Obituaries

Timothy Bjerke,
62, of Prescott, WI, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. Arrangements are pending.

Agnes (Kasel) Raway,
100, of Hastings, passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at Benedictine-Regina Assisted Living in Hastings. Agnes Marie was born November 3, 1920 in New Trier, Dakota County, Minnesota, the 13th of 14 children born to Michael and Mary (Reuter) Kasel. She grew up on the family farm and attended parochial school at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Trier through the eighth grade. After receiving her education, she continued to work on the family farm. On January 12, 1944, she married Henry J. Raway at St. Mary's and they were blessed with nine children. As a dedicated mother and homemaker, Agnes enjoyed baking, gardening, quilting, and camping with her husband, family, and lifelong friends. Agnes and Henry lived in Hastings until moving to the country in 1959. Agnes was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church and later St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, where she was active in many capacities over the years. Agnes is survived by nine children, Sister Beverly Raway, OSB of Duluth, MN, Stanley (Kathy) Raway of Nowthen, MN, Marlene (Herman) Meyers of Hastings, Kenneth (Beth) Raway of Lawrenceville, GA, Raymond (Dianne) Raway of Hastings, Mary Smith of Hastings, Carol (Darrel) Rasmussen of Bainville, MT, Henry M. (Sylvia) Raway of Hastings, and Chris (Geriann) Raway of St. Paul, MN; 25 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Henry; son-in-law, Donald Smith; two great-grandchildren; and 13 siblings. Visitation: 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM Monday, March 1, 2021 at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM Monday, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father Matt Shireman officiating. Interment will take place in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery in Hastings.
   

Martin Mader,
87, of Hastings, passed away Monday, February 22, 2021, at White Pines Assisted Living in Cottage Grove. Martin Donald Mader was born on December 13, 1933 in Antigo, Wisconsin, the son of Myron and Lucille (Parsons) Mader. Marty worked as an A&P Mechanic for his entire career, starting out with North Central Airlines, and later Republic Airlines, retiring as a Northwest Airlines mechanic at the age of 74. On June 11, 1981, Marty married Mary Jane Geissinger. Marty and his boys enjoyed time fishing at the cabin with grandma and grandpa, driving his 1947 jeep, grouse hunting with Bob, Burley, and Mike, and collecting maple sap. Marty is survived by his wife, Mary Jane of River Falls, WI; four sons, Craig Mader of River Falls, Kent (Christy) Mader of Hastings, Cam (LeeAnn) Mader of Woodbury, and Brad (Sheri) Mader of Red Wing; grandchildren, Croix, Claire, Michael, Mitchell, Aaron, Ashlyn, and Max; a stepdaughter, Audrey Geissinger of River Falls; a brother, Wes (Char) Mader of Prior Lake, MN; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Marty was preceded in death by a brother, Myron "Mike" Mader; and his beloved German Shepherds, Greta I II III IV. Memorials are preferred to the American Legion Post #47, Hastings, MN. Visitation: 4 to 7 PM Monday, March 1, 2021, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings, and one hour prior to services at the church. Memorial Service: 11 AM Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Hastings, with Reverend Jon Zimpelmann officiating. For those unable to attend the service, a live stream will be available on the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel Facebook page. Interment with Military Honors will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
   

Robert Walter (Bob) Theesfeld,
87, of Hastings, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2021, in his home. Survived by wife Lois Jean Loomis, brothers Harold and Chuck, sister Lucille Schleef; five children, Kimberly (Tad), Teresa, Robert Jr. (Nicole), Peggy (Todd), Kate (Michael), nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents, Walter and Edith (Blanck) Theesfeld, step-mother Lucille Strayer, first wife Gae Ann, brothers Dick and Roger; grandson Will. After marrying Lois Jean, Bob fondly shared in the life of her family including children Peggy (Stuart), Wendy (Karen), Randy (Rob), Rick (Molly), Julie (Kevin), 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Bob was born to a farm family in Buckley, IL. At the age of 22 he joined the Air Force, serving at Lincoln AFB in Nebraska. He met his first wife, Gae Ann, at a dance at the base, impressing her with his charm, good looks, and his Cadillac. They married in 1958, raising their five children through moves in Nebraska, Wisconsin, and finally to Minnesota. After retirement he established the non-profit Hastings Community Car Care Ministry, working for years providing low-cost cars and car maintenance for those in need. A man of hard work and generosity, Bob expressed his love by making sure everyone in his family was taken care of. A Memorial Service will be held 11 AM Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Starkson Family Life Celebration Center in Hastings, with Gordon Gathright officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Interment with Military Honors will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery in Hastings.
   

