Mankato Area Funeral Homes

12/03/2025

This video featuring Dr. Alan Wolfelt offers compassionate guidance on supporting friends and family who are grieving during the holiday season. It’s a great resource to watch personally or to share with someone who may appreciate the insight and comfort.

This video with Dr. Alan Wolfelt explores how to be support your friends and family who are grieving during the holiday season.

12/02/2025

Barbara Ann Anderson

Barbara Ann Anderson, 85, of Vista Prairie in North Mankato, Minnesota passed away on November 29, 2025 after a prolonged battle with congestive heart failure.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Northview - North Mankato Mortuary 2060 Commerce Dr. N., Mankato, MN 56003, on Friday, December 5, 2025. A Memorial Service at 11am, will be followed by a visitation until 1pm. Light refreshments will be served throughout.

Barbara was born on September 23, 1940 to Kenneth and Lois Neff in Waseca, Minnesota. She graduated from Waseca Central High School in 1958. She had several jobs until attending Southwest Technical College for computer programming in 1987 and 1988. She finished out her career at Taylor Corporation; Social Division as a computer programmer. She was referred to as the “Jill of all trades and was the master of them all!”.

In 1966 Barb met Mike Anderson in Waseca. They were married on May 27, 1967. Barb has one surviving son and a stillborn son and daughter.

Barbara retired fully in 1995. Barb loved and enjoyed her family. She hosted many gatherings of both family and friends. She loved working and playing on her computer. She loved traveling either with her husband and son or solo to visit friends and family. She was very active with Messiah Lutheran Church. She sang in the choir for many years. She was with the altar guild and helped the church as a money counter.

Barb was preceded in death by her husband, Mike Anderson (2019); mother, Lois Neff; father, Kenneth Neff; sister, Brenda Nash; and brother, Dennis Neff.

She is survived by her son, Tom (Kelly) Anderson of North Mankato. She has one surviving brother, KC (Julie) Neff of Waseca. She had an especially close relationship with nephews, Bo Nash and Buster (Randi) Nash both of Mankato. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

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

12/01/2025

💜 Audrey Squad Toy Drive – 8th Annual 💜

In honor and memory of her daughter, Audrey, our funeral director Shanna Wood is once again collecting toys to support Mayo Hospital’s Child Life Program.

This annual toy drive is a beautiful tribute to Audrey’s spirit and a meaningful way to bring comfort and joy to children and families who need it most.

🧸 How to Donate:
You can drop off new toys or make a cash donation (used to purchase toys) at:
Northview–North Mankato Mortuary
📍 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato
🕘 Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm

Or send donations via Venmo: -Wood5678

📅 Deadline: Sunday, December 7

Thank you for helping Shanna carry forward Audrey’s legacy of kindness. 💛 Your generosity truly makes a difference.

11/30/2025

Denise Carol Painter

Denise Carol Painter (Mensing), 73, of North Mankato, passed away on November 27, 2025, at M Health Fairview in Minneapolis.

Denise was born in Blue Earth, MN, on December 15, 1951, the third of four children of Albert and Vernice (Nagel) Mensing, and was raised on the family farm in Delevan. She participated in 4-H, raising livestock and completing many sewing and design projects, especially Dress Review. She had a lifelong passion for music—playing piano, often in trios with her brothers, singing solos and in choirs, and playing baritone saxophone in marching band.

After high school, Denise moved to Mankato and attended Mankato Vo-Tech. Her interest in fashion and retail grew through her work at Brett’s and Thompson’s, where she met her future husband, Chris, who worked at Wilson’s. They married on August 5, 1978. Denise and Chris raised their two children, Lindsey and Zachary, in North Mankato. She loved her children unconditionally and supported them in every way. Later, her love extended to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she embraced with the same warmth and devotion.

Denise took great pride in being a working mother. She spent 21 years at Exclusively Diamonds, helping clients with some of the most important moments in their lives. She was a devoted member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, serving in many roles, including the first female president of the congregation, and sharing her gifts through choir and handbells. In retirement she enjoyed caring for her grandchildren, golfing with friends, volunteering at church, and traveling.

