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

Robert (Bob) John Staloch, age 72, of Wells, passed away quietly on the Staloch Farm in the early dawn on Thursday, March 29, 2012 after a seven-month battle with lung cancer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, April 2, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells, with Father Thomas Niehaus officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, April 1, from 2-5 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells.  Burial will take place in St. Casimir Cemetery.  Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is in charge of arrangements.

 Bob was born April 26, 1939, on the Staloch Farm near Wells, MN to Paul A. and Selma (Rodahl) Staloch. His childhood was filled with farming, exploring and playing with any ball he could find with friends and family. He graduated from Freeborn High School in 1957 as a decorated and well-respected athlete. After military service, Bob returned to Wells and took over the Staloch Farm where he farmed until his death. On October 5, 1963, Bob married Sharon Dinneen at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waldorf, MN. They made their home on the Staloch Farm where they raised their four children. Bob and Sherry were members of St. Casimir’s Catholic Church and he served on the School Board of Freeborn High School. Bob will be remembered as a generous neighbor, a valued friend, a committed husband, a supportive and selfless father, a loving grandfather, and a caring uncle. He loved farming, fishing, his faith and his family. He was a person who was very easy to admire and love.

Bob is survived by his wife, Sherry of Wells; daughter Tami (Mike) Schultz of Lakeville, MN, daughter Teri (Trish) Staloch of Woodbury, MN, son, Tim (Kim) Staloch of Monticello,  and son, Ted (Maureen) Staloch of Austin, TX; eight grandchildren: Kelsey, Kendyl, Tate, Teigen, Aiden, Sydney, Sawyer and Bo; his mother-in-law, Ardella Dinneen of Wells; siblings: Quentin Staloch of Minnesota Lake, Lil Jensen of Wells, Karen Hoeg of Wabasha, MN along with many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Selma Staloch; father-in-law, Len Dinneen; siblings, Jean Hajdu, Eunice (Norris) Overby and Margaret Walser; sister-in-law, Connie Staloch and brothers-in-law, Doc Jensen and Chuck Hoeg.

If purchasing flowers, family preference is for flowers through Accents in Alden, 507-874-3425.

Wilfred E. Molkenthin, age 87 of Waseca died on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at Lake Shore Inn in Waseca.

Born on January 18, 1925 in St. Mary Township, Waseca County, Minnesota he was the son of Edward and Loretta (Schultz) Molkenthin. Wilfred was baptized February of 1925 and was later confirmed at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in New Richland by Rev. Ackerman. He attended school in Byron Township, rural Waseca County.  Wilfred married Margery Johnson at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland in 1950. He was a member there and an usher for a number of years.  Following his schooling, Wilfred helped farm the home place in St. Mary Township.  He later worked for the New Richland Hatchery and Waseca Public Schools as a custodian for 23 years until retiring in June 1986.  Wilfred enjoyed gardening, taking care of the lawn, traveling and camping with the RV, and fishing. He spent winters in Texas until he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s which he had for 20 years. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca.  He was also a member of the Waseca Senior Center.

He is survived by his wife, Margery of Waseca; three daughters, Linda Molkenthin of Waseca, Karen Peterson of Owatonna, and Diane (Roderick) Lorentz of Janesville; three sisters, Armilla, Lovella, and Helen Molkenthin all of Waseca, and six grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and one great grandson.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 2, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca.   Burial will follow at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.  Visitation will be held on Monday, one hour before services at the church.  Kinder-Dennis Home for Funerals in Waseca is handling arrangements.

dennisfuneralhomes.com

Long time Alaska resident, Mr. Coby Blaine Thompson, 48, died Sunday, March 11th, 2012 in Wasilla, Alaska. 

At Coby’s request there will be no ceremony. 

Mr. Thompson was born April 10th, 1963 to Robert Thompson and Nora Thompson in Albert Lea, Minnesota. 

Coby graduated from high school in New Richland, Minnesota. After Coby graduated from high school he soon then after moved to Wasilla, Alaska and worked as a landscaper. 

Coby enjoyed NASCAR, country music, and helping others. 

The family wrote, “Coby was a kind and gentle spirit, always eager for approval. He loved animals and playing pranks.” 

Coby is preceded in death by his mother, Nora Thompson; and father, Robert Thompson. 

