Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes

10/25/2026

Visiting the final resting place of a loved one has a soothing, therapeutic effect on our hearts and minds. It reminds us of a very special person and allows us to honor their memory. Today, on Visit a Cemetery Day, consider making a stop to say hello to those you loved and lost.

10/24/2026

Holidays are often the most difficult days to get through following the loss of a loved one. If Halloween was your loved one's favorite holiday, take a moment to read through this article and learn about 8 ways that you can honor their memory this Halloween.

If your loved one called Halloween their favorite holiday, this article shares 8 ways that you can honor their life and memory this Halloween season.

10/20/2026

10/19/2026

John Alan Watkins

John Alan Watkins, 56, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, Methodist Campus.

John was born on May 5, 1970, in Springfield, Illinois, to John Jr. and Sharon (Besco) Watkins. He grew up and attended school in Springfield before his family later moved to the Austin and Albert Lea communities.

John enjoyed country music, game shows, attending community events, and spending time with friends. He especially loved joking around and playfully scaring people, always bringing laughter to those around him. Despite hardships in his life, John remained strong and carried a golden-hearted smile. He also loved to draw and write. In earlier years, he enjoyed watching and listening to his father and his aunt, Vicki, perform in their band, Johnny & the Impalas. He attended many activities hosted by ARC and enjoyed participating in local senior center programs and community organizations.

John is survived by his siblings, Jamie Watkins and Mitchell Weller; uncle, Owen (Annette) Besco; nephew, Tristin Watkins; niece, Alyssa Watkins; and other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Jr. and Sharon Watkins; and his grandparents, John and Bernice Watkins and Ray and Gladys Besco.

A celebration of life will be held for John and his mother, Sharon, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. They will be buried in Hillcrest Cemetery in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Memorial donations may be directed to Life Mower County, formerly known as ARC, or to Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, Carolyn House, in John’s memory. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

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

10/19/2026

Mitzi Marie Schenk

Mitzi Marie (Meyer) Schenk, 92, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin, with her daughter by her side.

Mitzi was born on August 5, 1934, in Austin, Minnesota, to Reinhart "Bill" and Margaret (Zensen) Meyer. She graduated from St. Augustine Catholic School and went on to receive her associate’s degree in bookkeeping. She lived a fulfilled life with her family, cooking, baking, and being an active member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and a volunteer with the Philomathian. Mitzi was passionate about sewing and loved a good round of golf and traveling.

Mitzi was known for her generosity, consideration, and kindness for others, and love for her family. She had a talent for creating beautiful handmade clothing for her grandchildren, family, and friends, leaving behind lasting memories stitched into every piece.

Throughout her life, Mitzi worked at Northwest Bank and the Mower County Catholic Parish Credit Union.

She married James Schenk in 1963. They had twins, Tom and Teresa, on May 31, 1964. Mitzi enjoyed going to the family cabin and cherished her family, friendships, and her faith.

Mitzi is survived by her daughter, Teresa (Jim) Baldus; granddaughter, Brianna (Kyle) Christinson; and seven great-grandchildren: Connor, Landon, Emma, Gray, Tate, Ila, and Willa.

Mitzi was preceded in death by her parents, Reinhart "Bill" and Margaret Meyer; sister, Janet Warfield; son, Thomas Schenk; grandson, Ryan Baldus; and her husband, James Schenk.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin, with a one-hour visitation before Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Make-A-Wish of Minnesota or St. Augustine Catholic Church of Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin is assisting the family with services.

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

10/19/2026

LaMona Lucille Preuss

LaMona Lucille Preuss, 83, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at her home on October 14, 2026.

LaMona was born on October 19, 1942, in Minneapolis and raised by her mother, Lucille Lienemann. LaMona lived a life filled with family, friendship, music, and laughter. She married Dennis Preuss on June 20, 1969, in Watertown, South Dakota. She worked in housekeeping at North Memorial Hospital for many years before retiring in 2009.

LaMona enjoyed bowling, classic movies, the Rolling Stones, taking walks, and spending time with animals, including her beloved dog, Bella. She had a great smile, a wonderful sense of humor, and a personality that made it easy for her to make friends wherever she went. Those who knew LaMona will remember her fondly for her big hair, her love of life, and the lifelong friendships she made along the way.

LaMona is survived by her children, Ron (Kim) Hansen, Tracy Hansen, and Angela (Bernie) Sturgis; five grandchildren, Jonathon, Katie, Dylan (Madison), Nicole, Ryan, Jacob, and Jordan; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Preuss; son, Mickey Hansen; daughter, Carole Hansen; grandson, Joshua Hansen; and mother, Lucille Mathison.

The family wishes to thank Kristy, Heather, Mark, and Erica with St. Croix Hospice for the excellent care they provided LaMona.

No public services will be held. Burial will take place in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she will be reunited with her beloved husband, Dennis Preuss. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

View LaMona Lucille Preuss's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/17/2026

After losing someone you love, you’ll have to make dozens of decisions, but you don’t have to do everything on your own.

With our tight-knit staff by your side, you will not only receive the best professional care possible, but you will be known by name and your every need will be heard and addressed. You can count on it!

To learn more about us, go to the staff page at www.worlein.com/about-us/our-staff or stop by to visit with us in-person!

10/17/2026

When you've lost your dad, you may not know where to begin planning a unique tribute that honors his kind soul. With this comprehensive guide, you will find easy answers and guidance on how to create a final tribute that celebrates him in a personalized and meaningful way.

Losing your dad is devastating. This quick guide will help you create a meaningful and personalized tribute that celebrates his life.

