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Richard "Dick" R. Rosenquist
Richard "Dick" R. Rosenquist, age 94, of Hastings, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Wednesday, April 17, 2025.
He will be deeply missed by his children, Sandra Carlton, Richel "Ricki" Jenkins, Lori (Kim) Duong, and Thomas Rosenquist; grandchildren, Philip Carlton, Jessica Jarnot, Justin Jenkins, Vienna Duong, Tiffany Duong, Edison Duong, and Chase Rosenquist; great grandchildren, Rose Jarnot and Lyla Duong; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Donna; his brother, Robert Rosenquist; his son, Jim Rosenquist; and his son in law, Gordon Carlton.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 400 W 9th St, Hastings, MN. A visitation will take place at the church prior to the service, beginning at 9:00 a.m., with coffee and cookies served during that time. Following the service, the family will depart immediately to lay Dick to rest with full military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, where he will be reunited with Donna.
Ronald Duane "Dook" Sterud
Ronald Duane "Dook" Sterud, age 84 of Prescott, died Friday April 11, 2025 at his home with his beloved family at his side following a brief illness.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00am, on Friday, April 25th at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Prescott. Visitation will take place at the church two hours prior, beginning at 9:00am. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Memorials preferred to the discretion of the family.
Services have been entrusted to the O'Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Prescott, WI. For further details, please see www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call us at 715-262-5404.
Vergina "Gena" Snyder
Vergina "Gena" Snyder died on Sunday April 13, 2025 at Regina Hospital.
She was born the daughter of Rozella and Roy Johnson on August 19, 1938 in Cannon Falls, MN. Vergina graduated high school in Cannon Falls. She married Nick Snyder and moved to Hastings. Gena worked for Smeads for approximately 50 years. She loved gardening. Gena was a loving spitfire and always on the go.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Rozella and Roy Johnson; husband, Nick; and sister, Mary Dunbar.
Gena is survived by her daughter, Deb (Gordon) Bignell; grandsons, Mike Bignell, Keith Bignell, Curtis Bignell; great-grandsons, Leif and Erik Bignell; and other relatives and friends.
A Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 1:00PM at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings, MN with reception to follow. Arrangements are with Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.
Kelly Jean Hopkins
Kelly Jean Hopkins, age 62, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, in Rochester after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born on November 27, 1962, in South Saint Paul, MN, Kelly was the second oldest of five children born to Roger and Patricia (Schroeder) Cardin.
A compassionate caregiver and devoted advocate for children, Kelly dedicated many years of her life as a school nurse at Groves Academy in St. Louis Park, where she touched countless lives with her warmth, kindness, and steady presence.
Her love for animals, especially dogs, was well known, and her life was always made brighter by the companionship of her many furry friends.
Kelly was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Hopkins; parents; brother, Jeff Cardin; and several cherished pets who were part of her family.
She is survived by her son, Dustin (Bia) Cardin; grandchildren, Evelyn and Harvey Cardin; siblings, Scott Cardin (Diane), Tracy (Tom) Huglen, Roger (Caryn) Cardin; stepson, Justin Hopkins; two step-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and by her dear friend, Bonnie Hudson. She will also be deeply missed by her students and colleagues at Groves Academy, who knew her as a trusted caregiver and friend.
A Celebration of Life for Kelly will be held from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings. A private family interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings.
Marilyn Marie (Hetrick) Fleming
Marilyn Marie (Hetrick) Fleming, 89, of Prescott, Wisconsin, died Monday, April 7, 2025 at her home with family by her side.
Mary was born August 4, 1935 in Pepin, Wisconsin, daughter of David Thomas and Evelyn Ruth (Steele) Hetrick. She graduated from Pepin High School with the class of 1953.
Marilyn married James LeRoy Fleming on July 17, 1054 in Wabasha, Minnesota. They began raising their family on Lake Street in Pepin before moving to Prescott in 1959. Marilyn has five children, nine grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Marilyn was a member of the UCC, a Pack 133 Cub Scout Den mother, Prescott Auxiliary secretary and a Ptacek's IGA employee. She loved selling poppies, presenting awards, cleaning the Legion Hall and marching with the Auxiliary.
She loved spending time with relatives, neighbors and friends, giving perms, playing canasta, playing the piano along side of her brother, Chuck, and his accordion, entertaining the residents at the Pepin Manor, dancing with her sister, Darlene.