Gregory "Newt" Newton,
Of Hastings, MN passed away peacefully on February 20, 2021 after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, JoLyn; daughter, Jessica; son, Adam; daughter-in-law, Tiffany; and the apple of his eye, granddaughter, Haylee Jo. He is also survived by brother, Mark (Marsha) Newton of Cedar Falls, IA; sister, Deb Newton of Mora, MN; mother-in-law, Barbara Sieh of Traer, IA; sisters-in-law, Rhonda (Merlin) Benning of Waverly, IA and Kim Vrbicek of Cedar Rapids, IA; several nieces and nephews, hockey "sons" and many great friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Mary Newton; brother, Kevin Newton; and niece, Eloise Newton. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2021 from 2:00-5:00 pm at a local funeral home.

Robert W. (Bob) Beskar,
Died peacefully on February 16, 2021, at the age of 73. God called Bob to his heavenly home after a long and courageous battle with dementia. He is survived by his wife Karen, and children, Terry (Christie), Jim (Brie) and Jennifer (Jake), by his amazing grand kids, Alex and Liana Vanderbeek, Kaiden, Bella, Kendall (Squirty-O 2) and Jacob Walker; two sisters, Kay Mooney and Sheryl Paton; sister-in-law, Lynn Beskar; brother-in-law, Keith Phillips; and by many nieces and nephews as well as many other relatives and many friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, April 23, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in St. Paul Park, with Bob's brother-in-law, Father George Schmit officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Marjorie Oppold,
Of Hastings, formerly of Harrisburg, SD, passed away on February 16, 2021 after a short battle with cancer. She is survived by her four children, Jim (Teresa) of Cincinnati, Janet Dupell of West Point, Utah, Jeff (Marge) of Bonita Springs, FL and Joe (Cindy) of Hastings; her 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a grave site memorial will take place at a later date.

Mary Jean Heselton,
Age 79, of Hastings, passed away February 15, 2021. Mary Jean is survived by her husband, Richard; son, Michael; daughter, Julie (Gary) Reed; grandchildren, Brendan and Owen Heselton, and Nathan and Meghan Reed; sister, Marge; many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 1:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 W. 15th St., Hastings. Interment will take place at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery, Hastings.

Alice T. Dachel,
Age 60, of Hastings, passed away February 14, 2021 at 8:40 PM at United Hospital. Preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Marion Dachel; and sister, Nancy Dachel. Survived by her significant other and best friend, Richard Wrobleski; siblings, Ben (Mary) Dachel, Anthony (Linda) Dachel, Peggy (Dave) Larson, and Rosie Dachel; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Private family services will be held at a later date.

Jean Dodge Moline,
Died on February 8, 2021 of natural causes at the age of 90. Jean was preceded in death by her husband Willis Moline, parents Carl and Cecil Dodge, sister Wilma Dodge, brother Jim Dodge, brothers-in-law Lyman Manor and Ivar Moline, sisters-in-law Rita Moline and Cynda Douglas (Dodge), and very recently, lifelong grade-school friend Ella Mary (Frederick) Johnsen. Jean is survived by her three children Kristin, Thea (Michael Cuddy), Kurt (Mary); six grandchildren Isaac Moline; Elizabeth, Catherine, and Anne Cuddy; Eva and Cecilia Moline; sister-in-law Lila Manor; and in Miles City niece Kelly Jo Tarr and nephew Alan Dodge. A private ceremony will be held at a later date on the Montana ranch where Jean grew up.

Elaine L. (Bignell) Swank,
Age 76 of Hastings, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday morning, February 12, 2021, at United Hospital in St. Paul. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ken; daughter, Katherine in infancy; siblings, Glen and Donald; great granddaughter, Kylee Rose; and by her sons-in-law, Leonard Eckert and Richard McPherson. Elaine is survived by her daughters, Dawn McPherson, Rae (Brian) Johnson, and Trina (EJ) Frank; grandchildren, Cassandra (Todd) Knuth, Pamela (Nelson) Kargbo, Victoria Eckert, Rebecca (Nicholas) Strydom, McKenna Johnson, Jade Johnson, Lexi Frank, and Tanner Frank; four great grandchildren; ten siblings; sister-in-law, Sandy (Dean) Ahlman; special friend and former neighbor, Darlene; and by many other relatives and friends. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Elaine's Life will be held at a later date.

