Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home has been informed today, Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, an individual in attendance at the visitation on Friday, January 15th and the funeral service on Saturday, January 16th for Barbara Sonnek Dvorak has tested positive for Covid-19. We are issuing this statement to anyone that attended either the visitation or the funeral service for Barbara. Please watch for signs and symptoms and continue to wear a mask and social distance. Masks and social distancing were required at the visitation at the funeral home on the 15th.
Barb (Sonnek) Dvorak, age 65, of Belle Plaine died on January 12, 2021. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) Catholic Church in Easton, MN on January 16 at 10 am with Fr. Greg Havel and Deacon Gene Paul officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 15 at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells, MN from 4 pm to 7 pm. Interment will be at OLMC Catholic Cemetery in Barber Township. The family prefers no flowers. Please send your memorials to the following charity of your choice: the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Restoration fund, Saint Mary’s School of Caledonia, Saint Felix Catholic School in Wabasha, Holy Family Academy of Belle Plaine or Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Face masks must be worn and social distancing will be observed. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.brussheitner.com
Barbara Ellen was born March 3, 1955 in Mankato, MN, the daughter of Edmund and Maxine (Childs) Cutler. Barb married Roland (Rollie) Sonnek on December 18, 1976. To this union the couple had three children: Terri (Jay) LeBlanc of Marion, Iowa, Kim (Bobby) Schieber of Caledonia, Minnesota, and Eric (Maggie) Sonnek of Wabasha, Minnesota. Rollie died in January 2002. Barb enjoyed her grandchildren Anna, John, Mary, Henry, and Stephen Schieber and James, Ada, and Olive Sonnek. She married Larry Dvorak on October 27, 2007. She was proud of her 14 stepchildren and their families. She lovingly bragged about her 80+ total grandchildren.
Barb attended Mankato VoTech after high school. Throughout her life, she maintained a servant’s heart. She worked as a housekeeper at Immanuel St. Joseph in Mankato. After marrying Rollie, she worked at United Hospital in Blue Earth. Then she became a stay-at-home mom, daycare provider, and worked as an aide and teacher at OLMC, St. Casmir’s (Wells) and Holy Family Academy (Belle Plaine) schools.
Barb enjoyed traveling with her family. Some of her favorite memories include visiting the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville with Rollie, traveling to Alaska with her children, and spending time in the Wisconsin Dells with the Dvorak family.
Barb loved taking care of others — especially her grandchildren, friends and family members in need.
Barb is survived by her husband: Larry; 17 children; 80+ grandchildren; siblings: LuAnn Scharbach of New Ulm, Georgia (Bill) Neubauer of Wells, MN, Julie (Curt) Tauer of New Ulm, MN, Doug (Gail) Cutler of Mankato, MN, Ronnie Cutler of Lake Crystal, MN, Jane Cutler of Lake Crystal, MN, and James (Amy) Cutler of Lake Crystal, MN.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Rollie, sister Bonnie, brother-in-law Al Scharbach; niece Lynn.
She is grateful for the caring staff at The Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine.
Please join us in celebrating her life.
Cards may be sent to the following addresses:
Eric Sonnek
612 10th St E
Wabasha, Mn 55981
Kim Schieber
13653 County 12
Caledonia, Mn 55921
Terrie LeBlanc
1280 44th Street Unit F
Marion, Ia 52302
Larry Dvorak
19065 265th Avenue
Belle Plaine, MN 56011
So terribly sad to hear the passing of our sister in law. Barb was such a loving and giving person. She will certainly be missed.
Larry and family,
We are very sorry with the loss of your wife, mom, and grandma, what a big hole that must of made in your hearts. May you be blessed during this time of healing.
My deepest heartfelt sympathy!
Barb was a wonderful lady. She was a good neighbor,and a nice day care provider to our daughters. Always had an upbeat smile!
Most sincerely ,
Mike and Denise
Rest In Peace dear Barb! I will always remember your cheerful smile!
Sympathy to the family.
May she rest in peace and the perpetual light shine upon her
Dick and Vick Arnst
We are very sorry to learn of the loss of your mother. Barb was always a loving, caring, and fun person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Vicki and Kevin Grant
Peace be with you all as you mourn your loss and celebrate Barb’s gain.
“When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand. That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand; The angel said my place was ready, In heaven far above, And that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But when I walked through Heaven’s Gates, I felt so much at home, for God looked down, smiled at me, Ant told me “Welcome Hime,” So when tomorrow starts without me, Don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.” — unknown
So sorry for your loss.
Barb was such a great person.
I got to share many great laughs with her while she was at Rasmussen!
She is be missed!
I have many memories of my friendship with Barb. House parties, card parties, fixing food for OLMC Friendship Days, on and on. My prayers and sympathies for the loss of a great person.
Larry and family, Mike and I offer our deepest sympathies. We so enjoyed visiting with Barb and yourself at Scott West Matches. We have you in our prayers.
Terri,
Heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom, Kim, Terri, and Eric. When I remember her from my days at OLMC and slumber parties at Kim’s house, I remember her joyful, welcoming smile and a twinkle in her eye. I am praying for your families in these difficult days, that there is grace in remembering her life well-lived.
Sincerely,
Meredith (Riewe) Daniel
So sorry for your loss. Have such great memories of your mom and time at the Sonnek farm and OLMC in Easton. 🙂