BRUZEK FUNERAL HOME - Key Persons

Catherine Frances Heim, age 72, of New Prague, died peacefully at home with her family at her side on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Catherine was born on June 5, 1952, in Minneapolis, to Richard W. and Marion G. (Molloy) Mumford. She graduated from St. Margaret's Catholic High School (now Benilde-St. Margaret's) and met a young man at a singles gathering in Bloomington. It seems that the attraction was mutual but certainly it was love at first sight for Ralph Heim and the two were married on May 23, 1981, in Eagan, MN. Catherine's entire life revolved around her family and the Lord. She did daycare in her home for many years, including for her grandchildren. She spoke readily about her faith and introduced them to Jesus. She became an ordained minister and wrote and published a book entitled A Face to Face Encounter with Jesus Christ. Catherine was pure joy! She radiated kindness, concern for others, and selflessness, always putting others before herself. She encouraged her children to always consider the struggles that someone else may be experiencing by "putting yourself in their shoes". Catherine did not have a mean bone in her body! She enjoyed music and dancing, which was probably why she enjoyed watching America's Got Talent! Catherine's joyful spirit and her total devotion to her family has left a beautiful legacy with her family and hole with her absence. Catherine is survived by her loving husband, Ralph of New Prague; children, Tierney Heim of Apple Valley, Joseph (Jennifer) Heim of Rosemount, Joann (Cory) Jovick of Portugal, John Heim of Castleberry, FL, Kurt Heim of Clermont, FL, Heather (Chad) Wenzel of New Prague; grandchildren, Nora, Greta, Marissa, Colston, Lyliann, Mykayhla, Karlee, & Samantha; sister, Christine (Phil) Schroeder of Burnsville; brother, Joseph Mumford of Mississippi. She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Timothy Mumford.

Janice Elaine Peterson, age 79, of Norwood Young America, formerly of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at The Haven at Peace Village in Norwood Young America. Janice was born on August 31, 1945, to John and Lorraine (Spartz) Huss. She attended Minneapolis Public Schools and graduated from Roosevelt High School. One fine day, as she was sunbathing, a young man came along, noticed her and was smitten. Russell Peterson brought her a pillow to make her more comfortable, and it was love at first sight. They were married in Minneapolis on February 20, 1965. Janice was a woman for whom time had no limitations and her energy was boundless. She was tough, strong and determined with a heart that was loving and huge, encompassing anyone and everyone who came into her orbit. Janice was stern, but kind and generous in raising not only her own children, but two nephews and four grandchildren. Her home was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay and she was the go-to person if someone needed a listening ear. A true "jack-of-all-trades", Janice worked in many occupations throughout her life. She was a machinist and worked assembly for Midwest Brass for many years. She also worked with her dad and brother in home construction, mainly in remodeling and home improvement. Her nurturing spirit was instrumental in helping her daughter in her daycare business and as a PCA for several years. She was an accomplished and beautiful seamstress, making wedding dresses and notably, cloth-bodied dolls that were sold through Hallmark and JC Penney. The guardian angels that she made were not only sold but given as treasured gifts to the babies that came into her life. Janice's family was the cornerstone of her life and everything revolved around them. She enjoyed nothing more that hosting and making amazing dinners for those fortunate enough to grace her table. The legacy that she left was huge and will live on in the amazing family that mourns her loss. Janice is survived by her loving husband, just shy of 60 years, Russ Peterson of Norwood Young America; children, Damon (Lynn) Peterson of Blaine, Rene (John) Bendzick of New Prague, Chad Peterson of Montgomery, Teresa (Derek) Petersen of Oak Grove; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Dianne Magner of Melrose; sister-in-law, Mary Huss. She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jack, Larry, Lenny Huss.

Leroy F. Mamer, age 88, of New Prague, died peacefully with his family at his side on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Mala Strana Care and Rehabilitation Center. Leroy was born on July 16, 1936, in New Prague, to Henry and Josephine (Nohava) Mamer. He graduated from New Prague High School and entered the US Air Force, serving in Saudi Arabia. Leroy married Arlene M. Sindelar on August 6, 1955, at Most Holy Trinity Church in Veseli, MN, and the two made their home and raised their two sons in New Prague. Leroy wore many hats throughout his life, starting with owning a grocery store. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchasing a very successful restaurant in The Red Lion, numerous catering gigs, and perhaps his favorite career as a manager of country clubs. He ended his storied career in real estate. Leroy was an active member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, the K of C's, and the J.C.'s. He loved golfing, fishing, and especially playing cards, a noted Sheephead player! His love of traveling took him all over the United States and abroad. A notable trip to the Czech Republic found him in Luxembourg, where he found the Hotel Mamer, in the town of Mamer, on the River Mamer! His natural gift of gab even has the legend that he met the owner of the Hotel, whose name was also Leroy Mamer! Leroy had an infectious laugh, brought out by his wonderful sense of humor and the ability to make others laugh. His personality was larger than life and his natural ability to engage others, made him a friend to all who met him. Leroy is survived by his sons, Gary of New Prague and Brad of Reno, NV; former daughters-in-law, Kelly Mamer of New Prague & Christina Mundy of Las Vegas; grandchildren, Ashley (Thomas) Sanders, Ryan (Shirley) Mamer, Spencer (Lexi) Mamer, Dylan Mamer, Sydney Mamer (Kevin Kelley); great-grandchildren, Paige, Midori, Tobias, Violet, Aspen, Whitney, & Juniper; siblings, Henry, Jr "Hank" Mamer of Mankato, Francis "Butch" (Gloria) Mamer of Jordan, Mary (Arthur Cox) Mamer-Cox of Waldport, OR; sister-in-law, Catherine Mamer of St. Louis Park. He is preceded in death by his wife, Arlene on March 6, 2012; parents; brother, John.

Susan R. Roe, age 71, of New Prague, died unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Sue was born on July 10, 1953, in New Prague, to Joseph G. and Mary A. (Tupa) Novotny. She graduated from New Prague High School and went on to Faribault Vocational Technical College (now South Central College). She worked as an executive assistant for many years for Fahey Real Estate. She married Richard Dean Roe, her high school sweetheart, on January 8, 1972, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. Sue grew up on a farm, where she found a love for chickens. She named them, wrangled them into their pens with a simple sweep of a broom, and nurtured them; woe be to anyone who thought about having "her" chickens for dinner! Her family was the center of her world. She had no favorites, treating all with equal attention and love and enjoyed nothing more than board and card games with her grandchildren. Sue reveled when they called to chat or share their day with her. She thoroughly enjoyed gardening both, flowers and vegetables and passed on her canning recipes for dealing with the fruits of her garden. On any other leisure time, she enjoyed knitting, producing many hats, mittens, and scarves. An avid reader, she enjoyed numerous genres of books but especially mysteries. Sue is survived by her husband, Dean; children, Chris (Julie) Roe of New Prague, Jon (Becky) Roe of Delano, Cindy (Ryan) Carey of New Prague; 13 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; siblings, DeAnna Novotny of Coon Rapids, Betty (Duane) Stanke of New Prague, Sally (Gary) Malz of Jordan, Don Novotny of New Prague, Joe (Delores) Novotny of New Prague, Dave (Marlene) Novotny of New Prague; sister-in-law, Rose Novotny; brother-in-law, John Reintjes. She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Julie Halvorson, Mary Reintjes; brothers, Tom & Roger Novotny.