Beatrice L. Freeman,
Age 85 of Hastings, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents; fiance, Ken Giosi; siblings, Bud, Katherine, and Laverne; niece, Patty Rutherford; great grandson, Hunter; and by her favorite dog, Charlie. Beatrice is survived by her children, Becky Freeman, Ty Koester, Keith (Kim) Freeman, Tammy (Brian) Hennessy, and George Freeman; grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister, Marion Wenzel; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. A Celebration of Beatrice's Life will be held at a later date.

Rose D. Cooper
Wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister and friend, was called home on February 7, 2021. Rose was born on November 15, 1938 in Momence, IL to John and Lil Bleyle. She married Frank L. Cooper in Momence, IL on February 23, 1957. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Gary; grandson, Kyle; brothers, John, Jacob, Andrew, Jim and Donny; sisters, Marilyn, Patricia, Betty and Mary Jane. Rose is survived by her husband, Frank; children, Bonnie (Mike) Snaza, Ann (Don) Mann, daughter-in-law, Kim (Blackstad) Cooper; grandchildren, Vicki (Ephram), Joe, Ben, Becca, Derek (Rhonda), Andy, Casey and Clint (Jordan); great-grandchildren, Lorenzo, Lavida, Julius, Dakotah, Gunner, Franklin, Madelyn and Miles; great-great-grandson, Spencer; 5 brothers and 3 sisters; many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. A Private Family Memorial Service will be held at a local funeral home. Interment at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings.

Rhoda Mae (Matsch) Birchen
Age 93, died on February 7, 2021. Rhoda was preceded in death by husband Paul; parents Louis B. and Mildred (Setley) Matsch; brothers Loran, Kenneth, Louis J., Robert, Charles and James Matsch and sister Dorothy Lenz. She is survived by children Lola Ling, Bill (Dorreen) Birchen and Lisa Birchen; grandchildren Paul (Kate) Birchen and Susan (Taylor) Jones; great grandchildren Oliver, Remy & Torin Jones and Will & Theodore Birchen; and siblings John Matsch and Karen Matsch. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be a private graveside service for immediate family members only. Memorials to Hastings Family Service or Caring & Sharing Hands are preferred.

Frederick Robert Angell
Died surrounded by family at his side on February 5, 2021. Fred was born on October 2, 1935, in St Paul, MN to Robert and Marie (Jungbauer) Angell. On September 14, 1957, Fred was united in marriage to Mary Ellen (Gergen) at St. Mary's Church in New Trier. They were happily married 63 years. He is survived by his wife, MaryEllen and their six children, Kathy Wanous (Dave), Jane Young (Mike), Karen Wellman (Maynard), Denise Kreibich (Terry), Tom Angell (Heather) and John Angell (Tina); as well as grandchildren, Dan (Carrie) and Brian Wanous, Lauren, Jonny and Blake Young, Katie and Ellie Kreibich, Hannah Yoxall (Andrew), Sydney and Jack Angell and Cole and Trey Angell; and step-grandchildren, Jordan and Jared Graham, and Fred is further survived by his brother, Robert Angell (Rita). He was preceded in death by his son, Mike Angell; and his parents, Robert and Marie Angell. A Private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Trier. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to St. Mary's Catholic Church, Catholic Charities or Sharing and Caring Hands.

Carolee Jo Kaiser
Aged 75 of Hastings, Minnesota died on Tuesday February 2, 2021 at her residence.

Carolee was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed traveling and going to car shows with her husband Frank. She also had a special place in her heart for the kids and animals in her life.

She was preceded in death by her son Michael.

She is survived by her husband Frank, children; Lisa Schafer, Chuck (Abby), Jonathan and Joseph Allen; grandchildren Mallory, Robert, Jacob, Nicholas, Andrew, Brooke; great-grandchild Royce.

Private family services will be held and burial will be at the Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings, Minnesota.
   

