Thomas and sons David and Tom; her grandchildren: Jacob Matsch, Zachary and Derrick Thomas and Tiffany Nordling; and other friends and family. A private family memorial service will be held, with burial to follow at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery in Hastings, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Alzheimer's Association.

Maxine Kay Roush,
Age 69, a lifelong resident of Cannon Falls, died on Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 at Mayo Clinic Hospitals - St. Mary's Campus in Rochester.

A Celebration of Life service will be on Saturday, November 11th, at 10:30 AM, at First English Lutheran Church, Cannon Falls.

Lunch and a time of fellowship will follow the service at church.

Zachary Quiboloy,
Age 33 of Cottage Grove passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 6th, 2023.

There will be a Celebration of Life Gathering from 2-4 pm on Sunday, November 12th, in Cottage Grove.

Gene Allen Brummund,
67, of Welch, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 7th, 2023, after a two-year-long battle with Cancer.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, Nov. 13th, at 2 pm, at Cannon River Lutheran Church, 10960 280th St, in Cannon Falls. There will be a visitation from 2-4 pm, Sunday, Nov 12th, in Cannon Falls.

The visitation will continue an hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Robert "Bob" Zilla,
Age 64, of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, formerly of Web Lake, Wisconsin and Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 4th, 2023.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 5 PM with visitation beginning at 4, on Thursday, November 16th, in Cottage Grove.

Robert "Bob" Zilla,
Age 64, of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, formerly of Web Lake, Wisconsin and Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 4th, 2023.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 5 PM with visitation beginning at 4, on Thursday, November 16th, in Cottage Grove.

Kay E. Gudmunson,
Age 79, of Hastings, passed away at home on November 5, 2023.

An Open House honoring the life of Kay will be held in Hastings, on Friday, November 17th from 3-6 PM, with a time of sharing at 4:30.

A private burial will be held at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.


Lynn B. Lucas (Bisson),
Age 68, of Hastings passed away after a 3.5 year struggle with pancreatic cancer on November 4, 2023.

A visitation will take place Friday, November 10th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM in Hastings. A memorial service for Lynn will take place Saturday, November 11th at 11:00 AM at St. Philips Lutheran Church, in Hastings, with a visitation one hour prior.

Burial will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Hastings. Luncheon will follow burial.

Michael J. "Mike" Serres,
57, of Hampton, MN passed away unexpectedly at Regina Hospital in Hastings on November 5th, 2023.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, November 10th at 11 AM, at St. Mary's in New Trier. Visitation will be at church from 9-11 AM.

Burial will follow later in the day at St. Mary's Cemetery for close friends and family.

Joan Mc Inerny,
Age 91, of Cannon Falls, died on Saturday, November 4th, at the Mayo Clinic Health System, Cannon Falls.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, November 25th, 2023, from 1:00 – 3:00 PM, in Cannon Falls.