He is survived by his sister and brother in-law, Nancy and Lonnie Breuer of Wasilla, AK; sister, Cheryl Johnson and partner Scott of Waseca, MN; brother, Kevin Thompson and his wife Dianne of Faribault, MN; brother, Mark Thompson of Soldotna, AK; nieces, Cassie Johnson, Skye and Joe Ronkin and their 2 sons. He is also survived by his nephews, Brandon, Peter, Joshua, Travis and Corey. 

Family cared by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory.

Timothy Arnold Voigt, age 51 of Waseca died on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at his residence in Waseca.

Born on December 29, 1960 in Gaylord, Minnesota he was the son of Arnold and ReNee (Svoboda) Voigt.  He was a graduate of New Richland-Hartland High School. Tim was employed with the E.F. Johnson Co. and later worked as a supervisor of shipping and receiving at Itron in Waseca for over 20 years. He enjoyed spending time with his son Kylie, sports, motocross, and softball. Tim was a member at Christ Community Church in Waseca.

He is survived by his son, Kylie of Waseca; father, Arnold (Jeanne) Voigt of Lake Mills, IA; siblings, Jeffrey (Lisa) Voigt of Aurora, CO, Patrica Voigt of Elma, IA, Kelly Luce of Shakopee, Jason (Nicole) Farley of Lonsdale, and Shannon Farley of Lonsdale.  He is also survived by step-brother and step-sisters, Kathy (Craig) Miller of Waseca, Monica Dokken of Waseca, Roland Kopp of Clear Lake, IA and Debra Kopp of Clear Lake, IA; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.  He was preceded in death by his mother, ReNee Farley; step-father, Joseph Farley; and step-brother, Mike Kopp.

Visitation will be held at Kinder-Dennis Home for Funerals in Waseca on Thursday, March 29, 2012 from 4-7 p.m. and continue on Friday one hour before services at the church.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 30, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Christ Community Church in Waseca with Pastor Chris Johnson and Pastor Howard Lundeen officiating.  Interment will follow at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.

dennisfuneralhomes.com

Constance E. “Connie” Hall, age 87 of Waseca, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the Lake Shore Inn of Waseca.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, April 2nd at 2 p.m. at Christ The King Lutheran Church in Waseca with Reverend Cary Larson, officiating. Interment will be in Waseca’s Woodville Cemetery.

The Hall Family will greet friends on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at McRaith Funeral Home & Crematory in Waseca, and will continue on Monday afternoon for one hour prior to services, at church. Memorials are preferred to Christ The King Lutheran Church in Waseca, or donor’s choice.  

Constance Eileen was born on August 25, 1924 in rural New Richland to George and Eleanor (Johnson) Berg.  She graduated from New Richland High School in 1942.  She went on to complete her studies at the Minneapolis Business College.  Connie began her career with the Minneapolis Teachers Retirement Association.  She then moved to California to live with her aunt, and worked for the Pacific Water & Oil Company.  She returned home and on June 10, 1948 she was united in marriage to Stanley “Jack” Hall on June 10, 1948 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland.  Connie and Jack raised their family and resided in Waseca.  They lived on Lake Tetonka in Waterville for several years before returning to Waseca.  Over the years she was employed with E.F. Johnson Co, the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce, and First National Bank Insurance.  For many years she owned and operated The Corner Cupboard.  Most recently she had worked with her daughter at the Dress Barn at the Medford Mall.  Connie was a very active volunteer in the Waseca Community.  She enjoyed singing, and was a charter member of the Waseca Chorale.  Connie was also very active in the Waseca Schools, having been a pen pal and mentor to elementary students over the years.  She loved playing bridge with her friends, and antiquing.  So many will remember her wonderful articles in the Waseca County News and Shopper, “Connie’s Corner”.  Connie was a member of Christ The King Lutheran Church in Waseca and had been involved in bible study, circle, and her church choir throughout her life.  Most of all Connie will be remembered as a wonderful, loving mother and grandmother, and was thrilled to have become a “great grandma” recently.  

She is survived by her children, Judy (Patrick) O’Grady of Waseca, Danny Hall of Waseca, and Deb (David) Miller of Faribault; by her grandchildren, John O’Grady, Jackie Hall and Jamie Hall, Eric (Jess Miller, Ali (Todd) Piepho and their son Tyler, Cori Miller and Scott Miller; by her daughter-in-law Tena Hall of Minnetonka; by nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband Jack on September 23, 1992.

For on-line condolences go to www.mcraithfuneralhome.com.