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Thomas Joseph Chicos Jr., 102, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on April 3, 2024 at New Perspective Assisted Living in Faribault, MN.
Born on March 5, 1922 to Thomas Sr. and Monica (Geise) Chicos, Thomas was raised on the family farm, where he developed a deep love for the land and farming. He attended Trenton grade school and later graduated from Freeborn High School in 1940. Following his graduation, he continued to pursue his passion for agriculture.
At a local dance, fate led him to Kathryn Ruth Convey, who became his beloved wife on November 16, 1948 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waldorf, MN. Together, they purchased a farm, built their first home, and raised their family, imparting a strong work ethic and passion for farm life to their children.
Throughout the years, Thomas and Ruth tended the land, raising cattle, chickens, and their most cherished purebred Hampshire pigs, gaining national recognition for their pigs. Thomas was an ardent supporter of his children and later his grandchildren, encouraging and accompanying them in their school, 4-H and FFA activities. The tradition of showcasing award-winning pigs was passed down through the generations, with many trips to local county fairs, the Minnesota State Fair, and the National Barrow Show.
His truest passion stemmed from the farm, where his love for planting and harvesting was palpable. Polka music mingled with the hum of farm machinery as he diligently worked the land, sporting a radiant smile as he reaped the fruits of his labor. A testament to his dedication, Thomas once emerged victorious in a hand corn-picking contest.
An enthusiastic baseball fan, Thomas enjoyed playing baseball for Freeborn High School. He was a member of a bowling league for many years at the New Richland bowling alley. He also found joy in golfing, being one of the founding members of the Oakview Golf Course in Freeborn, MN. Family road trips to Yellowstone and Florida peppered their lives, but Sundays were always reserved for family, relaxation, and fun. Fishing, deer hunting, and spearing trips to northern Minnesota host years of memories.
Musically gifted, Thomas played the guitar and harmonica, and alongside his sister, Angeline, they sang and entertained their community on Saturday nights in the upstairs of the granary on his farm. He served his community as a member of Freeborn School Board, Freeborn Township Board, and the All Saints Parish Council. Thomas had a love for many things, but chocolate and ice cream were his favorite. He also loved to revel in competitive games of Pfeiffer or Euchre with many family members and friends.
Thomas' influence will forever grace the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of hard work, love for family, and dedication to his farm will continue to echo through the generations.
He will be lovingly remembered by his children; Bob (Barb) Chicos of North Mankato, MN, Connie (Terry) Litchfield of Clearwater, FL, Patti (Mark) Siegfried of Faribault, MN, Gail (Del) Point of Waterville, MN, and Gary (Mary) Chicos of Alden, MN; grandchildren, Amanda Roiger, Nate Chicos, Melissa (Andrew) Prashad, Christine (Matt) McEwen, Michelle (Tyler) Shermer, Matt (Nikki Schnegelberger) Siegfried, Toni (Tucker Barickman) Chicos, Sydney Chicos, Zac Chicos, and Spencer Chicos; great-grandchildren, Harper and Henrik Roiger, Christian and Carter Prashad, Logan, Madison, and Carson McEwen, Kali and Connor Shermer, and Tessa Barickman; along with many nieces and nephews. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Ruth in 2019; sons, Thomas Mark Chicos in 2018 and Richard Patrick in infancy; grandson, Patrick Mark in infancy; siblings, Sylvester Chicos, Angeline (Jerry) Kent, Irene (Hube) Lust, Margaret Chicos, Charlie (Ann) Chicos, and Francis (Eileen) Chicos; and many sisters and brothers-in-law.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at All Saints Catholic Church in New Richland, MN; Father Glenn Frerichs will officiate. Thomas' family greeted guests at a visitation on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Friedrich's Funeral Home in New Richland, MN and will greet guests one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in New Richland, MN.
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Thomas Joseph Chicos Jr., 102, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on April 3, 2024 at New Perspective Assisted Living in Faribault, MN.
Born on March 5, 1922 to Thomas Sr. and Monica (Geise) Chicos, Thomas was raised on the family farm, where he developed a deep love for the land and farming. He attended Trenton grade school and later graduated from Freeborn High School in 1940. Following his graduation, he continued to pursue his passion for agriculture.
At a local dance, fate led him to Kathryn Ruth Convey, who became his beloved wife on November 16, 1948 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waldorf, MN. Together, they purchased a farm, built their first home, and raised their family, imparting a strong work ethic and passion for farm life to their children.
Throughout the years, Thomas and Ruth tended the land, raising cattle, chickens, and their most cherished purebred Hampshire pigs, gaining national recognition for their pigs. Thomas was an ardent supporter of his children and later his grandchildren, encouraging and accompanying them in their school, 4-H and FFA activities. The tradition of showcasing award-winning pigs was passed down through the generations, with many trips to local county fairs, the Minnesota State Fair, and the National Barrow Show.
