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

Donald Schuler passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at his home in rural Ellendale, MN. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Brick-Meger Funeral Home (1603 Austin Road, Owatonna, MN). Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue until the time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Owatonna Memorial Gardens. Military Honors will be provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit.

Donald Duane Schuler was born May 14, 1960 in Owatonna, MN to Kenneth and Gloria (Stoltz) Schuler. He attended school in Medford, MN and was a member of the graduating class of 1978.  Following high school, he immediately enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany for two years. While home on leave, he was involved in a tragic automobile accident, leaving him permanently disabled.   

Don made his home in rural Ellendale. He loved working on cars and could take anything apart and put it back together. He enjoyed attending auctions, riding motorcycle, and spending time with his family.

Don is survived by his siblings: Denise Schuler of Medford, Steve Schuler of Hope, MN, James Schuler of Owatonna, Cathy Brown of Owatonna, Chuck (Sue) Schuler of Owatonna, Joanne Schuler of Medford, and Sara Schuler of Owatonna; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and nephews Justin and Tim.

For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com

 

Darlene Tesch, age 92 of rural Waldorf, MN was called to her heavenly home on November 15, 2023.

Darlene Dorothy, the first-born child of Leonard and Tillie (Gilster) Proehl entered this world on October 16, 1931 on their farm north of Waldorf in Freedom Township, Waseca County. She was baptized on November 29, 1931, and later confirmed in her Lutheran faith on June 18, 1944 at First Lutheran Church, Waldorf. Darlene’s mother wrote in her confirmation Bible, “There is a great day to come when you will be able to join parents, sister, and friends and all who are so dear, in one beautiful land with our Dear Savior Jesus, never to part again.”

Darlene lived within two miles of Waldorf her entire life. As a young child, her family moved to a farm south of Waldorf. While growing up, she enjoyed helping her father in the fields and could drive their team of horses with ease. Darlene was valedictorian of the Waldorf High School graduating class of 1949.

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.

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.

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.