Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes

12/02/2025

12/01/2025

Judith "Judy" Kay Brown

Judith “Judy” K. Brown, age 86, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Austin. Judy Kay Johnson was born on February 26, 1939, in Austin, Minnesota to Frank and Geneva (Pedersen) Johnson. She was a lifelong member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, where she was baptized and confirmed. Judy graduated from Austin High School in 1957. She married Paul E. Brown on March 14, 1963, in Omaha, Nebraska.

Judy enjoyed country music, gardening, and one arm bandits. She was very lucky playing the slot machines at Diamond Jo Casino in Iowa, and had taken some trips to Las Vegas and Branson, Missouri, with friends. Judy was a people pleaser who was generous with everything she had and was one of the nicest people you would ever meet.

Judy is survived by her son, Kent of Blaine; and sister Myrna (Danny) Hall of Cottage Grove. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Geneva; husband, Paul; and brothers, Darrell and Craig of Austin.

The graveside service for Judy will be held at a later date at Grandview Cemetery, Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

View Judith "Judy" Kay Brown's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/01/2025

Tamara "Tammy" Jane O'Connor

Tamara “Tammy” Jane O’Connor, age 61, received her heavenly reward on Thursday, November 28, 2025, while residing at Our Lady of Peace Hospice Home in St. Paul.

Tammy was born on July 22, 1964, in Austin, Minnesota, to Lawrence and Viola (Harrington) O’Connor. Tammy and her twin brother Timothy became the final installment in the O’Connor clan joining their six older siblings. Tammy attended Neveln Elementary School, Queen of Angels Junior High, Pacelli High School and graduated in 1983 from Austin High School. Tammy received her associate’s degree from Austin Community College. After graduating from ACC, Tammy worked at many different jobs including the Austin Country Club Pro Shop and Campbell Mithun. Tammy decided to venture out of Minnesota to join her lifelong Soul Sister, Heidi Fessler, and spent many years in the New York City metropolitan region. While on the East Coast, Tammy worked as a nanny and waitressed at the Malibu Diner in Hoboken. Tammy had many big city adventures but didn’t let all the fun stop her from completing her education. Tammy continued her undergraduate studies at CUNY-Hunter College in New York City and then graduated from Jersey City State College in 1995 with her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Elementary Education.

With her degree in hand, Tammy decided to come home to Austin where she worked at Kenny’s Oak Grill, taught as a substitute teacher, and welcomed her amazing daughter, Carlene, into her life in 1996. Carlene brought true happiness to Tammy’s life, and she reminded Carlene every day that God had given her the greatest gift in Carlene.

Tammy found her other passion being a teacher in the Lyle Public School District where over her 26 years of teaching 4th grade she touched the hearts and minds of so many students. Tammy was a Lyle “Super Fan” and was always present at her current and former students’ events and activities. The Lyle students, staff, and community became another family to Tammy and Carlene. Tammy was recognized for her outstanding teaching abilities and received many awards including Teacher of the Year in 2022, but Tammy’s greatest reward was knowing that she made learning fun and will live on in her students.

When Tammy was diagnosed with aggressive lung cancer in June of 2025 she was amazed by the outpouring of love and support from so many including the team and patrons at Kenny’s Oak Grill, the Lyle Legion, all the Lyle Public School staff and students, the Austin community, her daughter Carlene, and her very own “Team Tammy”. Team Tammy grew to include the doctors, nurses, and staff at Mayo Clinic Health Systems and all her friends. Tammy had a village of amazing people who loved and supported her.

Tammy found joy and humor in living every day surrounded by those she loved dearly. Family, her best friends, and Carlene enjoyed every minute of spicy Tammy time. Tammy is survived by her amazing daughter, Carlene O’Connor; siblings, Joseph (Jennifer) O’Connor, Nancy (Joe) Rasmussen, Shawn (Brenda) O’Connor, Peggy (Jim) Cummings; her twin brother, Timothy (Barb) O’Connor; and her many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Larry and Viola O’Connor; and her brothers, Steven and Dennis. Tammy is especially thankful for her Soul Sister Heidi Fessler (Mark Murphy) and family, who walked with Tammy for the last 48 years including on her final journey.

The Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Tammy will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Austin with Fr. Thien Nguyen officiating. The visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin and will continue for one hour prior to the Mass at church on Friday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Austin. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family to be used for funeral expenses and to aid in the support of Tammy’s daughter Carlene. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

View Tamara "Tammy" Jane O'Connor's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/01/2025

Diane May Maxwell

Diane M. Maxwell, age 64, of Hollandale, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Diane was born on July 27, 1961, in Red Wing, Minnesota, to Clarence and Betty (Bradley) Mattson, alongside her cherished “womb mate,” Debra. Diane grew up in Plum City, Wisconsin, where she attended Plum City Elementary School and graduated from Plum City High School in 1979. On June 28, 1980, Diane was united in marriage to William “Bill” Maxwell at Ono Methodist Church in Plum City, Wisconsin. Together, they were blessed with four spirited children. She went on to further her education at the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh and Red Wing VoTech, where she earned her degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse, working in a variety of settings.

With a rare blend of dedication, compassion, and quiet strength, Diane touched each and every single life she encountered. Her servant heart guided her actions, and her deep, abiding faith in the Lord was evident in the way she lived. She celebrated life’s simple gifts and had a remarkable ability to see the silver lining—finding hope, comfort, and God’s goodness even in difficult moments. This grace not only sustained her but lifted those around her.

Diane is deeply loved and will be forever missed by her husband, Bill Maxwell of Hollandale; daughters, Tara Maxwell of Blooming Prairie, Michelle (Ken) Knutson of Blooming Prairie, Kayla (Jeremy) Burgess of Mondovi, Wisconsin, and favorite son, W***y Maxwell of Blooming Prairie. She is the proud grandmother of seven: Mya, Hannah, Bradley, Logan, Cameron, Ivan, and Henry, and the adoring great-grandmother of Tatum and Daxtyn. Diane is survived by her father Clarence Mattson; sisters, Cheryl (Dale) Rozeboom and Barbara (Johnny) Cunningham; her beloved womb mate, Debra (Mike) Larson; and many dear nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Mattson; infant sister, Brenda Mattson; father-in-law, William A. Maxwell; her favorite “outlaw,” John Ryan; and her treasured friends, Gayle Drenth, Kristi Traver, and Pattie “Lamb” Weldon.

The memorial service for Diane will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Cornerstone Church in Austin. The visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin and will continue for one hour prior to the service at church on Monday. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

View Diane May Maxwell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/29/2025

If you’re non-Jewish but have been invited to a Jewish funeral, you may not know what to expect. Read the article below to learn about Jewish funeral etiquette for non-Jews and what traditions and rituals you may see.

Attending a Jewish funeral as a non-Jew can be intimidating if you don't know what to expect. Learn about Jewish funeral etiquette for non-Jews here.

11/27/2025

Want to give the house a makeover for the holidays without doing a deep clean? Check out these 12 ways to make your house shine without putting in too much elbow grease. cutt.ly/how-to-give-home-quick-clean

11/26/2025

Martin August Fox

Martin August Fox, age 90, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, Saint Marys Campus. Marty was born on August 16, 1935, in Rosemount, MN, to John and Clara (Conzemius) Fox. He attended country school in district 108 and graduated from Hastings High School where he was a state finalist wrestler. Following graduation, he attended the University of Minnesota and was a founding member of Delta Theta Sigma Fraternity. After a short time at Hormel, he entered the United States Army where he was a wrestler for the Army at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma. Marty then returned to Hormel, working for 40 years; starting as a buyer, then plant manager, and head of hog procurement for the last seven years of his tenure. Marty met Joanne Brown at the Terp Ballroom in Austin, and the couple was wed on October 1, 1966, at St. Peters Catholic Church in Rose Creek. Soon thereafter Marty and Joanne were blessed with four children. Marty loved being on the farm and working with his hands as you could always find him woodworking, golfing, or watching wrestling. Above all, Marty loved the time spent with his family. Some of his happiest moments were the RV trips, yearly Door County trips with his wife and family, and traveling across the country to see his kids and grandkids. Marty had a heart to love others and will be cherished, loved, and missed by many.

Marty is survived by his wife, Joanne; children, Tom (Laurie) Fox, Jayne (Pete Plunkett) Fox; Tracy (Nikki) Fox, and Jennifer (Jason) Morhart; grandchildren, Avery, Sasheea, Safara, Sunika, Amanda, Audrey, Daran; brother, Joe Fox; and sister-in-law, Joanie Fox. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Clara; and siblings, Henry Fox, Lucille Bauer, and Richard Fox.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Marty will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Austin. The visitation will take place from 9:30-11:30 a.m. prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Austin. Memorials are preferred to Dakota County 4-H or the Alzheimer’s Association. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

