Funerals

Edwin F. “Ed” Russell, age 84 of Hastings, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday morning, October 17, 2018, at the Regina Medical Center in Hastings following an extended illness.

Edwin Frank, the son of Edwin T. and Rose B. (Schultz) Russell, was born on September 15, 1934, in Winona.  Ed was united in marriage to Marjorie Winkel in St. Paul and they were blessed with five children and sixty years of marriage. Ed was a life-long truck driver and retired after thirty-four years with Dahlen Transport.  After retirement, Ed enjoyed staying busy. He worked at Hastings Bus Company as well as fixing motors and working in the garage on various projects.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Evelyn (Bob) Dolle; and by his granddaughter, Sarah Russell.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Marjorie Russell; children, William Russell (friend, Marilys Becker), Jim (Mindy) Russell, Jerry (Michele) Russell, Nancy (Mike) Rieschl, and Jean (Patrick) Kalbler; grandchildren, Nick (Christine) Russell, Ryan Sherry, Eric (Kelsey) Russell, Katie Toenjes, Nikole Sherry, Laura Russell, and Colleen (Jake) Boothe; four great grandchildren, Lamika, Kinslee, Ellia, and Noah; and by other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 22, 2018, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father Michael Barsness officiating. Click here for directions to SEAS. A reception will follow Mass, also at church. Interment will be held at the parish cemetery.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Monday morning at church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice in memory of Ed.

Arrangements are being completed by Caturia, Smidt & Starkson Funeral Home & Crematory of Hastings.
 

Margaret A. Robinson, age 97, of Hastings, passed away October 16, 2018. She was born in Hastings on June 23, 1921, to William and Mary Biskupski. Margaret married Dayton J. Robinson Sr. on April 17, 1948, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Hastings.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dayton; son, Michael; grandson, Robert; granddaughter, Reanna; and her 11 siblings. Margaret is survived by her children, Deborah (Gary) Meyer, Dayton Jr. (Caroyl), Kevin (Chris), Michelle Hicks, and Thomas (Cathy); 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; many other relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday (10/26) at 11:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 W. 15th St., Hastings. A visitation will be held 2 hours prior to mass at church. Interment, Monday (10/29) at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Margaret A. Robinson please visit our Sympathy Store.

Arrangements are being completed by Wise Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
 

Tibor J. Kovacs, age 78 of Hastings, died peacefully Saturday evening, October 6, 2018, at United Hospital in St. Paul. 

Tibor Janos was born at home on May 23, 1940, in Budapest, Hungary. Following his education, Tibor escaped his homeland and fled to America in 1956. For many years, he was not allowed back home until the cost of the war was settled with Russia. Today, they celebrate as the “56’ers” for those that are still surviving. After arriving in America, Tibor began working with the railroad for a short while, and later as a host and waiter for various restaurants. He then worked as a security officer for Treasure Island for fifteen years before retiring and working at Target prior to their closing. On July 27, 1968, Tibor was united in marriage to Frances “Fran” Steele in Hastings. 

Outside of work, Tibor loved being a silversmith. His passion and creativity allowed him to be the designer for the Flood Run Pin for the last thirty years, as well as designing many other pieces of jewelry for family and friends. Tibor was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus 1600 in Hastings where he enjoyed being active in various capacities. He was also a dedicated member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, as well as AA where he has celebrated thirty-six years of sobriety. With his success in sobriety, Tibor enjoyed being a mentor and sponsor to many people over the years as well. He loved riding motorcycles with family and friends, and was someone that was never a stranger to anyone. Tibor was the most impatient man for tasks, but the most patient man for those in need. Lately Tibor loved babysitting and spending time with his great grandchildren who meant the world to him. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his first grandson, Michael “Stretch” Lawrence. 

Tibor is survived by his wife of fifty years, Fran; children, Chris (Angie) Kovacs, Serina (Clifford) Gould, and Michael (Shona) Kovacs; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren plus one more due in April of 2019; two sisters in Hungary; and by many nieces and nephews. As we all know, Tibor opened his arms to anyone in need, so he is also survived by many other honorary family members and friends. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 3:30 p.m. Friday afternoon, October 12, 2018, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father Michael Barsness officiating. Click here for directions to SEAS. Private family interment will be held at a later date. 

