Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes & Crematory

12/25/2025

12/24/2025

From our family at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, we offer our warmest wishes for a peaceful and comforting holiday season. We understand that this time of year can be bittersweet. We hope you find comfort in the love and support of family and friends, as well as the cherished memories of those who have shaped your life. May the coming year bless you with joy and serenity.💕

12/23/2025

Edwin Arthur Distad

Edwin Arthur Distad Jr., 76, of rural Byron, MN passed away at his home on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Edwin was born on in Dodge County, MN to Edwin and Irene (Madson) Distad on August 16, 1949. The family moved to rural Byron, MN. He started elementary school in Byron and graduated from Byron high school in 1967. He was confirmed at East St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Rock Dell, MN.

Edwin farmed until his retirement. In his spare time, he took up playing the guitar as he liked country music. He also loved feeding his favorite pets.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his niece’s husband, Eric Larsen of Kasson, MN.

Edwin is survived by his brothers, Eugene (Delores) Distad of Austin, MN and Andrew (Rita) Distad of rural Byron, MN; nieces and nephews, Eugene (Roxanne) Distad of Brimson, MN, Denise (John) Gulbrandson of Albert Lea, MN, Debra (Dennis) Klocke of Hayfield, MN, Mark (Valerie) Distad of Spring Valley, MN, Wendy (Bruce) Moore of Byron, MN, Tim (Wendy) Distad of Kasson, MN, Jennifer Larsen of Kasson, MN; and many great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE in Kasson, MN with Pastor Pete Wyttenbach officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to his service at the funeral home. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Fairview cemetery in Hayfield, MN.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55940 (507) 634-6510. Blessed be his memory.

View Edwin Arthur Distad's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/20/2025

Bryan Richard Schnirring

Bryan Richard Schnirring, 65, of Kasson, Minnesota, passed away on December 19, 2025, at his home. He was born on December 26, 1959, in Austin, Minnesota to Walter and Constance (Thoe) Schnirring.

Bryan graduated from Hayfield High School in 1978, and later earned his degree from Rochester Community and Technical College. On September 21, 1985, he married Rox Ann Ringeisen, in Goodhue, Minnesota.

Throughout his career, Bryan held a variety of positions. He served as a manager at Fleet Farm and was transferred from the Rochester store to Brainerd, Minnesota, where he managed that location. He also worked at Waltham Equipment, where he had the special opportunity to work alongside his father until Walter’s passing. Additional employment included Hayfield Hardware, Benchmark, and Floor to Ceiling, and most recently Pace Dairy, where he worked until his retirement.

Bryan and Rox Ann enjoyed antiquing, visiting casinos, and spending time with friends and family. Bryan was known for his quick humor and clever observations, always ready with a perfectly timed remark that could erupt the room with laughter. He enjoyed following the stock market, tending to his yard and was a proud and longstanding member of the Hayfield Fantasy Football league. A devoted Minnesota Vikings fan through every high and heartbreak, he cheered faithfully season after season, believing-often against all odds- that this would be the year.

Bryan is survived by his wife, Rox Ann; siblings, Paula (Dave) Blazing of Racine, Minnesota, Randy (Denise) Schnirring of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and Sara (Steve) Schnirring of Scottsdale, Arizona. He is also remembered by his nephew, Mike (Maggie) Blazing; and their children, Remy and Neva; niece, Sam Schnirring; nephew, Lucas Schnirring; sister-in-law, Wendie Ringeisen; brother in-law, Bill (Brenda) Ringeisen.

Bryan was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Constance Schnirring, and his parents-in-law Arlon and Deloris Ringeisen.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55940 (507) 634-6510. Blessed be his memory.

View Bryan Richard Schnirring's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/18/2025

Please join us in wishing Paul a very happy 60th birthday! Throughout nearly 31 years, his leadership, wisdom, patience, and kindness have been the foundation of Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes. His dedication has made a profound impact on numerous families. Thank you to all your do for your staff and for your community!

12/16/2025

James Fred Cleppe

James Fred Cleppe, 79, of Brownsdale, MN passed away at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Austin, MN.

A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 19, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 2nd St NE in Hayfield, MN with Father William Becker officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to his mass at the church. Inurnment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield, MN.

James's family is composing his obituary and it will be available soon.

