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2021 September 27 St. Thomas News

Next mass in St. Thomas is on Saturday, October 9th at 5:00 p. m.

St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Le Sueur will have masses with Father Chris Shofner: Saturdays at 5:15 p. m. and Sundays at 8 a. m. and 10:30 a. m.. Check the website for more information if needed

A Mass of Christian Burial for Alvin Nasinec was held Saturday at Holy Redeemer. Alvin and Mary Ann will always be remembered for their kind and friendly nature, and Mary Ann, the most patient waitress at the Dinner Bell late at night, and Bessie, Al’s mom would visit at Grandma and Grandpa Pexa’s farm always talked Czech and often to sell Western Bohemian Insurance. Our sympathies to their families...and grandson Ted Schleeve, a great waiter at Lex, must have acquired those skills from his Grandma.

Regan Schatz and John Klein are excited to announce the arrival of their daughter, Joeanna Grace! She was born on September 5th 2021 at 3:25pm, weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces and was 20 inches long. Her grandparents are Lonnie and Sue Schatz of Le Center and Troy and Paula Billingsley of Le Sueur. Her great grand parents are Carol O’Connell Schatz from the St. Thomas side of Lexington. (St. Thomas originally) and Phyllis Smith of Union Hill. Joeanna is named after her late great grandfather Joe Schatz of Lexington.

From Dan and Julie: Declan’s Irish Clan showed up Sunday at Como Park to raise awareness and money for the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota. Our appreciation to everyone who attended the walk with us, and to all who donated to this great organization. Over $2,880 was raised! Simply AMAZING!
What a great day to celebrate and continue to raise awareness about people with Down Syndrome. We came together. We showed up. We made lifelong friendships! The entertainment was hilarious and made everyone dance! We loved it! Koo Koo Kanga Roo, our favorites... “The Roller Coaster Song” and the girls liked “The Cat Party song”! To the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota,
Our heartfelt appreciation for putting on another great celebration!

Max Sullivan announces the sale of her beloved John Deere lawn mower and the home place to her youngest son, Mickey, Maxine Sullivan has moved to an apartment in St. Peter where the tenants do not have to mow the lawn.

Dick and Pat Laabs enjoyed dinner at the Fishtale last Friday evening with Dick’s Uncle Wesley Koepp and Patty’s Mom Mary Klehr.

Le Sueur’s “Class of 67” gathered at The Bar in Le Sueur on Tuesday for our 54th Class Reunion. The Class of 67 was 103 strong, 17 are deceased, 21 attended. We have a class reunion every year now, thanks to Rick’s idea a few years ago. This one was the best one... so far!

From Vic Ruhland: “A certain 1925 restored Model T Ford Truck originally owned by the Halloran Family of St. Thomas made a showing at the Western Minnesota Steam Thresher Show in
Rollag, MN, last Saturday. My dad Albert had purchased the remaining
pieces of the truck from the Hallorans for a few dollars back in the
1960s. Restoration of it was then attempted by the Ruhland Family
including a new wooden box that dad built. It made some local showing in
those days. In recent years our restored truck wound up with my son
Kenneth who has lake property on Pelican Lake in Northwestern MN within
15 miles of the community of Rollag. He continued to improve restoration
of the T Truck including getting new tires. Ken developed a plan this
year for showing the restored truck at the Rollag event without informing
his Dad (me). He told his son Morgen last Saturday take Grandpa to the
viewing site for the 10 am parade. He wanted to drop some supplies off
and would soon join us. But I soon wondered what's taking him so long
before joining us. It wasn't long before Morgen says “here he comes.” Ken
was driving our Ford T Truck in the Rollag Steam Thresher parade - a
premier showing! What an amazing surprise for me! Ken and I had
frequently talked in the past about the possibility if some day the truck
could appear in the Rollag parade. But I wasn't really thinking about
doing so in 2021. The parade announcer addressing the viewing crowd
described the vehicle, its ownership and the fact that 30 years ago the
Model T Truck had been used at threshing bees held in Union Hill, MN.
Vic Ruhland. I'll mail you some photos that Morgen took once I get them.”     
WOW!!! This writers Dad, Jack was a water boy on many of his uncle Denny Halloran’s
threshing jobs.

Til next time... God bless.

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2021 September 20 St. Thomas News

We enjoyed mass in St. Thomas this last Saturday with Father Roger Hessian officiating the mass to close to 50. Mass was for Jimmy Halloran, Mary Jean and family attended. Members of the Pat and Mary McCourtney Burns branch attended from the cities; Judy Johnson, Vicki, and Pat Burns. Joe and Jenny Rutt’s pew still fills from end to end and spills over to Grandma and Grandpa Rutt behind’ em. Todd and Peggy Sulliivan attended with the entertainment, 10 month-old grand baby Caleb Summerfeld, Taylor and Mandy’s from Watertown. “It’s so good to hear a baby cooing in church.” Alice Burns used to say.
Next mass in St. Thomas is on Saturday, October 9th at 5:00 p. m.

