Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes

02/21/2026

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02/20/2026

Rhoda Bertha Burger

Rhoda Bertha (Schultze) Burger, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, at Sacred Heart Care Center, at the age of 103.

Rhoda was born on July 16, 1922, in Clare, Iowa, to Frederick and Bertha (Krueger) Schultze. She graduated from Clare High School and went on to pursue a nursing degree in Sioux City, Iowa, later completing graduate studies at the University of Minnesota.

On March 27, 1949, Rhoda was united in marriage to Edwin Burger at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work while farming and raising their five children, Margaret, Mark, Paul, Jeffrey, and Kathleen. They started their married life in Clay Center, Kansas, before settling in Austin in 1958. Rhoda worked as a nurse at St. Olaf Hospital until her retirement in 1984.

Rhoda poured her energy into the things she loved most. She was a faithful and active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Her hands were rarely idle – she filled Mason jars with bounty from her garden, cooked and baked for those she loved, and devoted countless hours to sewing and crocheting. She made quilts and blankets for her children and grandchildren and welcomed the great-grandbabies with one of their own. Through her church women's group, she extended this generosity to those in need. In quieter moments, Rhoda could be found working a puzzle or her daily crossword, approaching each with the same steady patience that defined her life.

Rhoda and Ed shared a deep love of travel and adventure. Over the years, they explored many places together, creating lasting memories and stories they loved to share with family. Their curiosity and enjoyment of discovering new places stayed with them, and they continued to travel often throughout their retirement years.

Rhoda is survived by her children, Margaret Fogelberg of Edina, Mark (Marian) Burger of Tucson, Arizona, Paul Burger of Austin, Jeffrey Burger of St. Paul, and Kathleen (Dennis) Kreatz of Red Lodge, Montana; grandchildren, Leah Fogelberg, Laura (Tyler) Lineburg, Douglas Burger, Amelia Burger, Molly Kreatz, Jacob (Lexi) Kreatz, Charissa (Ryan) Anderson, Savannah Wheeler, and Douglas (Gracie) Wheeler; and great-grandchildren, Jack, Olivia, Carter, Bennett, Ivonne, and Addison. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edwin; one brother; and one sister.

Rhoda was a woman of great faith, a loving and wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed.

A funeral service for Rhoda will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Austin, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery, Austin, Minnesota. Memorials may be directed to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or donor’s choice. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

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02/19/2026

Robert "Bob" Vern Shatek

Robert “Bob” Vern Shatek, age 83, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Our House Senior Living – Memory Care in Austin. Bob was born on January 15, 1943, at an Army base in Gulfport, Mississippi to his parents, Vern and Marie (Hanson) Shatek. He attended and graduated from Austin High School in 1961 and went on to study at Austin Vo-Tech in the machining program. He worked at Owatonna Tool Company before starting his 16-year career at Hormel Foods. Bob loved animals and could be found volunteering at the Mower County Humane Society in his free time. He enjoyed pheasant and duck hunting, fishing and trips to Leech Lake. Bob also taught himself how to make fishing lures.

Bob is survived by his sons, Todd (Tanyia Greseth) Shatek, Tim Shatek, and Grant Shatek; grandchildren, Sarah (Colin) Binion, and Allyson (Sam Killinger) Shatek; brothers, Dick (Linda) Shatek, Ron (Patty) Shatek, and Chuck (Judy) Shatek. He was preceded in death by parents; brother, Mark Shatek.

A private family graveside service will be held in Oakwood Cemetery. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements.

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02/18/2026

Patrick Keith Harmer

Patrick Keith Harmer, age 35, of Austin, Minnesota, entered eternal life on Thursday, February 12, 2026. He was born on February 3, 1991, in Austin, Minnesota, to Dennis and Jan (Nash) Harmer. Growing up, Patrick loved playing sports, including baseball, football, and swimming, and he cherished time spent playing games and competing with his family. He was competitive in everything he did, especially with his brother and sister. Patrick graduated from Austin High School in 2009 and continued his education in the Automotive program at Riverland Community College. After completing his studies, he began his career at Bellisio Foods, an opportunity that eventually led him to his position as a Maintenance Supervisor at Hormel Foods. It was during his time at Bellisio Foods that he met the love of his life, Christina Thompson. Their relationship was built on deep love, devotion, and faith, and together they created a strong foundation for their family. They were united in marriage in October 2018. Patrick was a loving husband to Christina, who will remember him as her rock. He was not just a partner but also her best friend, always there to support her in every moment of life. His kindness and strength will be deeply missed, leaving an irreplaceable void in her heart.

