Obituaries

Josephine A. "JoAnn" Kirch, age 84 of Arden Hills, died peacefully on Friday morning, October 23, 2020, at Johanna Shores Senior Living. JoAnn is survived by her sister, Sister Monica Raway, OSB; nieces and nephews, Sharon (Gary) Illa, Bob (Jeanne) Raway, Bill (Cheri) Raway, Charlie (Carol) Raway, Sharon (Richard) Jone, Barb Schaack, and Theresa (Bill) King; the extended Kirch family, Theresa (Dan) Kegley, Lisa (Michael) Swirtz, and Mary (Ron) Funk; and by many other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 30, 2020, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 7180 Hemlock Lane North, in Maple Grove. JoAnn will be laid to rest with Tom in Phoenix at a later date.

Carol E. Almquist, age 87 of Hastings, died peacefully at Abbott Northwestern Hospital on Wednesday evening, October 21, 2020. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 30, 2020, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Hastings. Interment will be held at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings.

Gerald "Spike" Stevens,
Age 86 of Hastings, died peacefully on Thursday morning, October 22, 2020, at United Hospital in St. Paul.

Gerald E., the son of Alyosius and Vernice (Frey) Stevens, was born on June 15, 1934, in Hastings. Following his graduation from Hastings High School with the class of 1952, Spike enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War and was later Honorably Discharged. On September 26, 1956, Spike was united in marriage to Rose Mary "Tiki" Seleskie at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Hastings. Spike was a longtime employee at 3M, and retired in 1996 after twenty-five years of service. He enjoyed wintering in Gulf Shores, Alabama with Tiki, golfing, and was a dedicated fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, and Gopher Football. Most of all, Spike especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren's activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jerry Jr.; wife, Tiki; and by his sisters, Patricia O'Brien, Phyllis Doffing, Rita Nelson, and Barb Nelson.

Spike is survived by his children, Stacey (Doug) Corrington, Susie (Rob) Sieben, John "Ripper" (Margie) Stevens, and Jim Stevens; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; sister, Mary Stevens; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral services will be held 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 28, 2020, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Interment with Military Honors provided by the VFW Lyle Russell Post 1210 will follow at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and to a reception following the burial, all at the funeral home on Wednesday.

Spike's family kindly requests no flowers, rather please make a donation to Hastings Gobble Gait (www.gobblegait.com) in his memory.

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

Daniel D. Wagner, age 44, of Harris, passed away accidentally October 15, 2020. Survived by children, Collyn, Adalia, and Kian; parents, David and Carla Wagner; sister, Paula Wagner; girlfriend, Jenni; and many other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 24 from 2:00 - 6:00 PM at The American Legion, 14590 Burma Ave. W., Rosemount, MN. Lunch will be served.

Darrell Robert Mohrhauser
Age 79 of Vermillion, MN, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on October 10, 2020. He was the son of Joseph and Hazel Mohrhauser. Darrell married his college sweetheart, Pat Dunn on July 11, 1964. He graduated from the University St. Thomas, worked as an educator and counselor for the City of St. Paul for 35 years. He cherished his family, faith, sailing and life on the farm. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Darrell is survived by his loving wife, Pat; children, Cindy Manning and Jim McConnell, Jean Lindberg, Joe and Kim Mohrhauser, Mike and Brenda Mohrhauser, Paul and Sarah Mohrhauser, and Beth and Mike Isensee; grandchildren, Justin, Alexis, Andrew, James, Jennifer, Alex, Kathryn, Christopher, Nicholas, Sylvia, Matthew and Zae; great grandchildren, Chloe, Carter and Harrison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 11:00 am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 W. 15th St., Hastings. The burial will take place at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Vermillion following Mass.

Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers.

The Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel is serving the family. Visit hastingsmnfuneral.com to view the memorial video and sign the online tribute page.
   