View James Fred Cleppe's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/09/2025

Philip John Schuster

Philip John Schuster, 85, of Kasson, MN passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Austin, MN.

Philip was born on May 25, 1940, in La Crosse, WI to Hilton and Marjorie (Peterson) Schuster. He graduated from Dodge Center high school and is in the athletic Hall of Fame. He played baseball, basketball, but his biggest love was football. In 1962, he married Betty Leighton and together they had two children.

Philip worked at IBM for 34 years and PemStar for 8 years as a design engineer. He was a member of IBM Alumni Club and St. John's Lutheran Church in Kasson, MN. He was a past member of the KM Lions and the Rochester Elks Club. He enjoyed attending his daughter and grandchildren's events. He never missed a game, meet, or concert. He also loved spending time at his lake home in Spooner, WI. He was always in the water or in the boat. Phil and Betty enjoyed traveling together to destinations in the US and internationally. Philip was often tinkering with things and could fix or build anything. He would do anything for anyone, always putting others before himself. He will be deeply missed.

Philip is survived by his wife, Betty Schuster of Kasson, MN; daughter, Lisa (Mike) Lamp; grandchildren, Kelsie (Mitchel McLaughlin) Lamp and Noah Lamp; siblings, Darrell (Carla) Schuster, Marilyn (Loren) Otterbein, and Kathie (Norman) Otterbein; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hilton and Marjorie Schuster; infant son; sister, Bonnie Garness; and brother, Larry Schuster.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 22, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 301 8th Ave NW in Kasson, MN, with Pastor John Weisenburger officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 21, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church and one hour prior to his service on Monday.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55940 (507) 634-6510. Blessed be his memory.

View Philip John Schuster's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/01/2025

Robert Owen Boyum

Robert Owen Boyum, 94, of Kasson, MN passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Prairie Meadows Senior Living in Kasson, MN.

Robert was born on April 28, 1931, to Selmer and Julia (Kyllo) Boyum in Rural Hayfield, MN. He was a lifelong member of South Zumbro Lutheran Church in rural Kasson, MN.

Robert was drafted into the U.S. Army, departing on his 22nd birthday, April 28, 1953. After two months of basic training at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas, he then went to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he trained to become a gun mechanic. He was proud to have been a part of the Baker Battery 623rd Field Artillery in the Korean War. Corporal Robert Boyum returned home from service on April 27, 1955.

Robert was a lifelong farmer, raising crops and cattle. He enjoyed driving his John Deere tractors and tending to his gardens. He was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, great-uncle, and great-great-uncle to many nieces and nephews. He had a welcoming smile and loved reminiscing about the past. He will be deeply missed.

Robert is survived by his sisters, Sylvia Holets of Rochester, MN, Pauline Brannan Tvedt of Kasson, MN and Karen Reed of Rochester, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Selmer and Julia Boyum; sister, Dolores Smith; and brother, Stuart Boyum; and nephew, Paul Brannan.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at South Zumbro Lutheran Church, 68905 280th Ave, Kasson, MN, with Pastor Pete Wyttenbach officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to his service at the church. Interment will be in South Zumbro Lutheran Cemetery in Kasson, MN.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55940 (507) 634-6510. Blessed be his memory.

View Robert Owen Boyum's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/01/2025

Catherine Alice Schumm

Catherine “Cathy” Alice Schumm, 70, of Kasson, MN passed away peacefully on Monday, November 24, 2025, at home.

Cathy was born in Albert Lea, MN on June 30, 1955, to August and Sarah (Judd) Schumm. She graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1973. After gradation she worked at Jo-Ann Fabrics which fueled a life long passion for crafting. She then transitioned into the role of full time wife and mother, and later grandmother, which was her favorite title of all. She was always there to lend an ear or shoulder to her grandchildren and tried her best to pass on her love for creativity and craftiness to them.

Catherine, “with a C”, as she always made sure to inform everyone, loved to spend time with her family, working on perfecting her various craft projects, and doting on her cats. Initially teaching herself to crochet before moving onto knitting, she was rarely seen without a bag of yarn in tow. Her strong devotion to her faith always played an important role in her life and guided many of her decisions.

