Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes

02/07/2026

Funerals can be stressful, especially if family members disagree about how to honor a loved one?s life. This article shares a few ideas on how to deal with family discord during a difficult time.

In stressful situations, family discord is more likely to surface. Take a few moments to learn how you can combat discord at a funeral.

02/06/2026

Donald "Don" Henry Barnes

Don Barnes, age 99, of Austin, Minnesota, went home to Heaven on February 4, 2026, at St. Mark’s Living.

Donald Henry Barnes was born January 31, 1927, to Vivian and Grace (Mahachek) Barnes in Chicago, Illinois and in 1931 the family relocated to an Austin-area farm. Don attended London Grade School, Woodbury Country School, and Austin High School. After two years at Austin Junior College, Don earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1951 in Farm Operation from Iowa State University. He then returned to the family farm where he worked with his father until being drafted into the Army later that year. Don served in administrative support near Seoul during the Korean Conflict and afterwards was in the Army Reserves for six years.

On April 2, 1968, he married F. Louise Bateman at Pleasant Home Church in Edson, KS. They enjoyed a 57-year marriage that was blessed with two children, Amy and Brian.

After Don’s military service, he continued farming near London, operating a 6300-bird egg laying field study for Babcock Producers. From 1981 to 1997, Don served Mower County as its Agricultural Inspector. He served the Boy Scouts for 55+ years as leader, director and commissioner. He was a director for the Woodbury Cemetery Association and for the Hormel Historic Home, a member of the Noon Kiwanis Club, and the Mower County Horticulture Society, and a volunteer at the AARP Tax Aide office. Don faithfully supported the Red Cross blood drive, donating 23 gallons throughout his life.

In retirement, Don and Louise made many bus trips across the country as well as cruises to Alaska and the Panama Canal. He enjoyed reading the newspaper, doing crossword puzzles, and working in the yard and garden. Don was able to create a solution to most problems with things he had on hand that he could “rig up”.

Don gave his life to Jesus Christ as a youth and served Him faithfully through the years as an elder, deacon, Sunday School teacher, and missions committee member. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Louise, just five weeks prior; his brother, Gordon, and sister-in-law, Marie.

Don is survived by his daughter, Amy (Dan) Rector, Rochester, MN and son, Brian (Kathy) Barnes, Woodstock, IL; grandchildren Emma and Adam Rector, and Nathan, Hannah, and Lydia Barnes; a cousin; and nephews and nieces.

Memorial donations can be made online to the Kiwanis Possibility Project or through the family. No flowers/plants, please. https://www.kiwanis.org/who-we-are/ways-to-give/donation-form/

A memorial service for Don will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Grace Baptist Church, Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, at St. Mark’s Living in Austin, Minnesota, and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Don donated his body to Mayo Clinic Medical Science Research. There will be no interment. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

View Donald "Don" Henry Barnes's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/05/2026

Virginia Eileen Kehret

Virginia Eileen Kehret, age 84, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at her home with her family by her side. Virginia was born on August 10, 1941, in Northwood, Iowa to Truman and Evelyn (Dahlby) Thoen. She lived on a farm near Kensett, Iowa until age 10 and then moved to a farm near Austin for four years before moving to a farm near Blooming Prairie. Virginia attended a one-room country school from 1st through 8th grade, graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1959, and attended Austin Junior College. Virginia married LaVerne Kehret on December 10, 1961, in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota and were blessed with two sons, Dayton and Jon. Virginia and LaVerne farmed near Austin for 60 years. She loved helping on the farm, reading, cooking, and baking, but most of all she loved her husband and their family. Virginia was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her sons, Dayton (Shan) Kehret of Austin, MN and Jon (Laurie) Kehret of Byron, MN; seven grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Sue Kehret of Washington, Roberta Kehret of Rochester, and Carolyn Kehret of Des Moines, Iowa; 12 first cousins; many nieces and nephews; and good friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, LaVerne Kehret on May 6, 2022; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert Thoen, Elaine Thoen and Charlotte Cobeen, and Darrell Thoen; and sister, VaLois Thoen.

A funeral service for Virginia will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Olaf Lutheran Church Home Campaign or donor’s choice. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

View Virginia Eileen Kehret's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/03/2026

Jacqueline Ann Olson

Jacqueline “Jackie” Ann Olson, age 95, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Timberdale Trace Memory Care in Owatonna, Minnesota. Jackie was born on March 21, 1930, to Harvey and Rose (Bisch) Oliver in Waseca, Minnesota. She graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic Schools in Waseca, Minnesota, in 1948. She was employed at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. On June 9, 1951, she married John Dean Olson of Hartland, Minnesota. In 1962, they moved to Blooming Prairie where she was employed at Anderson Cleaners. She was an active member of St. Columbanus Catholic Church where she served as President of the CCW and fulfilled many other parish duties. Jackie was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and card chairman of the Blooming Prairie Country Club. Jackie took pride in being a homemaker and enjoyed cooking, baking and many Sunday dinners after church with her family. She also enjoyed golfing and playing cards.

