Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes

05/12/2026

Dawn Marie (Ledeboer) Sheward

Dawn Marie (Ledeboer) Sheward was born May 29, 1966, the fifth child of Delroy and Freida (Groen) Ledeboer and the third daughter to be born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She lived her entire life with the disease and lived to the remarkable age of 59 years old 11 months. Despite the challenges posed by her condition, Dawn's spirit and faith remained unbroken throughout her life.

Dawn approached her journey with grace and resilience, always yearning to be treated like everyone else. It is here that she found her true strength, being regarded not for her limitations, but for the remarkable person she was. Her unwavering faith in Jesus guided her through both the good and challenging times, and in her final days, she spoke of her anticipation for a heavenly feast.

After graduating from Central Minnesota Christian School in Prinsburg in 1984, Dawn attended Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, with support from friends and fellow students, earning her degree in social work in 1988. She began her career as a social worker in Blooming Prairie, where she touched the lives of her many friends, co-workers, and caregivers showing kindness and her love of God.

Dawn loved horses and enjoyed watching figure skating and basketball, proudly holding season tickets as a devoted Minnesota Timberwolves fan for several years.

On July 7, 2001, she married Chris Sheward and they made their home in Blooming Prairie. After 35 years of dedicated service, Dawn retired from Prairie Manor in June 2024. God called her home on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026.

She is survived by her husband, Chris Sheward of Blooming Prairie; her brothers, Joel (Susan) of Prinsburg and Jerome (Robin) of Prinsburg; brother-in-law, Vernon Sheward (Cheryl); sisters-in-law, Robin Lucius (Andrew) and Melinda Hensley (Matt); and nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and many other family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, Delroy and Freida Ledeboer; her two sisters, Judith and Beverly; and nephew, Caleb Ledeboer.

A funeral service for Dawn will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Faith Church in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Blooming Prairie, and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church. A private family interment will be held at a later date. Memorials are preferred to the Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.

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05/12/2026

05/11/2026

Chasper Melvin Ruhter

Chasper Melvin Ruhter, age 93, formerly of Waltham, Minnesota, passed away Monday, February 2, 2026, at Field Crest Care Center in Hayfield, Minnesota. Chasper was born on January 14, 1933, in Waltham, Minnesota, to Henry and Magdalena (Prochnow) Ruhter. He attended country school until the age of 14. He then helped on the family farm until he was 20. It was during this time he earned his GED. In 1953, Chasper was drafted into the United States Army and served our country honorably until his hardship discharge due to a farming accident involving his brother, Joe. On July 11, 1958, Chasper was united in marriage to Charlotte Marie Ditlevson at the First Baptist Church in Blooming Prairie. Their marriage was blessed with two children, James and CaSandra. Chasper worked at Mayo Clinic in materials management for 38.5 years until his retirement in December 1994. He was very meticulous about his yard and garden. Together he and Charlotte made a great team, her green thumb perfectly complemented his dedication to the garden.

Chasper was a member of the Maranatha Baptist Church in Sebring, Florida, and a past member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Rochester for 55 years. He was a man of deep devotion and had a heart for serving others. He made it a point to meet with God twice a day, dedicating time to reading the Bible and reflection. His steadfast faith was a guiding light for his family.

Chasper is survived by his son, James (Laura) Ruhter of Jonesborough, Tennessee; daughter, Sandy (Timothy) Turri of Rochester, Minnesota; nine grandchildren, Benjamin (Natacia), Zachary (Alex), Nicole, Nicholas, Joshua, Morgan (James), Lindsey (Jason), Jonathan, and Gabriella; and six great-grandchildren, Lavaeh, Ryker, Rhylyn, Lainey, Helix, and Chasper. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Magdalena; wife, Charlotte; brothers, Lester (Adel), Gerhardt (Delores), Milton (Lois), and Joseph; and sister, Orline (Eldred) Peterson.

The memorial service for Chasper will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Blooming Prairie. The visitation will take place one half hour prior to the service. Chasper was laid to rest in a private family interment with his wife, Charlotte, in the Danish Baptist Cemetery, rural Blooming Prairie. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home of Blooming Prairie is assisting the family with arrangements.

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05/11/2026

Doris Eileen Esplan

Doris Esplan, age 97, of Blooming Prairie, passed away on May 8, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.

Doris Eileen Nordine was born on August 26, 1928, in Cokato, Minnesota, to Ernest and Violet Nordine. She married Sylvester Esplan in 1945. Together they shared 64 years of marriage and built a life centered on faith and family.

Doris and Sy were blessed with 8 children, 30 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Doris loved life, family and friends. She loved baking and always made sure there were snacks or a dessert to share with visitors. Her home was often filled with family and friends, and she treasured every moment spent together.

She loved dancing with her husband, spending summers at Hoy’s resort fishing whenever possible, and playing any kind of card game. Family and friends will fondly remember her smile as she tried to pass up her turn at dealing saying, “I just dealt”.

Doris was honest and direct with her feelings, never afraid to speak her mind. She often said how blessed she was to have such a great family and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Sylvester Esplan; her son, Lawrence Esplan; daughter-in-law, Kathy Esplan; sons-in-law, Merle Hoy and Roger Swearingen; grandson, Dannel Nolan; brothers, Lawrence Nordine and Donald Nordine; and sister, Jacki Harris.

