Obituaries

Obituaries for Starkson Family

In Memory of Our Dear Loved Ones

Candice Lee Levy

Candice Lee Levy

December 26, 2025

Candice Lee Levy aka "Sparkles", age 42, passed away unexpectedly on December 26, 2025.

Candice was born on August 26, 1983, in Menomonie, Wisconsin, to Jeffrey and Kristina (Burns) Steves. From the very beginning, Candice had a kind heart and a gentle spirit that drew people to her. She carried that warmth throughout her life, sharing it freely with her family,...

Leslie "Les" McKenzie

Leslie "Les" McKenzie

December 26, 2025

Leslie B. McKenzie, of Inver Grove Heights, passed away on December 26, 2025. After a long, fulfilling adventure called life, Les passed away at the age of 95. Loving dad, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. Survived by children Cindy (Terry Scott) Wiedewitsch, Cheryl (Paul) Golden, Jeff (Michele Gilb), Mark (Erin Hood); grandchildren Adam (Tannicha Vialva) & Peter Wiedewitsch, Sarah & Laura...

Mary Jane Hurlburt

Mary Jane Hurlburt

December 23, 2025

Mary Jane Hurlburt (Connett), 98 years old, of Hastings, Minnesota passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on December 23, 2025 after a long and healthy life.

Mary was born on September 26, 1927 in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was known for her love of all children and dedication to her family. She loved bowling, puzzles, card games, and traveling...

Thomas James Ptacek

Thomas James Ptacek

December 23, 2025

Thomas J. Ptacek, age 76, of Prescott, WI, formerly of Portland, OR, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Comforts of Home in Hudson, Wisconsin.

Tom was born on November 8, 1949, in Prescott, Wisconsin, to Donald and Charlotte (Farrell) Ptacek. He grew up in Prescott alongside his siblings, MaryJo, Mike, and Peter, and was a graduate of Prescott...

Donald W. Glander

Donald W. Glander

December 21, 2025

Donald W. Glander, age 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on December 21, 2025.

Born on New Year’s Day 1939 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to George and Marie Glander, Don dedicated over 50 years of his life as a technical draftsman, working on projects such as the Apollo Moon Lander and the first Space Shuttle. He retired from TSI...

Pastor Jim Bzoskie

Pastor Jim Bzoskie

December 19, 2025

Pastor James S. “Jim” Bzoskie, D.Th., 76, of Hastings, passed away suddenly on Friday morning, December 19, 2025. A devoted pastor, husband, dad, grandpa, and friend, Jim spent his life caring deeply for others. Through his faith, compassion, and steady presence, he left a lasting mark on countless lives.

Jim was born September 18, 1949, in Owatonna, Minnesota. Because of his...

Debra Ulrich

Debra Ulrich

December 18, 2025

Debra Lynn Ulrich, age 68, of Hastings, MN passed away on December 18, 2025 after a 14 month battle with cancer. She went peacefully to be with Jesus, surrounded by her loving family.

Deb dedicated more than 40 years of her life to helping others; embodying kindnesss and compassion in everything that she did. For 17 of those years, she served...

Alice Radke

Alice Radke

December 18, 2025

Alice Radke, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at White Pines Memory Care in Cottage Grove. She was born the daughter of Arthur and Rose Nelson on June 13, 1948 in Mandan, North Dakota. Alice grew up on a farm in North Dakota with 14 siblings. She moved to Fargo ND where she met her future husband, Dale Radke...

Kenneth Gregory LaFavor

Kenneth Gregory LaFavor

December 15, 2025

Kenneth G. LaFavor, age 60, formerly of Hastings and currently of Aitkin, Minnesota, passed away at the lake up north, one of his favorite places.

Ken was born on July 9, 1965, in Ramsey County, Minnesota. He was adopted by Gregory and Gloria (Harwell) LaFavor and raised in Hastings alongside his siblings, David and Julie. Ken graduated from Hastings High School...

Patricia Marie Thomas

Patricia Marie Thomas

December 14, 2025

Patricia Marie Thomas

August 29, 1965 – December 14, 2025

Beloved mother, grandma, daughter, sister, and auntie

Patti, 60 years old, passed away at the comfort of her home in Prescott, Wisconsin on December 14, 2025.

She grew up in the city of Cannon Falls, Minnesota. Patti was a true inspiration. Always wanting to help out anyone she could, whether she knew them or...