Rita L. Gelhar,
Age 88 of Hastings, died suddenly but peacefully on Saturday morning, October 10, 2020, at United Hospital in St. Paul following complications from a fall.

Rita Laura, the daughter of Michael and Amelia (Yetzer) Braun, was born on June 25, 1932, at home in rural Hampton Township, Dakota County. On April 27, 1957, Rita was united in marriage to Richard "Rich" Gelhar at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Trier. They were blessed with five children, many memories, and were able to recently celebrate sixty-three years of marriage. Rita was a longtime member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church where she volunteered for many years, and also enjoyed volunteering at Regina in Hastings. She was a talented crocheter and enjoyed giving her final products to family and friends. Even though she never drove, Rita enjoyed going for rides and was always making sure whomever was driving was doing it correctly. Most of all, Rita was a dedicated homemaker, and would do anything for her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Junilla, Edward, Jeanne, Nora, John, Tom and Collette.

Rita is survived by her loving husband, Rich; children, Vernon (Kim) Gelhar, Donna (Nick) Fox, Julie (Will) Mann, Paul (Cathy) Gelhar, and John (Wanda Bennett) Gelhar; ten grandchildren and many great grandchildren; siblings, Bernice Klahr, Vince Braun, and Leo Braun; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mary Braun, Jerry Gelhar, Herman (Betty) Gelhar, and Irene Dalbotten; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Private family interment will be held at the parish cemetery.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday morning at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hastings Family Service, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, or to the donor's choice in memory of Rita.

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

Lillian Emma Maroushek,
Age 97 was born the third of six children on July 22, 1923, on a farm near Bonnaire, Iowa, (Howard County) to Mildred (Mertl) and Charles Vobr, passed away on September 26th, 2020in Maplewood, MN, following a series of strokes.

Her parents and four siblings predeceased her. Her brother, Raymond, of Cresco, IA, survives her.
As a girl, Lillian enjoyed local social events and dances in the area. It was a one of these that she met her future husband, Richard (Dick) Francis Maroushek, of Spillville, IA. Richard enlisted in the Army during World War II, and Lillian followed him on his US travels to training locations around the US. They were married at her parents farm after the War. Richard's sister and her husband, Helen and Albert Bina, served as attendants.

The young couple set up housekeeping in Cresco, IA, where two children, Patricia Mildred (March 26, 1946) and Dale Richard (July 7, 1949) were born. The family moved several times for Dick's work requirements, settling finally in Hastings, MN, where they lived for 57 years. Richard died in 1990; Lillian continued living here until 2018 when ill health forced her to relocate to an assisted living facility near her son's home in Maplewood, MN. She was also a 20 year colon cancer survivor.

Lillian was always artistic and creative, and her talents found an outlet in a cake decorating business she operated from her home for many years. This was followed by founding Maroushek Gardens, a small nursery specializing in lilies, hostas, clematis, and rock garden plants that she ran from her home garden for 27 years. She hybridized many plants and registered seven hostas and one lily to their international trade organizations. Her hosta "Frosted Jade" captured hosta of the year honors in 1978. She won many flower specimen and arrangement awards at local, state, and national shows. Active in professional flower societies, Lillian was elected the first woman president of the North Star Lily Society (MN state organization). She became a well-known and highly regarded speaker on a variety of horticulture topics. As a member of the Hastings Garden Club, she spearheaded efforts to decorate the Government Center and the LeDuc Mansion for special occasions.

Lillian's family was active in the Western Fraternal Life Association, then known by its Czech initials Z.C.B.J. while she was growing up. She and Dick remained active in the organization, holding many offices, and participating in many projects. Local, state, and national functions benefitted with cakes, corsages, and flower arrangements executed by Lillian. She also served as the lodge correspondent for Montgomery No. 155 for a number of years.