St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Le Sueur will have masses with Father Chris ielieShofner: Saturdays at 5:15 p. m. and Sundays at 8 a. m. and 10:30 a. m.. Check the website for more information if needed.

Kay Byrne McMillen, daughter of Dick and Celie, passed away on September 11th.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11AM, Saturday, October 2nd at St. Thomas Church, with a visitation 1 hour prior. Burial will be at a later date at Fort Snelling Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children’s Hospital. Kay was out-going and caring with a warm sense of humor to all of us who knew her. Kay is one of six; Jimmy, Alice, Mille, Lucille, Mary and Kay. Our sympathies to her remaining sister Mary Matejcek, to all of Mac and Kay’s family, their neighbors, nieces and nephews, and her many friends.

A Celebration of Life luncheon for David Morris, son of Mary Ellen O'Connell-Morris and the late Harold "Dean" Morris, will be held on Saturday, October 16th from 12:30 to 2:30, at the Church of St. Louis in Paynesville.

Pat Sullivan, Leo and Meg’s son, was ‘laid to rest’ here in St. Thomas Saturday morning, September 19th. He’s home again.

New Prague’s Dozinky Celebration – a hit again this year! Main Street crowd may have been a little thin Friday night during the cruise, but it wasn’t any quieter with KCHK playing the oldies, and when the cruise was over and the street lights turned on...The party was on! ‘’’
Saturday- the same. The food! The music! The friendly folks! Travis and Allie Simon, Bob and Kelly Connelly, The General and Jeanette, David Halloran, even Father Dave!… You name ‘em, they were there! Joe Wondra and his friend Jim, Camilla and Don Hartman, Janet and Mark... Family; our daughters, Jodi, Cari, and their families..and my sister Dee.

Tom and Susie Trenda of Montgomery enjoyed the Dozinky Celebration this weekend before heading to St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester on Monday, September 20th for Tom’s Surgery. Prayers for a quick
and comfortable recovery.

Bill Byrne had hip replacement surgery in Mankato on Thursday and Father Miller just had hip surgery a couple days before and he was ‘out-and-about’ all ready, enjoying the parade with his Mom!
Til next time...God bless.

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2021 September 13 St. Thomas News

Father Roger Hessian will say Mass on Saturday, September 18th at 5:00 p. m. and Saturday, October 9th at 5:00 p. m.

St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Le Sueur will have masses with Father Chris Shofner: Saturdays at 5:15 p. m. and Sundays at 8 a. m. and 10:30 a. m.. Check the website for more information if needed.

Smilin’ Dave and Therese Retka Russell’s, Nikki Russell become the bride of Nathan Porttiin at St. Wenceslaus Church on Saturday, September 11th 2021. Nikki is a granddaughter of Orrin and the late Jan Schoenbauer and the great-grand daughter of Bernard and Florence Peterson Retka, formerly of St. Thomas.

Jim Walker hosted his daughter, Patrica’s, 25th Class Reunion from New Prague High School at his country home this last week end.. “The day was fine, and the grounds looked great.”

Dale “Maynard”and Colleen Burns Rohloff hosted Maynard’s 50th Class Reunion at their home and The Bar in Le Sueur this weekend. “A good time was had by all!”

After watching the 9-11 memorials, and after Jeannie Callahan was ‘laid to rest’ among our Dearly
Departed on Saturday...The softball tournaments in St. Thomas were a breath of fresh air, sunshine, smiles, wise cracks, teasing and laughter with families and forever friends. The St. Thomas softball
team was made up of Mike Holden, Brent, Erik and Brandon O’Connell, Mickey Sullivan, Bill Meger, James Oak, Jason Retka, Marc Tye, Joe and Davie Connelly. Members of the Henderson Fire Department left the game for a fire call, St. Thomas Sportsmen filled in and played their best. The ‘hot dog eating contest winner’ was Matt Doerr of Le Sueur, formerly from Henderson. Towns invited to play were Belle Plaine, New Prague, Le Sueur, Lonsdale, Henderson and St. Thomas. Belle Plaine won the championship, one game over New Prague, both teams agreed to flip a coin, due to fading daylight. “THANKS TO ALL WHO HELPED IN THE SHACK, SOLD BEER, AND HELPED CLEAN UP AFTER. ALSO THANKS TO ALL THE FIREFIGHTERS AND THEIR FAMILIES FOR COMING OUT” to St. Thomas on Saturday, from Davie and all the St. Thomas Sportsmen.