Jackie is survived by her three children, Christine (Rick) Klemmensen, Jon (Gretchen) Olson and Jan Anderson; grandchildren, Tricia Steckelberg, Jill (Nathan) Lindeman, Jay (Jamie) Klemmensen, Chad (Tamora) Klemmensen, Ariana (Nathan) Finholdt, Aric Olson, Ryan (Mariah) Foudray, Jennifer (Ryan) Born, Mark (Lisa) Anderson, Christopher Anderson, and Aaron (Angela) Anderson; great-grandchildren, Alexis and Grady Steckelberg, Cole and Isabel Lindeman, Andi, Bergen and Bailee Klemmensen, Trig and Nala Klemmensen, Kaden, Karsen and Libbie Finholdt, Miles, Cedric and Carmella Foudray, Emma and Blake Born, Abigael, Ava and Evan Anderson, Lydia Behringer-Vien, Landon and Everly Anderson; sister, Tommie Sotebeer; special niece, Mary Sotebeer, and many more nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Rose Oliver; and husband, John Dean Olson; three brothers; four sisters; son-in-law, David Anderson; grandson-in-law, Karl Steckelberg; and nephew, Jim Sotebeer.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Mayo Hospice Austin and Albert Lea and Timberdale Trace Memory Care for the wonderful care given to Jackie.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Jackie will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, February 9, 2026, at St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, with Father Greg Leif officiating. The visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. prior to Mass. Interment will be in St. Columbanus Cemetery, Blooming Prairie. Memorials are preferred to the St. Columbanus Furnace Fund, St. Columbanus Cemetery Fund, or donor’s choice. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.

View Jacqueline Ann Olson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/03/2026

Franklin "Frank" Howard Vorlicek

Franklin “Frank” Howard Vorlicek, age 80, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie. Frank was born on May 20, 1945, to Howard and MaryAnn (Urban) Vorlicek in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He attended high school in Silver Lake, Minnesota, graduating as valedictorian of his class in 1963. Frank went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in history and English from St. Cloud State University, followed by a master’s degree in education from Mankato State University. On October 28, 1967, Frank married Diane Quast at St. Philips Catholic Church in Litchfield, Minnesota. Their union was blessed with four children.

After graduating from college, Frank began teaching in Sandstone, Minnesota. Two years later, sensing a need to move to a place where he could maximize his passion for flowers, he accepted a position with Blooming Prairie High School and proudly became an Awesome Blossom. He taught at BPHS for the next 32 years, teaching such classes as History, English, Skills for Adolescence, and even Music Appreciation. His classes were always marked by the inclusion of the hallowed “scribe”, a lucky student designated by Mr. Vorlicek to be his consultant and gopher during times of pedagogical need. During his tenure, Frank was an integral part of the speech and drama programs, helping erstwhile shy students find their voices through participation in anxiety-ridden speech competitions, rousing musicals, and high-energy one act plays. He was also quite proud of his time spent as a peer counseling advisor to students. Following his tenure at Blooming Prairie, he spent five years teaching at Pacelli High School in Austin.

To supplement his robust teaching salary, Frank spent many summers working “pea pack” for Green Giant and dearly enjoyed owning and operating Frank & Tom's Greenhouse in Blooming Prairie for thirty years. Of Frank & Tom’s, he once said, “If I die in here, I will be content.” While that end was not realized, his passion for flowers and immense knowledge for tending to them are indelibly marked within his family, friends, and the countless community members who reside in the aptly named hamlet of Blooming Prairie.

Frank's passions also included dancing, especially polkas and waltzes. It was at a dance where he found the love of his life, Diane. For several decades, he taught ballroom dance classes through Blooming Prairie Community Education. A devoted member of St. Columbanus Catholic Church, Frank served as the religious education coordinator for many years and played the piano and organ at church services. He was a vocalist and played piano at countless funerals and weddings. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he was actively involved in the Knights of Columbus. Frank was also quite proud of his Czech heritage, growing up in a household that included all four of his grandparents and parents who spoke fluent Czech and instilled in him various Czech traditions. He was a dedicated member of ZCBJ Lodge 127 in Owatonna.