In 2023, Denise began treatment for pre-leukemia, a hereditary condition affecting her family for generations. It progressed to Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and she underwent chemotherapy while preparing for a possible stem cell transplant. During treatment, her weakened immunity led to multiple strokes that ultimately caused her death. The family extends their deepest gratitude to her niece Tricia, who remained by her side throughout her stay in Minneapolis. Denise was strong, graceful, and fearless through her illness.

She is survived by her daughter Lindsey (Nate) Marso of Eagle Lake and their daughters Breanna, Mackenzie, and Avery; great-grandchildren Dominick, Dawsyn, Bella, Bentley, and Iris; her son Zachary (Lisa) Painter of Mankato and their children Grace and Wyatt; mother Vernice Mensing of Mankato; brothers Eugene (Judy) Mensing of Mankato and Chuck Mensing of Blue Earth; sister-in-law Sandi Mensing of North Mankato; many nieces and nephews; and sister and brother in-law, Diane Painter and Rick (Tracy) Painter. She was preceded in death by her husband Chris, father Albert Mensing, brother Brian Mensing, and in-laws Richard (Betty) Painter and Greg Painter.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 5, 2025, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Mankato. Visitation will be from 4–7 p.m. Thursday, December 4, at Northview–North Mankato Mortuary, and one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the South Central College Endowment Scholarship Fund Denise and Chris Painter in North Mankato or Our Savior Lutheran Church in Mankato.

View Denise Carol Painter's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/30/2025

Terrence Ralph Haefner

Terrence “Terry” Haefner passed peacefully, surrounded by family on November 27, 2025, after courageously fighting multiple medical conditions.

He was born on July 26, 1942, in Owatonna, MN, but was raised in Mankato where he spent much of his life until moving to Madelia, MN, ten years ago. At the age of eighteen months, he contracted encephalitis which caused paralysis and required extensive hospitalization. The illness left him with a speech impediment and diminished fine motor skills. Despite these challenges he graduated from Loyola High School in 1960 and Mankato Commercial College in 1962. Terry worked incredibly hard in multiple physically demanding jobs, and he was a true role model of commitment, perseverance, and strong work ethic for his family.

Terry’s Catholic faith provided the foundation for how he lived his life and faced challenges. Despite hard times, he was always willing to help others and tried to hold onto a positive attitude. He became a Eucharistic minister, providing communion to many in the community who were unable to attend mass in person. He was a dedicated participant and often a leader of Bible Study Fellowship groups as well as a teacher of faith formation classes at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato. As part of his faith, he spread the love of God that he personally manifested in so many ways. An avid reader and book collector, Terry volunteered at the North Mankato Taylor Library after retirement and served as a foster grandparent in the Mankato Area Public Schools.

A devoted father and grandfather, he loved spending time with his family, including attending concerts that showed his appreciation of highly diverse musical genres, MN Wild Hockey Games, and Indianapolis 500 races. Closer to home, he loved playing video games, golfing, and challenging others playing chess and cribbage.

Terry and his family greatly appreciated the many compassionate and skilled caregivers who treated him with such respect and compassion in his last years, months, and days.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 58 years, Polly (Faerber, originally of New Ulm); and children, Ralph and Kim Haefner, Rebecca and Bryan Moore, and Rachel Lee. He deeply loved his grandchildren, Linnea and husband Jake, Terry, Aaron, and Anna, and loved to watch them excel in all their endeavors. Terry’s love of family shone through last summer when he rallied his energy to attend Linnea’s wedding the same day he was discharged from one of his many hospitalizations in recent years. The strength of his love for his wife and children, and then his grandchildren, was beyond measure and he will be missed by them with that same intensity.

The family asks those wishing to remember Terry do so through a contribution to the North Mankato Taylor Library or a favorite charity helping continue his spirit of generosity and love of community.

Mass will be held at 11am, Saturday, December 6, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Mankato.

View Terrence Ralph Haefner's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/28/2025

Dale E. Himmelman

Dale Edward Himmelman was born December 23, 1934 to Fred and Mayme (Bublitz) Himmelman. Dale passed away peacefully, November 25, 2025 one month shy of his 91st birthday.

Dale met the love of his life, Verla Heyer, at Art’s Deluxe in 1953. They were married September 4, 1954 at Colman Methodist Church in Colman SD. Dale was a member of one of Mankato’s original families, they settled here in 1855. Dale was a life-long resident of North Mankato. He began his working life by owning and operating the Webb gas station at Belgrade and Center Streets.

