Funerals

RaeMary "Rae" O'Brien, 92 of Hastings left her earthly home and went to Heaven peacefully on May 6, 2022, surrounded by her family.

She was born October 27, 1929, to Ray and Meta (Jankowsky) Dolan in Hastings, Minnesota. Rae attended school and graduated from Hastings High School with the class of 1948. In her senior yearbook, her classmates described her as a “diminutive live wire who gaily extracted every gram of pleasure out of life” which accurately described her throughout her entire life.

After high school, she wed John “Hub” O’Brien and their marriage was blessed with 8 children. Hub and Rae celebrated 65 years of marriage in 2014 just a few months before Hub was called to his Heavenly home.

Rae was an active member of the Hastings community and worked at several local businesses before she found her joy and success in real estate. She was a passionate Realtor and became a top agent in the area for many years.

She enjoyed golfing, bowling, and going on drives. Music also played a large role in Rae’s life and she enjoyed singing as well as playing the piano. Her family was very important to her and the traditions around the holidays and family gatherings were always special. Grandma Rae loved attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities and was always in the audience at concerts and cheering from the sidelines. Her sharp wit, spunky personality, and love for her family will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her children, Deb (Jack) Eckmann, John (Joan) O'Brien, Patty Roehl, Kathy (Daryl) Tukua, David (Cheryl) O'Brien, James (Jody Bouchard) O'Brien, Laurie (Jeff) Swiggum, and Julie (Tom) Hanson; grandchildren, Jeff (Elaine) Eckmann, Joy (Stephen) Bozzo, Jenny (Paul) Hiller, Mike (Danielle) O'Brien, Dane (Amanda) Tukua, Shelina Tukua, Josh (Clare) O'Brien, Rob O'Brien, Holly O'Brien, Anna O'Brien, Tonia Swiggum, Eric Swiggum, Lauren (Casey) Swanson, and Rylee (Andrew) Lynch; great-grandchildren, Amberlina, Ryan, Abra, Micah, Stephen, Kate, Brooke, Owen, Easton, Beckett, Adlee, Kylie, Gabe, Alex, Bennett, Peyton and Taylor; and other dear friends and relatives.

RaeMary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John and siblings, Ray, Earl, Ralph and infant sister, Patricia; son-in-law, Cary Roehl.

A Celebration of Life will be 11:00 am Thursday, May 19 with visitation from 9:00 - 11:00 am at the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings. Livestreaming of the service will be on the funeral home website. Interment will be in the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.
 
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of RaeMary "Rae", please visit the floral store.

Audrey A. Kochendorfer, age 89 of Hastings, died peacefully at Regina Medical Center in Hastings on Friday morning, May 13, 2022.

Audrey Anne, the daughter of Robert and Lucille (Niederkorn) Bradt, was born on August 22, 1932, in Hastings. Following her education, Audrey was united in marriage to Kenneth "Ken" Kochendorfer on October 6, 1949, in Hastings. They were blessed with many memories over their seventy-years of marriage prior to his passing on February 16, 2019. Audrey was a longtime waitress at the Mississippi Belle in Hastings, and also worked at DCA Title and SEAS School as a cook later in life. Audrey enjoyed being outside, spending time in her pool with children and grandchildren, baking goodies for family and friends, and reading. She was a sharp euchre player and belonged to card club.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ken; daughter, Maureen Kochendorfer; and by her siblings, Bette Welshons, Arnie Bradt, and Gene Bradt.

Audrey is survived by her children, Lee (Pam) Kochendorfer, Linda (Tom) Pohl, Guy (Luann) Kochendorfer, Kim (Joyce) Kochendorfer, Doreen (Rick) Berg, and Bobbi Jo (Bill) Klein; fifteen grandchildren and twenty-five great grandchildren; siblings, Guy (Dar) Bradt, Mary (Al) Kieffer, and Bill (Dar) Bradt; sister-in-law, Donna Bradt; the extended Kochendorfer Family; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the church on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Regina Foundation, Hastings Family Service, or to the donor's choice in memory of Audrey.

Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.
 
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Audrey A., please visit the floral store.

Kay Maki, age 79 of Hastings, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday evening, May 3, 2022.

