Obituaries2017-03-17T11:40:28-05:00

Joel Peter Wolfe

Age 49,

Passed away unexpectedly on November 11, 2024, in Sterling Township, Wisconsin. Born on January 31, 1975, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Joel was the beloved son of John and Judy Wolfe. He grew up with a passion for learning, eventually attending the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. During his time there, he met his loving wife, Marinda, whom he married in May 1998. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to their sons, Ryder and Thomas. Joel enjoyed a successful career in Technical Recruiting for over two decades, building meaningful friendships and connections. Two years ago, he returned to his roots in Education, embracing a role as a Special Education Teacher at Coon Rapids Middle School. This new path reignited his passion for helping others, and he was cherished by his students and colleagues. Joel was also enrolled in a Master’s of Education program at the University of St. Thomas, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to learning. Joel’s family and friends will forever remember him for his caring nature, his quiet strength, and his generous spirit. He was an avid outdoorsman, finding peace and joy in hunting, fishing, and golf—often saying that sitting in a tree stand was his favorite place on earth. Known for his humor, honesty, and loyalty, Joel left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

He was a supportive husband, a dedicated father, a loving son and brother, and a true friend. Joel is survived by his wife, Marinda Wolfe; sons, Ryder and Thomas Wolfe; parents, John and Judy Wolfe; step father-in-law, Dale Holbrook; sister, Jean (Howard) Rigden, and nieces Elizabeth and Emily; brother-in-law, Scott Foster; nieces, Caitlin (Justin) King, with great-niece, Aubrey and great-nephew, Grayson; and Brittany (Billy) McMichael, with niece, Norah; sister-in-law, Stacy (Dave) Mason, and nieces, Molly and Lily; and sister-in-law, Nancy Foster, and nieces Ellinore and Alexis DeJong. Preceded in death by mother-in-law, Carol Holbrook; father-in-law, Thomas Foster. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Remembrance of Life Service will be held for family and friends at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights on Friday, November 22nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m with a time of sharing beginning at 11:30 am. A luncheon to follow at the Inver Grove Community Center from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Coon Rapids Middle School Special Education program, honoring Joel’s commitment to education and his students.

Coon Rapids Middle School

c/o Principal

11600 Raven Street NW Coon Rapids, Mn. 55433

Make checks to Coon Rapids Middle School or CRMS

Michael L. “Mike” Poechmann

Age 69 of St. Paul, MN

Passed away unexpectedly on November 11, 2024. Preceded in death by parents, Charles and Joyce. Survived by children, Shelley (Dan) Wenner, Steve (Nicolle), Mary (Leang) Sarin, Theresa, and Angie (Trever) Stockton, and their mother, Colleen; grandchildren, Ethan, Lexie, Evie, Hailey, Levi, Emerson, Graham, Brynn & Louie; siblings, Marilyn Andert, Gloria Chada, Nancy, Valerie (Mike) Seamons, and Dave (Kerry); also many other family and friends.

Mike was born in Pine City, MN on June 26, 1955. In his early childhood his family moved to the West Side of St. Paul where he attended St. Matthew’s Catholic School. He graduated from Brady High School in 1973. Mike worked for Coca-Cola for 35 years until he retired in 2018. In his early years he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and boating with his family. In his retirement he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, playing cribbage, supporting MN sports and going to the casino. Mike was a simple, kind hearted man who endlessly supported his loved ones.

Funeral Service 5:00 pm Monday, November 18th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 3:00 – 5:00 pm prior to the service. Dinner to follow at Veterans Memorial Community Center, 8055 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Private burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to The American Heart Association preferred.

Daniel Derby

Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4.

