NRHEG Star Eagle

137 Years Serving the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva Area
Newspaper of Record for NRHEG School District
Newspaper of Record for Waseca County, MN
PO Box 248 • New Richland, MN 56072

507-463-8112
email: steagle@hickorytech.net
Published every Thursday
Yearly Subscription: Waseca, Steele, and Freeborn counties: $52
Minnesota $57 • Out of state $64

Joyce Elaine Marie Wayne passed away peacefully on September 21, 2023 at her home in Geneva, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 4, 1930 in Albert Lea, Minnesota, and was the only child of her parents Wesley and Mae (Kaufman) Pestorious.

Joyce spent her formative years in Ellendale, where she graduated from Ellendale High School in 1948. She attended Mankato State Teachers College before returning home to be with her mother after her father's unexpected passing. On July 1, 1951, she was united in marriage to Roger Wayne at Community Lutheran Church. Together, they shared 67 incredible years of marriage, devoted to their family, community, and faith.

Passionate about her involvement in the church, Joyce remained active throughout her years.  You could find her teaching Sunday School, being an active member of WELCA, the altar guild, and quilting group as well. She was a good and faithful servant.

Joyce Reese, 97, of New Richland, peacefully passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the New Richland Care Center with his family by his side. 

Born on August 30, 1926, in rural Steele County, he was a son of the late Oscar and Nora (Bakken) Reese. Raised on a family farm, Joyce's love for farming began at an early age. On April 8, 1947, he married the love of his life, Theresa (Behne) Reese, in Claremont, MN. Together, they shared 72 years and were blessed with four children: Janine, Dawn, Peggy, and Jeff. In 1963, Joyce and Theresa settled on a farm in New Richland. Gifted two cows and two hogs by his parents, Joyce began his own agricultural pursuit and tended to the land with immense care.

A devoted husband, a respected member of the community, and a beloved father, Joyce lived a life filled with integrity and dedication. Known for his unwavering work ethic, Joyce’s commitment to farming brought him respect within the community, and his generosity knew no bounds. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to neighbors and friends, embodying the true spirit of community kindness.

ARRON LEE BARTELT, lifelong Waldorf area resident and farmer, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at the age of 48 years old.

Arron was born on March 20, 1975, in Wells, to Barry and Nina (Haakinson) Bartelt. He attended Waldorf-Pemberton Public School and graduated from Janesville-Waldorf Pemberton High School with the class of 1993. Arron loved farming. He enjoyed helping people so much he would give you the shirt off his back. Arron was employed by Crystal Valley, Bird's Eye, and various area farm families. Arron's extensive farming and mechanical knowledge helped many community members. In 2009, Arron began working independently, as the owner of A&B Custom Equipment, rolling crops and completing custom work for area farmers. He was in his element when he could help others and had a penchant for giving orders and being in charge. You were lucky if he shared that smile of his with you.

Arron loved all his dogs and stole many dogs from others, loving every one of them, from Samantha to Bella. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, four wheeling, going to the camper, and spending time with his family. Arron married Cas Birr on August 13, 2021, fulfilling his dream of becoming a husband and father. He was a unconventional learner with a mechanical ability that surprised people. His dad Barry, and uncle Gary would usually say, “there is no way that is going to work” to which Arron would reply, "Yes, it will." And it was true, he made it work.

Stuart Vincent Kubat, 66, of Clarks Grove, MN passed away on October 31, 2023 at Rochester Methodist Hospital, Rochester, MN after suffering a stroke on October 28th.

Stuart was born November 17, 1956 in Owatonna, MN to Jerome and Mildred (Standke) Kubat. Stuart married Gala (Vander Stoep) Seath on July 7, 1984 and became step-father to Stacy, Nicole and Erik Seath.

Stuart was fun-loving and could become fast friends with total strangers anywhere anytime. Stuart was known for his love of his God and Savior Jesus Christ and praise music. He was a member of Crossroads Church in Albert Lea, MN and worked with the praise team for years prior to his diagnosis of esophageal cancer in 2020. He miraculously was able to survive esophageal cancer for three years and three months due to the excellent care he received by the staff at the Cancer Center in Albert Lea. Although he hated the treatments he received, he thoroughly enjoyed the team of people that worked with him there.

Marilyn Jean Quiram, beloved mother, daughter, and respected member of the community, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2023, at the age of 86, surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 25, 1937, in Rice County, MN, to Sidney and Eleanora (Kokoschke) Meschke, Marilyn lived a life defined by love, joy, and unwavering dedication to her family and her community.

Marilyn attended North Morristown School through 8th grade; later graduating from Morristown High School in 1954.  Following her graduation, she pursued a degree at Mankato State Teachers College.  Marilyn's teaching career took her first to Pemberton and later to North Morristown Trinity Lutheran School, where she shared her love for learning with young minds.