Virgil D. Laak, age 86, of Winona, passed away on Monday, December 10, 2018, at St. Anne Extended Healthcare. Virgil was born on February 25, 1932, in Winona, and married Joan Herrick on June 10, 1961, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Winona.  He honorably served his country with the United States Army during the Korean conflict, and was employed for over 50 years with Lake Center Industries.  He was a founding member of the Winona Gun Club, where he also served as its...

  Joseph G. Renk, age 77, of Winona, passed away on Sunday, December 9, 2018, at the Roger Metz Manor. Joe was born on April 17, 1941, in Winona, to Edward and Elizabeth (Hartman) Renk.  He honorably served his country with the United States Army in Vietnam, and was a member of the VFW.  Joe was employed with Seneca Foods in Rochester, MN, until his retirement Joe will be remembered for his love of dancing, music, and playing the harmonica. Joe is survived by his siblings:...

  Ronald J. Mitchell, age 72, of Winona, joined our Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 9, 2018.  He was surrounded by family and friends at the Good Shepherd Home in Rushford, MN. Ron was born on June 15, 1946, in Albany, NY, to Herbert and Alice (Hathaway) Mitchell, Sr.  He will be remembered for his love of traveling, trips to the casino, and hanging out at the local coffee shops visiting with his friends.  His greatest joy in life was the time that he spent with...

  Robert L. (Bob) Fischer, age 96, of Winona, passed away on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at his home. He was born on January 30, 1922, in Winona, to Louis and Leona (Krueger) Fischer.  In 1951, he married Frances D. Kvam in Hollywood, CA, and she preceded him in death on January 21, 2013.  Bob honorably served his country with the United States Army Air Force. Bob received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Education from Mankato State University, and taught junior high...

  Anthony E. “Tony” Zittel, age 89, of Winona, passed away on Saturday, December 1, 2018, at St. Anne Extended Healthcare, following a long illness. He was born on July 13, 1929, in Alma, WI, to Alfred and Alice (Feeney) Zittel, Sr., and graduated from the Alma High School in 1947.  He enlisted with the United States Air Force in 1948, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1952, after serving four years in the Korean War.  Tony was...

  Mark J. Biesanz, age 70, of Winona, passed away on Monday, November 26, 2018, at the VA Medical Center in Tomah, WI. Mark was born on March 18, 1948, in Minneapolis, MN, to Peter and Frances (Green) Biesanz.  He was a 1966 graduate of Cotter High School, and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Winona State.  Mark was united in marriage with Dian Rasmussen on May 6, 1972, at the Rushford Lutheran Church in Rushford, MN.  He honorably served his country with...

  Robert John Dennis, age 94, of Winona, MN, died on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at the Sanford Medical Center in Bemidji, MN, surrounded by family. He was born November 21, 1923, to Ellsworth M. and Genevieve (Palbicki) Dennis, and was the eldest of six children. He married Hope Ruth (Eustice) Dennis on November 25, 1947, in Winona, and they were happily married for 62 years, until Hope’s passing on October 16, 2009.  Bob served proudly in the Army 1st Cavalry Division in...

  Arlene M. (Baker) Rodriquez, age 65, of Winona, passed away on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at her home from heart failure. She was born on December 19, 1952, in Winona, to Arthur and Helen (Nation) Baker, and graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1970.  Soon after high school, Arlene moved to the San Francisco, CA area.  There, she met and eventually married her soul mate, Andrew Rodriquez.  Arlene and Andrew lived in the Bay Area for several years, where she...

  Chaplain (Colonel) Theodore M. Schoewe, USAF Retired, and a Pastor Emeritus of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, age 99, of Winona, passed away on Friday, November 16, 2018, at the Winona Health Hospital. Arrangements are pending.        

  Barbara A. Niemeyer, age 82, of Winona, passed away on Sunday, November 11, 2018, at St. Anne Extended Healthcare. Visitation will be held from 6:30 PM until a prayer service at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.