10/15/2026

Jeffrey Lynn Dutcher

Jeffrey Lynn Dutcher, age 67, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Also known as Grandpa Dutch, Father Time, Grandpoo, and even Grumpy Grandpa. He was born in Mason City, Iowa, on September 29, 1959, to Elsie and Albert Dutcher.

Jeff was what some might call a jack of all trades. He had many interests, such as taking his children and grandchildren fishing, baking sweet treats and other goods, and even writing his own recipes. He especially loved a good German chocolate cake. He had a passion for Harleys and loved going for long rides. He enjoyed collecting what some may call junk, but to him, they were treasures. He was a bit of a mechanical wizard, always fixing all kinds of things. He was the family’s go‑to when repairs were needed. Jeff was also an amazing caretaker. He loved taking road trips and visiting friends and family.

Throughout Jeff's lifetime, he worked many different jobs, one of them being at Malt-O-Meal. In 1988, Jeff's son Brad was born, and they were so fortunate to have been able to reunite in later years. He married the love of his life, Beverly, in 1993, and gained Jesse and Bobbi Jo—two children he raised as his own. He cared deeply for his whole family and loved having them around. After retirement, Jeff took care of Beverly until her passing. He was an amazing provider and the best cheerleader. During this time, he worked at the Salvation Army Family Store.

After the passing of his wife, he was lucky enough to find love again and was able to use his caretaking skills to spend the rest of his life with his girlfriend, Patty Wandrey.

Jeff was a goofy guy. You always knew when he arrived from the sound of his chain wallet and many keys—a sound many of us will never forget. We will miss his deviled eggs; he would make enough for everyone to have just one.

Jeffrey was preceded in death by his father, Albert Dutcher; brother, Dennis Dutcher; and spouse, Beverly Dutcher.

He is survived by his siblings, Janeen Dutcher and Tim Dutcher; his partner, Patty Wandrey; children, Brad Morris, Jeseriah Helgeson, and Bobbi Jo Olson; grandchildren, Connor Morris, Bayley Morris, Evan Olson, Lacey Olson, and Nancy Helgeson; and great-granddaughter, Melonie Moon Helgeson.

No viewing will be held, as Jeff is being cremated, but a celebration of life will occur at the Mapleview Lounge at a later date. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.

View Jeffrey Lynn Dutcher's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/15/2026

Paul Robert Garvin

Paul Robert Garvin was born on January 13, 1932, to John and Gertrude (Daldrup) Garvin. He was born on the family farm in Monona County, Iowa, and died on October 12, 2026, in Austin, Minnesota.

Paul attended the Lovell country school through 8th grade. During his high school years, Paul was responsible for most of the farming on the family farm. He also occasionally worked at Brown Manufacturing in Woodbine. He graduated from Woodbine Normal High School in 1950.

In 1953, Paul was drafted into the U.S. Army. After completing basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas, he was stationed in Hokkaido, Japan. He trained as a radar operator and attended radar repair training in Yokohama, Japan. In April 1955, Paul was honorably discharged from the Army.

On April 2, 1956, Paul and Mary Ann Hein were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Woodbine, Iowa. After they were married, Paul began farming full-time. They lived in Monona County for a short time and then moved to rural Dunlap for several years as they began raising their daughters Debbie, Diane, and Judi. In 1965, Paul and Mary Ann bought and moved to the Ralph Royer farm in rural Woodbine. After retiring and moving to Denison in December 1996, Paul still enjoyed going out to the farms. In 2023, the Monona County farm where Paul was born was recognized as an Iowa Century Farm.

Paul and Mary Ann both learned to water ski in Canada in 1961. He said the water was so cold that he had to get up and keep going. Paul bought a kit for a wooden boat, which he built during the winter of 1962. This boat served them well, and Paul always said they taught half the county to ski behind it.

Paul served on the boards of the Dunlap Farmer’s Cooperative and the Woodbine REC. He and Mary Ann attended the First Congregational Church in Dunlap and Faith Wesleyan and Grace Evangelical Free churches in Denison. Paul and Mary Ann traveled to several places in the United States and many foreign countries. Two of their favorite places were Estes Park, Colorado, and Maui, Hawaii.

In later years, Paul provided daily care for Mary Ann until she passed away in 2016. Others who preceded him in death were his parents, John and Gertrude Garvin; brothers, Johnny and Jim Garvin; sister, Mary (Chet) Kapalla; brother-in-law, Leo Wakehouse; brother-in-law, Wesley (Karen and Mona) Hein; sister-in-law, Fern (Lyle) Pryor; and son-in-law, Lowell Vine. He is survived by daughters, Debbie Garvin, Diane (David) Diekmann, and Judi (Dave) Needham; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Travis (Carole-Marie) and Madison Diekmann; Mike (Krystle), Macie, Heidi, and Annie Diekmann; Amy (Jordan) and Paul Thompson; Josh (Laura), Zoey, and Wyatt Needham; Rachel (Matt), Lucy, and Micah Berka; sister, Kathy Wakehouse; and other relatives.

Special thanks to the staff at Silveridge Assisted Living in Denison, Iowa, and St. Mark’s Assisted Living in Austin, Minnesota.

Memorials are suggested to be given to the Dunlap Fire and Rescue, the Woodbine Fire and Rescue, or the charity of your choice. Personal condolences may be mailed to the Paul Garvin Family, 1800 14th St SW, Austin, MN 55912, or Fouts Funeral Home.

A visitation with light refreshments will be held beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap, Iowa. The memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m.

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