Patrick lived with a joyful spirit and a heart full of generosity. He was the life of every gathering, always ready to bring laughter, comfort, or a helping hand. He especially found joy in coaching his kids and nephews whenever he had the chance, encouraging them, cheering them on, and teaching them lessons that went far beyond sports. One of Emmett and Noah’s favorite memories with their dad was playing NHL26 together on the PlayStation, and Isabelle’s favorite moment was getting to snuggle with daddy. His kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for his family reflected the faith he carried and the values he lived by. He loved to joke, tease, and play with his children and his nieces and nephews, often saying with a grin that everything they did, “they got from Uncle Patrick.” He was so proud of everything that they did and pushed them to always do and be better. Those who knew Patrick will remember his devotion to his family, his selflessness, and the way he made others feel welcomed and loved. His legacy of faith, joy, and steadfast love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

Patrick is survived by his wife, Christina (Thompson) Harmer of Austin; sons, Emmett and Noah; daughter, Isabelle of Austin; parents, Dennis and Jan Harmer of Austin; brother, Jeremy (Michelle) Harmer of Austin; sister, Nicole (Ricky) Carroll of Rose Creek; seven nephews and nieces, Peyton, Cael, Elijah, Madisen, Sophie, Paisley, and Riley; mother-in-law, Lu-Ann (Mike) Jergensen; father-in-law, Lyle Thompson; brother-in-law, Lyle Thompson; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins. He was preceded in death by both his maternal, Rosella and Kenneth Nash, and fraternal, Elsie and Raymond Harmer, grandparents; two uncles, Ricky and Scott Nash; two aunts, Jayne and Gail Nash; and maternal grandparents-in-law, Lucille and Anthony Mitros.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Patrick will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin with Fr. Thien Nguyen officiating. The visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at St. Augustine Catholic Church and will continue for one hour prior to the service at church on Saturday. Patrick will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery, Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

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02/17/2026

Kenneth "Kenny" Maynard Hollerud

Kenneth “Kenny” Maynard Hollerud, age 92, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System Austin. Kenny was born April 13, 1933, in Lyle, Minnesota, to John and Linnea (Anderson) Hollerud. Kenny, along with all his siblings, were baptized and confirmed at Six Mile Grove Lutheran Church in Lyle. He graduated from Lyle High School in 1951 and went on to serve his country in the United States Marines from 1952 until 1955. On February 6, 1953, he was united in marriage to Eleanor Stanton in Lyle. They recently celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary. Kenny dedicated 33 years of his life to Hormel Foods in Austin, where he worked as a foreman in various departments. After living in Ottumwa, Iowa, from 1982 to 1989, he and Eleanor returned to Austin following his retirement, allowing him to cherish time with his family. Kenny was always a farmer at heart. He farmed with his dad, brother-in-law, and assisted his son, Steven, on his farm. Kenny was known for enjoying his morning coffee with his friends. He also enjoyed many years of going up north fishing. Kenny was an excellent cook and loved cooking for his family. His meals will be forever missed.

Survivors include his wife, Eleanor Hollerud of Austin, Minnesota; son, Steven (Blanche) Hollerud of Rochester, Minnesota; daughter, Vicki Marie (Matt) Bera of Austin, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Shane Tabor, Stephanie Hollerud, and Nena (Ben) Bush; and four great-grandchildren, Jake Cecil, Kash Bush, Jack Tabor, and Max Bush. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Linnea Hollerud; three brothers, Charles, Leonard, and Norman; three sisters, Mildred, Lillian, and Eva.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Private family interment will be in Six Mile Grove Lutheran Cemetery, Lyle, Minnesota. Memorials are preferred to Mayo Clinic Hospice, Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

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02/17/2026

02/16/2026

Arliss Orpha Cerny

Arliss Orpha Cerny (Anderson), age 97, of Austin, Minnesota passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, surrounded by her family, at Good Samaritan Society – Comforcare.

Arliss was born in Hayfield, Minnesota, on November 2, 1928, to Oscar and Ellen (Benson) Anderson. She was the second of three daughters. Arliss was baptized, confirmed, and married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayfield. She attended elementary and high school in Hayfield and graduated in 1946. She went on to attend business school for one year in Rochester and then worked for a government office in rent control.

Through mutual friends, Arliss met Donald M. Cerny. They were married on June 20, 1952. In 2016, Donald and Arliss celebrated 64 years of marriage. The two made their home in Austin, where they raised their family of five children, Lynne, Diane, Marsha, David, and Paul.

She is survived by her daughters, Lynne (Tom) Hansen, Diane (Ken) Wangen, Marsha (Don) Leathers; sons, David (Deb) Cerny, Paul (Rhonda) Cerny; ten grandchildren, Josh (Erin) Hansen, Elizabeth (Ben) Erdner, Gretchen (Jon) Beyer, Evan Wangen, Andrew (Rose) Wangen, Paul (Quinn) Leathers, Cassie Leathers, Emily (Scott) Schoper, Krista (Josh) Lunz, Ellen (Gage Pilaczynski) Cerny; and 21 great-grandchildren.

Arliss was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Ellen Anderson; husband, Donald Cerny; sisters, Elvira (Ray) Tarleton and Gretchen Thoen; grandson, Michael Leathers; in-laws, Dorothy and Frank Cerny; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service for Arliss will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin. Visitation will be from 12:30-2:00 p.m. prior to the service at church. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hot Meals on Wheels or donor’s choice. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.