Frank and Diane shared a love for antiquing, collecting Watt pottery, and for many years, had a space within various antique stores. Frank was known for his extensive vocabulary, warm presence, and the joy he found in spending time with family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Diane Vorlicek of Blooming Prairie, MN; children, Heidi (Alan) Jolley, Auna (Jade) Hildahl, Jason (Jackie) Vorlicek, and Trenton (Charryse) Vorlicek; grandchildren, Cody (Sarah) Jolley, Matthew (Gaby) Jolley, Madeline (Brendan) Vorlicek, Gabriel (Jeremy) Allen, Ayla Vorlicek, and Sophia Hildahl; siblings, Magdalen (Theophil) Kostecka and Roy (Kimberly) Vorlicek. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Mary Ann Vorlicek; son-in-law, Richard Allen; and sister, Kathy (Dale) Vollmer.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Frank will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. The visitation will begin with the rosary at 4:00 p.m. and continue until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, at St. Columbanus Catholic Church; visitation will also be held for one hour prior to Mass on Saturday. A joyously spirited celebration of life will follow Mass at the Servicemen’s Club in Blooming Prairie. Interment at the Czech National Cemetery near Blooming Prairie will be held at a later date. Memorials are preferred to the Blossoming Community Foundation, Blooming Prairie Educational Foundation, Blooming Prairie Cancer Group, Queen of Angels Hermitage, or the St. Columbanus Catholic Church Bell Tower Project. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements. A livestream of Frank’s service will be available, and condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

View Franklin "Frank" Howard Vorlicek's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/03/2026

02/02/2026

Carla Jean Stoa

Carla Jean Stoa, age 68, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, Methodist Campus. Carla was born on September 18, 1957, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Morris and Arletta (Olson) Woods. Carla grew up in Glenville, Minnesota, where she graduated from high school before attending Austin Vo-Tech for cosmetology. On August 2, 1980, Carla married Roger Stoa in Glenville, and together raised two children, Amanda and Brian.

Carla began her professional journey as a law enforcement dispatcher for Mower County, a role she held for 20 years. Her commitment and leadership earned her and her team numerous accolades during her service from 1979 to 1999. After her stint with Mower County, she worked at Mel’s Diner in Ellendale, Clothing Care Dry Cleaning in Albert Lea, and spent the last 10 working years at Cedar House in Albert Lea, where she earned the title of the house mom, taking care of cooking, cleaning, and transporting until 2014 when she retired.

Carla was known for her passion for knitting and crocheting, creating beautiful slippers, afghans, and rugs, that she generously shared with friends and family. Her unwavering support for her family and community, along with her calm and collected demeanor, made her a cherished presence in the lives of those who knew her. Above all, Carla cherished her role as a grandmother. She was a lifelong member of Moscow Lutheran Church.

Survivors include her mother, Arletta Woods; daughter, Amanda and her husband, Donnie Juenger (Michael, Gabriel, Josephine, Degan, and Keandra) of Austin, Minnesota; son, Brian and his wife, Deborah (Evangeline, Adelynn, and Rosalind) of Hartford, Wisconsin; siblings, Mike (Renee) Woods of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, Steve Woods of Northwood, Iowa, Shelley Gulbrandson of Glenville, Minnesota, and Jeff (Tami) Woods of Medford, Minnesota; and numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws. She was preceded in death by her father, Morris Woods in 1990; husband, Roger in 2023; and brother-in-law, Gary Gulbrandson.

A memorial service for Carla will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Moscow Lutheran Church, rural Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin, Minnesota, and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be held in the Spring at Moscow Lutheran Cemetery, rural Austin, Minnesota. She will be interred with her husband, Roger. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

View Carla Jean Stoa's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/02/2026

Robert "Bob" George Kraushaar

Robert George Kraushaar, age 97, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in his senior living apartment, at St. Therese Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. His family was by his side. Robert “Bob” Kraushaar was born July 16, 1928, to George and Dora (Klukow) Kraushaar in Freeborn County, Minnesota. He grew up with four siblings on the family farm. He graduated from Austin High School in 1950. Right after high school, he joined the Navy. In 1952, he was assigned to the USS Bennington, an aircraft carrier and served during the Korean War. On June 15, 1952, while in the Navy, he married Greta Mae Smith from Parkersburg, West Virginia who was also serving in the Navy. He left the Navy in 1954 and resumed grain and dairy farming. Later in life, he became the business owner and operator of Sterling Car Wash and Midtown Car Wash in Austin, Minnesota. Bob and Greta had seven children and divorced in 1973. Bob enjoyed horseback and trail riding with his children during their years on the farm. On July 2, 1976, he married Carol Morgan at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Every year, Bob looked forward to heading “Up North” for a week’s vacation at the lake with Carol’s family. In the late 80’s after retirement, Bob spent much of his time at Leach Lake, fishing with family and friends. He especially enjoyed celebrating his birthday at the lake with his family. Bob also enjoyed woodworking, making several items including furniture for his home and his children’s homes. Bob loved to play cards and taught his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren how to play cribbage, which remains a favorite family game. He was a loving father to Sandra Batt, Beverly (Bruce) Baker, Theresa Kraushaar, Mary Hansen, Mike (Jenny) Kraushaar, Jane Byrne, and Patricia McLain and stepchildren, Laurel Boss and Kevin Morgan. Bob had 18 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister, LaVonne Buland; his sister-in-law, Shirley Kraushaar; and brother-in-law, Chet Nelson. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; former wife, Greta; stepdaughter, Christine; two grandsons, Brandon and Grayson; son-in law, Roger; and his siblings, Maxine, Richard, and LeMoyne.

