All Obituaries

  Francis Bernard Schmelzer, a/k/a Mike, age 94—joined his wife, Juanita, of nearly 74 years in heaven on July 2, 2022. Born June 20, 1928 in Little Falls Minnesota, Francis raised a family of four boys with Juanita in Glenwood, Illinois. Francis was employed for 39 years at the Ford Motor Company, Chicago Heights Stamping Plant, in their machine repair department, and upon his retirement in 1995, he returned to his Minnesota roots by moving to Winona in 2005. Francis...

  Jerome M. Baertsch (Jerry) passed away at 70 years.  He was born in Arcadia, WI, and grew up in Fountain City, WI, graduating from Cochrane-Fountain City High School.  Jerry enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles.  He had been an avid golfer until health prevailed.  Since retirement from Fiberite and St. Mary’s College, Jerry became quite the connoisseur in the kitchen.  Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Austin Baertsch and Ester...

  Winifred A. Brandes, age 93, of Winona, passed away on Friday, August 5, 2022, at Roger Metz Manor. She was born on September 6, 1928, in Winona, to Theodore and Laura (Zaborowski) Stinson.  She married Donald Brandes, and they later divorced. Winifred was employed with Rochester Wholesale Fruit and Thrifty White Drug Store in Winona, and she was a member of St. Casimir’s Catholic Church. She will be remembered for her enjoyment of playing BINGO, trips to the casino,...

  Michael Joseph Hammond passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood, MN, from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Michael was born on November 16, 1982, in St. Cloud, MN, and was adopted by Tommy and Doris Hammond. He was baptized and confirmed at Seven Dolors Parish in Albany, MN. After graduating from Albany High School in 2001, he went on to obtain an accounting degree from St. Cloud Technical College and he studied music at St....

  Christopher Lee (Kip) Gilbertson died peacefully at the age of 82, on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 8:02 PM, after a long battle with cancer and a very short battle with Covid-19.  Kip was born on August 20, 1939, to Archie and Barbara (Lee) Gilbertson in Spring Grove, MN. After WWII began, Archie, Barbara and Kip moved to Long Beach, CA, where Archie worked in the shipyards, and Kip began his primary education.  After the war, the family moved back to Minnesota, first to...

  Barbara Ann Henry, age 69, of Winona, passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at Winona Health.  Barb had been a resident of Lake Winona Manor for the last several years. She was born on March 18, 1953, in Chicago, and attended St. Mary’s of Perpetual Help Grade and High Schools, the Jones Commercial School, and graduated from DeSoto High School in DeSoto, WI.  Barb completed nurse’s training at the Winona Vo-Tech, and she worked as an LPN for many years in the...

  Dorothy J. Lilla, of Winona, MN, passed away at the age of 91 on July 29, 2022, at the Mayo Clinic Hospital - Saint Mary’s Campus in Rochester, MN. Dorothy was born on April 23, 1931, to John and Tekla (Kulas) Wener in Pine Creek, WI. She grew up on a farm in Pine Creek, until her family moved to Dodge, WI. Dorothy met Harold Lilla and they were united in marriage September 25, 1954, at Sacred Heart Parish in Pine Creek, WI. Dorothy and Harold moved to Winona and started their...

  Harry D. Neitzke, age 89, of Winona, passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at Lake Winona Manor. He was born on June 21, 1933, in Winona, to Edward and Flora (Haessig) Neitzke, and was a 1951 graduate of Winona Senior High School.  Harry honorably served his country with the United States Army from 1953-1955.  He was united in marriage with Lois J. Larson on May 19, 1956, at Faith Lutheran Church in Winona, and she preceded him in death on July 8, 2019. After being...

  Phyllis A. Lurkowski, age 75, of Winona, passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at Benedictine – St. Anne in Winona. Phyllis was born on November 7, 1946, in Winona, to Clarence and Iva (Glander) Kennebeck, and was a graduate of Cochrane-Fountain City High School.  She was united in marriage with Phillip J. Lurkowski on August 9, 1980, at St. Casimir’s Catholic Church in Winona. Phyllis was employed for many years with Boland Manufacturing, and she was a member...

  Dennis P. Maloney, age 75, of Winona, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 22, 2022, in the comfort of his home with family by his side, following a short but courageous battle with cancer. Dennis was born on February 24, 1947, in Winona, to Donald “Pat” and Elaine (Witt) Maloney and was a graduate of Cotter High School.  He was united in marriage with Mary M. Stork on November 25, 1967, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. Following high school,...