View Martin A Fox's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/26/2025

Robert "Bob" Joseph Schreiner

Robert “Bob” Joseph Schreiner, age 89, of Austin, Minnesota, died peacefully on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System Austin. Robert was born on January 23, 1936, in Eden Valley, Minnesota, to Christian and Hilaria (Klein) Schreiner. He was raised in a farming family with his seven brothers and sisters. At a young age, he began attending Saint John’s University Preparatory School, which he graduated from in 1954. After getting his undergraduate degree from Saint John’s University in 1958, he entered the seminary there. He left the seminary prior to becoming a priest and went on to Austin, Minnesota, to become a teacher. There, he met the love of his life, Patricia Bauer. They were married on August 19, 1961, at Saint Augustine Catholic Church in Austin, Minnesota. Together they had two children.

Bob became a teacher at Austin High School, teaching German and Latin. Bob loved teaching and is remembered fondly by many of his former students. All in all, he taught for 36 years. Over the years, he also moonlighted at jobs at JCPenney, Milo Mach’s Garden Center and Sears. Bob loved gardening. His wife, Pat, would purchase the flower and vegetable plants and seeds (many of which she started indoors) and plan out the lovely flower beds and Bob would plant and tend to them. They were a really good team! Bob also enjoyed singing in several choirs, including the Northwestern Singers and church choirs, which he also directed. Bob was also well known for buying many tools and then never needing or using many of them. Most of all, he was a devoted husband and father. He was also a fun, loyal friend and a very dedicated educator.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia; daughter, Heidi; son, Mark; sisters, Mary Lou (George) Ruhland and Joan (Robert) Doyle; and brother, James Schreiner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Christian and Hilaria Schreiner; his brothers, Gilbert and infant, Maynard; sisters, Elaine (Herbert) Ludwig, Annette (Harold) Paul, and Judy (Robert) Hietela.

A funeral service for Bob will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin. The visitation will take place from 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon prior to the service. A private family interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

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

11/26/2025

Cody was pretty chatty in his interview with the herald! We’re so lucky to have him!

Worlein-Hoff’s Cody is a calming friend on people’s toughest days

11/24/2025

Barbara Jean (nee Clark, Markl) Donkers

Barbara Jean (nee Clark, Markl) Donkers, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025, at Sacred Heart Care Center.

Barbara Clark was born on September 25, 1941, in Morrow, Ohio, and later moved with her family to Toms River New Jersey, where she spent her childhood and formative years. In 1959, she met and married Irvin Markl, and together they began their family in New Jersey before eventually relocating to Sioux City, IA and later settled in Austin, MN. After Irvin’s passing, Barbara found love again and married Ralph Donkers in 1990.

Throughout her life, Barbara worked a variety of jobs, including as a waitress, in laundry services at Sacred Heart, at McDonald's, and as a lunch attendant at Sumner Elementary School. Her time at the school and church was especially meaningful to her—she took great joy in helping the children during lunchtime and teaching Sunday school.

Barbara had many passions that brought her happiness. She was an avid fan of Elvis Presley and the British royal family, and she loved collecting memorabilia and organizing her cherished collections throughout her home. She also enjoyed reading magazines about Hollywood stars and spending afternoons watching The Young and the Restless.

Barbara loved spending time with her friends and treasured going out for coffee with her good friend Bev. She enjoyed getting her hair done by Paula and Connie. Barbara and Ralph relished their weekend getaways to shop, camping trips with friends, attending family events, and shared many wonderful trips to Las Vegas and Branson.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Ralph Donkers; her children, Deb (Ed) King, Dawn (Roger) Anderson, David Markl, Kim Donkers, and Amanda (Steven) Mensink; and her siblings, Ernie and Wanda. She is also lovingly remembered by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her first husband, Irvin Markl; parents, Caleb Sr. and Ernestine Clark; her step-daughter, Lori Donkers; her granddaughter, HopeRose Joseph; and her siblings, Caleb, Linda, and Wilma.

Barbara will be remembered for her feisty spirit and the joy she found in life’s simple pleasures. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to thank the compassionate staff at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin and Sacred Heart Hospice for the excellent care and kindness they provided to Barb in her final weeks.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

View Barbara Jean (nee Clark, Markl) Donkers's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/22/2025

Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy family, food, and fellowship. This year, why not take it one step further by getting to know your loved ones even better? This article shares tips for asking questions and recording your family history while you gather together with loved ones this holiday season.

This Thanksgiving, take time to intentionally get to know your loved ones. Learn tips on best practices for family history interviews.