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Our Sincere Sympathy to the Family of Michael McGrath

Patti Kocur • April 8, 2022

Michael "Mike" McGrath, age 75 of Hastings, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday morning, April 1, 2022.

Michael James, the son of Dennis and Helen (Gessner) McGrath, was born on August 1, 1946, in Hastings. Following his graduation from Hastings High School with the class of 1964, Mike was united in marriage to Kathleen "Kay" Bauer on October 9, 1965, at Church of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Miesville. Mike was a longtime ironworker with Local 512 and was able to participate in many large projects including: IDS Tower, Norwest Bank, and the Metrodome prior to his retirement following twenty five years of employment. However, Mike's true passion was farming until his health no longer allowed him to following his last harvest in 2021. Mike's legacy of being a hard worker will be carried out through his sons as they continue farming the land their dad loved. Outside of work and farming, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, stock car racing in his younger years, deer hunting, and simply enjoyed being outdoors no matter what the weather was. He was an avid Nascar fan and a longtime member of Church of St. Joseph in Miesville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Kody McGrath; sister-in-law, Cindy Hood; and by his brothers-in-law, Steve Swanson and Fred Bauer.

Michael is survived by his wife, Kay; children, Jaci (Brian) Tuin of Hastings, Dennis McGrath (Angela Leonard) of Red Wing, and Brent (Kelly) McGrath of Welch; grandchildren, Garrett Tuin, Scotty Tuin, Logan McGrath, Megan McGrath, Colton McGrath, Sebastian McGrath, Ava McGrath, and Dylan McGrath; twelve siblings, Jim "Matty" (Daria) McGrath of Rapid City, South Dakota, Julie (Bob) Wellman of Spokane, Washington, Mary Pat (Dan) Dobrick of Hastings, Geri (Ed) Nutzmann of Sandstone, Genevieve (Connie) McGrath of Boise, Idaho, Janet Swanson of Hastings, Linda (Steve) Carlson of Prescott, Joe (Brenda) McGrath of Etter, John (Karin) McGrath of Chugiak, Alaska, Dan (Anne) McGrath of Red Wing, Ann McGrath of Hastings, and Willie (Diane) McGrath of Hastings; the extended Bauer Family; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 11, 2022, at Church of St. Joseph in Miesville, with Father James Notebaart officiating. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, and also for one hour prior to Mass on Monday, all at church.

Mike's family would like to especially thank Mayo Clinic Hospice of Red Wing for their love and care they provided to Mike and his family during the last three weeks.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Mayo Clinic Hospice ~ Red Wing, American Cancer Society, or to the donor's choice in Mike's memory.

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

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Our sympathy to the family of Brian James Olson

By Patti Kocur • November 17, 2023
Brian James Olson passed away, peacefully yet unexpectedly, at his home on November 15, 2023. He was born March 29, 1976, in South St. Paul, MN to James and LaDonna (McNamara) Olson. He resided in Hastings, MN and worked as a carpenter for most of his life. Brian lived life to the fullest - enjoying mud trucks, time on the river with family and friends, and downhill skiing. He especially loved spending time with his daughter Carlie, where the two shared a very unique and special bond. Brian was an avid Trump supporter. He was a devoted family member, friend, and person of faith. Brian was preceded in death by his father, James Olson; grandparents, Aloysius & Edith McNamara, Earl & Mary Ellen Flynn, Walter & Mini Olson; step-grandparent, Hazel Olson; Godfather, Jack White; and other aunts, uncles and cousins. Brian is survived by his daughter, Carlie Hoffman; step-daughter, Kara (Nicholas) Reich & grandson Luka; parents, LaDonna & Loren Flynn; sisters, Lynette Judge, Barbara (Randall) Peterson, Cheryl (Jarrod) Matsch and Loretta (Joseph) Karnes; and many nieces and nephews. Brian’s loss is going to be felt for a long time to come. He is with Our Lord and out of pain! A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Miesville, MN with a visitation being held at 9:30 A.M. Burial will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Hastings, MN at 12:30 P.M. with a reception at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel following Mass in Miesville. A visitation will be held at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 from 3:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings, MN Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.