Janet Marie Wilson

Janet Marie Wilson

December 13, 2025

Janet Marie Wilson, age 89 of Eagan, passed away on December 13, 2025. Janet was born in Northfield, Minnesota on April 16, 1936, to Oliver and Clara Sletten. She graduated from Northfield High School in 1954.

She married Arlen Wilson on August 18, 1957, and began their life in Crosby-Ironton, Minnesota. Janet, Arlen, and daughter, Susan, moved to West St. Paul...

Michael John Kasel Jr.

Michael John Kasel Jr.

December 13, 2025

Michael John Kasel Jr., age 76, of Hastings, Minnesota died peacefully at Tinta Wita Tippi Senior Living on Saturday, December 13, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones.

Michael commonly known as “Mike” or “Kas” was born on May 15, 1949 to his parents, Michael John Sr. and Cecelia (Bauer) Kasel.

Mike graduated from Hastings High School with the class of 1967. He...

Jillian Mildred Davis

Jillian Mildred Davis

December 12, 2025

Jillian Mildred Davis passed away quickly and unexpectedly on Friday, December 12th, 2025. The unimaginable hole she leaves behind is already being flooded with the immense love and care she fostered in others. For that, her surviving family is forever grateful.

On March 7th, 1986, Jillian was born to parents, Jane Kelley-Hatch and James Elliott in Haverhill, New Hampshire.

She attended culinary...

Steven Andrew Kovacs

Steven Andrew Kovacs

December 11, 2025

Steven Andrew Kovacs, 73, passed peacefully on Dec. 11, 2025, surrounded by loved ones after a long two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Steve had a successful career in sales and teaching at Dakota Tech. His passion and love of music began at home, continuing to the WBL HS choir, Liturgical music, leading to his own bands… The Four Coachmen, 1st Things...

Valerie R. Benson-Heule

Valerie R. Benson-Heule

December 11, 2025

Valerie R. Benson-Heule, age 64 of Rosemount, MN, passed away at home in her own bed, with family just as she wished on Dec. 11, 2025.

She is preceded in death by beloved husband, Matthew Heule; father, Myron Benson; her in-laws, Larry & Elinor Heule; and brothers-in-law, George Hernandez and Jon Findell.

Valerie is survived by her children, Ryan & Katie, Shaunna,...

Linda (Eilen) Smith

Linda (Eilen) Smith

December 10, 2025

Linda C. Smith, age 70 of Hampton, passed away suddenly but peacefully at home on Wednesday morning, December 10, 2025.

Linda, the daughter of Ralph and Elizabeth "Betty" (Thurmes) Eilen, was born May 3, 1955, in Hastings. Following her graduation from Hastings High School, Linda was united in marriage to Charles "Charlie" Smith on June 30, 1973. In her younger years,...

Annette R. Stein

Annette R. Stein

December 10, 2025

Annette R. Stein, age 88 of Cannon Falls and formerly Hampton, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Deer Crest Senior Living in Red Wing on Wednesday evening, December 10, 2025.

Annette Rose, the daughter of Nicholas and Frances (Bauer) Langenfeld, was born on July 21, 1937, in Hastings. Following her graduation from Villa Maria in Frontenac, Annette was...

Gerald "Jerry" Peterson

Gerald "Jerry" Peterson

December 9, 2025

Gerald (Jerry) Milton Peterson passed away at 5:42 p.m. on December 9. 2025, at his home in Hastings, MN surrounded by his wife and daughter. He was 79 years old. Jerry fought until the end, always hoping for one more day to celebrate a life he enjoyed to the fullest.

Jerry was born to his parents, Caryl and Milton Peterson, on...

Leo F. Kukacka

Leo F. Kukacka

December 9, 2025

Leo Kukacka, age 95 of Hastings, passed away at his home in Denmark Township on December 9, 2025, surrounded by his family’s love.

Leo was born and raised on the family farm in the Township of Montgomery, MN, to Frank and Mary (Heyda) Kukacka. Leo was one of six children, with 3 brothers and two sisters. While attended a one room...

Eugene E. "Gene" Kimmes

Eugene E. "Gene" Kimmes

December 8, 2025

Eugene E. "Gene" Kimmes, age 83 of Hampton, died peacefully at The Pillars Hospice in Oakdale on Monday morning, December 8, 2025.

Eugene Ernest, the son of Arthur and Dolores (May) Kimmes, was born on December 3, 1942, in Red Wing. Following his education, Gene was united in marriage to Judith H. "Judy" Siebenaler on April 11, 1964 at St. Mathias...