Marilyn is survived by her four sons, Jim (Tania) Fleming, Prescott, Tom (Karen) Fleming, River Falls, David (Lisa) Floyd, Knobs, IN, Danny Fleming, Prescott; one daughter, Rhonda (John) Serres, Hastings, MN; three brothers, Jim (Gerry) Hetrick, Pepin, Everett (Kim) Hetrick, Pepin, John (Aleeta) Hetrick, Stockholm, WI; one sister, Darlene (Darrel) Larson, Nelson, WI; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband, James Fleming; parents, and two brothers, Charles and Ronald Hetrick.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, Old Ptaceks Event Center, 1449 Orrin Road, Prescott, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service. She will be laid to rest at Pine Glen Cemetery.
Services are entrusted to the O'Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Prescott.
Ivan J Hakseth
Ivan J. Hakseth, age 91, of Hastings, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
A lifelong Hastings resident, Ivan was a proud U.S. Army veteran, longtime 3M employee, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He married the love of his life, Donna, in 1955, and together they built a life centered around faith, family, and time outdoors. Ivan enjoyed reunions with coworkers and classmates, weekly breakfasts at the Legion, time at the family farm, fishing, hunting, golfing, and summers on the Whitefish Chain. He and Donna also enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino. Above all, Ivan will be remembered for his kindness, humility, and unwavering love for his family.
He is survived by his children, Michael Hakseth, Marvin (Janice) Hakseth, and Renee (Arlo) Rhoads; along with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister, and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Donna; son, Jimmy; his parents; and several siblings and extended family members.
A Celebration of Life for Ivan will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033, with a visitation one hour prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow the service, and interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings.
Tommy Rueter
Tommy Reuter, age 62, of Hastings, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Tommy was born in Hastings on February 4, 1963, and proudly claimed the title of "older twin," often reminding his brother Joe that he had arrived 15 minutes earlier. He was one of eight siblings born to Charles and Lucille (Radke) Reuter and spent his entire life in the Hastings community he loved. A 1981 graduate of Hastings High School, Tommy remained a familiar and friendly face around town.
Tommy was very proud of his work doing drywall for over 40 years alongside his brother Mike at Reuter Drywall. He often pointed out the many homes and businesses around town where he had put his craftsmanship to work, taking real pride in leaving his mark on the community.
He was happiest outdoors, whether in a deer stand or out on the lake with a fishing rod in hand. Ice fishing, in particular, was his greatest joy. He loved his birthday and treated every day like it was his birthday. Tommy approached life with humor, warmth, and a generous spirit that made others feel special just for knowing him. He loved spending time with his family and was incredibly proud of his children, whom he loved deeply.
Tommy was known for giving far more than he ever received. A fixture at local fundraisers and benefits, he always showed up ready to lend a hand. And if you did anything kind for him, you could count on going home with something, maybe a few fresh walleyes, a steak, or whatever he had on hand to share. His storytelling skills were legendary, fueled by a lively imagination and a knack for making people laugh. He had a soft spot for his brother Dan's dog, Babe, and a deep loyalty to those he loved.
He is survived by his children, Kahlei Ludescher, Nick Erikson, Paris Miller, and Cody Jones; siblings, Linda (Charles) Lowe, Mike (Danae) Reuter, Tony (Trudy) Reuter, Bonnie (Tom) Cochran, Dan (Lori) Reuter, and Joe (Wanda) Reuter; his dear friend, Brenda Ludescher; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lucille Reuter, and his sister, Sandy Reuter.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 15th St W, Hastings, MN. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the church.
Richard John Stocker
Richard John Stocker, age 80, of Hastings, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born on July 1, 1944, in San Francisco, CA, to Richard and Alma (Meier) Stocker. Although born in California, he spent most of his youth in St. Paul Park, MN and graduated from Park High School in 1962.
Richard had a spirit for adventure from a young age. After his junior and senior years of high school, he rode his motorcycle out to Big Timber, Montana, to work on a ranch, creating unforgettable stories and memories. His eyes would light up with joy when he spoke about getting the ol Johnny Popper stuck in the mud.
Following high school, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy and spent 4 years stationed in Puerto Rico and Jacksonville, Florida. He took great pride in his military service and hung a flag each day on his front porch.
In 1968, Richard married the love of his life, Jeanette Nelson. They settled in Hastings in 1970 and their union blessed them with two children, Johnny and Jeanne. During their 52 years of marriage, they enjoyed bike rides together, family camping trips and many games of 500 with friends. Richard loved to bowl and spent many evenings perfecting his game during men's leagues and mixed doubles with Jeanette.
