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News Bulletin: Another record year for Federated Insurance

Federated Insurance is celebrating another banner year as the Owatonna-based company marked yet another record-breaki

Thomas Butler, 78, Blooming Prairie

Thomas William Butler, 78, of Blooming Prairie, died on April 17, 2026, surrounded by family at Mayo Clinic Hospital

Debra Gnemi

After leading a successful appraisal business with her husband, Rick, in Owatonna for nearly 50 years, Debra Gnemi has joined the Steele County Times in a volunteer role as community outreach coordinator focusing on the Report Local nonprofit campaign.


Though she is mostly retired from Gnemi Appraisal Service, which has been going since 1977, she still co-owns the business with her husband who continues to do appraisal commercial work.

Myron Wencl, 88, Owatonna

Myron Wencl, 88, of Owatonna, passed away April 19, 2026.

James Berning, Sr., 90, Owatonna

James Anthony Berning Sr., 90, of Owatonna, died on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Fairview Care Center.

Mark Wheelock, 69, Owatonna

Mark Robert Wheelock, 69, of Owatonna, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at home, of natural causes on April 18

Jennifer Parsons, 40, Owatonna

Our beloved Jennifer was tragically taken from us on April 15, 2026, as she sat in her car on the side of the road.

Keith Prokopec, 64, Owatonna

Keith Prokopec, 64, of Owatonna, passed away on April 15, 2026.

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