The following obituaries are from the Nov. 5, 2009 print edition of the Shakopee Valley News newspaper:

Lizbeth Marie Neuman

Lizbeth, a mother, daughter, sister and friend who always had a smile on her face and was very giving of her time to anyone in need.Lizbeth Neuman

She loved cooking, hosting gatherings for family and friends, and sitting around the bonfire. Walking her dog, Molly, gardening, and hiking were some of her favorite pastimes. In early years she would sew Halloween costumes and clothes for the kids. Lizbeth enjoyed dancing, playing the trombone, cheering on the Vikings, and whistling extremely loud, especially when it came to soccer goals. She was an active member of Unity of the Valley Spiritual Center, a former member of the Prior Lake Windjammers Band and the Prior Lake High School Booster Clubs. She was involved in Usana Health Sciences and helped numerous people as a lifestyle coach. Her biggest accomplishments were her three children.

Lizbeth, 49, of Prior Lake, passed away Sunday, Oct. 17, 2009 at Flagstaff Medical Center in Flagstaff, Ariz. She was born Aug. 27, 1960 in Minneapolis, the daughter of George and Gloria (Mallery) Galle.

Lizbeth is loved and will be forever missed by her children, Bryan Neuman of Inver Grove Heights, Andrea (Justin) Puckett of Bloomington, Brett Neuman of Prior Lake and their father Randy Neuman of Minneapolis; mother, Gloria Galle of Farmington; sister, Sara (Roger) Oldre of Clear Lake; brother, Kurt (Lisa) Galle of McConnell, S.C. Lizbeth is preceded in death by her father, George.

Private family services were Monday, Oct. 26, at 6 p.m. at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Shakopee. Pallbearers were Josh Galle, Anthony Bolduc, Scott Bolduc, Justin Puckett, Steve Bolduc, Roger Oldre.

Arrangements made by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Prior Lake Chapel. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com.

Mary Cerene (Quinlan) Peschges

Mary, a dedicated Catholic, teacher and a loving mother, sister and friend, who loved her family.

Her biggest passion in life was teaching young children at the Belle Plaine School District as an elementary teacher. She was a founder of the “Stars” acceleration program for children. She enjoyed reading and being at home with her family. She loved cooking and baking and sharing her treats with others. Mary loved to travel in the United States and abroad. Mary was a dedicated Catholic; she always prayed the Rosary and attended Adoration at church.

Mary, 62, of Jordan, entered God’s arms Friday, Oct. 30, 2009 at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee.

Born June 20, 1947 in St. Paul, she was the daughter of Charles and Cerene (Savage) Quinlan. Mary was united in marriage to Kenneth “Kenny” Peschges on July 8, 1983 in Sioux Falls, S.D.

She is loved and will be forever missed by daughter, Laura (Cole) St. Peter of Faribault; stepson, Brad Peschges of Minneapolis; siblings, Cathy (Bob) Kuehl of St. Paul, Jean (Pat) Peschges of White Bear Lake, Jerry Quinlan of White Bear Lake, Dan Quinlan of Maplewood; other family and friends. Mary is preceded in death by husband, Kenny; parents; siblings, John Quinlan, Michael Quinlan, Francis Quinlan, Joanie Quinlan.

Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 11 a.m. with visitation from 9:30–11 a.m. prior to the Mass, all at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Jordan. The Rev. Timothy Yanta officiated. Pallbearers were David Kuehl, Ryan Peschges, Nick Peschges, Pat Quinlan, Joseph “Chip” Peschges Jr., and Dan Quinlan. Interment at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan.

Arrangements made by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Jordan Chapel. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com

Carol A. Pexa

Carol Pexa, 66, of New Prague, died at Queen of Peace Hospital in New Prague on Saturday morning, Oct. 31, 2009. Carol Pexa

She was a beautiful woman, devoted wife, supportive mom, trusted sister, caring friend and loving grandma.

Carol was born Jan. 17, 1943 to John and Genevieve (Farrell) Preisen in Shakopee. She attended St. Mary’s of the Purification parochial school in Marystown and Jordan High School, graduating in 1960. Carol’s first job was at Prudential Insurance Company, where she was employed as a typist.

Carol married Leonard Pexa on July 7, 1962 at St. Mary’s of the Purification in Marystown and they moved to a farm near St. Patrick. In 1972 they purchased a farm near Heidelberg where they lived until they built their retirement home on the north side of their farm property in 1997.

Carol was a homemaker and held multiple positions with the New Prague School District from 1980 until her retirement in 2008. In her last position as a para-professional in the High School Media Center for 21 years, she relished connecting students, teachers and staff with media resources.

Carol worked diligently to master many crafts, including sewing, quilting, ceramics, cooking and baking, especially kolackys. Many have benefited from Carol’s creations. Among her interests were books, playing cards, music and travel. She was an active member of the St. Scholastica parish, including as a soprano in the church choir. Carol enjoyed being surrounded by her grandchildren as often as possible.

Carol is survived by her husband, Leonard Pexa of Heidelberg; children and spouses, Doreen and Paul Seurer of New Prague, Ron and Michelle Pexa of Heidelberg, Jim and Kay Pexa of New Prague, Mary and Jeff Blaschko of Shakopee; 11 grandchildren, Mara and Braden Seurer, Josh, Kelsey, Abbi and Jake Pexa, Sydney and Taylor Pexa, Megan, Anna and Ellie Blaschko; siblings, John (Karyn) Preisen of Marystown, Gerald (Diane) Preisen of Eden Prairie, Joan (Donald) Rosckes of Norwood Young America, James (Jane) Preisen of Jordan, and Mary (Geno) Taddei of Jordan; many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Genevieve.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, at St. Scholastica Catholic Church in Heidelberg. Interment was in St. Scholastica Cemetery.

Arrangements with Bruzek Funeral Home, New Prague, 952-758-4949.