He was a talented artist who sketched and painted hundreds of birds, creating charming, handcrafted pieces. He also had a passion for photography, developing his prints in a darkroom many of which went on to earn awards in competitions. He loved to read and could often be found writing tales of his youth that will be treasured for generations to come.
Richard was a dedicated employee of the refinery in St. Paul Park, where he worked nearly 30 years as a welder before retirement. This included playing many rounds of cribbage in the break room, commonly called the "shark pit", where he formed friendships with many of his coworkers that endured for the rest of his life.
After his retirement in 2001, he spent many days gardening, meticulously tending to his yard, which was an explosion of color every spring and summer. Richard took great pride in every bloom, not just for his own enjoyment, but for the happiness it brought to people that passed by. Neighbors, friends, and passersby would often stop to admire the beauty, and he cherished their smiles, conversations, and compliments. For Richard, gardening wasn’t just a hobby, it was a way to share joy, connect with others, and brighten the world around him, one flower at a time.
His heart for service led him to volunteer extensively at the Resurrection United Methodist Church of Hastings where he spent many Sundays ushering and washing dishes. He thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship and would often be the last person to exit the sanctuary. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels and created dozens of beaded angels for hospice care. Richard was also a proud member of the American Legion for over 50 years.
Every Tuesday and Saturday, Richard would visit the Hastings Farmers Market. He would spend the entire morning socializing with each vendor and filling up his bag with goodies. He was known as a generous buyer who often bought more than he could use himself, happily sharing the excess with friends and family. He treasured his time with family, playfully teasing his grandchildren and sharing joyful moments.
Richard will be remembered for his stubborn yet gentle demeanor, his deeply rooted integrity, playful humor, and unwavering love for his family. He carried a generous spirit and a quiet strength, always ready with a kind word or helping hand. Have you ever had the feeling that you are all alone and in total darkness? Then you turn, and at your side stands a good friend holding a lit candle. Richard was that steady light for so many whether as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, coworker, or friend. His warmth, sincerity, and belief that we are all here to help one another will leave a lasting impact on all who knew him.
He is survived by his children, Johnny Stocker and Jeanne (Jason) Theis; grandchildren, Kayla and Kyle Theis; sister-in-law, Barb Baker; one niece, two nephews, and many other loving relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Alma Stocker; wife, Jeanette Stocker; and sister, Atalie Lehrke.
A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Resurrection United Methodist Church.
Pamela Susan Fox
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved sister Pamela Susan Fox age 70, passed away along with her husband, Paul Tisdale age 82 in a house fire on February 20th,2025 in their Annapolis, MD home.
Pam was born April 15th,1954 to Reinold and Patricia Fox in St. Paul, MN. The oldest of seven children, Pam grew up in Hastings MN and graduated from Hastings High School in 1972. After earning her degree from Inver Hills Community College, she moved to Washington, DC to begin her lifelong career of dedicated service to the U.S. Government. Pam cherished her years with the Department of Justice, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the U.S. Court of Claims, and the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. She was also very proud of her service as President of the National Federal Secretary's Association.
Pam was a generous gift giver. Having no children of her own, she loved showering her family and many friends with thoughtful gifts. If your path crossed Pam's, you were the likely recipient of a personalized "Personal Creations" gift!
Preceded in death by parents, Reinold "Knobby" and Patricia "Pat" Fox and brother, John P. Fox.
Survived by her siblings Cindy (Kevin) Moline, Jeff Fox (Paula), Deb (Reid) Seipp, Jimmy Fox, and Tammy (John) Bacon, her sister- in-law, Mary Fox Schaefer, as well as many nieces, nephews, great- nieces and great-nephews. She is also survived by her ex-husband, Gintaras "Tony" Dambrava.
A private family service will be held at a later date with interment at Arlington National Cemetery. Sunglasses will be worn!
Glen T. Fleming Jr.
Glen T. Fleming Jr. of Greenfield, WI passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 88 years old.
Preceded in death, less than two months prior, by the love of his life, Ardis M. Fleming. Father of Ted, Jim(Katie), and Maggy(Mark). Grandfather to Ryan, Tommy, Matt, Tamia, Anna, Leo, and Miles.
Survived by his sister Mary, brother Ed(Mary), nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by parents Glen T. Sr. and Marguerita Fleming.