His truest passion stemmed from the farm, where his love for planting and harvesting was palpable. Polka music mingled with the hum of farm machinery as he diligently worked the land, sporting a radiant smile as he reaped the fruits of his labor. A testament to his dedication, Thomas once emerged victorious in a hand corn-picking contest.
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Brian J. Reese, 73, of Owatonna, formerly of Ellendale, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Benedictine Living Community in Owatonna, MN.
A visitation was held from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Bonnerup-Ellendale Chapel, in Ellendale, MN. A private funeral and burial will take place on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at First Lutheran Church in Ellendale, with burial to be held at the church cemetery. The service may be viewed by visiting www.BonnerupFuneralService.com
Born on July 6, 1950 in Albert Lea, Brian was the son of the late Merle and Zola Mae (Gibson) Reese. A proud native of Ellendale, Brian spent his early years working alongside his dad on the family farm. As a young man, he earned a commendable blue ribbon for his steer while showcasing his knack for agriculture as a member of the 4H Beaver Lake Beavers.
Brian's journey in life was marked by hard work and dedication. After his education at the Southern School of Agriculture, he embarked on a fulfilling career as a Maintenance Mechanic at Bird's Eye in Waseca, retiring in 1996 after many years of service.
Away from work, his adventurous spirit shone through his love for motorcycle riding, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and raising Arabian and Quarter horses. Brian's competitive side was evident in his participation in various sports like softball and arm wrestling, where his strength and tenacity made him a formidable opponent.
Brian's downtime was filled with his favorite pastimes. He found solace in the tranquility of hunting, trapping and fishing. His ability to fix anything earned him a reputation as the go-to handyman. Despite his toughness, Brian had a softer side, enjoying live music and dancing, attending auctions, as well as indulging in action movies and classic Westerns.
Those left to cherish Brian’s memory include his two children, Brooke (Lon) Thiele and Mitch Reese (Shelby Dawson), and their mother, Jean Reese; grandchildren, Savannah Thiele and Jasmine Thiele, Isaiah Dawson, Brayden Reese; siblings, Candace Duros and Scott Reese; nieces and nephews, Chad Duros, Quang (Mindy) Nguyen and their children, Rachel (Anders Long), Tina Ngyuen and Peter Nguyen, Todd Reese and his children, Ozzy, Charli, and Jillian Reese, and Courtney (Brian) Armstrong and their children, Paige, Reese, and Kinsey Armstrong.
Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Zola (Gibson) Reese.
A special thank you to the staff of St. Croix Hospice, Benedictine Living Community in Owatonna, Alternative Resolutions, and Mayo Clinic for providing such great care for our Dad. We are forever grateful to you.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Benedictine Living Community of Owatonna and The Steele County Humane Society.
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LaVerne Charlie Miller, 80, of rural Owatonna, died Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born June 30, 1943 at home on the farm in Lemond Township, the son of Charles and Virginia (Fischer) Miller. He attended country school and high school in Owatonna through the 10th grade.
He married Beverly Holleschau on May 12, 1973 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna. They made their home on the Miller family farm where they raised their family.
LaVerne was a farmer, milked cows, and raised beef cattle. He always enjoyed mowing and putting up hay. He was a devoted John Deere man all his life. He enjoyed attending anything where John Deere equipment was shown and especially enjoyed auctions.
In his free time, he enjoyed dancing with Beverly, snowmobiling, fishing and ice fishing, drives in the country, anything made with blueberries, eating at The Kernel in Owatonna, watching western shows, wrestling, old time music, card games (Nickels) and his 1964 Chevy Impala (his first car).
He is survived by his children, Linda Miller, Stephen Stenzel, Ken (Cheryl) Stenzel, Doris Ulrich, Dee Ulrich, Marilyn (Darrell) Weber, Russ Stenzel, Pat (Dale) Seykora, Tom (Cheryl) Stenzel, Tonya (Keith) Ingvaldson, and Tim (DaNae) Stenzel all of the surrounding area; 17 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; sisters, LaVonne (Dale) Strand of Pine River, Louise Stenzel of Meriden and Leona Rieck of Owatonna; sisters in law, Candy Fischer of Rice Lake, WI and Lola Eastlund of Fridley and many nieces and nephews.
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Paul Donovan, age 71, of New Richland passed away the evening of Monday, March 18, 2024 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Rochester.
Born on September 21, 1952 in Colorado Springs, CO, he was the son of Willis and Winefred (Gravitt) Donovan. He attended Titusville High School. He enlisted in the US Army and Marines on February 8, 1970 where he served in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged. He was united in marriage to Lynn Nelson on October 22, 1974 in Titusville, FL. They later divorced.
Following his military career, Paul worked in the construction field as a sandblaster. He went to work as a service manager for a Chrysler dealership. After he moved to Minnesota, Paul worked for Ford Motor in Mankato as a service advisor until his health declined. In his free time, Paul enjoyed watching WWE wrestling. He had an impressive collection of hand-blown glass and a special cat, Rosco. He was able to fulfill one of his lifelong dreams of visiting the John Wayne Museum a few years ago. He will be dearly missed.