She is survived by her children; Judy Hoy of Blooming Prairie, Kenneth (Judy) Esplan of Blooming Prairie; Caren Swearingen of Ellendale; Curtis (Cindy) Esplan of Blooming Prairie; Joanne (Tom) Perkins of St. Paul Park; Mary Jane (Steve) Linde of Wells; Darin Esplan of Ellendale; sisters Lois Friesner and Annette Jaros; and many dear friends.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026, at St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Blooming Prairie, with visitation one hour prior to Mass at the church. Burial will follow at St. Columbanus Cemetery, with a reception afterward at the Servicemen’s Club. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.

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05/09/2026

Mother’s Day can be a difficult day for moms who have experienced child loss. If you know a grieving mother, read this article to learn how you can support her on this challenging day.

Mother's Day can be especially difficult for moms who have lost a child. Here are a few ways you can support a grieving mom on Mother's Day.

05/06/2026

It’s National Nurses Week! Chances are, at one time or another, your life has been touched by a nurse you knew or who took care of you. Take a minute to comment below and tell all the nurses in our community what a great job they are doing!

05/05/2026

Judith "Judy" Ann (Scheffel) Stark

Judith “Judy” Ann (Scheffel) Stark, age 80 of Austin, Minnesota, formerly of Atwater, Minnesota passed away peacefully at the Cedars of Austin on April 17, 2026

Judy was born on September 16, 1945, at St. Olaf Hospital in Austin, Minnesota to Minnie (Helle) and Richard Scheffel. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She grew up with her parents and brothers on the family farm and graduated from St. Ansgar High School in 1964. She continued her education at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

On November 18, 1972, she married Edward Stark and together raised 2 children, Matt and Suzanne.

Judy dedicated 36 years of service to the Finance department at the City of Austin. She had a deep love for music and was a talented pianist, sharing her gift by playing at a variety of churches and many weddings. Following her retirement, Judy moved to Atwater, Minnesota. During her time in Atwater, she volunteered as a Foster Grandparent at ACGC Elementary.

Judy found joy in life's simple moments, she was happiest with a cup of coffee or a cold Coke, sitting on an open patio and enjoying the outdoors. She loved gardening, visiting with friends, family and attending events. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Judy was also active in the Alano Club in Austin for many years, where she formed lasting friendships, and she was very proud of her 40 years of sobriety.

She is survived by her children, Matthew (Susanne) Stark of Austin, Minnesota and Suzanne (Anthony) Holtz of Atwater, Minnesota; grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Jacob) Bennett, Samantha (Jon) Andree, Jacob (Haley) Stark, Kobe (Breanna) Holtz, and Kaiden Holtz; great-grandchildren, Camden, Brynn, Amelia, Ramsi, Dayton, and Madelyn; sister-in-law, DeAnn Scheffel; and nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Minnie and Richard Scheffel; brothers, Arnold Scheffel and Roger Scheffel; niece, Amy Lynn Scheffel; and many aunts, uncles, and dear friends.

Judy was lovingly known by her grandchildren as Grandma Nutso and Grandma Doo-Doo reflecting her fun and spirited nature. She will be forever missed by all who knew her.

A memorial gathering will be held from 12:00p.m. until 2:00p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin. Private burial will take place in Woodbury Cemetery in rural Lyle, Minnesota at a later date. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

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05/04/2026

Let’s honor our teachers on National Teachers’ Day! Did you have a teacher who shaped the way you looked at the world? What did they say and how did it inspire you?

05/02/2026

Sometimes, grief can leave you feeling drained and a little bit lost, but there are ways to stay afloat when it feels overwhelming. This article discusses the ebb and flow of grief and how you can use laughter to help you navigate through its ups and downs.

Grief can make you feel lost and drain your happiness, but laughter can help you stay afloat when it feels overwhelming.

05/01/2026

Alice June Qual

Alice Qual (nee Redmon), a longtime Austin resident died peacefully on February 9, 2026, at age 96 in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she had moved in recent years. Alice was born in Statesville, North Carolina, the youngest of the three children of Hulda Swenson Redmon (later Holte) and William Parks Redmon. She grew up on a farm near Bagley, MN where she fostered a love for nature, walking or skiing to school across neighboring farms. She earned a teaching certificate at Bemidji State College and taught elementary school for two years.

Alice earned a pilot’s license just before marrying her husband of 52 years, Robert (Bob) Qual. Together they raised six children, moving to Austin in 1958. A longtime champion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in 1987 Alice and Bob together founded a recreation center that provided social and educational opportunities for this vulnerable population, which included their daughter Nancy. The rec center operates today under the auspices of LIFE Mower County and sponsors many events and programs serving residents of Austin and Mower County and surrounding areas.

After earning an associate degree from Riverland Community College, Alice worked as a bookkeeper for the family’s business and later worked at Younker’s as a sales associate for many years. She was a member of the YMCA in Austin and exercised there several days a week well into her late 80’s. Alice was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church for 68 years, served on the Board of Directors of the Cedar Valley Rehabilitation Center, and Arc Mower County (now LIFE Mower County).

A lifelong learner, Alice loved to travel, study languages and read voraciously. She loved her garden and being outdoors. She also loved weather and often chose to take walks in snow or rainstorms.

She is survived by her daughters, Nancy Qual, Cathy Stypula (Gary), Shirley Qual, and Susan Nixon; grandchildren, Katy Harder (Ron), Tommy Stypula (Lorena), Alice Williams (Tyler), Annie Bearss (Max Schramm), William Nixon, and Charlie Nixon; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hulda and William; stepfather, Arthur Holte; sister, Hazel; brother, William; husband, Bob Qual; and sons Leslie and James.

The memorial service for Alice will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. A private interment was held in Grandview Cemetery, Austin. Contributions may be made in her memory to the Qual Memorial Fund through the Austin Area Foundation, which was created to benefit individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Austin area. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.

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