Surviving Lillian are her two children, Pat (Robert Boyd) Maroushek and Dale (Deborah) Maroushek; three grandchildren, Kira (Grant) Prentice, Kirk (Tamra) Maroushek, and Keith Maroushek; three great grandchildren, Hallie Coleman, Elise, and Oliver Maroushek; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lillian's remains will be cremated and buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, St. Paul, MN, next to Richard's remains. The family will hold a private remembrance. A public celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
   

Linda Helten,
Aage 68 of Hastings, died suddenly but peacefully at home on Tuesday morning, October 6, 2020.

Linda Marie, the daughter of Raymond and Annetta Larson, was born on May 20, 1952. Following her graduation from Hastings High School with the class of 1970, Linda attended training for the airline industry for a brief time, and later obtained her LPN degree from Rochester Technical College. She then worked for Methodist Hospital in Rochester, and eventually received her RN degree from Inver Hills Community College. Linda was a longtime Labor & Delivery Charge Nurse at Regina Medical Center in Hastings, and retired in 2016. Even after retirement, Linda's passion for nursing continued as she kept current on her CEU's in order to keep her RN License current.

Linda was united in marriage to Lester "Les" Helten on August 2, 1975, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Hastings. In their younger years, they enjoyed riding motorcycles, league bowling, and traveling. Linda also enjoyed fishing, making custom greeting cards with her sister Ruth, playing Euchre with her best friends, and always loved reading a good book. She was a very talented cook and baker, often times making the best pies, waffles, and cutout cookies with her grandson Casey. Most of all, she enjoyed traveling to various places with Les, watching the Minnesota Twins & Wild games, and spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and by a child in infancy.

Linda is survived by her husband, Les; children, Melissa (Kelly) Gove and Dustin Helten; one grandchild, Casey; siblings, Ruth (Cal) Ruedy, Dave (MaryLou) Larson, Lloyd Larson, and John Larson; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Linda's Life will be held 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 9, 2020, at Cornerstone Bible Church in Hastings, with Pastor Jim Bzoskie officiating.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., and to a lite reception immediately following the service, all at the church on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred in memory of Linda.

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

Delores Walker,
Age 89, passed away in her sleep on Sunday, October 4, 2020, at her home in Hastings, MN. Delores is survived by her sons, Robert (Oakdale, MN), Lynn (Yankton, SD) and David (Healdsburg, CA); two sisters; three grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; daughter, Mary; granddaughter Devon; parents and four brothers. A private graveside memorial service is being planned for family members at Park Cente

Patrick M. Murtaugh, Master Sergeant, age 79, of Hastings, passed away October 1, 2020. Patrick was Past Commander of the American Legion and was the manager there for 30 years. Survived by his wife, Phyllis; children, Terri Butcher, Patricia (David) Myers, Todd (Julie) Murtaugh, Frances (Joseph) Dick, and Heather (Tom) Weis; 21 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; brother, James (Marilyn) Murtaugh; many other relatives and friends. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, October 12 at 12 noon at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion Street, Hastings. A visitation will be held on hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Ronald J. Siebenaler
Age 67, of Hampton, passed away at home October 2, 2020. He was born in Hastings on October 10, 1952 to Paul and Lucille (Endres) Siebenaler.

Ronnie loved fishing, going to camp and his cat, Sheggy. He was an avid Vikings and Twins fan who loved watching them play on TV. He never missed watching Sunday mass on his TV. He enjoyed playing his harmonica and listening to old time music. Ronnie was very fond of doodling on his Etch-A-Sketch and coloring. He always looked forward to his time at Lifeworks and was proud to be the recipient of the Lifeworks Volunteer of the year Award.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother in law, Curtis Rauvola; nephew, Eric Rauvola

Ronnie is survived by his siblings, Dolores (Joe) Auge, Arlene Rauvola, Mary Ann (Lawrence) Kimmes, Judy (Gene) Kimmes, Gary (Sue) Siebenaler, Alvin Siebenaler, and Darold (Peggy) Siebenaler; other relatives and his many friends at Lifeworks.