Glen will be remembered for his lively personality, being a loyal WI sports fan, his love of music and the arts, and his passion for learning as well as teaching.
A visitation for both Glen and Ardis will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 11:00am-12:45pm at St. Mary Catholic Faith Community.
9520 W. Forest Home Ave, Hales Corners, WI 53130
A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1PM. Inturnment to follow.
Encarnacion Rathbun
Encarnacion Rathbun, age 77, of Hastings, MN, passed away on Monday, March 31st, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Known for her warmth and generosity, she touched the lives of everyone she met. She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on March 31, 2025.
Born on October 20, 1947, in Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac, Philippines, she was the daughter of Osmundo and Simprosa (Santiago) Balanay. Growing up as one of eight siblings, Encarnacion cherished family gatherings and was active both at home and in school. She participated in local community traditions such as the Sta. Ignacia Society of America (SISA) and graduated as the valedictorian of Sta. Ignacia High School.
In the late 1960s, she immigrated to the United States, where she dedicated her life to loving, supporting, and encouraging her five children: Cristobal, Mary Anne, Michelle, Linda, and Andrew. She completed programs in Flower Arranging & Floristry and Interior Design and operated a gift store and business called E.R. Imports. She was known for her outgoing nature, enjoyed picnics at the park and beach, loved creating flower arrangements and decorating, and had a chic sense of style. She had a room dedicated to sewing and made many cute matching outfits for her children and herself.
Encarnacion worked for West Publishing Company, now Thomson Reuters, for 32 years before retiring. She was responsible for codes and statutes publishing and worked in the library. After retirement, she continued part-time work at two of her favorite stores, Hancock Fabrics and Kohl's. Deeply connected to the Filipino community, she actively participated in the Santacruzan, a procession that commemorates the discovery of the Holy Cross. Her strong Catholic faith guided her generous and compassionate spirit, and she loved serving in the church, especially in greeting and concessions.
On June 11, 1980, Encarnacion married Albert Rathbun, her loving husband of 45 years. Together, they enjoyed dancing, visiting casinos, playing bingo, and traveling to cherished destinations, including the Philippines, San Diego, Las Vegas, and winter stays in Mesa, Arizona. An exceptional cook, she loved hosting family and friends, ensuring everyone was well-fed with her signature dishes like lumpia, pancit, adobo, rice cake, and shish kebabs. Always thinking of others, she made extra batches of lumpia to share with friends, family, and neighbors.
Encarnacion was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter Addison Aardappel, grandson Nicolas Aardappel, and siblings Aida, Apolinario, and Rogelio. She is survived by her devoted husband, Albert; her children Cristobal (Marilou), Mary Anne, Michelle (Frank), Encarnacion Linda (John), and Andrew (Rachel); 15 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; siblings Erlinda, Dominador Sr., Rosalina, Dominga, Marcelina, Rebecca and Osmundo; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, April 7, 2025, at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 380 Roselawn Ave E, St Paul, MN 55117, with visitation one hour prior to Mass from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the church. A reception will follow the Mass. Burial will occur at St. Agatha's Cemetery, 4223 170th St E, Rosemount, MN 55068, following the reception.
Louise "LuAnn" Schwanz
Louise "LuAnn" Schwanz, age 71 of Hastings, died suddenly but peacefully at home on Friday morning, March 28, 2025.
Louise Ann, the daughter of Joseph and Gertrude (Belland) Bibeau, was born in St. Paul on May 28, 1953. LuAnn was raised in Vadnais Heights and attended White Bear Lake High School. On January 29, 1972, she was united in marriage to Keith Schwanz at Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church. LuAnn was a longtime employee at Hitchcock Industries where she later retired from in 2014. LuAnn enjoyed traveling, especially on family vacations Up North to the lake. She was an amazing cook and baker, and was always willing to try many different cuisines and types of food too. Even though she was often content living a quiet life at home, LuAnn always cherished the time she spent with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
LuAnn is survived by her husband, Keith; children, Kimberley (Jeff) Lewis, Kelley (Troy) Olson, Jason (Amber) Schwanz; grandchildren, Madison, Trenton, Cadence, Braden, Easton, and Chase; sister, Sandra (Gary) Haas; and by other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of LuAnn's Life will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.