Entered into the presence of the Lord peacefully on November 10, 2024 surrounded by family. Dan is lovingly remembered by his wife, Carol; son, Lane (Tammy) and daughter Tanya (Dave); grandchildren, Katelyn (Charlie) Iversrud and Alyssa Derby; sister, Renee Erath; nieces, nephews, many relatives and friends. Dan is greeted in heaven by his parents, Maurice and Donelda Derby; sisters, Phyllis Thompson, Delores Cain and LaVae (John) Johnston. Funeral will be at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Ave., Inver Grove Heights, at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 16th. Visitation is one hour prior to the service.

Randy Mills

With humble acceptance of God’s will, we announce the passing of Randy Mills on November 11, 2024, at the age of 60 due to multiple complications post heart surgery. He overcame many obstacles in the past seven months, and we are grateful for the blessed assurance that he is in heaven with our Lord and Savior and will no longer endure any pain or suffering. Randy was a beloved husband of (Tracy), father of (Travis, Nate, and niece Brianna whom he cared for deeply and called his daughter), daughter-in-law (Rachel), grandchildren (Wyatt Mills and Malik Adams), son of (OV Mills) brother of (Dwayne, David Sr.), sister in laws (Kim Mills (Dwayne) and Julie Mills (David)), brother in law (Todd Adams), mother & father in law (John and Donna Adams) and uncle of (David Mills Jr, Gage Mills, Shelby Mills and Trinity Mills). He was preceded in death by his mother (Shelby Mills), brother-in-law (Tom Adams) and nephew (Colin Mills). Randy served in the US Navy and anyone who knew him well knew how much he loved this country. He worked as a mechanical engineer and in IT related positions prior to his retirement. He was an avid bow hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed boating, ATV rides and playtime with his fur friend/neighbor Toby the goldendoodle and spending time with his friends, neighbors, and family. One of his favorite past times is listening to his family members play music and sing. The service will be held in Smyrna, TN at a future date. In lieu of flowers, we know that the best way to honor him would be to send a memorial donation to Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077. The memorial will go to the college funds that he started for Malik and Wyatt.

 

Rosemary Stowell

Age 84, of Inver Grove Heights,

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.

Rosemary was born in Mankato to parents Ray and Kate Schneider. She grew up in Mankato with her sister Joan and brother Mike and graduated from Loyola Catholic High School in 1958. She later married the love of her life, Warren, on December 30, 1961 and they raised their five children in Inver Grove Heights. Her greatest passion in life, was spending time with her family and friends. She also loved to play golf, watch the Minnesota Vikings, play cards with family and friends, dance, and sing in the church choir. Rosemary’s love and light will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Rosemary is survived by her children, Tammy Lucas (Tim), Traci Radmanovich (John), Kelly Stowell, Scott Stowell (Tere) and Kimberly Nitti (Tony); 19 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; brother-in-law James Stowell (Ronnie), sister-in-law Phyllis Beer (Truman), sister-in-law Adrian Person; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren, her parents, Ray and Kate, her in-laws, Frank and Frankie, her brother, Mike, her sister, Joan, and nephews, Dan and Rob.

Funeral Mass, followed by a reception, will be held on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, at 11:00 am, with visitation 1 hour prior at St. Stanislaus Church, 398 W. Superior Street, St. Paul. Private Interment Service will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Lorna Alice May

Lorna Alice May passed away on Friday, Nov 1st, 2024, at age 89, peacefully, with family by her side.

She is survived by her children, Kathy Hardgrave (David Hardgrave) and Karen May; her three grandchildren, Amber Guettler (Tristen Guettler), Andrew May (Kate Torgovnick May), and Daniel Hardgrave (Franci Hardgrave); great-grandchildren, Mason Hardgrave and Landon Guettler, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James May; daughter, Lorene May; son Ronald May; daughter-in-law, Crystal May; brothers, Lloyd Dale and Byron Dale.

Lorna was born on Feb 19th 1935, in Burke, South Dakota, to Bill Dale and Alice (née Chastain). She met her husband Jim while he was serving in the Air Force in South Dakota — they moved to Minneapolis in 1958. Lorna was an impeccable homemaker, a loving wife and a caring mother. She loved hosting family and friends and baking wonderful treats year-round.