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02/16/2026

Jeremy Lee Arens

Jeremy Lee Arens, age 47, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, at his home. Jeremy was born on February 20, 1978, in Austin to James and Lori (Wiedemann) Arens. He attended Southland Public Schools. Jeremy worked in food production and most recently was employed at QPP for many years. He loved disc golfing, playing card games at his grandma’s house, and antiquing. Jeremy had a vast interest in collecting, most notably his hard rock collection, diecast tractors, movies, and Star Wars memorabilia. Jeremy was shy on the outside but once you got to know him you quickly learned how funny he was. He loved the Green Bay Packers and enjoyed bantering with his family about their loyalty to the Vikings. Most of all Jeremy had a very special relationship with his brothers and mom, they meant everything to him. We will love and miss him forever.

Jeremy is survived by his brothers, Robert (Anna) and Steve (Kari); nieces and nephews, James, Isaac, Caleb, Andrew, Addison, Elizabeth, Logan, Vincent, Victor, Damien, Donavon, Devon, Piper, and Danielle; many great nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lori; grandparents, Phyllis and Robert Wiedemann, and John and Thelma “Tiny” Arens; and cousin, Josh Wiedemann.

A celebration of Jeremy’s life will be held on his 48th birthday, Friday, February 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin. The visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

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02/16/2026

Happy Presidents’ Day! Did you know that Presidents’ Day was first established to honor only George Washington but has since come to celebrate all U.S. Presidents?

02/14/2026

Valentine’s Day is about the joy of love. Take part in the spirit of the day by showing love and kindness to those around you: family, friends, and even strangers.

02/13/2026

Rose Marie Berg

Rose Marie Berg, age 79, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at her daughter’s home in Algona, Iowa.

She was born on May 8, 1946, in Manchester, Iowa, to Melvin and Mary (Wilkemeyer) Frasher. She grew up in Hollandale, Minnesota, and graduated from Albert Lea High School. On July 17, 1964, she married the love of her life, Darrell Berg, and together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and deep commitment to one another. After Darrell’s passing, Rose found renewed strength and a cherished faith family at Grace Lutheran, where her relationship with the Lord deepened and flourished in beautiful ways.

Rose was known for her kind spirit, generous heart, and unwavering love for the Lord. Her faith guided her life, and she lived it quietly and beautifully — serving others, loving deeply, and offering grace freely. She had a special gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and cared for.

She especially cherished her Tuesday gatherings with the Ladies Auxiliary at Grace Lutheran, where friendship and fellowship were just as important as the projects in their hands. Rose was incredibly skilled with her crochet needles — if you needed a blanket, she was ready, willing, and able to make one for you, stitched with love and care. Her hands created comfort for so many. She also found great joy in being in the garden, tending to growing things with the same patience and devotion she showed in all areas of her life. Family gatherings meant everything to her — whether it was a picnic outdoors or sitting around the table playing games, she treasured simply being together.

Her favorite role in life was being Grandma. Nothing brought her more joy than her grandchildren. Her love was constant, her hugs were steady, and her familiar words, “I love you more,” will echo in our hearts forever.

She is survived by her children, Anton (Stacey) Berg of Augusta, Georgia, Tim Berg of Austin, Minnesota, Krista (Eric) Kahle of Algona, Iowa, and Jennifer (Herb) Noetzel of Albert Lea, Minnesota; her brother, William (Diane) John Frasher of Le Sueur, Minnesota; her beloved grandchildren, Amber Berg, Ashley (James) DeFato, Sarah (Joseph) Brandenburg, William Kahle, Shelby (Andre) Hanson, Marissa Hanson, Rachel Kahle, and Thomas Hanson; and three great-grandchildren, Emma DeFato, Charlotte Brandenburg, and Cecilia Brandenburg.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Darrell Berg; her parents, Melvin and Mary Frasher; her sisters, Ruth Ann Sigstad, Sarah Snure, and Linda (Mark) Sigstad; and her brother, Melvin James Frasher.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Austin. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will take place at a later date. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice knowing Heaven gained an extraordinary woman whose love will continue to shine through all of us.

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02/13/2026

Rita Louise Swenson

Rita L. Swenson, age 73, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Rita Louise Fuller was born on June 12, 1952, in Winona, Minnesota, to Keith Holm and Esperence King. She graduated from Mayo High School in Rochester. Rita worked for over 20 years at Mayo in the IT Department. On March 9, 1991, Rita married David Edgar Swenson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. The couple was married for 29 years until David’s passing in 2020. Rita was very active in her community. She was a longtime Sunday School teacher, drove school bus for many years, and was a Cub Scout leader. She enjoyed writing poetry, sewing, being with nature and more than anything spending time with her grandchildren. We will love and miss her forever.

Rita is survived by her fiancé, Dave Johnson; children, Michael (Melanie) McCarty, Sarah (Richard) Mosson, and Rosalind Swenson; grandchildren, Chelsea, Jeffrey, Jazzlyn, Sierra, Tayler, Austen, Anna, and Emma; great-grandchildren, Evie, Carter, Abbagail, Elajah, and Wesley; and seven siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister.

The memorial service for Rita will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Blooming Prairie. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Red Oak Grove Cemetery, rural Austin.

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