Barbara Marie Ceplecha

BARBARA MARIE CEPLECHA, age 88 of Lonsdale, passed away surrounded by her family at her home on the evening of Sunday, July 20, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Barb was born in Wheatland Township, Rice County on November 28, 1936, to parents Benjamin and Mary (Mach) Malecha. As a child she attended country school near Lonsdale, Immaculate Conception Catholic School, and Montgomery High School. On June 5, 1956, she was married to Marvin Ceplecha at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lonsdale. She worked hard all her life—on the farm, raising her family, and in the kitchen where she kept cooking well into her 80s. After retiring from farming, she worked as a cook at Three Links Care Center and The Villages of Lonsdale for several years until she finally retired at the age of 83. She never sought praise or recognition—her reward was in caring for others, and she did it with quiet strength and joyful purpose. Barb also knew how to embrace the joys of life. She loved to travel—most recently to Alaska, Nashville, and Florida. She played cards with her friends, read books, and found peace and purpose in her garden. She had a beautiful way of living simply but fully, finding happiness in meaningful moments and everyday blessings. At the heart of it all was Barb’s deep and unwavering faith. She was a woman who trusted fully in God’s plan and lived each day with grace, humility, and purpose.

Barb is survived by six children, Sue Ceplecha-Novak (Tim Murray) of Faribault, Nancy (Greg) Busch of Montgomery, Diane (Gary) Fetters of Naples, FL, Marilyn (Greg) Pint of Lonsdale, Alan (Tracey) Ceplecha of Jordan, and Steven Ceplecha (Lisa Dahl) of Lakeville; thirteen grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; a sister, Adeline (Tony) Riha of Mankato; and her special dog, Simon. She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Mary Malecha; her husband, Marvin Ceplecha; two sons, Larry Ceplecha and James Ceplecha; and a grandson, Lucas Ceplecha.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery, with Fr. Timothy Sandquist officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. A private family interment will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Montgomery. In lieu of floral gifts, Barb’s family requests that memorial donations be directed to future Masses at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.