Funerals

Lawrence H. “Larry” Kurth, 72, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2019. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at SEAS on Wednesday, June 26, at 10:30 a.m. A  visitation for family and friends will begin at 9:30 a.m. May he rest in peace.

Find the full obituary here:
https://www.austindailyherald.com/2019/06/lawrence-h-larry-kurth-72/?fbclid=IwAR0L6fVB4z36N9k_UQTVUEvUi3bgwdJI4UuR28dHDQRJ7GOzHlMaLmgigbo
 

Veronica Helen Olsen (nee Tobeck), also known as, beloved “Grammie”, age 100, of Hastings, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2019.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bud; son, Dick; brothers, Mark, Augie, Vince, Normie, Freddie and Kenny; sisters, Bernice and Kitty.

Veronica is survived by her daughter, Jeannie (John Waterhouse) Pearson; daughter-in-law, Mary (John Coons) Olsen; grandchildren, Shannon (Sonny) Erickson, Shelly (Mitch) Mortenson, Laura (Andy) Evansen, Wendy (Aaron) Smith, Chris Olsen, Adam (Shelly) Olsen; and 9 great-grandchildren, Makenzie, Taylor, Wes, Autumn, Hanna, Parker, Camden, Lyla and Phoebe.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM, Friday, June 28, 2019 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 2035 15th Street West Hastings, MN, 55033. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights.

Arrangements are being completed by the Kok Funeral Home.

The funerals below have already taken place. May they rest in peace.

Ken Augustine, age 60, passed away on June 3, 2019. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at SEAS on Saturday, June 22, at 11:00 a.m. A visitation for family and friends will begin at 9:30 a.m. 

Raymond Miller, age 91, passed away on June 6, 2019. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, June 14 at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation for family and friends beginning one hour prior to Mass.  

Charlotte C. Meier, age 90 of Hastings, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Regina Senior Living in Hastings on Monday morning, June 3, 2019. 

Charlotte Clare, the daughter of John F. and Clare B. (Steffen) Judge, was born on February 5, 1929, in Hastings. Charlotte attended grade school at Guardian Angels Catholic School and graduated from Hastings High School with the class of 1948. On October 27, 1956, Charlotte was united in marriage to Joseph P. "Joe" Meier at Guardian Angels Catholic Church; he later preceded her in death on November 30, 2004. Charlotte worked as the Factory Office Manager at Smead Mfg, and retired after forty plus years of service. During her employment, Charlotte was crowned Ms. Smead in 1964. She was a longtime member of Guardian Angels and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parishes where she enjoyed participating in the Daughters of Isabella. She was also a very active member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Grantsburg, WI. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Mary Jo Judge-Reuter, Kathleen (Dan) Sobaski, Margaret (Adolph) Denn, Sr. Florence M. Judge and Patricia (Edward) Schmitz; brothers, Owen, John F. "Jack" and Kenneth "Buck" Judge; husband, Joseph P. Meier; and by her brother-in-law, Marvin "Marv" Raway. 

Charlotte is survived by her sister, Maxine C. Raway; sisters-in-law, Harriet Judge, Emma Seeger, and Marie Fuchs; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 12:00 p.m. Thursday, June 6, 2019, 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 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at church on Thursday. 

Charlotte's family would like to extend a special thank you to Hastings' DaVita Dialysis and to Regina Medical Center & Regina Senior Living for their love and care they have provided to Charlotte over the last five years. 

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

Loretta C. Sieben, age 40-and-a-half of Hastings died on Tuesday morning, February 12, 2019, at United Hospital in St Paul. Although she was born in 1937, she attested that since she had to share everything with her twin, she was “only half of 81.” 

Peter Sieben and Catharine (Bauer) Sieben blessed the world with twin girls on 7-7-1937. Since “sieben” is German for seven, and they were tied for 7th child, both sisters considered their lucky number to be seven. 

While a necessity in her youth growing up during the Depression, her passion for being self-sufficient was carried throughout her whole life. Loretta never married, stating that “The only man ever good enough died on the cross two thousand years ago!” There is a nugget of truth in there, as she shone with an exceptionally pure and rare kind of divine love. In her love for her fellow humans she was a true believer in Christ, she always recognized when someone was hurting and reached out a hand, saw the good in people, was a peace maker, gave forgiveness freely, reaffirmed each person’s unique value, championed the underdog, had a generosity of spirit and had a giant soft spot for anyone down on their luck. She always put others first – her selflessness was legendary. Just ask anyone who worked with her at Smead, and the years she arrived before 4 a.m. to verify orders before they were sent to production. 