Mary Kay, the daughter of Joseph and Ann (Stralka) Sitek, was born on September 11, 1942, in Superior, Wisconsin. Following her graduation from Superior High School with the class of 1960, Kay continued her education in beauty school. On April 25, 1964, she was united in marriage to Phillip Maki in Superior. They owned and operated Jack & Edna's Bar in Northern Wisconsin, and when their family started to grow, Kay enjoyed being a dedicated homemaker and mom. She later moved to North St. Paul where Kay was a longtime employee at Taymark, Inc. in White Bear Lake until her retirement in 2005. She later moved to Hastings to be closer to family, especially her 5 M & M's (her grandchildren). Kay enjoyed knitting, embroidery, playing any types of games, and her trips to the casino. Most of all, she cherished the time spent with family. She was a longtime member of the Regina Auxiliary where she volunteered much of her time in the gift shop.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Timothy; and by Phil.

Kay is survived by her children, Jane (Don) St. Ores and Cindy (Troy) Weathers; grandchildren, Maggie (Jeremy) Laurel, Michael St. Ores, Matthew St. Ores, Mary Kate Weathers, and Madeline Weathers; identical twin sister, Jule (David) Bardy; brothers, Joseph (Mary) Sitek, Dan (Cheryl) Sitek, and Conrad (Julie) Sitek; brother-in-law, Howard (Barb) Maki; and by many other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 12, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Vermillion, with Father Mike Tix officiating. Private family interment will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in North St. Paul.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., and to a reception immediately following the Mass, all at church on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, Kay's family requests memorials be given to Hastings Family Service or to the donor's choice in her memory.

Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.
 
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Kay, please visit the floral store.

Dorothy I. Werner, age 100 of Hastings, died peacefully with her daughter Char by her side, at Regina Assisted Living on Sunday morning, May 1, 2022.

Dorothy Isabella, the daughter of Edward and Dorothy (Peine) Gerster, was born on May 13, 1921, in Farmington. Following her education, Dorothy was united in marriage to Clement "Clem" Werner on June 16, 1940, and he later preceded her in death in June of 1986. Dorothy was dedicated to her faith and cherished the time spent with family. She was a longtime caregiver to her children, Jim and Mary, to ensure they received the care they deserved. Family was important to Dorothy, whether it was cooking dinner for all of them or organizing a game of cards. Her faith was also an integral part of her life. She was an avid reader of books about the Holy Father and even into her last days was a regular at Sunday Mass. She loved spending time with her sisters, everyone knew who the “Gerster Girls” were and her trips to the cabin on Tuesdays were a highlight of each week. She was a longtime member of St. Boniface Catholic Church prior to it becoming St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clement; children, James, Mary, and Dave Werner; siblings, Olivia Lorentz, Bernice Molitor, Lorraine Rother, Al Gerster, Kathleen Leifeld; and by her son-in-law, Lance Nagayama.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Charlene Nagayama and Tom (Deanna) Werner; grandchildren, Erin Freitag, Erika Greenlee, Jill (Chris) Ide, Steve Nagayama, Michael (Deirdre) Nagayama, Brittany (Ethan) Hiedeman, Luke Werner, and Amy (Joe) Hujet; eight great grandchildren; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday May 5, 2022, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery, and a luncheon will be held at the funeral home following the graveside prayers.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings, and for one hour prior to Mass at church on Thursday morning.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Catholic Charities of Minneapolis & St. Paul in memory of Dorothy.

Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.
 
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy I., please visit the floral store.

Kenneth Lloyd Fossen, the son of Harry and Mary (Stofferahn) Fossen, was born on July 7, 1931 in Austin, Minnesota. As a child, he lived on the family farm near North Mankato and drove the rural neighbors to school in a wagon drawn by his horse, Babe. The family owned a Ford Model B that was lost in a fire. Since then, Ken always cherished Model B's. He attended Mankato High School and began working for Armour and Company. In 1950, Kenneth was united in marriage to Rosamond Drahos in North Mankato and in 2020 they were blessed to celebrate 70 years of marriage.

Ken and Rosie considered his siblings and their families as their closest friends spending many holidays and Sundays at the elder Fossen’s home, up north camping or at Washington Lake.
Ken was a dedicated parent of eight who loved raising his children. He was a league bowler and was talented at maintaining cars. Ken took his Boy Scout troop to the Boundary Waters for week long canoeing and camping adventures.