Jim Walker, Margret Drentlaw, and Tom and Loni Graham enjoyed an evening meal at the Roadhaus in Henderson, on Friday. Jim bought dinner, as a “Thank you” to Tom for playing match-maker. Margaret called the KCHK station weeks ago for references, this Tom answered and gave her a thumbs up.

Dick Remes, Jim Walker, Sister Honorah Remes and Sister Rita Tobin met for lunch at the Northfield Golf Course last week. All are New Prague’s “Class of 55” classmates, Jim mentioned he’s the youngest in their class. A few other interesting tidbits he mentioned, Father Marvin O’Connell, a former professor of history at Notre Dame is the author of “Bishop John Ireland”.

[Father O’Connell is the son of Dick and Anna Mae Kelly O’Connell of Le Sueur and the grandson of W. S. O’Connell, “Big Bill” and Hannah Shea O’Connell of St. Thomas. Even tho Father Marvin was an only child, he has many relatives still in the community. Many much closer than this writer, and her Bishop Ireland book is on the way.]

Barb Miller was known to her family as their Wonder Woman, a remarkably hard working person who raised 16 children while farming side by side with her husband Val for 66 years. At age 81 she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer that extinguished her bright light. Blood transfusions helped that bright light return for short time and give her more time with her family. Help pay it forward by continuing Barb’s legacy of giving by donating blood on Friday, September 17, from 1:00pm to 7:pm at the Henderson Roadhaus Event Center.


Til next time...God bless.

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Hi everyone! We hope you had a fantastic summer and are looking forward to the changing colors of fall. Our Fall Festival is on September 18th, starting with a 5k at 10:30am and the rest of the fun events starting at 12:00pm. Check out some of the fun things you'll see on the 18th at Ney:
- fresh cider pressing
- butter churning
- wagon rides
- pioneer games
- axe throwing
- prairie maze
- and so much more!

Register here for the 5k race!

2021 September 6 St. Thomas News

Father Roger Hessian will say Mass on Saturday, September 18th at 5:00 p. m. and Saturday, October 9th at 5:00 p. m.

St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Le Sueur will have masses with Father Chris Shofner: Saturdays at 5:15 p. m. and Sundays at 8 a. m. and 10:30 a. m.. Check the website for more information if needed.

Jeannie/Jackie Callahan’s passed away August 28th, at her home here in St. Thomas. Visitation will be on Friday, September 10th from 4 til 7 p. m. at Kolden’s Funeral Home in Le Sueur and continue Saturday, September 11, from 8 a. m. til 10 a. m. with a procession to St. Thomas for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a. m. Mass officiated by Father Thomas Niehaus. Jeannie will be laid to rest among our Dearly Departed. Lunch will follow at St. Anne’s School in Le Sueur. Family has asked that masks be worn at wake and funeral.

A wonderful Funday this Monday, September 6th in St. Thomas, Michael and Janeil Holden hosted a trap-shooting outing in the morning for the Sportsmen “and women” of St. Thomas. Carolyn Tuck was the big winner. In the afternoon we enjoyed the great weather and gathering with Sportsman’s families for our annual potluck Labor Day picnic in the park. The youngsters used to play Four-Square, now they enjoy the Bean-Bag Toss.

The Annual St. Thomas Sportsmen Invitational softball tournament is this Saturday, September 11th. The St. Thomas Xtreme Fire Dept. will start the day against New Prague at 9 a.m. Other events include: Mountain of Money, Hot Dog eating contest, Bean-BagToss,
as well as Basketball court, Playground, Giant Sandbox, fun for the whole family!

The George and Max Sullivan’s home-place is changing hands in the near future. George’s folks, Jim and Agnes Retka Sullivan bought 160 acres of land from John Moore. early in the last century. When George and Max were married, they purchased the farm from George’s folks. Now onto the third Sullivan generation... We are happy to write Mickey Sullivan is purchasing the building site of his Grandma and Grandpa Sullivan’s original farm where Mickey and his Dad grew up. Max is planning a move to St. Peter and will still have “sweet connections” here in St. Thomas.

We have schools starting in surrounding towns this week. Wishing all students a good year, and like our Grandma Pexa used to say, “Be good, learn much...and get home fine.”

2021 August 30 St. Thomas News

Father Roger Hessian will say Mass on Saturday, September 18th at 5:00 p. m. and Saturday, October 9th at 5:00 p. m.

