All Obituaries

  Anthony V. “Tony” Bambenek, age 89 of Fountain City, WI passed away at home on Thursday, September 16, 2021.  Tony was born in 1932 in Winona, MN, to Anthony and Rose (Wojciechowski) Bambenek.  He earned his first dollar as a boy by trapping a mink on Lake Winona.  He cherished the memories of growing up in Winona with his parents, siblings and friends on Grand Street by the Lake and the Mississippi river.  Tony joined the Navy in 1951 during the...

  Mary Rose Thoen, age 71, of Winona, passed away on Monday, September 13, 2021, at the Mayo Clinic Hospital – St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester, MN. She was born on October 7, 1949, in Winona, to David and Mary (Repinski) Paszkiewicz, and was a graduate of Cotter High School.  Mary received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Winona State, her Masters in Education from UW-Eau Claire, and taught at Winona Senior High School, St. Mary’s University, Winona...

  Susan (Susie) Ann Przybylski, age 63, of Winona. Susie was born on April 25, 1958, to Johanna (Theisen) and Ervin Przybylski.  She unexpectedly went to join her parents in heaven on September 12, 2021. Susie lived in Winona all her life and attended Winona Area Public Schools, graduating from Winona Senior High in 1978.  Susie was employed at Winona State University for Chartwells food service for almost 42 years. Susie enjoyed life to its fullest, from her love of...

  David (Dave) Haedtke, 78, passed away in Duluth, MN on September 8, 2021, having spent his last days enjoying his annual bear hunting trip in Northern Minnesota with family.  He fell ill suddenly and quickly succumbed to his illness, surrounded by his loving family. Dave retired early at age 55, having been a 33-year veteran of Xcel Energy (formerly NSP), although going back briefly to consult and train his successor.  Starting in the steam plant, he quickly became a...

  Edith A. (Malin) Ratajczyk, age 78, of Rochester, MN, passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at the Spring Valley Care Center in Spring Valley, MN. She was born on June 12, 1943, in Winona, to Fred and Theresa (Penchi) Malin.  Edith was the first woman to be employed as a janitor with Mayo Clinic at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, where she worked for 26 years. Edith’s greatest joy in life was the love she had for her family.  She enjoyed attending the...

John J. Swails, age 94, of Winona, passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Benedictine - St. Anne in Winona. John was born on March 8, 1927, and grew up in St. Joseph, MO.  He married Mary V. King on June 23, 1956, in Winona, and she preceded him in death on March 11, 2014.  Prior to his retirement, he was employed in the Winona office of the Social Security Administration for many years. John is survived by his four children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren,...

  Gerald Rolbiecki, son of the late John and Verna (Neumann) Rolbiecki, and the brother of Rich Rolbiecki and the late Roger Rolbiecki, was born October 17, 1941, in Winona, Minnesota and passed away peacefully on August 22, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was united in holy matrimony to his loving wife, Kathleen (Burbach) Rolbiecki, on June 29, 1963.  This 59-year union blessed them with two children. To follow his wishes, we note only the following:  Gerry lived a...

  Deanna M. Daniels, age 57, of Trempealeau, WI, passed away on Friday, August 20, 2021, at the Gundersen Health System Hospital in La Crosse, WI. She was born on August 8, 1964, in Burlington, WI, to Joseph and Mary Lou (Myers) Maas, and was later adopted by Chester J. Pelowski, Sr., in 1973.  Deanna married Richard “Dick” Daniels on June 10, 1989, in Winona, and he preceded her in death on March 8, 2006. She was employed at the Marinuka Manor and also at...

  Neil Shane Hester, age 43, of Winona, passed away on Friday, August 20, 2021, at the Gundersen Health System Hospital in La Crosse. He was born on June 1, 1978, in Winona, to Neil David Hester, Jr., and Diane (Hjelmeland) Hester.  Neil was baptized at First Congregational Church in Winona, and recently began attending Pleasant Valley Church, where he was in the process of reaffirming his faith and rededicating his life to Christ. Prior to his health conditions, Neil was...

  Orvin M. Henderson, age 88, of Fountain City, WI, passed away on Friday, August 20, 2021, following a short illness. He was born on November 27, 1932, in Mound Prairie, Houston County, MN, to Adolph and Julia (Ericson) Henderson, and honorably served his country with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Orvin married the love of his life, Virginia Gibbons, on July 6, 1957, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, and Gina enjoyed his love and doting for over 64...