The following obituaries are from the Dec. 3, 2009 print edition of the Shakopee Valley News newspaper:

Karen Jean (Hagen) Newcomb

Karen Newcomb, 67, peacefully passed away in her daughter’s arms at 3 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009 at her home in Shakopee, following a 10-month battle with cancer.

A Memorial Service was held Tuesday, Dec.1, at 6 p.m. at Huber Funeral Home Chapel, Excelsior, with a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to service.

Huber Funeral & Cremation Services Excelsior Chapel, 952-474-9595. www.huberfunerals.com

Cecelia M. Theis

Cecelia Theis, 93, of Shakopee, died Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009 at Friendship Manor Health Care Center, Shakopee.

She was born in Jordan on Aug. 20, 1916 to Peter and Anna (Pieper) Hennes. She married Nicholas Theis on March 4, 1935 in Jordan. A loving wife, mother and homemaker, Cecelia was a member of St. Mark’s Council of Catholic Women.

Survivors include children, Ken (Donna) Theis, Marv (Pat) Theis, Darlene Arnston, Charlotte (Jerry) Hinderscheit, Rosemary Telthoester, Bernie Arndt, Richard (Vicki) Theis, Gary (Deb) Theis, Joe and Kate Doheny, Mary (Charlie) Breeggemann, Cece (Ron) Burandt, Ben Theis; 43 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother, Ray (Rosella) Hennes; sister, Rose (Bob) Grommesch.

She was preceded in death by her husband; children, Dorothy, Sister Georgia O.S.B., Juane, Beverly and Nick Jr., Barb and Betty; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three brothers, Clarence, Melvin and Earl; two sisters, Viola and Marie.

Visitation was Friday, Nov. 27, from 4-8 p.m. at the McNearney Funeral Home, Shakopee.

Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, Nov. 28, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Shakopee, with the Rev. Timothy Norris and Deacon James Pufahl officiating. Pallbearers were Cecelia’s sons, Ken, Marv, Richard, Gary Theis, Joe Doheny, Ben Theis. Interment at Catholic Cemetery, Shakopee.

Funeral arrangements through the McNearney Funeral Home in Shakopee, 952-445-2755. www.mcnearneyfuneralhome.com

Luella H. Schmitt

Luella H. Schmitt, 90, of Shakopee, died Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009 at Friendship Manor Health Care Center, Shakopee.

She was born in Chaska on April 24, 1919 to Leonard and Anna (Derhaag) Jaspers. She married Dennis Schmitt on Nov. 29, 1952 in Chaska. Luella was employed in order placement for Maid of Scandinavia prior to retirement. She was a member of the Shakopee Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis; son, Kevin; daughter, Karen; grandchildren, Matthew and Sarah. She was preceded in death by parents; three sisters; one brother.

Visitation was Monday, Nov. 23, from 4-8 p.m. at the McNearney Funeral Home, Shakopee. Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Shakopee. Officiating at funeral service was the Rev. Peter Wittman. Pallbearers were Sue Nelson, Bev Monnens, Bob Arko, Larry Paul, Gary Taylor and Bill Ross.

Interment was at Catholic Cemetery, Shakopee.

Funeral arrangements through the McNearney Funeral Home in Shakopee, 952-445-2755. www.mcnearneyfuneralhome.com

Bertrand A. Goemer

Bertrand Goemer, 88, of Shakopee, died Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009 at St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Shakopee.

He was born in Litchfield, Minn. on Sept. 26, 1921 to Otto and Edna (Lewernz) Goemer. He married Virginia Hartmann on Feb. 3, 1945 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer. Bert was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Navy, and was a member of Shakopee Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4046 of Shakopee. He was a retired 35-year employee of Farmhand of Hopkins, where he worked in the parts department.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia; children, Lee (Cathy) Goemer, Carol (Mike) Sulik, Gene (Nancy) Goemer, Lisa Goemer and fiancé Pete Highum, Laura (Mark) Nelson; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were son, Glen; parents; two brothers and two sisters.

Memorial service will be Friday, Dec. 4, at 1 p.m. at the McNearney Funeral Home, 1220 Third Ave. East, Shakopee, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment at Catholic Cemetery, Shakopee. The Shakopee Veterans Memorial Unit will provide Military Honors.

Funeral arrangements through the McNearney Funeral Home in Shakopee, 952-445-2755. www.mcnearneyfuneralhome.com

Gertrude H. Theis

Gertrude Theis, 87, of Sauk Rapids and formerly of Sauk Centre, Minn., died Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009 at Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Sauk Rapids.Gertrude Theis

She was born in Jordan on Aug. 18, 1922, the daughter of Hubert and Gertrude (Boeckman) Worm. She and Raymond Theis were married Dec. 27, 1941 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan.

Gertrude was a school cook and a homemaker. She was a member of Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. She was active in the Christian Mother’s group, Senior citizens, the Sewing Club and Card Club. She is survived by 11 children, Tom (Charlene) of Denver, Colo., Fred (Nancy) of Sauk Centre, Wayne (Sandy) of Houston, Texas, Linda (Jim) Beauchamp of Pueblo West, Colo., Kathy (Ken) Hoeschen of Fridley, Paul (Marilyn) of St. Cloud, Kevin of Sauk Centre, Gene (Dana) of Colorado Springs, Colo., Debbie (Jeff) Zehrer of Sauk Centre, Tim (Joyce) of San Antonio, Texas, Rick (Susan) of San Antonio, Texas; brothers and sister, Leander Worm of Shakopee, Tony Worm of New Prague, Lee Lanners of St. Paul, Albie Worm of South St. Paul; 29 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her husband; sons, Terry and Ronald; parents; brothers and sisters, Ted, Joe, Bert and George Worm, Frances O’Boyle, Ann Koetz, and twin brother, Al Worm.

Visitation was Friday, Nov. 27, from 9-11 a.m., with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., all at St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church in Marystown. The Rev. Peter Wittman officiated. Interment was at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Marystown. Pallbearers were Scott Theis, Charles Theis, Sheryl Menzies, Jesse Beauchamp, Becky Kinsey, Mitchell Theis, Zack Zehrer. Honorary pallbearers included Austin Theis, Alexandra Theis, and Alison Theis.

Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Funeral arrangements through McNearney Funeral Home in Shakopee, 952-445-2755. www.mcnearneyfuneralhome.com