Ken was a truck driver for Armour and Company for twenty-five years where he served as a union representative. The Fossen family moved to Hastings, MN in 1972. He and Rosie started Ken and Dave's Auto Repair with their friends, Dave and Sheila Johnson. Later, he worked at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church and School as building maintenance and boiler operator.

Ken and Rosie were active in the Catholic Church and were loved members of the People of Praise Community for over 40 years. Their life revolved around their faith, children and grandchildren traveling in their RV to visit after retirement. No matter what the situation, he saw the positive in everyone and went out his way to help family, neighbors and friends. He especially loved spending time with young children—many a crying baby was handed to Ken to see the child soothed. Ken could build, rebuild or rehab almost anything. His creative and logical mind inspired many. After retirement Ken and Rosie enjoyed family reunions with their eight children and grandchildren at Minnesota lakes, in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Newport Beach CA and the White Mountains of Arizona.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his wife Rose; his parents Mary and Harry Fossen; brothers Robert, Cliffton, Clinton, Raymond, and Russell and his sisters Betty Johnson and Laura McCormick. Ken is survived by his children: Connie Fossen (Mark Manus), Joy (Rich) Lax, Rayetta (Danny) Silverman, Gregory (Sheila Sweeney) Fossen, Alan Fossen (Yasuyo Maruyama), Charles (Bernadette) Fossen; Julie (Kirby) Coppedge, and Jennifer Fossen (Heather DuCharme); his brother Gordon (Ruth) Fossen, brother-in-law Richard Johnson and by innumerable relatives and friends.

Ken cherished his grandchildren: Jorma Anderson, Andrea Reinhardt, Dominique Fossen Silverman (Cole Chernushin), Alexandra Silverman, Tyler Fossen, Kaeli Fossen, Oliver Fossen, Benjamin (Sharon) Fossen, Therese Fossen, Daniel Fossen (Tianyue Li), Louise (Kevin) Martinez, Caleb Hackey, Alaina (Noah) Cloud, Cassia Hackey, Kian McVicar, Ashlyn McVicar and great grandchildren Tyler Anderson, Jared Reinhardt, Tristin Reinhardt, Devin Reinhardt, and Rohan Gokulakrishnan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 15th Street West in Hastings. A visitation will be held one hour prior to mass at church. A reception will follow mass in Mother Seton Hall. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights.

 
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth, please visit the floral store.

Margaret "Mag" Huberty died peacefully in her sleep on April 20 at the Prescott Nursing and Rehab Community where she had spent the past 13 years, 2 months and 9 days. On October 25, 2008 she fell on the back of her head and sustained a massive head injury (Traumatic Brain Injury - TBI.)

Margaret was the third of six children born to William and Helen (Sherry) Collins on June 19, 1932. She preferred that everyone call her "Mag". She was baptized and received her first communion at Guardian Angels Church in Hastings.

She was very close to her mother and her catholic faith. In High school, she worked at Hetherington grocery store downtown, and in 1950 Mag graduated from Hastings High School.

After graduation, she was employed at the Dakota County Court House located on east 4th Street. In 1958, Mag began her career at 3M Chemolite Plant and retired in March of 1991.

On November 27, 1967, Margaret married the love of her life, Paul "Gus" Huberty at St. Boniface Church. Mag and Gus were members of the SEAS Parish and faithfully attended Mass, weddings, baptisms, first communions, graduations, funerals, birthdays and relatives athletic and theatre events. Their generosity and love for everyone they knew was ongoing throughout their lives.

Mag was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul "Gus", brothers, Don, Bill and Dick; sister, Pat; nephews, Ron Collins, Dave Buska; great-nephew, Matt Collins and sister-in-law, Betty Collins.

She is survived by her brother, James (Faye) Collins; sister-in-law, Kathleen Collins; step-children, Pam (Bernie) Johnson, Candy (Doug) Swanson and John Huberty; step-grandchildren, Luke, Nick, Gena, Ken and Lisa; and 4 step-great-grandchildren.

Thanks to the staff at Prescott, especially Sonia, Kim, Laurie, Nan and Robin. Dr. Kerestes, St. Croix Hospice and clergy from Prescott.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hastings Family Service, Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance, 2277 Highway 36 W, Suite 200, Roseville MN 55113 or St. Croix Hospice, 642 Brakke Drive, Suite 104, Hudson, WI 54016.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am Friday, April 29, 2022 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with visitation from 9:30 am - 11:00 am at the church. A reception will be held at the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel following Mass. Interment will be in the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret "Mag", please visit the floral store.

