January 2025

Marlene Mae Holtz, a 79 of Stewart died December 31, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. A Memorial Service will be held at 123 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Community Center in Stewart. Visitation and lunch will take place following the service until 2 p.m. Interment will be at a later date in Lakeside Cemetery in Stewart. Marlene was born on May 5, 1945, to Arthur and Esther (Vandre) Luedtke in McLeod County. She married Raymond “Arnie” Holtz on September 18, 1965. Marlene was able to stay home and raise their three children and once they were in school, she began working for HTI in Hutchinson. Marlene loved gardening, canning and baking; she always had something in the oven or on the stove ready for visitors. She loved to play cards and spend time with family. Marlene had a thirst for knowledge in history especially when it came to Native American history. She was a devout member of Jehovah’s Witnesses until being shunned for smoking. However, this did not deter her belief and she still kept a strong faith. She is survived by her children, Shari Schwartz of Mankato, Angie (Jason) Schulte of Gibbon and Wes (Tracy) Holtz of Stewart; grandchildren, Tonya Borth, Travis Schwartz, Ashlee Leonard, Brandon Holtz, Arianna Whitcomb, Seth Holtz and Jess Holtz; 11 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arnie in 1992; siblings, Robert Luedtke, LeeAnn Beinke, Bonnie Houchin and a brother in infancy; and son-in-law, Dan Schwartz.

Mary F. Jaskowiak was born on September 11, 1929, in rural Silver Lake. She was the daughter of Frank and Sarah (Porkornowski) Schultz. On May 18, 1948, she was united in marriage to Ernest Jaskowiak at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Silver Lake by Reverend Stanley Skulzacek. God blessed their marriage with five children and almost 51 years of marriage before Ernest passed away in April of 1999. Mary and her husband were faithful members of St. Adalbert Church and later Holy Family Church of Silver Lake. The couple engaged in dairy and hog farming in Hale Township, McLeod County for many years. Mary enjoyed farming, taking care of her large lawn and yard on the farm and later in town. She also enjoyed gardening, flowers, cooking, baking and time spent bowling, fishing, going to the lake, playing cards and quilting with the ladies at Holy Family. Mary especially enjoyed family gatherings and time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary was a member of the Rosary Society, CCW, former member of GFWC Women’s Club of Silver Lake, MeLeod County Historical Society, and Senior Citizens Club of Silver Lake. Mary had the honor of winning the Minnesota State Seniors Bowling Championship for Woman at 70 years old in 2002. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Ernest Jaskowiak (1999), her parents Frank and Sarah Schultz, her brothers and sisters-in-law Henry (Loretta) Schultz, Ernest (Fidelia) Schultz, Theophil