Our sympathy to the family of Helen Ann Leifeld

By Patti Kocur • November 17, 2023
Helen A. Leifeld (Kaiser), age 90, passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 14, 2023, just 5 days short of her birthday in Rochester, Minnesota.   Helen was born on November 19, 1932 in to Grace and William Kaiser. She was united in marriage to Leo Joseph Leifeld on October 18, 1952 at St. Joseph's Church in Red Wing, Minnesota. Helen loved her family; reveling in her role as wife, mother, grand and great grandmother. She also cared for all of God's creation, specifically enjoying birds, hummingbirds, butterflies, flowers, cats and dogs. Above all, she loved the farm, her forever home.   Helen was preceded in death by her husband Leo; her infant daughter; her parents; daughter in law Becky Leifeld; an infant great-granddaughter Abigail; brothers Harry, Roy, Lyle, Jerry; and sister Mary.   She is survived by her children Eugene (Bonnie) Leifeld, David (Pat) Leifeld, Virginia (Doug) Palmer, Donald Leifeld, Michael Leifeld, Rita (Lauren) Laturnus, Patricia (Thomas) Niedzielski, Mary (Thomas) Siebenaler; James Leifeld; 16 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren and 2 on the way.   A visitation will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Miesville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 with a visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Burial will follow the service at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery with a reception following at the church.   The family would like to acknowledge the ICU unit at Mary Brigh 6th floor G wing at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. Your kindness and goodness with Helen have forever touched our hearts.  Arrangements by Starkston Family Life Celebration Chapel.

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By Patti Kocur • November 17, 2023
John W. Paradis, 72, of Cannon Falls, Minnesota passed away peacefully on November 16, 2023 at home, surrounded by his family. A Traditional Latin Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Miesville, Minnesota, with a visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow directly at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Miesville. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.   Arrangements by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel

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By Patti Kocur • August 31, 2023
Kevin D. Schiller, age 63, of Hastings, Minnesota, passed away Monday morning, August 28, 2023 surrounded by his family. Kevin David Schiller was born on August 24, 1960 to parents Joseph and Odelia (Endres) Schiller in Cannon Falls. After high school, Kevin worked in the construction industry for 10 years and then in the concrete industry, where he worked for over thirty years. He was united in marriage to Cheryl Reinke on May 25, 1990 and had three beautiful children together. Kevin was a handyman and was able to do a little bit of everything. He enjoyed gardening, grilling, carpentry, and fishing. He loved making Sunday dinners for his children and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents; Joseph and Odelia Schiller; sibling, Baby Schiller; sister-in-law, Dianne Schiller; and multiple aunts and uncles. Kevin is survived by his wife of 33 years, Cheryl; children: Joshua Chytracek, Melissa Ingemann, Adam (Andrea) Von Bargen, Kristine (Justin) Rumpca, Kirsten Schiller, David Schiller; grandchildren: Alex, Jayden, Cadence, Dakota, Harper, Layla, Austen, Jacob, Devon; great-grandchild Rhea; siblings: Richard (Judi) Schiller, Sister Sharon Schiller, Francis Schiller, Joan (Mike) Norgon, Janice (Duane) Beissel; as well as many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, September 6 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Miesville, MN. A visitation will be held two hours prior starting at 9:00 A.M. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.

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By Patti Kocur • July 31, 2023
Thomas "Tom" W. Osborn, age 83, of Hastings passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones July 29, 2023. Tom was an avid gardener and woodworker. He was an active volunteer of the Commemorative Air Force and the Twin Cities Rose Club. In his younger years, Tom enjoyed sailing. Tom enjoyed his classic roast beef, curly fires, and Sr. pop at Arby's since 1973. Preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary; children, Patrick (Mary), Cindy; 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 6 siblings; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, August 3 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Miesville with a visitation one hour prior. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.

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