William F. Pechacek
It is with great joy in the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ that the family of William (Bill) F. Pechacek, age 94, announce his passing from this life to eternal life with the Father through the blood of his most loved son Jesus Christ and William's acceptance of that free gift. William passed away peacefully at his home in Hastings, Minnesota on February 2, 2021, with his loving family by his side. Preceded in death by his son, Thomas Pechacek. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, LuEtta and his children: Jeanene (James) Ochs, Marylee (Donald) Lawrence, Valarie (Richard) Staus, Sharon Pechacek McInnis, who is Thomas's surviving wife, Patrick (Cathy) Pechacek, and Michael Pechacek. He has 18 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren (soon to be 34). Bill was born November 5,1926 to Ferdinand William Pechacek II and Ruth Ann (Poore) Pechacek, Hastings, Minnesota. Preceded in death by his Siblings: Ella Hageman, Edward Pechacek, Earl Pechacek, Lorraine Cater, Lawrence Pechacek, Loretta Gorgus, Walter Pechacek, and Leona Chilson. He is survived by his sisters, Josephine George, Dorothy Meyer, and Helen Reicowski. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be a private family service.

Guadalupe Gerra Garza,
Born April 13, 1930 in Cuero, Texas, passed from this life to his eternal life in heaven Jan 31, 2021 surrounded by his family and friends. He will now walk side by side with his bride of 70 years. He was known as Lupe, Dad, Papa and Grandpa. He is survived by his children, Yolanda (Rick) Seewald, Sandra (Don) Hovde, Patrick Garza, and Anastasia (Jimmy) Guidry; 13 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends who loved him dearly. Every person whose life he touched was changed by his love, humor, work ethic and love for God. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 3, at 1 PM, at a local funeral home, with Pastor Drew Baldridge officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings.

Gary D. Fritze,
Age 87, of Green Valley, AZ (formerly Hastings, MN) passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on January 31, 2021. Gary was preceded in death by his parents (Walton "Bud" and Lila Fritze), brother-in-laws Ollie Abrahamson and Jerry Weber, sister-in-laws Mary Fritze, Elly McNamara; stepson Craig Friday, nephews Terry and Tom Fritze and Shawn Abrahamson. He is survived by his wife Barb; sister-in-law Peggy McCallum; children, Linda (Mark) Prettyman; Steve (Carol) Fritze; Lori(Mark) Beskau; Scott Fritze; Jim (Marilyn) Fritze; Diane (Mike) Bohmert, Debbie (Gary) Johnson; 16 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren; and many special nieces and nephews. A private family service will be held.

Richard (Dick) Leo Price,
age 85, of Jacksonville, Florida, formerly of Hastings Minnesota passed away peacefully on January 26, 2021 at Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville Florida. Dick was born on April 3, 1935 in Red Wing, Minnesota. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served his country proudly. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and tinkering with any car he could get his hands on. Dick is survived by his wife, Phyllis, daughters, Jo (John) Johnson-Meineke and Jill Price, sons Kurt Price and Rick (Rachel) Price, as well as eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Pat Feindt, brother, Joe Price and by his daughter, Michaele Ann Price. Dick will be lovingly remembered by his family at a private graveside service at Fort Snelling at a later date. Funeral services have been entrusted to Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services of Ocala, Florida (352-414-4206).
   

Dorothy M. Brochman
Age 77, of Vermillion, passed away at home on January 25, 2021. Survived by her children, Kevin (Joan), Steve (Laura), Bonnie (Mike) Rapp, Mike (Tammi), and Vicky (Rob) McCallum; grandchildren, Sam (Alex), Sarah (Trent), Krista (David), Ryan, Brooklyn, Lukas, Dan (Katy), Kayla (Jenni), Dennis (Brieanna), Cassie (Mandy), Jessica (Corey), Holly (Matt), Noah (Maria), Max, Ryan (Jordan), Marissa (Cody), Adam (Afton) and Matthew; great grandchildren, Cole, Reagan, Odin, Halden, Jaxten, Dennis, Savannah, Harrison, Carson and Hadley; siblings, Mary Ann Otto, Rosalie (Gerald) Rother, Edward (Cindy) Freiermuth and Donald Freiermuth; and many other relatives and friends. A Private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Vermillion. Interment will take place in the church cemetery.

Joan M. Schoenecker,
Age 60, of Hastings, beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, passed away at home after a year long battle with cancer January 22, 2021. Survived by her loving husband, Steven; daughter, Joesette; sisters, Kathleen Krueger and Julie (Kevin) Kowarsch; and many other relatives and friends. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 from 4:30-7:30 pm at a local funeral home. Masks will be required. A PRIVATE Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prescott. Interment, Fort Snelling National Cemetery.