He went to work at the Highway Department, later MNDOT, in 1955. He worked on dozens of highway projects in southern Minnesota, including I-90 from Blue Earth to the South Dakota state line. Beginning in the 1960’s he also worked weekends at Uppies North Star gas station in Lake Crystal. He was a real “car guy”. He always worked on his own vehicles, out in his garage.

Dale retired from MNDOT in 1992, and then began working at the Free Press. He maintained the fleet of delivery vans, and also delivered the bundles of newspapers to towns surrounding Mankato. He retired "for good" from the Free Press. Ever the one to try something new, Dale learned to ski at the age of 49, in the early 1980’s. This led to many trips to Colorado and getting the grandchildren involved in the sport in 1986. He and his brother skied Alta in Utah for many years too. Dale and his brother had a deep interest in genealogy. They spent many hours every year at the LDS research facility. As a result, we have a detailed and complete family tree. They made trips to Europe for more research. Dale was a member of Centenary UMC from 1954 until his death. He was involved in Methodist Men and served as an usher for decades.

Dale is predeceased by his parents; wife, Verla; and all four siblings: Elaine (Carl) Anderson, Gwynlyn (Dorset) Gant, Blaine (Carol Johnson), and Donna (Charles) Southwick.

He is survived by his children: Kathryn (L.C.) Smith of Pueblo CO, Susan Himmelman of Sleepy Eye, and David (Lisa) of North Mankato; Grandchildren: Christina (Joseph) Monson and Krystal Smith of Pueblo CO, Lee (Chris Paulson) Smith of Wheat Ridge CO, and Josephine McMurtry of St Louis Park and Justin McMurtry of Mankato; Great Grandchildren: Michael, Christian, and Kendall Monson, and Benjamin (Cheyenne) Smith; Great-Great Grandson, Akicita Smith; Sister-in-Law, Diana Heyer; Special travel companion Nancy Hoy; and his beloved cat, Bob.

Memorial service will be 11:00am Friday, December 12, 2025 at Northview~North Mankato Mortuary. Visitation will be 5:00pm-7:00pm Thursday, December 11th at Northview and one hour prior to the service. Memorials can be made to Centenary UMC, Glenwood Mausoleum Fund and St. Judes. For the service livestream or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mankatomortuary.com.

View Dale E. Himmelman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/28/2025

Joseph Glenn Barnette

Joseph Glenn Barnette, age 55, died Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato.

Joseph was born November 10, 1970 at the Fort Benning military base in Georgia. He graduated from Mankato State University with a degree in English. Joe served in the Army National Guard and was called to Kuwait during the Second Gulf War. He enjoyed his lawn care work with Green Care in Mankato.

Joseph is survived by his parents, Glenn and Sally Barnette of Mankato; sister, Ann Barnette of Rochester; brother, Patrick (Jessica Cohen) Barnette of Jersey City, NY; and sister, Kara (Andrew Grace) Barnette of Salt Lake City, UT.

Private family services will be held.

Memorials are preferred to St. Thomas More Newman Center (by mail: P.O. Box 4222, Mankato, MN 56002 or online at https://stthomasmorecatholicnewmancenter-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1204720)

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11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving! Today, we reflect on all we’re grateful for and the loved ones who enrich our lives. We know this day can be challenging for some, and we want you to know you are supported and your feelings are valid. No matter how you spend the day, we wish you comfort and love.

11/26/2025

James Malan Borseth

James Malan Borseth, age 88, of Mankato, died Sunday, November 23, 2025 after a brief illness.

He graduated from Windom High School where he was a standout athlete, earning 14 letters across basketball, baseball, football, and track and field.

Jim enlisted in the United States Airforce on June 14, 1956. On August 3, 1957, Jim married the love of his life, June Flatgard, in Windom, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. As newlyweds, they lived in London until 1959 while he served in the military. Upon returning to the US after being honorably discharged, Jim and June resided in the Twin Cities until relocating to Mankato in 1967. In 1975, their family moved to LeSueur, MN where they owned and operated a hardware store followed by a brief period in Austin, MN before returning to Mankato in 1981.