Sandra Pletcher
Sandra Pletcher, born on September 30, 1941, at Redwood Falls Hospital, passed away peacefully at home in Vermillion with her family by her side on Wednesday morning, March 26, 2025. She was the beloved daughter of Joseph Merrill Taylor and Bernice (Smith) Taylor.
A lifelong Methodist, Sandy lived a life of service, kindness, and creativity. She grew up in Olivia, Minnesota, graduating from Olivia High School before attending Hamline University. She married the love of her life, Glenn Pletcher, on August 24, 1969, and together they built a life filled with love, faith, and shared passions.
Throughout her life, Sandy was deeply involved in her community. She was a dedicated Girl Scout from childhood through her senior year, later serving as a Girl Scout leader. She also guided young minds as a 4-H leader, Junior Achievement advisor, Bible school teacher, and elementary school room mother. Her commitment to civic duty extended to serving as an election judge.
A talented and creative soul, Sandy had many passions including a lifelong love of music, beginning her journey as a soloist in high school. She also found joy in painting, taking up watercolor nearly four decades ago. Her appreciation for nature was evident in her love for animals and her passion for birdwatching, which she pursued avidly from 1972 onward to her final days. She also loved gardening, flowers and cooking.
In addition to her many accomplishments and passions, she will be remembered as a cheerleader—both on the sidelines in her youth and throughout her life, uplifting those around her with unwavering support and encouragement.
Sandy was preceded in death by her father, Joe Taylor, in 1960 and her mother, Bernice Taylor (Olson) in 2009. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and dedication to family and community. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Sandy is survived by her husband, Glenn Pletcher, sons Seth and JB Pletcher, daughter-in-law Stacey Pletcher, granddaughters Gwen and Josselyn Pletcher and brother Doug Taylor.
A Celebration of Sandy's Life will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Resurrection United Methodist Church in Hastings, with Pastor Mark Miller officiating.
Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation for one hour prior to the service, and to a reception with a luncheon immediately following the service, all at church on Tuesday.
Hank Schlomka
Hank Schlomka, age 85 of Hampton, passed away peacefully just the way he wanted to at "The Shack On the Hill" on Tuesday morning, March 25, 2025.
A Celebration of Hank's full life is being planned for Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Wexford at Emerald Greens in Hastings. Exact times are still being coordinated, please check back soon for further updates.
A complete obituary will be published soon.
Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.
Phyllis Ann McConnell
Phyllis Ann McConnell, age 88, of Hastings, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Benedictine Living Community in Hastings.
Phyllis was born on July 10, 1936, in Tracy, Minnesota, to Ervin and Genevieve (Drackley)Edwards. She was the second of three children raised on the family farm. She attended school in a nearby one-room schoolhouse and later graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1954.
Shortly after graduation, she married Durmont Harnack, and together they welcomed 4 children: Steven, David, Brenda, and Nancy. The family made their home outside of Revere, Minnesota, until Durmont's life was tragically cut short by a farming accident in 1962. In 1964, Phyllis found love again and married Thomas McConnell. They were blessed with two more children, Tom and Liz. Thomas lovingly adopted the older children, raising them all as his own. The family moved from Revere to Winona, and eventually settled in Hastings in 1972, where they built a lifetime of memories.
Phyllis was the beloved heart of her family, dedicating herself fully as a homemaker and later working for Hastings School District 200, where she had a fulfilling career of 25 years after her youngest started school. She cherished family vacations, traveling the country with tent or camper, and later driving road trips creating treasured memories along the way.
A gifted seamstress, Phyllis crafted everything from prom and wedding dresses to needlepoint creations, knitting, and ceramics. She enjoyed canning foods such as cherries, watermelon pickles, peaches, and beets. Phyllis deeply valued family gatherings around the table, believing strongly in the bond created through shared meals and homemade desserts. Known for her unconditional love, generosity, and warmth, she always put her family first, ready to give and do anything for her children and grandchildren.
Phyllis is lovingly survived by her children, Dave (Lynn) McConnell of Hastings, MN, Nancy (Dave) DesCombes of Morrison, CO, Tom McConnell of Balaton, MN, and Liz (Tom) Schiller of Hastings, MN; sixteen cherished grandchildren and seventeen beloved great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Anderson of Marshall, MN; brother, Robert (Yvette) of California; and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Durmont Harnack and Thomas McConnell; infant daughter Brenda Harnack and son Steven McConnell; infant granddaughter Jennifer McConnell-Schiller and grandson Matthew McConnell.
Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. In accordance with her wishes, no service will held at this time.