Wally Kubes

Wallace Julius “Wally” Kubes, 82, of New Prague, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023, after an illness, at Methodist Hospital, St Louis Park. Wally was born on the family farm on October 1, 1940, the eighth of ten children, to Wenceslaus J. and Anna M. (Simon) Kubes. He attended country district school on the corner just up the road and graduated from New Prague High School in 1959.

Wally farmed with his dad and brothers, eventually taking over the family farm, while his brothers, Wencel (Jim) and Arnie worked their nearby farms. He met his future wife, Jeanne Higgins, at a dance at Schlief’s Little City, Inver Grove Heights in February of 1965. Wally was famously known for proposing on the third date! They were married at St. Brigid’s Catholic Church in Staton, Wisconsin on October 1, 1966. A reception was held at the River’s Edge Restaurant in Somerset, Wisconsin. A second reception later that day was held at the newly built K.C. Hall in New Prague, followed by a dance at the Park Ballroom.

They welcomed eight children over a period of 21 years. He was always filled with pride for his kids and his grin grew as a grandpa. Wally loved his cows and growing crops. The family farm was recognized as a century farm in 1995 but had been in the family since 1866. Wally was especially proud of being named Scott County Farm Family of the Year in 1996 and the family being chosen as Dozinky Grand Marshalls later that year! His Czech smile beamed the years he pulled the Scott County Dairy Princess float in parades. He belonged to the 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and served as a delegate for the Associated Milk Producers Incorporated (A.M.P.I.) for several years.

Wally and Jeanne celebrated their love with family and friends on their 25th, 40th, and 50th Anniversaries. The two enjoyed several trips over the years, including a honeymoon in Colorado, Las Vegas, and a trip to Florida that included a cruise to Cozumel and Key West. They also hopped on bus trips to Branson, Nashville, The Fall Color Tour into New England and Niagara Falls. They enjoyed occasional outings to Mystic Lake and breakfasts and lunches with their closest friends.

When Wally retired from farming in 2006, he enjoyed several other work opportunities, including the Alco store, Coborn’s, the Canterbury Down’s track crew, Palmer Bus, and Aging Services for Communities. His fun-loving, lively personality made him friends everywhere he went. No one was a stranger. Wally was known for his friendliness, sense of humor, and the twinkle in his eye that drew everyone in and will be so dearly missed. He had quite a collection of costumes, especially hats, and a Santa suit for holidays, making animated entrances at family gatherings, or when he wanted to spread joy all around town! He truly was one of a kind!

In retirement he rallied his kids and grandkids and entrusted them with seeds to plant two huge gardens. He loved to decorate his farm with pumpkins and share them with his grandkids. Wally beamed with joy as he watered, harvested, and often delivered his produce to family and friends! In his younger years he was quite a dancer, enjoying Old Time Music. He was an avid listener of KCHK Radio and loved calling in music requests and dropping by with occasional treats and of course, garden produce! He loved and enlivened big family gatherings and was disappointed he couldn’t be home for Easter this year.

Wally is survived by his wife, Jeanne, of 56 years, children Kevin Kubes of New Prague, Rose (Chris) Simones, of New Prague, Dave (Jevgenija) Kubes, of Farmington, Karen (Todd) Jensen, of New Prague, Mary (Steve) Rauh, of Elko New Market, and Andy (Tonya) Kubes, of New Prague. Grandchildren Danielle, Mariah, and Jackson Simones, Michael Geske, Alex, Marcus, and Amanda Kubes, Lucas and Hadley Kubes. Brother-in-law, Lawrence Schoenbauer; Sisters-in-law Mary Jo, Pat, Mary Lou Kubes, and Rita LaVenture. Numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his children Kathleen and Robert Kubes; parents Wencel and Anna; siblings Janice Smisek, Eugenia Ziskovsky, Mae Ann Schoenbauer, Bernadine Svoboda, Wencel Jr., Arnie, John, Wayne, Carol Kubes.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, May 1st, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague, with Father Eugene Theisen officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, April 30th from 3 - 7 p.m. and Monday morning from 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague. Burial will follow Mass at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Lunch will be served at the K.C. Hall.