St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Le Sueur will have masses with Father Chris Shofner: Saturdays at 5:15 p. m. and Sundays at 8 a. m. and 10:30 a. m.. Check the website for more information if needed

Standing room only left at the Rosary and Visitation as family, and friends gathered for Martha Burns May on Monday evening at Kolden’s in Le Sueur. The Visitation continued at 8 a. m. Tuesday morning with a Memorial Mass at St. Anne’s with Father Chris Shofner officiating. Martha was laid to rest at St. Anne’s Cemetery and lunch was served at the St. Anne’s Catholic School. It was a loving memorial with smiles, stories and laughter just as Martha wanted it.

We lost another great lady as the family and friends of Jackie/Jean Traxler Callahan prepare to say good-bye. Visitation will be at Kolden’s in Le Sueur, Friday, September 10th starting at 4. Mass of Christian Burial is September 11, 2021 here in St. Thomas at 10:30. In our memories, Jeannie will always be cheerful, so positive, friendly, and loving her cruises and traveling with family. Partnered with her husband Johnny, second generation owners and operators of The Callahan’s Store in St. Thomas. After closing the business, they enjoyed “living the dream” of summering here in St. Thomas and wintering in Mission, Texas. Our sympathies to Johnny and Kate, Barb, Coke, Pat, Denis, Tom, Bonnie and their families...and Jean’s sister, especially Marge and Bud Cemenski, our neighbors.

Record crowds enjoyed the Pioneer Power activities again this year on Saturday and Sunday. Little rain, little mud kept folks hopping puddles. More younger children this year and more families at the Halloran Schoolhouse District #107, 567 individuals signed in. That’s a first! Saturday, Mr. Krushcke donated the original 1930s water container previously used at this school. His Grandpa Krushcke found it in his shed and remembered where it came from. Three school desks were also donated on Sunday. Don’t throw that “good old stuff” away. Check with the Pioneer Power board first. We had free drawings at the Halloran School house. This year, for 2 beautiful stained class wall hangings, donations from The Classic Glass Shop in Henderson. Sorry folks, the winners weren’t local. But there’s next year!

Til next time... have a good one and God bless.

Jacqueline “Jackie” J. Callahan, age 84 of St. Thomas, MN, (Le Sueur County), died suddenly at her home on Saturday, August 28, 2021. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Le Sueur County, MN. Visitation will be at the Kolden Funeral Home in Le Sueur on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021 starting at 4:00 p.m. and concluding with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service. Visitation will continue Saturday morning at Kolden Funeral Home, Sept. 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Procession to St. Thomas for the 10:30 a.m. Mass followed by burial in the church cemetery, lunch at St. Anne’s School, Le Sueur, MN. Fr. Thomas Niehaus will officiate the services.

Jackie was born on August 1, 1937 in Le Sueur, MN to Joseph and Margaret (Bauer) Traxler. She attended Le Sueur Schools and graduated from Le Sueur High School. She attended Mankato State University and later married John Callahan on August 30, 1958 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Veseli, MN. She worked for Green Giant when she was younger along with various other jobs before starting a 37-year career with Le Sueur Public Health Dept. She later enjoyed working at Minnesota Harvest near Jordan, MN. Running the Callahan Store in St. Thomas was a big part of her life for many years. She enjoyed her time with family and grandkids.

Jackie enjoyed traveling. She took multiple cruises with her family. She also enjoyed traveling abroad with her daughters and grandchildren. Her favorite memories included attending the Audience with the Pope, kissing The Crown of Thrones, touring Ephesus, visiting the home of the Virgin Mary, and riding a camel near the Pyramids of Egypt. She looked forward to getting out of the Minnesota cold and spent her winters in Mission, Texas.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, John Callahan, Children; Mary “Kate” (Jeff) Christianson of Apple Valley, MN; Barb (Pete) Meger of Belle Plaine, MN; John “Coke” (Geri) Callahan of Le Sueur, MN; Denis (Nadine) Callahan of Belle Plaine, MN; Tom (Dawn) Callahan of St. Thomas, MN; Patrick (Julie) Callahan of Le Center, MN and Bonita “Bonnie” (Cornelio) Hernandez of St. Thomas, MN, 22 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Siblings; Joe (Gail) Traxler of Belle Plaine, MN; Francis (Ellen) Traxler of Remer, MN; Margie (Robert) Cemenski of St. Thomas, MN and Brian (Evonne) Traxler of Le Sueur, MN. Many nieces, nephews relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; step-dad, Stanley Meger; daughters, Margaret “Peggy” and Clara “Pamela”. Siblings, Denis Traxler, Diane (Michael) Cawley and sister-in-law, Harriet Traxler, and great grandson Angelo.