Later in life, she re-connected with her high school sweetheart John and together they lived happily for ten years.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, George and Dale; brother-in-law, Randall Holland; and sister-in-law, Alice Schumm. She is survived by her husband, John Cruz; sister, Joan Holland; children, Carrie Okeiyimor (Ignatius), Christopher Mickelson (Christopher Frances), Matthew Mickelson; stepson, John Cruz (Heather); and grandchildren, Faith, Cristian, Emma, Carter, Adamma, Akachi, William, and Gabriel, as well as numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 5, 2025, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th ST SE in Kasson, MN with Reverend Dan Johnson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to her service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester, MN.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55944 (507)634-6510. Blessed be her memory.

View Catherine Alice Schumm's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/01/2025

Bonnie Jean Lien

Bonnie Jean Lien, 84, of Lawrence, KS, formerly of Kasson, MN passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, KS.

Bonnie was born in Mantorville, MN on March 7, 1941, the daughter of Kenneth and Helen Ruport. She graduated from Kasson-Mantorville High School in 1959. After high school, Bonnie began her career of 35 years as a medical transcriptionist at the Mayo Clinic.

On September 2, 1961, Bonnie married David Lien and they resided in Kasson, MN where they raised their only daughter, Stephanie. Bonnie was active in her church, enjoyed camping and fishing with Dave, was a fantastic cook, loved music and dancing and simply being with her friends. She was an exceptionally devoted and loving family person and friend to many. She would tell you that she most loved being a grandma and spending time with her two grandchildren, Ben and Brooke. She was a phenomenal grandma; even when she lived multiple hours away, she attended the vast majority of their childhood events and stayed very involved in their adult daily lives.

Bonnie was best known for being supportive and caring, always willing to be there for a friend or family member in need. She had a fun outgoing personality and loved to be surrounded by people. Without a doubt, her kind smile and laughter will truly be missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 301 8th Ave NW, in Kasson, MN with Pastor John Weisenburger and Pastor Peter Wyttenbach officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to her service at the church. Inurnment will be in Evergreen cemetery in Mantorville, MN.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55940 (507) 634-6510. Blessed be her memory.

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

11/30/2025

Larry Wayne Chester

In Loving Memory of Larry Chester

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Larry Chester, age 75, of Kasson, MN, who peacefully left us at his home on November 26, 2025. Born on December 30, 1949, in Worthington, MN, to Lloyd Chester and Ruby (Tollefson) Chester, Larry grew up in the Windom area, where he attended school and began building a life filled with love, service, and adventure.

Larry joined the National Guard in 1969, serving his country with dedication for 11 years. That same year, he married Paulette Janzen. Together, they raised two children, Sheri (James) Heim of St. Charles and Michael Chester of Kasson.

Throughout his career at Northwestern Bell, Larry was known for his integrity and hard work. In 1982, the family moved to Kasson, MN, where Larry continued his career until retiring in 2000. After retirement he enjoyed working part-time at Hardware Hank in Kasson. Larry cherished his time spent with friends at The Legion and Pete’s, sharing stories and laughter that will be remembered by all who knew him.

Larry’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Paulette Chester; daughter Sheri (James) Heim; son Michael Chester; grandson Christopher (Kirsten) Heim of Elba; granddaughter Callie (Nahum) Bergan of St. Charles; granddaughter Hailey Chester of Dover; great-grandchildren Liam Bergan, Piper Bergan, Gannon Bergan, all of St. Charles, and Jameson Heim of Elba. Larry’s legacy lives on in the hearts of his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd Chester and Ruby (Tollefson) Chester; brothers Lyle Chester, Ronald Chester, Robert Chester; sister Karen Chester; and his father- and mother-in-law, David and Wendy (Norby) Janzen.

Larry will be remembered for his love of the outdoors - hunting and fishing - and for the countless hours spent with family and friends. His kindness, humor, and generosity touched everyone he met.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at the Kasson American Legion, 212 W Main St, in Kasson, MN, on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 1–4 pm. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor the life of Larry Chester.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55944 (507)634-6510. Blessed be his memory.

View Larry Wayne Chester's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/27/2025

Our staff at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of you who have shown such love and support to the families we serve. Your prayers, presence, and kindness are deeply appreciated.
This Thanksgiving, we honor the memories of loved ones who may no longer be with us, yet their legacy lives on in our hearts, inspiring us to cherish every moment. 💕