Funerals

James H. “Jim” Gores, age 73, of New Trier, died Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at home surrounded by his loved ones.

James was born in Red Wing, MN on November 24, 1945, to Louis W. and Veronica M. (Hoffman) Gores. Jim was a 1963 graduate of Hastings High School. He was employed for nearly 40 years at Cenex, and was a 4th generation farmer. He married Carol Bauer on November 4, 1967, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Hastings.

Jim was an extremely strong man, who lived nearly 16 years with the effects of a spinal cord injury suffered in an ATV accident, and he kept his positive attitude throughout.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Louis W. Gores and Veronica Gores Kummer, and his wife Carol in 2013.

Jim is survived by his daughters, Ann (Jack) Plumley, Kristin ( Mark) Forster, his grandchildren Claire Plumley, Emily and Luke Forster; his brother Joe (Trudi) Gores, sisters Mary (Don) Heimann, Joan (Dennis) Deutsch, Susan (Gary) Gunter and LuAnn (Mike) Lore; also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 14, 2018, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 15th St. W., Hastings, with Fr. David Hennen officiating.  A reception will follow immediately after Mass at the church. Click here for directions to SEAS. 

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

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening, at Caturia, Smidt and Starkson Funeral Home and Crematory and also from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday morning, at the church.
 

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

Robert E. “Duff” Duffy, age 86 of Hastings, died peacefully on Thursday evening, November 29, 2018, at United Hospital in St. Paul.

Robert Edgar, the son of Robert L. Duffy and Ruth Lavander, was born on April 29, 1932, in Cumming, Iowa. Following his education at Hastings High School, Duff was united in marriage to Marlyn Keene on December 30, 1949.  Duff was a longtime employee at 3M, and later retired after thirty-nine years of employment. He enjoyed golfing, woodworking, and fixing things.  Most of all, Duff enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Norman and Michael; son, James Duffy; and by his son-in-law, Donald Siebenaler.

Duff is survived by his wife, Marlyn; children, Colleen (Dennis) Becker, Patrick (Brenda) Duffy, Karen Dahl, Sharon Penrose, John (Cheryl) Duffy, and Joanne Peters; twenty grandchildren and thirty great grandchildren; sisters, Virginia Bixby and Patty Rimpila; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Click here for directions to SEAS. Immediately following Mass, a luncheon will be held at church, with interment following at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at church on Tuesday morning.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association, Hastings Family Service, or to the donor’s choice in memory of Duff.

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

Yvonne M. Cecchini, age 81 of Apple Valley and formerly of Hastings, died peacefully at her home surrounded by loving family on Saturday morning, November 24, 2018. 

Yvonne Marie, the only child of Edward and Catherine (Nesbitt) Pitts, was born on January 8, 1937, in Washington, DC. After her graduation from High School, Yvonne raised her family and eventually worked for Sperry Univac as a secretary. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State, she was promoted to a manager at Sperry. 
Yvonne was a devout catholic and enjoyed teaching catechism and being involved within the church. For her dedication, Yvonne was given a special commendation award from Pope Paul VI. She also published short stories that were published in the Washington Post and New Yorker Magazine, as well as her own book. Yvonne was also a Nationally recognized Toastmaster as well. 

She was preceded in death by her parents. 

Yvonne is survived by her children, Richard (Lisa) Cecchini, Mike Cecchini, Pam Cecchini, Janice (Pat) Board, Larry (Nancy) Cecchini, and Steve (Cheryl) Cecchini; eleven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and by other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 3, 2018, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings. Click here for directions to SEAS church. Interment will be held at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights. 

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon at Wise Family Funeral Home & Crematory of Hastings, and also for one hour prior to the Mass at church on Monday morning. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Little Sisters of the Poor, or to the donor’s choice in memory of Yvonne.

Arrangements are being completed by Wise Family Funeral Home & Crematory of Hastings.
 

William A. “Willy” McCoy, age 59 of Hastings, died suddenly but peacefully on Saturday evening, November 24, 2018, in Hastings.

William Anthony, the son of Earl S. and Mary (Schnell) McCoy, was born on February 18, 1959, in Hastings.  Following his graduation from Hastings High School with the class of 1977, Willy continued his education at the College of St. Thomas where he graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Degree, with Majors in German and Social Studies.  Willy began substitute teaching in Hastings for a short while, then taught at Bethlehem Academy in Faribault.  He eventually returned to Hastings where he was the Equipment Manager for the school district, scouted for the football team, and coached girls track and field for many years.  Willy returned to St. Thomas as the equipment and sports facilities manager position where he continued to work until his health began to fail in 2013.  Willy was an avid sports fan, loved supporting local athletics, and also enjoyed collecting anything to do with M&M’s.  He was also very involved with True Team Track events and was awarded for his dedication to the association.

He was preceded in death by his father and brother, Joseph McCoy.