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday afternoon at church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Tibor Kovacs’ Memorial Fund at Affinity Plus. 

Arrangements are being completed by Wise Family Funeral and Cremation Services.
 

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

Evelyn J. Loesch, age 91 of Hastings, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 3, 2018, at Regina Assisted Living.

Evelyn Josephine, the daughter of Mortiz and Josephine (Weitzel) Hoeschen, was born on October 15, 1926, in Freeport, MN. Following her graduation from Hastings High School, Evelyn worked for various companies in the Hastings area, including Cudahy Meat packing and Smead Manufacturing. She spent most of her time working as a cook for the Hastings schools. Following retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her family, being outside in the gardens, quilting, crocheting, reading and traveling all over the world, including Texas, Hawaii, Canada, Europe, and New Zealand.

Evelyn met the love of her life, Leo Loesch, and they were united in marriage on August 24, 1946. They were blessed with 7 children, 8 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. She was very proud of all her children and grandchildren and she never missed an event they were involved in. She enjoyed the yearly family vacations up north to fish and never missed an opportunity to play a game of cribbage.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant son, John; sister, Mary Simonson; brother, Jerry Hoeschen; brothers-in-law, Bud Simonson, Gene Smith, and Leldon Collins.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Judy (Mark) Smith, Jane Raasch, Bill (Jeanne) Loesch, Mary Kay (Pete) Gergen, Mark (Nancy) Loesch, and LuAnn (Michael) O’Callaghan; 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Rose Ann Collins and Joann Smith; brother Ken (Betty) Hoeschen; sister-in-law, Jenny Hoeschen; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 9, 2018, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father Michael Barsness officiating. Click here for directions to SEAS. Interment will be at the parish cemetery in Hastings. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday morning prior to Mass at Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Regina Senior Living Activities Fund.

Arrangements are being completed by Caturia, Smidt & Starkson Funeral Home & Crematory of Hastings.
 

Janet M. (Oeffling) Koch LaFave, age 82, of Hastings, passed away October 1, 2018. She was born in Loretto, MN on December 12, 1935, to Matthew and Laura (Gagne) Oeffling.

She was preceded in death by parents; Clem Koch and Leonard LaFave.

Janet is survived by her children, Sue Koch, Pat (Mark) Stoneberg, and Jim (Pam) Koch all of Hastings, and Cindy (Steve) Nevin of Bangor, WI; grandchildren, Eric (Rachel) and Brian (Heather) Stoneberg, Katie Nevin, Matt, and Brandon "BK" Koch; great-grandchildren, Lucy, Olivia, and a baby boy coming soon; 5 sisters; several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday (10/8) at 12:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 W. 15th St. in Hastings. Click here for directions to SEAS. A visitation will be held two hours prior to the mass at church. Private Interment, Lakeside Cemetery. Memorials preferred.

Arrangements are being completed by Wise Family Funeral and Cremation Services. 
 

JoAnne E. Olson, age 85 of Hastings, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Monday afternoon, September 17, 2018, at Regina Senior Living in Hastings.  JoAnne passed away following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease in which she fought with dignity and grace.

JoAnne Elizabeth, the daughter of John and Anne (Hackenpahler) Greten, was born on January 24, 1933, in Hastings.  Following her graduation from Hastings High School with the class of 1950, JoAnne was united in marriage to H.E. Roderick Olson on September 27, 1952. JoAnne was a longtime Clerical Assistant at Dakota County Abstract in Hastings.  She was a lifelong resident of Hastings, and a very talented quilter and knitter.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; and by her brother, Paul Greten.

