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

David Mark Lieberg, 65, of Kasson passed away Monday, February 28, 2022 at Mayo Clinic Hospital-Rochester, St. Mary’s Campus, of Lewy Body Dementia.

David was born on June 18, 1956 in Roseau, MN to Earl and Lillian (Novotny) Lieberg. When David was 3 years old, the family moved to Ellendale, MN. He attended and graduated from Ellendale-Geneva High School. He was active in football, basketball and track. After graduation, he enlisted in the military and was later honorably discharged.

David attended and graduated from the College of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management.  Professionally, he was employed by IBM, VA Hospitals, Celestica, and worked in home construction.

DeVriendt

Lorraine A. DeVriendt, age 100, of Owatonna died on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Traditions of Waterville. 

Lorraine Annabelle DeVriendt, the daughter of Oscar and Isanore (Bakken) Reese, was born on February 4, 1922 in Waseca County.  She was baptized at LeSeuer River Lutheran Church and confirmed at Blooming Prairie Lutheran Church.  She attended rural schools in Waseca and Steele County before moving to Dodge County with her parents, graduating from Blooming Prairie High School in 1939.

Donnavon Elaine Eaker, 72, of Ellendale, died Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Methodist Hospital in Rochester.

She was born February 9, 1950 in Fort Dodge, Iowa the daughter of Donald and Ada (George) Colee. She moved to Minnesota in 1956 to the Bixby/Claremont area. During her junior year of high school, she became sweet over her neighbor from one mile away, Steve Eaker. She graduated from Claremont High School in 1968 and then attended beauty school in Faribault. On August 30, 1969, she married Steven Eaker at St. John’s Lutheran Church rural Claremont. The couple lived in St. Paul and worked in the Twin Cities. In 1972, Michelle entered their lives and in 1973 the family moved to Ellendale. They purchased Pete and Rube’s Market and it became known as the legendary Steve’s Meat Market. In 1974, Rachael joined the family.  Steve and Donnavon successfully operated the business together. After Steve’s death in 2006, Donnavon and Rachael kept the fine quality smoked meats business alive and running. She celebrated the 49th anniversary of the business in January, 2022.

Steven Carl Templin, 65, of New Richland, died Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Mayo Health Systems in Waseca after a short battle with cancer.

He was born January 13, 1957 in Mankato, Minnesota the son of Francis and Eleanor (Matz) Templin. He grew up in Mankato and graduated from Mankato East High School in 1975. He continued his education in Architectural Drafting at Mankato Technical College and worked in home design and all aspects of the building industry.

On June 15, 1988, he married Julie Rohwer at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. The couple made their home in New Richland.

Vickie Jo Patraw, 65, of Owatonna, passed away peacefully, bathed in love on Saturday, February 19, 2022 after a two-year fierce and brave battle with cancer. She was born on February 17, 1957 in Tracy, MN. Vickie will always be remembered as someone who loved the outdoors, a passionate gardener, loving sister, special friend and loving mom. 

She is survived by her two sons, Aaron and Ryan Patraw; special sister, Shelly (Craig) Odland; best friend of 40 + years, Susie (Francis) Schaffer; friend and co-parent, Mike (Mary) Patraw; her partner of many years, Bruce Wilker and many dear friends and family. 

Per Vickie’s wishes, the family will be having a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to be sent to Vickie’s family (920 7th Avenue South, South Saint Paul, Minnesota 55075).

For more information or to leave an online condolence visit www.megercares.com.