Karen Busch Kraft, 73, of Scottsdale, AZ passed away on November 14, 2023, with her family by her side. Karen was born on October 3, 1950, in New Prague, MN, to Lando and Angie Busch. She was the eldest of six children and graduated from New Prague High School in 1968. She worked as a stockbroker in Incline Village, NV, and she co-founded Healthy Life Stars.

Joan M. Jirik, age 82, of New Prague, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center. Joan was born on May 20, 1941, in Mankato to Ludwig and Marcella (Sieberg) Schimek. She attended parochial schools including Loyola High School and graduated from Mankato West High School. She met and married William J. Jirik, Jr. on February 10, 1962 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in North Mankato.

Catherine M. Simek, age 63, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Monday, November 13, 2023, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.  Cathy was born on April 23, 1960, in New Prague to Lawrence and Gladys (David) Simek.  She attended St.

Constance Stuewe, 65, of Belle Plaine, passed away on November 12, 2023, in Shakopee, MN, surrounded by her family. A mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 AM on Monday, November 20, 2023, at Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic Church in Belle Plaine. The visitation will be the evening prior on Sunday, November 19, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine.  Fr. Michael Kaluza will officiate.  Burial will be in the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery.

Timothy Bolton, age 62, of Montgomery, died surrounded by family at Mayo Clinic Systems, New Prague on Nov. 10, 2023. He was born Nov. 16, 1960, in Mankato to Harvey and Trulie Bolton.  
 Tim enjoyed working on cars in his younger years, often making them as fast as he could.
 Tim graduated from Mankato West High School in 1979. He married his first wife Becky a few years later.  

Roger J.

Leander A. “Corky” Wagner, age  88, of Elko New Market, died unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, November 4, 2023.  Lee was born on February 6, 1935, on the family farm in New Market Township to Edward and Evelyn (Lenzmeier) Wagner, Sr.  He attended St. Nicholas Catholic School and graduated from New Prague High School.  He served in the US Army after  high school and came home to marry the woman who had captured his heart and written to him throughout his years in the service.  Lee married Victoria L.

Rosemary A.

Carl R. Gansen, age 69, of Belle Plaine, died September 14, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Prairie (OLP) Catholic Church in Belle Plaine.  Fr. Michael Kaluza and Msgr. John Richter will be officiating.  Visitation will be 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the church, prior to Mass.  Interment will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Belle Plaine after Mass and a reception luncheon will follow at the OLP parish hall.