JoAnne is survived by her husband of nearly 66 years, Rod Olson; children, Duane (Charlotte) Olson, Keith (Rita) Olson, Dale (Alice) Olson, Mark (Virginia) Olson, Jean (David) Olson, and Eric (Julie) Olson; 19 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren; and by many other relatives and friends.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 21, 2018, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father Michael Barsness officiating. Click here for directions to SEAS Church.  Interment will be held at the parish cemetery following Mass.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Friday morning at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Alzheimer’s Association, Sharing and Caring Hands, Regina Auxiliary, Hastings Family Service, or to the donor’s choice in JoAnne’s memory.

Arrangements are being completed by Caturia, Smidt & Starkson Funeral Home & Crematory of Hastings.

Martha A. Birk, age 96 of Hastings, formerly of Vermillion, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 15, 2018, at Regina Assisted Living.

Martha was born in Vermillion Township on October 12, 1921 to William P. and Margaret (Thurmes) Werner, the 6th of 10 children. She was united in marriage to Melvin A. Birk on October 20, 1945. Martha was a dedicated homemaker and a hardworking farmer’s wife. She enjoyed sewing and crafts of all kinds, fishing and traveling with her husband, Melvin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Melvin (2014); daughter, Mary (1994); son-in-law, Gary Griess (1994); and siblings, Lenora, Tony, Florence, Rosella, Ernest, Theresa, Arnold, and Leonard.

Martha is survived by children, Barbara (Ken) Hoffman of Richmond, MN, Bonnie Griess, of Denver, CO, Bill (Lori) Birk, Dave (Gina) Birk, Joe (Nancy) Birk, and Susan Thompson, all of Hastings; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Lawrence (Lorraine) Werner; sister-in-law, Viola Werner; and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 20, 2018 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Click here for directions to SEAS church. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at Caturia, Smidt & Starkson Funeral Home & Crematory of Hastings, and also for one hour prior to Mass at church on Thursday morning.

Martha’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Regina Assisted Living for the love and care provided to Martha over the years.

Arrangements are being completed by Caturia, Smidt & Starkson Funeral Home & Crematory of Hastings.
 

Patricia A., age 77, of Hastings, passed away at home surrounded by her family on Sept. 14, 2018. She was born in Hastings on Sept. 9, 1941, to Edward and Rose (Chasnay) Seleski. She married Richard Balster on April 23, 1966, at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Hastings.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents and 8 siblings. She is survived by her husband Richard; children, Brenda (Robert) Buck; Gretchen (Jeff) Graff, and Brent "Bucky" Balster; grandchildren, Graydon, and Addie Buck; Bree Balster and Tavia Graff; other relatives and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by Fr. Michael Barsness, will be held on Wed. (9/19) at 11:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 W. 15th St in Hastings. Find directions to SEAS here. A visitation will take place two hours prior to the mass at church. Interment, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery. The Wise Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
 

Laverne “Bud” Becker, age 90 of rural Hastings, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday afternoon, September 7, 2018.

Laverne, the son of Nicholas and Justine (Brochman) Becker, was born on October 18, 1927, at the family farm.  Following his education from Hastings High School, Bud was in the United States Army and served in Korea during the Korean War.  Following his honorable discharge as a decorated Vet, Bud was united in marriage to Dorothy Leifeld on June 20, 1953, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Vermillion; they recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in June. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Clarence Becker and Marjorie Kieffer; son, Larry Becker; and by his daughter-in-law, Mary Becker.

Bud is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy; children, Ron Becker, Shirley Becker, Ed Becker, Nick Becker, Kathy (Robert) Furlong and Joe (Sue) Becker; fourteen grandchildren and many great grandchildren; and by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 13, 2018, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Find directions to SEAS church here. Interment with Military Honors provided by the VFW Lyle Russell Post 1210 will follow at the parish cemetery.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, at Caturia, Smidt & Starkson Funeral Home & Crematory of Hastings, and also for one hour prior to Mass at church on Thursday morning.

Bud’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Father Martin Siebenaler, Pat Niedzielski, and Dr. Leslie Atwood for the love and care they provided to Bud over the years.

Arrangements are being completed by Caturia, Smidt & Starkson Funeral Home & Crematory of Hastings.

Read the full obituary here.