Romana Wesely, 94, Owatonna
Romana Mary (Pirkl) Skarvan Wesely passed away peacefully, July 24, 2026, in Owatonna, surrounded by the love of her family.
Romana was born Sept. 8, 1931, to Albert and Marie (Kubicek) Pirkl in Blooming Prairie. After graduating from high school, Romana attended nurse training at St. Catherine University/St. Joseph’s Hospital and graduated in 1952. Following graduation, she drove cross-country with three nursing friends, where she spent two years living in Long Beach, Calif., working at Harriman Jones Hospital and then in a private doctors’ office. To help care for a family member, she moved to Florida for a year and worked at St. Mary’s Hospital. Romana then moved back to Minnesota and started work at St. Olaf Hospital in Austin.
It was there that she met Leo Skarvan, and within a couple of weeks of meeting him, she knew he was “the one.” They married soon after on June 15, 1957, at Holy Trinity Parish, Litomysl. They began their family in Austin, welcoming Steve, Paul and Susan. Then after Leo’s job transfer to Manitowoc, Wis., Mary Lee was born.
After Leo died of an unexpected and brief illness on June 4, 1963, Romana returned to Owatonna to raise four young children on her own. Though faced with tremendous loss, she drew strength from her faith, family and friends. And through perseverance and unconditional love, she created a home where her children felt secure and cherished.
Romana’s career in Owatonna included home nursing for Public Health, school nurse at St. Mary’s School, surgical nurse at Owatonna Hospital, and night nurse at Cedar View Nursing Home. And the culmination of her career was spent at Steele County Public Health where she retired in 1990 as the Coordinator of Home Health Aides.
Despite the demands of working and raising four children, Romana taught her children to appreciate nature through many outdoor activities that included planting a backyard garden and summer camping trips. She also opened her heart and home to a remarkable assortment of family pets over the years - from gerbils, rabbits and a raccoon to pigeons and, most memorable, our beloved dog, Tippy. Her willingness to care for every creature her children brought home was just one of the many ways she showed her generosity of spirit.
Romana also made time for many volunteer activities including Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Leader, Lay Minister, Communion for the Home Bound, Grief Ministry, Serra Club, and Catholic Daughters. While her children were still in school, she courageously battled and beat cancer twice. Later she helped raise cancer awareness and supported others facing the disease through her work both as the Adult Education Chair for the American Cancer Society and as a volunteer driver for cancer patients. Among her favorite hobbies were tending to flowers and preparing meals for family and friends. She loved trying new recipes and bringing people together for any occasion.
Romana married Donald Wesely on March 20, 1982, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where they were both active members. Together, they enjoyed many years of entertaining, playing bridge, traveling and community service until Don’s death on Nov. 14, 2004. Romana and Don
adored their grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to be a part of their lives, making each one feel deeply loved.
Romana is survived by her children: Steven (Joelle), Paul (Kathleen), Susan Hoben (Tom), and Mary Lee Skarvan Lisecky (Bill); grandchildren: John, Camille, Anna, Juliann, Tristan, Patrick, William, Joseph, Jack and Katherine; great grandchildren: Ashtyn, Chase, Brooklyn, Genevieve, Eloise and James; stepchildren: Carol (Jim) Cole, Michael Wesely, Julie (LeRoy) Wesely-Smit and Thomas Wesely (Bob Planing); step-grandchildren: Sarah, John, Ross, Sam, Nathan, Laraine and Joshua; step-great grandchildren: Riley, Leonard, Louisa, Brenden, Lauren, Lila, Anneka, Charlie and Nora. She is also survived by brother Daniel Pirkl, sister-in-law, Kathleen Pirkl, brother-in-law, George Wall, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by infant son, Joseph Lee in 1961, brothers Myron and Meinard, and stepson, John Paul.
Romana’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She found great joy in prayer and service. She lived her beliefs every day, extending kindness to neighbors, comfort to those in need, and love to family and friends. We take comfort in knowing that the faith that guided her throughout her life now welcomes her home.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 810 S. Cedar Ave., Owatonna, followed by a luncheon. Visitation will start at 10 a.m. A Catholic Daughters of the Americas Rosary will be recited at 9:45 a.m. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Austin.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s School in Owatonna or to Covenant House NY.
For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com