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Gerald Francis Kovarik, 79

Gerald Francis Kovarik, age 79, of Lonsdale, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.
He is survived by his five children: Julie Kovarik (fiancé Dennis Tikalsky) of Hackensack, Ann Kovarik of Montgomery, Crystal (Richard) Shetka of Faribault, Sarria (Mitch) Green of Hopkins and Christopher Kovarik of St. Paul; five grandchildren: Nikitta (Cole) Mason, Cody Shetka, Brandon Klonne, Oscar and Roy Green, one great-grandson, Waylon Mason; brother Richard (Connie) Kovarik.

Darlene A. Pelcl, 69

Darlene A. Pelcl, age 69, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Monday, July 24, 2023, at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital Mankato.  Darlene was born on April 23, 1954 in New Prague to William J. and Bessie C. (Preslicka) Pecholt.  She attended St. Wenceslaus Parochial School and New Prague High School.  Darlene married Stanley H. Pelcl in Chaska on May 23, 1990.  She worked as a quality control inspector for Lake Regions Manufacturing for over 25 years.

Marian Elizabeth (Horejsi) Topic, 91

Marian Elizabeth (Horejsi) Topic, 91 years old, died July 23, 2023 peacefully at her home in New Prague, Minnesota. Born May 3, 1932 to Frank M. And Mary S. (Tuma) Horejsi in Webster Minnesota, the first daughter and middle child of 5. Growing up on a rural family farm ingrained in her a love of gardening, sewing, hard work and family. 

Daniel M. “Dan” Pumper, 59

Daniel M. “Dan” Pumper died unexpectedly of a heart attack at his home in Lonsdale, Minn., on July 10, 2023. He was 59. Dan was born on Jan. 14, 1964, in Northfield, Minn. He served in the U.S. Marines after graduating from Northfield High School. Dan also served in the Minnesota National Guard. He lived in Lonsdale for most of his adult life. He retired from Menasha Corporation in 2022.

James “Jim” H. Grassmann, 75

James “Jim” H. Grassmann, age 75, peacefully entered eternal life on June 29, 2023. A Time of Gathering to honor Jim will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. with Closing Words & Prayers at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 First St W, Jordan, MN 55352. Interment Spirit Hill Cemetery, Jordan. 

LaVella Berger, 87

LaVella Berger, 87, passed away Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Cura of Le Sueur Nursing Home in Le Sueur, Minnesota.

James “Jim” Deutsch, 80

James “Jim” Deutsch, age 80, formerly of Wells, MN, of Woodbury, MN died Thursday, June 22, 2023 at Prelude Assisted Living in Woodbury, MN. A Funeral Service with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Nasinec Funeral Home (789 Business Park Dr. Wells, MN 56097) with Father Greg Havel officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home (10:00 to 11:00 a.m.). Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery in Wells, MN. Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells is entrusted with arrangements.

Galen G. “Gater” George, 71 - Celebration of Life

Galen G. “Gater” George, age 71, of New Prague, Minnesota died unexpectedly at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital New Prague on Monday, March 27, 2023.  Gater was born on April 2, 1951 in Winfield, Kansas to Harold Gene and Molly (Larsson) George.  He grew up in the the Wichita area, served in the US Army and returned to Wichita before finally settling in New Prague about 10 years ago.  

Rudolph J. Skluzacek, 92

Rudolph J. Skluzacek, age 92 of Lonsdale, Minnesota, went home to the Lord on July 1, 2023.
He was born May 29, 1931 to Frank J. and Hedwig (Pekar) Skluzacek on the home farm in Wheatland Township.
Rudy farmed on the family century farm his entire life.  He also was employed at McQuay, in Faribault, and McNamara Construction. 
He served his country in Alaska during the Korean War.  He was a proud, active, lifetime member of the American Legion Post 586 for 71 years.