He began his professional career in the accounting department of North Star Concrete in Northeast Minneapolis after receiving an Associates Degree in Accounting from the Minnesota School of Business. Jim progressed through the company into operations and management roles of increasing responsibility. His dedication and leadership ultimately resulted in his appointment as President and CEO of the Ready Mix Concrete Company in Rochester where he worked until his retirement in 2002. Beyond his professional achievements, Jim was passionate about life. He found joy in golfing with his friends and family at the Mankato Golf Club, attending symphony and theater performances with June at Minnesota State University, and traveling to destinations around the world. He cherished the moments spent with family, especially his beloved grandchildren, and his happiest times were those shared with loved ones surrounding him. Jim also nurtured a passion for rose gardening, a reflection of his love for beauty and growth. Known for his optimistic and sociable nature, he loved gathering with friends over coffee at the Wagon Wheel and was actively involved in church groups, fostering connections throughout the community. His kindness, generosity, and warm spirit touched the lives of many, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his son, Mark (Sherry) Borseth of Queen Creek, AZ and their children, Matt, Andy, and Ashley; daughter, Sue (Brian) Erickson of Edina and their children, Steven (Stella) and Lauren (Peter) Truwit; son, Paul (Stacy) Borseth of State College, PA and their son, Blake; 4 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, June Borseth; infant twin brothers; and sister, Maxine McCrory.

Funeral service will be held 11am, Monday, December 15, 2025 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Mankato, with visitation one hour prior. Military honors will be provided by Mankato Area Veterans Memorial Rifle Squad. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery.

The family prefers memorials be directed to either St. Croix Hospice or ECHO Food Shelf (https://www.echofoodshelf.org/donate/ or by mail PO Box 3212, Mankato, MN 56002)

View James Malan Borseth's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/26/2025

Lois Miriam Gau

Lois was born on September 23, 1931, to Martin and Ellen Lind at their farmhouse near Salem, SD. She had two older sisters and enjoyed her childhood on the farm, particularly going to country school through 8th grade and taking care of the family cats and dogs. Lois was very active in high school, church and 4-H activities. Her South Dakota roots remained near and dear throughout her entire life.

Lois always told people “I was baptized Lutheran, attended Baptist Vacation Bible School, and became active in the Catholic Church through my husband Sy.” It was never about the denomination of Christianity for Lois, but rather living her life in grateful response to God’s everyday love and faithfulness love and faithfulness. This spirit of gratitude guided and sustained her throughout her entire life. Lois earned her 2-year teaching degree from Augustana College in 1951, taught elementary elementary grades in Ivanhoe and Tyler, MN, worked for American Airlines in Chicago, married the love of her life Sy Gau in 1953, had five children by October 1960, and she and Sy moved their family ten times by 1968. Beside the everyday business of raising five children and supporting her husband’s demanding schedule, Lois met her goal to earn a BA from Mankato State before any of her children graduated college. It was always important to her to personally know and support her neighbors.

Together, Lois and Sy were very active in Sertoma, and when Sy passed away in 1996, Lois continued to serve this humanitarian organization until her death. She also actively supported the ministries of St. Teresa Catholic Church, helped many children and adults learn to read, and volunteered with Meals-On-Wheels and at the Mapleton Nursing Home. Her gardens fed many people, her framed x-stitch decorated many walls, her baking satisfied many taste buds, and her great-grandchildren still dress their dolls in clothes she made with love. Lois loved to travel. Her travels found her in Virgin Islands, Swaziland, Tanzania, South Africa, Philippines, Germany, Amsterdam, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Mexico, Hawaii, Seattle, West Coast, East Coast and every U.S. State between. In 2004, Lois married Marv, a high school classmate. Marv was a wonderful husband and travel companion.

Lois was the general contractor for the many remodeling projects in “her beloved big old Mapleton house” where she lived from 1968-2023. She and Marv then lived at the Lodge in Mankato for almost two years, and then Lois spent her last 2.5 weeks at Birchwood Cottages in Owatonna. Her family is grateful for the excellent care she received at these places and from St. Croix Hospice.

