All Obituaries

  Gertrude Emma Alma Votruba, age 94, of Winona, passed away on Monday, November 23, 2020.  She had previously lived at the Valley View Towers for many years, and was currently residing at Benedictine – St. Anne. Gert was born in Chatfield, MN, on March 3, 1926, to Frank and Susie (Bernard) Bornfleth.  She married Melvin Bicknese in 1947, and they later divorced.  She married Joseph Frank Votruba on January 15, 1969, and he preceded her in death on June 30,...

  Larry D. Brand, age 73, of Winona, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 21, 2020, in the comfort of his home on the family farm. He was born on April 10, 1947, in Winona, to Franklin and Vera (Braatz) Brand, and was united in marriage with Sharon Papenfuss on October 22, 1966, in Winona. Larry was employed as a tool and die maker and was a co-owner of Stellar Mold and Tool in Galesville, WI.  He loved farming and was proud of raising Black Angus beef cattle. He was a...

  Eldon O. Fritz, age 84 of Goodview, passed away with his wife and daughter by his side on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the Gundersen Medical Center Hospital in La Crosse, WI. Eldon “Eldie” was a loving husband, father, grandfather and a loyal friend to many. He lived his life helping others—whether it was giving people a ride to church or helping build a home for Habitat for Humanity—Eldon would do anything for anyone, anytime. He was committed his...

  Lois M. Czaplewski, 75, of Winona, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on November 18, 2020, after battling esophageal cancer.  She was born on May 27, 1945, in Winona, to Walter and Lillie (Thomas) Solberg, and graduated from Peterson High School in 1963.  On November 19, 1966, Lois married Ted Czaplewski, passing one day before their 54th wedding anniversary.  Lois and Ted made their home in Winona and had 4 children.  She held office...

Cornella “Corky” Podjaski, age 97, of Reedsburg, WI and formerly of Winona, passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at the Sauk County Health Care Center in Reedsburg. She was born on October 9, 1923, in Winona, to Paul and Anna (Jasnoch) Lilla. She was united in marriage with Robert “Rusty” Podjaski on May 5, 1945, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Winona, and they celebrated 72 years of marriage.  Rusty preceded her in death on October 3, 2017. Corky...

  Brother A. Stephen Rusyn, FSC, PhD, longtime faculty member and administrator at Saint Mary’s University, died Tuesday, November 17, at Lake Winona Manor in Winona, MN. Born John Joseph Rusyn in Brooklyn NY, John attended schools of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, and after high school entered the community in Barrytown, NY. He served in high schools in Rhode Island, New York, and Sacramento, CA, and at Salve Regina College, Providence College, and Saint Mary’s...

  Merle Andrew Blong Merle Andrew Blong passed away on the morning of November 11, 2020, after a struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and the rapid onset of the COVID-19 virus.  Merle was born on December 12, 1933 in St. Lucas, Iowa to parents Luke John Blong and Agnes Ann Ditzenbach.  His family lived and farmed east of St. Lucas in the Driftless Area near the confluence of Bass Creek with Sugar Creek.  This beautiful landscape was historically part of the Winnebago...

  Evelyn Catherine Orzechowski, age 98, of Winona, passed away on Monday, November 9, 2020, at Sauer Health Care in Winona. She was born on February 19, 1922, in Menominee, IL, to Bernard and Sophia (Greenwald) Bonnet.  Evelyn was united in marriage with Stanley Orzechowski on May 28, 1949, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Warren, IL, and he preceded her in death on September 11, 1990. Evelyn was employed with the Winona Knitting Mills for several years, and later worked...

  Jack Arthur Neitzke, age 89, of Fountain City, Wis. passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, at Winona Health embraced by the love of his family.  He fought a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease and cancer. Jack was born on January 27, 1931, in Winona, MN. to Edward and Flora (Haessig) Neitzke, and graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1949. He was united in marriage to Elaine M. Heckman on July 30, 1955, in Winona, and she preceded him in death on July 4,...

  John William Bernadot, age 75, of Winona, passed away on Friday, October 30, 2020, at the Whitewater Health Services in St. Charles, MN. He was born on March 1, 1945, in Winona, to Elmer and Martha (Braatz) Bernadot, and was a graduate of Winona Senior High School. John was well known throughout the area for his love of music, and he saw his music as a way to make people happy and bring a smile to their face.  He especially enjoyed using his talent to help his community,...