Due to COVID-19 A PRIVATE Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 7 at 11:00 AM at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Hampton.

The family of Ronnie would like to extend a very special Thank You to the staff of Lifeworks and REM for their many years of dedicated care.
   

Tom Precious passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 29, 2020. Survived by Terry Precious (wife), Children - Jay Precious, Tina Werner (Chad), Laurie Precious Stepchildren - Jenny Larson (Trevor), Angie Nielsen (Mike), Marc White, Sister - Carolyn Felker, 12 Grandchildren, and 3 Great Grandchildren. A private family celebration will be held at a later date.

Gordon A. Kummer
Age 95 of Hastings, died peacefully on Tuesday evening, September 29, 2020, at United Hospital in St. Paul.

Gordon Arthur, the son of Reinold and Marie (Gerlach) Kummer, was born on November 4, 1924, in Hastings. Following his education, Gordon began his career at Hudson Mfg. in Hastings, and later retired as an Operator from 3M. Whether it was hunting pheasants, fishing, or walking, Gordon loved being outdoors. He was an avid reader, a member of the Knights of Columbus 1600 and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church where he spent many hours as the "Chief Vacuum Man" cleaning the church on Tuesday mornings.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Roland and Jean Kummer; and by his niece & nephews, Mary Chandler, Reinold Judge and Gary Judge.

Gordon is survived by his siblings, Harriet Judge, James (Marjean) Kummer, and Bob (Deb) Kummer; many nieces and nephews, and close friends at Regina Senior Living.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m, Friday, October 2, 2020, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor's choice in memory of Gordon.

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

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

Jacob Westvik Age 44 passed away on September 21, 2020. Jake was born May 24, 1976 to Clark and Valerie Westvik. Survived by children Brady, Cody and Dawson. Step-daughter, Desiree Partington. Jake is also survived by his mother, Valerie Skym; brother, Phillip "PJ" Westvik; his soul mate, Jess Magnuson; many cousins, aunts and uncles.

Margery A. Pearson,
Age 94 of Hastings, died peacefully on her birthday, September 25, 2020, at Regina Senior Living in Hastings. She is survived by her sons, Greg and Dale; Greg's former wife, Linda; son-in-law, Joe Thorstad; grandchildren, Angela Pearson, Melissa (Brian) Pearson-Zigas, and Brian (Maria) Thorstad; eight great grandchildren; and by many other relatives and friends. Private family services will be held with interment being held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Michael R. Coleman, age 40 of Hastings, died suddenly but peacefully on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Michael is survived by his daughter, Jayda; mother, Jodelle; grandpa, Bill; siblings, Billy Wing and Krissana Wing; five nieces and two nephews; two aunts and three uncles; and by many other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Michael's Life will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, September 17, Following the visitation, family and friends are invited to a gathering at the Legion in Hastings.

Timothy Millward Peterson, age 73 of Hastings passed away on September 6, 2020. Survived by his wife, Marjorie, daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Michael King, his adoring granddaughters, Ellie Drew and Annika Jorie King, as well as his current German Shepherd, Britta. Tim is also survived by brothers Greg (Penny) of Kansas City, Rob (Lyn) of Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota and their families. A funeral service is being held at St. Phillip's Lutheran Church in Hastings on Saturday, September 19 at 11:00 am. Memorials preferred to Hastings Family Service, in honor of his commitment to Meals on Wheels, Children's
Hospital, or a charity of your choice.

Cathy J. Vitzthum, age 57 of Prescott, Wisconsin, died Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at United Hospital in St. Paul following an extended illness. Cathy is survived by her children, Jennifer (Darin) Duffy, Jacob Vitzthum, and Gabrielle (Jake) Matz; grandchildren, Madison, Jenna, Aiden, Luna, and Aria; mother, Sharon Hahle; siblings, Vienna Hahle, Angela Hahle, Lonnie (Shel) Hahle, and Tera Hahle; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Private family graveside services will be held at a later date.