Candice Lee Levy

Candice Lee Levy

December 26, 2025

Candice Lee Levy aka "Sparkles", age 42, passed away unexpectedly on December 26, 2025.

Candice was born on August 26, 1983, in Menomonie, Wisconsin, to Jeffrey and Kristina (Burns) Steves. From the very beginning, Candice had a kind heart and a gentle spirit that drew people to her. She carried that warmth throughout her life, sharing it freely with her family,...

Leslie "Les" McKenzie

Leslie "Les" McKenzie

December 26, 2025

Leslie B. McKenzie, of Inver Grove Heights, passed away on December 26, 2025. After a long, fulfilling adventure called life, Les passed away at the age of 95. Loving dad, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. Survived by children Cindy (Terry Scott) Wiedewitsch, Cheryl (Paul) Golden, Jeff (Michele Gilb), Mark (Erin Hood); grandchildren Adam (Tannicha Vialva) & Peter Wiedewitsch, Sarah & Laura...

Mary Jane Hurlburt

Mary Jane Hurlburt

December 23, 2025

Mary Jane Hurlburt (Connett), 98 years old, of Hastings, Minnesota passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on December 23, 2025 after a long and healthy life.

Mary was born on September 26, 1927 in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was known for her love of all children and dedication to her family. She loved bowling, puzzles, card games, and traveling...

Thomas James Ptacek

Thomas James Ptacek

December 23, 2025

Thomas J. Ptacek, age 76, of Prescott, WI, formerly of Portland, OR, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Comforts of Home in Hudson, Wisconsin.

Tom was born on November 8, 1949, in Prescott, Wisconsin, to Donald and Charlotte (Farrell) Ptacek. He grew up in Prescott alongside his siblings, MaryJo, Mike, and Peter, and was a graduate of Prescott...

Donald W. Glander

Donald W. Glander

December 21, 2025

Donald W. Glander, age 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on December 21, 2025.

Born on New Year’s Day 1939 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to George and Marie Glander, Don dedicated over 50 years of his life as a technical draftsman, working on projects such as the Apollo Moon Lander and the first Space Shuttle. He retired from TSI...

Pastor Jim Bzoskie

Pastor Jim Bzoskie

December 19, 2025

Pastor James S. “Jim” Bzoskie, D.Th., 76, of Hastings, passed away suddenly on Friday morning, December 19, 2025. A devoted pastor, husband, dad, grandpa, and friend, Jim spent his life caring deeply for others. Through his faith, compassion, and steady presence, he left a lasting mark on countless lives.

Jim was born September 18, 1949, in Owatonna, Minnesota. Because of his...

Debra Ulrich

Debra Ulrich

December 18, 2025

Debra Lynn Ulrich, age 68, of Hastings, MN passed away on December 18, 2025 after a 14 month battle with cancer. She went peacefully to be with Jesus, surrounded by her loving family.

Deb dedicated more than 40 years of her life to helping others; embodying kindnesss and compassion in everything that she did. For 17 of those years, she served...

Alice Radke

Alice Radke

December 18, 2025

Alice Radke, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at White Pines Memory Care in Cottage Grove. She was born the daughter of Arthur and Rose Nelson on June 13, 1948 in Mandan, North Dakota. Alice grew up on a farm in North Dakota with 14 siblings. She moved to Fargo ND where she met her future husband, Dale Radke...

Kenneth Gregory LaFavor

Kenneth Gregory LaFavor

December 15, 2025

Kenneth G. LaFavor, age 60, formerly of Hastings and currently of Aitkin, Minnesota, passed away at the lake up north, one of his favorite places.

Ken was born on July 9, 1965, in Ramsey County, Minnesota. He was adopted by Gregory and Gloria (Harwell) LaFavor and raised in Hastings alongside his siblings, David and Julie. Ken graduated from Hastings High School...

Patricia Marie Thomas

Patricia Marie Thomas

December 14, 2025

Patricia Marie Thomas

August 29, 1965 – December 14, 2025

Beloved mother, grandma, daughter, sister, and auntie

Patti, 60 years old, passed away at the comfort of her home in Prescott, Wisconsin on December 14, 2025.

She grew up in the city of Cannon Falls, Minnesota. Patti was a true inspiration. Always wanting to help out anyone she could, whether she knew them or...

Janet Marie Wilson

Janet Marie Wilson

December 13, 2025

Janet Marie Wilson, age 89 of Eagan, passed away on December 13, 2025. Janet was born in Northfield, Minnesota on April 16, 1936, to Oliver and Clara Sletten. She graduated from Northfield High School in 1954.