Her Memorial Service will be at 11:00 am Wednesday, November 6th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation will be one hour prior to service.

James C. Graaf

Age 88 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully on October 28th, 2024.

Preceded in death by wife, Beverly.

Survived by children, Laurie (Todd) Rangitsch, Nita (Scott) Pribnow & Jerry (Heidi) Graaf; grandchildren, Jeff, Dan (Liz), David, Kaylee and Tony; great-grandchildren, Brooke and Brody; sister, Eileen Frederice; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lynn and Dave Kammueller; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Jim was a Monroe High School graduate, served in the U.S. Army, and before retiring was employed by the State of Minnesota. He enjoyed spending time with family, watching his grandchildren participate in sports/activities, lunches with friends, watching the Vikings, Twins, Wild and Timberwolves, playing cards, fishing and DQ Blizzards.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Friday, November 8th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Private interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to Jim’s favorite charity, American Cancer Society.

 

Albert T. Eiden

Age 82 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 26, 2024. Preceded in death by parents, Albert & Catherine; brothers, James and Michael. Survived by loving wife of 60 years Judy; children, Clare (Dave) Pitera, Craig (Lisa), Paula (Gary) Dorner, Kevin (Salli) and Scott. Grandchildren; Dr. Morgan (Spence) Byer, Garrett (Ingrid), Joseph Dorner, Patrick, Gabrielle Pitera, Emily Dorner, Alixandra, Kaylie Dorner, Cavin Pitera, James, Timothy; sisters in law, Joann and Sandy and many other family and friends.

Al dearly loved his family. He also enjoyed reading, puzzles, and collecting coins. He was a faithful employee of 42 years at Cenex Harvest States. His service to the community of Inver Grove Heights and the Church of St. Patrick is widely known by many. He mentored youth both at the high school and vocational college level.

Mass of Christian burial 11:00 AM Monday, November 4th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 9:00 t0 11:00 AM prior to Mass at church. Interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to Guiding Star Wakota Life Care Center or St. Patrick’s Church.

Richard G. Huber

Age 79 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 27, 2024.

Preceded in death by parents, Orva & Henry; siblings, Carol (Pat) Shea, Ray, Roger, Loretta (Denny) Scanlon; and many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Survived by loving wife of 59 years, Kathy; son, Richard (Packy); daughter, Sharon (Dan) Johnson; grandchildren, Rachel (Cody) Johnson, Peter Johnson, and Joshua Johnson; sister-in-law, Nori Weiss; brother-in-law, Brian (Mary) Scanlon; and many nieces and nephews.

Richard loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved watching MN sports teams win (and lose). He also loved bowling!

Memorial service 4:00 pm Monday, November 4th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 3:00-4:00 pm prior to the service. Light snacks will be provided after the service. Private interment.

Donald M. Habisch

Age 69 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 27th, 2024 after 3½ year battle with cancer.

Preceded in death by parents, Martin and Rosemary.

Survived by loving wife of 41 years, Gail; daughter Vanessa (Tom) Sederstrom; son, Steve (Heather); grandchildren, Meyer & Evelyn; also other family and friends.

Don fought his cancer with all that he had. He never gave up. He was always the first person to help anyone with anything. He would refer to himself as Don the Giver. If you showed up at his house, he would be sure to offer you a glass of milk or some Mountain Dew Code Red. He loved music and shared that love with his granddaughters. He also loved history, especially anything about World War II.  He liked listening to the podcast, Vikings Purple Daily, even though he was a fair weather fan.

Thank you to Minnesota Oncology, Vascular and Interventional Experts and St Croix Hospice for taking such good care of him throughout his journey. He will be deeply missed.

Memorial service 11:00 am Saturday, November 9th, at Southside Baptist Church 5613 S. Robert Trail, Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 9:00 to 11:00 am prior to the service at church. Luncheon to follow.

Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society.