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

JOHN ALBERT BOKELMANN, age 68 of Waterville, passed away after a five year long, ourageous battle with Kidney Cancer. On the afternoon of Saturday, October 22, 2022, at Mayo Clinic Hospital – Methodist Campus in Rochester, Minnesota.

Born in Morristown on February 2, 1954, John was the son of Albert and Helena (Geisler) Bokelmann. On December 3, 1977, John married Melodee Coyle and this would be their 45th year of marriage. He attended two years of vocational school in Jackson, studying Telephone Repair. He then spent the next 45 years working as a repairman in the New Richland and Manchester areas. He spent 21 of those years as a firefighter in New Richland. John was very handy in fixing and building things, considerably, a Jack of all Trades. He loved to hunt and fish, go out on the pontoon, play darts and above all, spend time with his friends and family whom he loved dearly.

Scott Larry Christensen, 61, of Albert Lea, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at his home.

Born on August 5, 1961 in Albert Lea, he was a son of the late Harvey Christensen and Alice Carmen (Thompson) Christensen Johnson. A 1981 graduate of New Richland-Hartland High School, Scott continued his education at Riverland Community College in Albert Lea. Through the years, he worked at the former Brown Printing Plant in Waseca, a gas station in Alden a gas station in Albert Lea, and most recently, at Walmart in Albert Lea.

A true “people-person”, Scott was able to meet and talk to new people every day at work. Scott will be remembered for his infectious laugh and incredible hugs that were so tight and lasted forever and were loved by those who received them. Scott was lovingly known to his brothers and sister as “Scooter” or “Kid”. Scott enjoyed fishing trips up North with his brothers Darrell and Lee, and his sister-in-law, Diane. He enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings and the Twins, attending concerts, and going to the races at the Brainard International Raceway.

Jody was born on February 10, 1957, to James and Lillian (Gustafson) Mitchell in St. Paul.

She was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother. She went to be with her Lord and Savior Thursday, October 6, 2022, at her home while surrounded by family as they sang hymns of praise.  

As a young girl she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. Her faith and family were always centermost.  This was the foundation in which she faithfully lived her entire life. She loved deeply and sincerely which was evident in everything she did. She met Blain J. Nelson at Waseca Senior High School and after dating four years and attending Mankato State University they were married on October 7, 1978.

Connie (Sahr) Brallier, Born March 1947 in Mason City, IA and formerly of New Richland, passed away peacefully October 2022.  She is survived by her Sons Tony Brallier and Toby Brallier, her grandkids Cassie and Derek Brallier, and her great-grandkids Lily and Bella.

She had been dealing with years of Dementia, but now her body and mind are renewed as she runs through the meadows of Heaven with her Savior Jesus Christ.

There are no services planned at this time, later in the week please visit www.rudesfuneralhome.com to post notes to the family or shareable stories/memories about Connie.

Mitchel Dean “Mitch” Hill, 66, lifelong resident of Ellendale, passed away on Friday, August 5, 2022, at Abbott Northview Hospital in Minneapolis, MN, following multiple health complications. Despite his survivor’s spirit, his body grew tired of fighting on this earth. 

Born on Friday, November 25, 1955, in Owatonna, MN, he was the youngest son of the late Aubrey Hill and Mable (Root) Prescher. Following graduation from high school, Mitch continued his education and received his certification as a Laboratory Quality Control Technician. In addition to his work in the lab, Mitch was a member of the Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services support staff in the early 1970s and most recently, worked as a truck driver.