She married Arlen Wilson on August 18, 1957, and began their life in Crosby-Ironton, Minnesota. Janet, Arlen, and daughter, Susan, moved to West St. Paul...

Michael John Kasel Jr.

Michael John Kasel Jr.

December 13, 2025

Michael John Kasel Jr., age 76, of Hastings, Minnesota died peacefully at Tinta Wita Tippi Senior Living on Saturday, December 13, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones.

Michael commonly known as “Mike” or “Kas” was born on May 15, 1949 to his parents, Michael John Sr. and Cecelia (Bauer) Kasel.

Mike graduated from Hastings High School with the class of 1967. He...

Jillian Mildred Davis

Jillian Mildred Davis

December 12, 2025

Jillian Mildred Davis passed away quickly and unexpectedly on Friday, December 12th, 2025. The unimaginable hole she leaves behind is already being flooded with the immense love and care she fostered in others. For that, her surviving family is forever grateful.

On March 7th, 1986, Jillian was born to parents, Jane Kelley-Hatch and James Elliott in Haverhill, New Hampshire.

She attended culinary...

Steven Andrew Kovacs

Steven Andrew Kovacs

December 11, 2025

Steven Andrew Kovacs, 73, passed peacefully on Dec. 11, 2025, surrounded by loved ones after a long two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Steve had a successful career in sales and teaching at Dakota Tech. His passion and love of music began at home, continuing to the WBL HS choir, Liturgical music, leading to his own bands… The Four Coachmen, 1st Things...

Valerie R. Benson-Heule

Valerie R. Benson-Heule

December 11, 2025

Valerie R. Benson-Heule, age 64 of Rosemount, MN, passed away at home in her own bed, with family just as she wished on Dec. 11, 2025.

She is preceded in death by beloved husband, Matthew Heule; father, Myron Benson; her in-laws, Larry & Elinor Heule; and brothers-in-law, George Hernandez and Jon Findell.

Valerie is survived by her children, Ryan & Katie, Shaunna,...

Linda (Eilen) Smith

Linda (Eilen) Smith

December 10, 2025

Linda C. Smith, age 70 of Hampton, passed away suddenly but peacefully at home on Wednesday morning, December 10, 2025.

Linda, the daughter of Ralph and Elizabeth "Betty" (Thurmes) Eilen, was born May 3, 1955, in Hastings. Following her graduation from Hastings High School, Linda was united in marriage to Charles "Charlie" Smith on June 30, 1973. In her younger years,...

Annette R. Stein

Annette R. Stein

December 10, 2025

Annette R. Stein, age 88 of Cannon Falls and formerly Hampton, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Deer Crest Senior Living in Red Wing on Wednesday evening, December 10, 2025.

Annette Rose, the daughter of Nicholas and Frances (Bauer) Langenfeld, was born on July 21, 1937, in Hastings. Following her graduation from Villa Maria in Frontenac, Annette was...

Gerald "Jerry" Peterson

Gerald "Jerry" Peterson

December 9, 2025

Gerald (Jerry) Milton Peterson passed away at 5:42 p.m. on December 9. 2025, at his home in Hastings, MN surrounded by his wife and daughter. He was 79 years old. Jerry fought until the end, always hoping for one more day to celebrate a life he enjoyed to the fullest.

Jerry was born to his parents, Caryl and Milton Peterson, on...

Leo F. Kukacka

Leo F. Kukacka

December 9, 2025

Leo Kukacka, age 95 of Hastings, passed away at his home in Denmark Township on December 9, 2025, surrounded by his family’s love.

Leo was born and raised on the family farm in the Township of Montgomery, MN, to Frank and Mary (Heyda) Kukacka. Leo was one of six children, with 3 brothers and two sisters. While attended a one room...

Eugene E. "Gene" Kimmes

Eugene E. "Gene" Kimmes

December 8, 2025

Eugene E. "Gene" Kimmes, age 83 of Hampton, died peacefully at The Pillars Hospice in Oakdale on Monday morning, December 8, 2025.

Eugene Ernest, the son of Arthur and Dolores (May) Kimmes, was born on December 3, 1942, in Red Wing. Following his education, Gene was united in marriage to Judith H. "Judy" Siebenaler on April 11, 1964 at St. Mathias...

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Starkson Family Funeral Homes

 This is a collection of updated obituaries for our Hastings and Apple Valley, Minnesota funeral homes. Join us in celebrating memories and honoring their lives and legacies.


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