Willy is survived by his mother, Mary McCoy; siblings, Stanley McCoy, Andrew (Martha) McCoy, Steven (Mary) McCoy, and Margaret Mary McCoy; three nieces, Emily, Katherine, and Sarah; and by many aunts, uncles, other relatives, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday morning, November 29, 2018, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father Joe Bambenek officiating. Click here for directions to SEAS church. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at Caturia, Smidt & Starkson Funeral Home & Crematory of Hastings, and also for one hour prior to Mass at church on Thursday morning.

In lieu of flowers, Willy’s family requests memorials be directed to Courage Kenny, the American Kidney Foundation, or to the donor’s choice in his memory.

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

Thomas M. “Tom” Furlong, a life-long resident and long-time business owner in Hastings, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the age of 87, on Friday evening, November 23, 2018. 

Dr. Raymond Boryczka Solac, age 98, of Hastings died Monday, November 12, 2018.

Raymond was born June 8, 1920 in Minneapolis, MN to Ignatius and Agnes (Skiba) Boryczka.  He served in the U.S. Army as a Technical Sergeant with Chanor Company during WWII.  Raymond met Vibeke Osterberg in Copenhagen Denmark and they later married on June 23, 1948 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Minneapolis.  He was a graduate of the University of Minnesota and received his Veterinary Medicine Degree from Michigan State.  His career included many years at the U of MN  as an Extension Veterinarian.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Vibeke in 2010 and his son, Christopher.

He is survived by his children, Mary Solac, Peter (Jean) Solac, Michael (Robin) Solac, Thomas Solac, Paul Solac, and Theresa (Michael) Welch; grandchildren Adele and Josephine Welch; many other relatives and friends.

The Funeral Mass, officiated by Father Michael Barsness will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 15^th Street West, Hastings, with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Click here for directions to SEAS. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial's preferred to Alzheimer's Association.

Kathleen I. Kummer, age 86 of Hastings, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, November 14, 2018, at Regina Senior Living in Hastings.

Kathleen Irene, the daughter of John and Catherine (Sieben) Lang, was born on May 13, 1932 in Hastings. She was raised on the family farm in Miesville, MN. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, John, on April 13, 1955. Following her education, she became an LPN and was one of the first nurses at Regina Hospital in Hastings. Following her time at Regina, she was a full-time house wife, raising 5 children. She also worked at the family owned and operated Point restaurant. She was an active volunteer at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, where she attended adoration, was a part of the funeral committee, and brought communion to those who could not attend mass. In Kathy’s free time, she enjoyed gardening, downhill skiing, playing 500 with the other couples in the “Card Club”, showing horses, and baking her delicious pies. She also loved to travel and while in Rome, she was able to meet Pope John Paul II.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Debbie Kummer; parents; and siblings, Henry, Francis, Mary, Bill, and Lucille.

Kathleen is survived by, husband of 63 years John; children, Jean Kummer, Susan (Rick) Luiz, Mary (John) Saunders, and John (Linda) Kummer; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Maureen (David) Fasbender; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Monday, November 19, 2018 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Hastings. Click here for directions to SEAS. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Catholic Charities.

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

Veronica A. “Verna” Kleinschmidt, age 91 formerly of Hastings and Winona, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Sunday morning, November 11, 2018, at Commons on Marice in Eagan.

Veronica Ann, the daughter of John and Anna (Kulas) Jaszewski, was born in Winona on January 5, 1927.  Following her graduation from Cathedral High School in Winona with the class of 1944, Verna was united in marriage to James J. Kleinschmidt on May 16, 1953, also in Winona. He later preceded her in death on December 5, 2000.  Verna took great joy in being a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  She instilled in all of us the importance of doing the right thing, of appreciating what we have and valuing family harmony.  Her life has made the world a better place.  We will miss you, Mom!

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Gary; nine brothers and sisters; and by her husband, James.

Verna is survived by five children, Rick (Julie), Paula (Jim) Colwell, Mark, Sheila (Kelly) Ries, and Amy.  She was blessed with five grandchildren:  Anne (Pete) Marlenga, Marie Kleinschmidt (fiancé, Tom Sippola), Joe Kleinschmidt, Ryan (Katie) Ries, and Andrew Ries; five great-grandchildren:  Mackenzie, Eloise, Isabelle, Leo, and Olive.  Verna is also survived by sisters-in-law, Betty Jaszewski and Joanne Kleinschmidt and brothers-in-law, Mike Kleinschmidt and Dick Wessel; and by many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 15, 2018, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings. Click here for directions to SEAS. Immediately following the Mass, a luncheon will be held at church, and 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 church on Thursday morning.

The family would like to thank the Pearl Garden staff at the Commons on Marice and Brighton Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Verna.

In lieu of flowers, Verna’s family requests memorials be made to Hastings Family Service, Sharing and Caring Hands, or to the donor’s choice in her memory.

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