David L. Hicks, age 75, of Cottage Grove, passed away August 31, 2020 due to a heart attack. David was born in Hastings and graduated from Hastings High School where he wrestled and played football. He briefly attended the University of Wisconsin River Falls and served in the US Army. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; daughter, Kimberly (Timothy) Wylie; step children, Kevin (Erica) Flickinger, and Debra (Dennis) Dalke; grandchildren. Anabelle and Nicole Wylie, Amber Flynn, Jacob Flickinger, and Spencer Dalke; siblings, Barbara, Richard, and Gerald; along with numerous adopted grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Due to COVID-19 a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date.

Christine M. "Chris" Rischette, age 58 of Hastings, died suddenly but peacefully at home on Wednesday morning, August 26, 2020.

Christine Marie, the daughter of Donald and Barbara (Gebro) Jewell, was born on March 12, 1962, in St. Paul. Chris attended Kellogg High School and graduated with the class of 1980. On September 17, 1983, she was united in marriage to Kent Rischette at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Hastings, and they were blessed with four children, Matthew, Jackelyn, Alexander, and Samantha. Chris enjoyed attending her kid's sporting events and school activities. Over the years, Chris worked various jobs, but truly loved being the Floral Manager at Coborn's. Chris enjoyed cross-stiching, coloring, spending time at the camper in Wabasha, and redecorating. She was a very faithful woman, and was a dedicated member of Hope Community Church in Cottage Grove. Her faith continuously showed as she was always serving and caring for others. Most of all, Chris loved spending time with her family, especially the "dates" with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law, William and Florence Rischette; grandson, Jesse; brother-in-law, Mike Rischette; and sister-in-law, Gail Coss-Rischette.

Chris is survived by her husband, Kent; children, Matthew (Shantel) Rischette, Jackelyn Rischette, Alexander (Jennifer) Rischette, and Samantha Svien; grandchildren, Tate, Presley, Lili, Skylar, Keira, and Greyson; parents, Donald Jewell and Barb (Dick) Johnson; siblings, Annette (Paul) Raygor, Pamela (John) O'Neill, Lynne Jewell, Donald (Lanita) Jewell; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 2, 2020, at Hope Community Church, 8300 Hyde Avenue South, in Cottage Grove. Interment will follow at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery in Hastings.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening, and to a reception following the interment on Wednesday, all at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.

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

Gary Lukowicz, age 74 of Hastings, died peacefully at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis following a two year battle with lung cancer. Gary is survived by his loving wife, Elayne; children, Byron Lukowicz, Meri (Nick) Poppler, and Jenni (Scott) Hatcher; granddaughters, Ivy and Willa Lukowicz and Hailey Hatcher; brothers, Lee (Claire) Walker and Greg (Andrea Weidler) Walker; sister, Phyllis (Larry) Wojiechowski; brothers-in-law, George Nelson and David Schlichting; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Private family graveside services will be held at Pine Glen Cemetery in Prescott, Wisconsin. A Celebration of Gary's Life will be held in the Spring of 2021.


Sherry Mae (Shellito) Akins passed away on August 24, 2020, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Sherry is survived by her husband, Bruce, of Hastings; son Todd and his wife Kellie and granddaughters Collett and Noelle of St. Paul, along with sister Kathleen Arnold, brothers Larry (Evonne) and Bruce (Joyce) Shellito, sister-in-law Kathleen Shellito, and sister-in-law Patti Shellito as well as several nieces and nephews. Sherry was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Jim Shellito and Harris Shellito, and brother-in-law Ronald Arnold. She will be missed by her faithful companion, Hank.
A PRIVATE Funeral will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at St. Philip's Lutheran Church in Hastings, with a LIVE broadcast St. Philp's Lutheran Church Facebook page starting at 11:00 a.m. Memorials preferred to St. Philip's Lutheran Church, Hastings Family Service, Carpenter's Nature Center or a charity of your choice.