She was thankful to Ebba Hoffman for her first job in the mailroom. When Loretta felt her career had stalled, at the tender age of 52 she earned her college degree, and did it with honors. Classy. She was grateful to Sharon Avent for recognizing her talents and giving her a career of which she was proud. For over four decades she was the “go to” gal in the home office, who knew how to get things done, and knew the special interests of customers across the country. Her knowledge and sense of responsibility increased when she was selected as manager of the order processing department. When coworkers from out-of-state locations came to town, Loretta was their entertainment coordinator, chauffeur, counselor, and good friend. 

Naturally athletic and a skilled competitor throughout her life, Loretta enjoyed playing a variety of sports and recreational activities. Her brown eyes would sparkle with delight when she outplayed and outsmarted opponents who were decades younger, and who were foolish enough to judge a book by it’s cover and underestimate her aim, skill, athleticism and competitive nature. 

A pioneer of women’s athletics, she was a beloved coach of women’s softball and volleyball, and tireless organizer of tournaments. For players who came from a tough background, getting on Loretta’s team was their salvation. She defended her players and was their personal champion, giving some of them their first belief in their own self-worth. She discovered different ways to motivate each of them and adjusted her coaching to their learning style, modeled good sportsmanship and teamwork, and managed to weave many championship teams while having fun along the way. 

She enjoyed many things including shopping, feeding birds and squirrels, jigsaw puzzles, scoring deals on-line, being called Favorite Aunt, movies and popcorn, gadgets, chain letters, driving anywhere, cursing at autocorrect, Dramamine-fueled traveling, flying kites, and sometimes she had a rocky relationship with the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. 

She firmly believed that the least of us could be Christ, and she warmly welcomed everyone. Loretta treated the last two months of her life as a special gift and reached out to tell friends and family once more that she loved them. 

Loretta is survived by her siblings, Al (BettyLou Baysinger), Leander, Sister Petrann (SSND, Mankato), Tony (Carole), and her slightly-younger twin Lorraine (Ted) Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, niece in-laws, nephew in-laws, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces, great-great nephews, other relatives, neighbors and special friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Marvin and Clarence, sisters-in-law Lucille and Dorothy and Rosie, lifelong friend Ronnie Burr, and part of her right knee. She was a model of strong will and sheer determination right up until the end of her journey here on earth. In the final few days of her life Loretta talked openly to Jesus, the Blessed Mother, and her loved ones that have passed on, and they were happily welcoming her home. She took her last breath surrounded by loved ones, both here on earth and the other side. We loved her here – but as hard as it is to imagine – by what she was saying, their love is even better. 

Tremendous and genuine thanks go to the truly exceptional staff at the United Hospital-Intensive Care Unit, who provided much more than nursing care for Loretta, but also provided a peaceful and compassionate environment during her transition from this life to the next. Her soul is free of the body that betrayed her, and she is joyously gallivanting around the universe as the bodyless “gumdrop” she aspired to be. 

We extend our heartfelt invitation to her friends, family, and her favorite missionaries to celebrate her well-lived life by attending the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (SEAS) in Hastings. 

A colorful dress code would be appreciated as black was not her color. Never one to dwell on the morbid, the brief visitation will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at SEAS. Immediately following the service interment will be held at SEAS cemetery in Hastings. Luncheon to follow. 

Please don't send flowers. Loretta would hope that you will do an unexpected act of kindness for some less fortunate soul, or reach out to a distant relative or neglected old friend. That's a lot cheaper than flowers and will last much longer. If you have an overpowering rush of generosity that demands fiscal action, then please give to your favorite local charity. Just tell them Loretta sent you, they’ll know who she is. 

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

Michael, Robert A. "Bob", age 86, of Hastings, passed away May 2, 2019. Bob served in the US Navy during the Korean War. He retired from management at Metropolitan Council Wastewater Treatment Plant of Empire in 1992. 

He was preceded in death by mother and father, Herb and Melvina Michael; sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Donald; nephew, Steven Fay.