She is survived by her husband, Marvin Akkerman; one son, Pete Gau (Sam) of Forest City, IA; four daughters, Julie Jolivette (Tom) of Gordon, WI, Dorie Rieger (Matt) of Minneapolis, MN, Marcie Anderson (Cliff) of Owatonna, MN, and Kathy Gau of Eswatini, Africa. Lois took great pride in her 15 grandchildren, Roberta Groening (Heruy), Heidi Satre (Eric), Andy Jolivette (Sarah), Mark Rieger, Rose Walkenhorst (Adam), Luke Rieger (Maria), Laura Altiere (Ryan), Aaron Rieger (Hopi), Jess Edwards (Ben), Ethan Anderson (Cari Jo), Bethany Anderson, Alison Gau (Conor), Mara Anderson, Lucas Gau (Jillian) and Kyler Kirschbaum (Tim). And she was delighted by her 23 great-grandchildren, Claire, Abby, Natalia, Lily, Holden, Anika, Luella, Grace, Molly, Emmett, Alexis, Sofia, Simon, Amelie, Hugh, Brooks, Poppy, Brynn, Gavin, Eli, Juniper, Tyler, and Charlee. Beloved international family members include Maria, Licinia, Naoko, and Allard. Lois is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Sy; and sisters, Jeri & Joyce.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to reflect on your interactions with Lois as inspiration to honor her legacy in whatever manner speaks to you. Any financial memorials will be divided equally between the Mapleton Sertoma Club and Kathy Gau’s work in Eswatini (www.globalgiving.org - Donate to Projects, type in Vusumnotfo in search bar)

Visitation will be held from 2-4pm, Sunday, December 7, 2025 at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Mapleton. Funeral service will be 11am, Monday, December 8, 2025 at church with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Mapleton.

Please share a memory of Lois with her family, view her video tribute, and watch her service livestreamed at www.mankatomortuary.com

View Lois Miriam Gau's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/25/2025

Patti Marie Schultz

Patti Marie Schultz, 67, of Mapleton, passed away at home surrounded by her loved ones on Monday, November 24, 2025 with the Hallmark channel on in the background.

Patti was born on February 7th, 1958 to Francis and Marjorie (Wiebold) Walters. She attended Mapleton High School and graduated in the class of 76. She married Karl Schultz on September 10, 1977, and together they had 3 children.

Patti waitressed at several local establishments before beginning her career at the Mapleton Community Home from where she retired after 31 years.

Patti enjoyed trips to the casinos, happy hour with her friends, going to pool tournaments, to her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, and especially cooking and having a hot meal ready for her family. In her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Patti is preceded in death by her parents, her parents in-law James and Darlene Schultz, niece Jennifer Sickler and her best friend Teresa Walters.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 48 years Karl Schultz; children Jason (Jen) Schultz, Karrie (Bob) Owen, and Travis (Chandra) Schultz; grandchildren Molly Sorenson-Schultz, Brianna (Isaiah) Lacina, Cameron (Chelsey) Schultz, Gavin Owen, Olivia Owen, Evelyn Schultz, Ramsie Schultz, and Cooper Schultz; great-grandchildren Luca Lacina and Lincoln Lacina; siblings Gary (Lois) Walters, Bob (Brenda) Walters and Karen Sickler; aunt Caryl O’Brien; sister in-law, LeeAnn (Duane) Goodrich; brothers in-law Jim (Shirley) Schultz, Brian (Wendy) Schultz and Jeff Schultz; special friend Linda Hanson, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to United Hospital District Hospice.

View Patti Marie Schultz's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/24/2025

Barbara Ann Goettl

Barbara (Barb) A Goettl, 83, passed away on November 23, 2025 at Mapleton Healthcare Center with her family by her side. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday November 29, 2025 at Hosanna Lutheran Church with Pastor Mike Omtvedt officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be in Tivoli Cemetery in rural Mankato.

Barb was born on November 10, 1942 to Peter and Sophie Hauch in Mankato MN.

On September 17, 1960 Barb was united in marriage to Francis Goettl at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Mankato. Together they were blessed with 5 children.

Barb worked at a number of laundromats for over 50 years. She had a passion for sewing and mending which she did for all her family and a large number of others. She loved gardening, she had numerous gardens.Barbs’ family was her pride and joy. Barb was a life-long member of the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Barb is survived by her children; Catherine(Albert)Block, Pete(Lisa)Goettl, Terry(Dave)Goettl, Tim Goettl. 9 Grandchildren, 19 Great Grandchildren and 1 sister.

Barb is preceded in death by her husband Francis, son Chris Goettl, daughter in-law Debra Goettl, parents, mother and father in-law Clem and Marie Goettl and brother Samuel Hauch.

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