Bob’s family would like to thank his care team from St. Croix Hospice, Cornerstone Caregiving, St. Therese Oxbow Lake and the Brooklyn Park Emergency Services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Therese Foundation of Oxbow Lake, the American Legion or the donor’s choice.

A memorial service for Bob will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place from 9:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery, Austin, Minnesota. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

View Robert "Bob" George Kraushaar's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/02/2026

Mau Thi Huynh

Mau Thi Huynh

June 8, 1960 – January 31, 2026

Mau Thi Huynh, age 65, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, in Austin, Minnesota.

Mau was born on June 8, 1960, in Vietnam. In 1987, she emigrated to the United States, where she built a life grounded in hard work, perseverance, and devotion to her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a cherished grandmother.

Mau was known for her strong work ethic and for dedicating her life to caring for her family. She found joy in cooking for loved ones and took pride in preparing meals that brought people together. She also enjoyed traveling and experiencing new places, creating memories she treasured deeply.

She will be remembered for her kindness, humility, resilience, and the love she gave so freely to those around her. Her memory will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Mau Thi Huynh is survived by her beloved husband, Khinh Van Nguyen; her first son, Phong Thach Nguyen; her second son, Denney Nguyen; and her cherished granddaughter, Arwen Nguyen.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home, followed by burial at Oakwood Cemetery at 3:00 PM.

Mau Thi Huynh

Ngày 8 tháng 6, 1960 – Ngày 31 tháng 1, 2026

Bà Mau Thi Huynh, 65 tuổi, đã qua đời bình yên vào ngày 31 tháng 1 năm 2026 tại Austin, Minnesota.

Bà sinh ngày 8 tháng 6 năm 1960 tại Việt Nam. Năm 1987, bà đã sang Hoa Kỳ và xây dựng một cuộc sống dựa trên sự chăm chỉ, kiên cường và tận tâm với gia đình. Bà là một người vợ tận tụy, người mẹ yêu thương và bà ngoại được quý mến.

Bà Mau nổi tiếng với tinh thần làm việc chăm chỉ và cả đời dành trọn cho gia đình. Bà yêu thích nấu ăn cho những người thân yêu, mang đến những bữa ăn đầy ấm áp và sum vầy. Bà cũng thích du lịch, khám phá những nơi mới và lưu giữ những kỷ niệm đáng trân trọng.

Bà sẽ được nhớ mãi vì lòng nhân hậu, sự khiêm nhường, kiên cường và tình yêu thương mà bà dành cho tất cả những người xung quanh. Kỷ niệm về bà sẽ sống mãi trong trái tim những ai từng biết và yêu quý bà.

Bà Mau Thi Huynh để lại người chồng yêu quý Khinh Van Nguyen; con trai cả Phong Thach Nguyen; con trai thứ Denney Nguyen; và cháu gái yêu quý Arwen Nguyen.

Lễ viếng sẽ được tổ chức vào Thứ Năm, ngày 5 tháng 2 năm 2026, từ 12:00 trưa đến 3:00 chiều tại Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home, tiếp theo là an táng tại Nghĩa trang Oakwood lúc 3:00 chiều.

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02/02/2026

Haddie caught me training for the frunge yesterday! Please help us raise money to reach our goal!

Thank you Aurora Web Solutions for sponsoring our team!

Healing Hearts Connection is a wonderful organization that puts on FREE camps for families that have lost loved ones. You’ll never know the impact they truly make by bringing kids that feel alone and lost in their world into a camp where there are lots of other kids and families in the same spot they are. It builds a new foundation of support they desperately need.

If you can, please help us reach our goal at the link below.

https://secure.healingheartsconnection.com/np/clients/healingheartsconnection/campaign.jsp?forwardedFromSecureDomain=1&campaign=48&fundraiser=12582

02/02/2026

It’s Groundhog Day, and Bill Murray’s movie by the same name probably gets more views today than any other day of the year. What’s your favorite scene from the movie, and do you think Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow?

02/01/2026

This month, as we celebrate African American Heritage Month, what’s something you truly appreciate about the impact African Americans have had on our nation? Whether it’s the beautiful words of Maya Angelou, the deeply inspiring speeches of Martin Luther King Jr., the athleticism of Kobe Bryant and other athletes, or the conviction of Harriet Tubman, there is so much to admire and emulate. What means the most to you?