Bob is survived by wife, Betty of almost 62 years; daughter, Kim and son-in-law, Brian Christensen; grandsons, Scott and Erik Christensen; brother, James (Betty); sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rita and Paul Houle; nieces, nephews, cousins, cousins-in-law and friends. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, May 10th at 11:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 15th Street West in Hastings. Visitation will be held from 9:30-11:00 at the church. A luncheon will follow the service at the new location of Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion Street in Hastings. Private Interment. 

The family requests no flowers. 

Foremost, thank you to my family: Thank you to Dr. Peter Schill and staff of Allina: Dr. Francis Nichols, Dr. Stephen Textor and staffs of Mayo Clinic: Thank you to Jodie and the crew of hospice: Thank you to all my relatives and friends for their constant support, and a special thank you to Fr. Dave Hennen for everything.

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

Mrs. Earl S. (Mary) McCoy, age 90 of Hastings, was called home on Sunday afternoon, April 28, 2019. 

Born Mary Theresa Schnell, on April 10, 1929, in Aitkin, Minnesota, the fifth of ten children to Anthony and Christine (Fazendin) Schnell. After graduating from Stillwater High School with the class of 1947, Mary continued her education St Catherine College School of Nursing and graduated with the class of 1950. Mary first began her RN nursing career at St Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul. She was introduced to her future husband by fellow nursing student, Rita McCoy. On May 3, 1958, she became Mrs. Earl S. McCoy and moved to Hastings where they began raising a family. In order to fulfill both her mother and nursing passions, Mary returned to nursing as the overnight nurse at the Regina Nursing Home. Mary was an eager teacher and passed on her nursing skills to many people. After retiring, she continued caring for Regina residents by assisting with monthly bingo. Mary was a very devoted Catholic and lived a faithful life up to her final days. As a dedicated mother, grandmother and sister, Mary's interests included family, friends and community happenings. Mary had a passion for young children and caring for the elderly. 

Joining her family in the Lord: her parents; husband, Earl S. McCoy; sons, William McCoy and Joseph McCoy; brother; Thomas Schnell; and by her sisters, Agnes Burgess and Marguerite Gedatus. 

Mary is survived by her children, Stanley McCoy, Andrew (Martha) McCoy, Steven (Mary) McCoy, and Margaret Mary McCoy; granddaughters; Emily, Katherine and Sarah; brothers Raymond Schnell and Jerome Schnell; sisters, Dorothy Gerson, Elizabeth Herbert, Jeannine (Craig) Hoffbeck, and Josephine Becker; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2019, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Interment will be held at the parish cemetery. 

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the new location of the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings, 3075 Vermillion Street, and also for one hour prior to Mass at church on Friday morning. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to KDWA's Radio Rosary program, The American Heart Association, or to the donor's choice in her memory. 

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

Patricia "Pat" Schmidt, age 79 of Hastings, died peacefully following a brief illness on Tuesday evening, April 23, 2019, at Augustana Care in Apple Valley. 

Patricia Louise Margaret, the daughter of Henry and Eleanor (Foss) Langenfeld, was born at home on July 14, 1939 in Hastings. Pat graduated from Hastings High School with the class of 1957. After providing daycare for his children, Pat was united in marriage to Eugene Schmidt on October 19, 1975. They were blessed with many memories and a wonderful family prior to his death on July 8, 1992. Pat enjoyed all sorts of craftwork, and spending time with her family. Throughout her life, their family moved to various places including Arizona, Missouri and Texas, until she recently returned to Minnesota as her health began to fail. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Francis (Carol) Langenfeld, Ralph (Vicki) Langenfeld, Elvira (Bob) Woxland, Jeanette (LeRoy) Sanders, Dorlaine (Leon) Ott, and Loran Langenfeld; two great grandchildren, Diana and Shilynn; and by her husband, Eugene. 

Pat is survived by her children, Patricia (Roy) Anderson, Jean Pohjola, Christopher Holmgren, Peggy Holmgren, Robert Schmidt, Shawn Schmidt, Angelina Schmidt, and Danielle (Adolph) Duke; sixteen grandchildren, twenty-six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren; siblings, Ronald (Sharon) Langenfeld, Myron (Edith) Langenfeld, and Stanley (Patty) Langenfeld; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 29, 2019, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, with Father Michael Barsness officiating. Interment will be held at the parish cemetery at 4:00 p.m. Monday afternoon. 

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday evening, April 27, 2019, at the new location of the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings, and also to from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Monday morning at church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred in memory of Pat. 

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