Marjorie Seleskie, age 94 of Hastings, passed away peacefully at home with family by her side.

She was born December 6, 1927 to Ferdinand and Catherine (Kutzma) Hubley in Hastings, Minnesota.

Marj graduated from Hastings High School and in 1950 she married Michael E. Seleskie and together they raised 6 children.

She retired from Smead Manufacturing after over 40 years of employment.

Shopping and being outside with her flowers and yard work brought her great joy. She enjoyed her time in the church funeral choir and taught herself to play the piano which she did for many years. She was a loving and dedicated grandma and loved every moment she got to be with her family.

Marjorie is survived by her children, Shelli (George) Miller, Jayne Harlicker and Sharon (Tom) Raway; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchild; 1 great-great grandchild; sister, Alice Giefer and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mike; children, Eileen Smith, Andy Seleskie, Stan Seleskie; and 6 siblings.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am Thursday, April 28 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with visitation from 9:00 am - 11:00 am at the church. Interment will be in the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery, with a reception to follow at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.

Arrangements are being handled by the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.
 
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marjorie, please visit the floral store.

Richard "Dick" Lowell Johnson, age 77 of Hastings, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, April 14, 2022, following a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Dick was born on January 29, 1945, in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, to Lowell and Hazel (Neunsinger) Johnson, the second of twelve children. Dick grew up in Mankato, Minnesota, and later moved to Janesville where he graduated with the class of 1963. Following his graduation, Dick enlisted in the National Guard and served for six years. It was also in Janesville that he met his future wife, Reba Wiste, and they were later married on August 26, 1968. After starting a family, they moved to Northfield while Dick found his niche in the jewelry industry. In 1985, Dick and Reba opened R.L. Johnson Jewelers in Hastings where they raised their four children, Becca, Tom, Dan, and Andrea. Dick and Reba worked hard to build their business and ran the store with honesty and integrity for twenty-seven years until their retirement in 2011.

Faith and family were the foundation of Dick's life. He loved his wife, children, and nine grandchildren more than anything. He was an active and engaged member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church where his strong faith was an inspiration to many. Dick, aka "Pa", was a professional teaser who could put you at ease and make a person laugh five minutes after meeting them. If you saw Dick walking towards you, you always knew a good one-liner was on the way! He enjoyed traveling, especially to National Parks, with Reba, spending many weekends up at the cabin, taking long morning walks with his favorite pup Lady, and attending his children and grandchildren's many functions. Even though he was an avid Minnesota sports fan, the St. Louis Cardinals were at the top of his list and would always look forward to the annual summer baseball trips with his good buddies.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law, Robert and Ruth Wiste; brothers-in-law, Everett Adams, John Fury, Duane Ruedy, and Ron Wiste; sister-in-law, Thelma Wiste; and by his nephew, Keith Wiste.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of fifty-four years, Reba Johnson of Hastings; children, Becca (Tim) Johnson Teuber of Cottage Grove, Tom (Nikki) Johnson of Hastings, Dan (Sara) Johnson of Cottage Grove, and Andrea Johnson of Hastings; grandchildren, Noah Teuber, Abraham Teuber, Gideon Teuber, Solomon Teuber, Moses Teuber, Sophia Johnson, Taylor Johnson, Lydia Johnson, and Gwenyth Johnson; siblings, Barb (Wayne) Senne of Princeton, Judy Adams of Janesville, Mary Fury of Verona, WI, Jim Johnson of Monona, IA, Rob (Jill) Johnson of Janesville, Bill (Roberta) Johnson of Mankato, Maggie Ruedy of St, Clair, Susan Johnson of Janesville, Teresa Johnson of Waterville, Deb (Scott) Purvis of Northfield, and Beth Johnson of Janesville; brother-in-law, Roger Wiste of Black River Falls, WI; sister-in-law, Peggy Wiste of Mankato; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 22, 2022, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Private family interment will be held at the Janesville Cemetery.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., and to a light reception immediately following the Mass, all at church on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Lung Association or to the donor's choice in memory of Dick.

Arrangements are being completed by the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.