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BRUCE ALLEN WILKER, age 77 of New Richland, died on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the Benedictine Living Community in Owatonna.
Born on January 5, 1947 in Waseca, he was the son of Harvey and Charlene (Pachl) Wilker. Bruce attended Waseca Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1965. Following his education, he enlisted in the United States Navy, honorably serving his country from 1966 – 1969. Bruce was united in marriage to Virginia Fell in 1966, and later divorced. Throughout his life, Bruce worked at Brown Printing for many years before running a pallet business. He loved cars, racing, and there was nothing he couldn’t build or devise. Bruce was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and fisherman. He was a member of the American Legion Post 228, Dark House Association and Ducks Unlimited.
Bruce is survived by his children: Jeremy Wilker of Golden Valley and his children: Beatrix and Ari Wilker; Jenny (Tiffany Thompson) Evans of San Diego, CA and her daughter, Isabella Evans; and Chase Wilker of Waseca and his children: Wyatte Devans, Madison and Harper Wilker and Adlee Ziemke; siblings: Jim (Sharon) Wilker of New Richland, Sue (Paul Zimprich) Wilker of Elysian, Sherry (Frank) Haney of Kabetogama, Cindy (Kevin) Dickie of Waseca, and Shelly (Bruce) Miller of Waseca; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and son, Christopher Wilker.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024, concluding with a prayer service and military honors all at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca. A Celebration of Life hosted by Bruce’s family will follow at the Waseca American Legion Post 228.
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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.