Rosemount, Minnesota – Harold Evan Gooch passed away suddenly on May 30th, 2026. He lived a full life with an exorbitant passion for his family, his business and his sport.

Harold was born on December 28, 1952, in Duluth, Minnesota, as an only child to Herbert and Joyce (Rush) Gooch. Harold had an idyllic childhood growing up in Duluth’s picturesque small-town era. His father worked at Bridgeman Creamery and his mother was a teaching assistant at a local school. A special remembrance of his childhood was his mother’s delectable baking. Harold often spoke lovingly of her daily pies, bars and cookies. His favorite was her butterscotch pie.

After graduating from Duluth East High School, Harold attended the College of St. Scholastica before transferring to Mankato State University. At Mankato, he joined a new paramedic program and, in 1975, became one of two students to earn an Associate of Science degree in Emergency Medical Care and Rescue. Harold pioneered the notable paramedic program alongside faculty, which was among only a handful of programs in the nation at the time.

Harold then moved to the cities to work as a paramedic at the Divine Redeemer Hospital in South St. Paul, Minnesota. There he met Cathy, the love of his life, while she worked as a dispatcher. The two were married in October of 1978. Harold admired Cathy’s large, Mexican family and treasured the vibrant food and culture.

Harold worked as a paramedic for 20 years, overlapping him and Cathy’s early entrepreneurial days- raising their toddlers and building their tortilla brand from their Inver Grove Heights home. Harold and Cathy were beautiful partners in both business and life. Together they raised a loving family while pursuing a shared dream of building a tortilla company that would later grow into a family business legacy, Catallia Mexican Foods.

Catallia’s story was one Harold was deeply proud of. In the early days, he wore whatever hat was needed, taking on accounting, logistics, distribution, and branding. He believed in the product, demand grew and he persevered to keep the business moving forward. What began with local grocery stores eventually grew into national partnerships and a thriving manufacturing operation.

Harold dedicated nearly 41 years to the tortilla business and served as Chief Financial Officer. He had a natural gift for business and people. He built lasting relationships, earned the trust of customers, employees, and colleagues, and approached decisions with integrity and thoughtfulness. Undoubtedly, Catallia’s success reflects his profound passion, brave vision, and trusting character. His legacy lives on in the business he helped build, and in the values he passed on to Dan, Michael and Annette, who will proudly carry it forward.

Harold’s other passions for motocross, snowmobiling and bicycling began in the outdoor haven of Duluth. His love for motocross spanned nearly 60 years and became a distinguished part of who he was. His love for the sport never faded- he was a member of District 23 and an American Motorcyclist Association life member. In his most recent years, he sponsored various senior and veteran races in the Midwest. Harold’s enthusiasm for motocross formed lifelong friendships and created cherished memories for the Gooch family.

Harold lived life to the fullest and had a captivating spirit that was memorable to everyone that met him. He was generous and caring.  A trusting anchor and protector of the family. He was a loving and devoted husband, relentless in always putting Cathy first. An exceptional father, and fun-loving grandpa who will be greatly missed.

Harold is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cathy; three children, Dan (Emily), Michael, and Annette (Sharif); his eight grandchildren, Ethan, Ella, Linnea, Sullivan, Wallace, Rohan, Annika and Raina; many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

A visitation will be held for Harold on Tuesday, June 23rd at Roberts Funeral Home in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota from 4:00-7:00pm, with eulogy sharing at 7:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, June 24th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rosemount, Minnesota at 11:00am. Visitation 10:00 am to 11:00 am prior to Mass at church. Private interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights, MN. We commend his beautiful spirit to the arms of our loving God.

Age 72 of Cottage Grove, MN

Passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026. Preceded in death by infant son, Michael John; parents, Herman and Leona; sister, Carole Ann Wald.

Survived by loving wife of 52 years, Debra; sons, Steven, Dennis (Jennifer), Brent (Sara), Wesley (Lauren) and Paul (Kaitlyn); 13 grandchildren, Cody, Landon, Jameson, Julianna, McKenna, Ashlyn, Logan, Blake, Brynlee, Norah, Olivia, Vivian and Maxwell; godchild, Corey; also other family and friends.

Keith enjoyed many years of coaching hockey with the boy’s teams, even taking them to 2nd place in State with Jr. Gold and beating Shattuck – St. Mary’s. In his spare time he enjoyed going fishing with his son’s in hopes of bringing in the “big one”. Summers were spent on the lake teaching the kids to waterski, tubing and sometimes just taking a spin in the boat. In the evenings, he enjoyed going to Cedar Lake Speedway to watch the car races, especially the Sprint cars, where at one time, he too raced the Late Model and Modified cars using his friends cars. The 3 eldest boys raced Quarter Midgets growing up and achieved their own metals. Much of the knowledge they gained from Keith was how to take care of their own cars and repair small engines. Let’s not forget Keith enjoyed working on his own toys as well, he had a passion for older vehicles and owned a ’49 Chevy that he started to repair and of course his beloved Harley Davidson motorcycle. He enjoyed every opportunity to take a ride on his bike with his friends and family including late afternoon rides to see deer standing in the fields.

Keith had 13 Grandchildren that he adored. Although he never had any girls of his own, he was blessed with 7 girls and 6 boys. When he had the chance, he enjoyed the time watching his Grandchildren playing football, volleyball, dance, downhill skiing, hockey and spending time on their birthdays and during the holidays.

Funeral service 11:00 am, Wednesday, June 10^th, at Southside Baptist Church, 5613 S. Robert Trail, Inver Grove Heights. Visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Internment Union Cemetery, Cambridge, MN.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your charity of choice.

Homer Lynn Hansen, 92, of St. Paul, passed away on May 23, 2026. His parents were Maxine (Taubman) Hansen and Harold Edward Hiatt. He grew up in Rutledge, MN.

He was drafted on September 27, 1954 and served with the Army until September 12, 1956. During this time, he attended boot camp at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. He was then stationed in Seefeld, Austria and Nellingen, Germany. He was a blaster combat engineer and detonated shells after the Korean War.

He was employed by Swifts in South St. Paul for 17 years. During that time, some of his responsibilities included making shortening, butchering, and working the kill floor. He also was an apprentice cooper and received his chief boiler license.

In November of 1969, he went to worked for North Central Airlines. During his 28-year career with the airlines, his first job was cleaning airplanes. After receiving additional training, he was a mechanic in the automotive department. He was eventually promoted to lead GSE mechanic. He saw many changes in the airlines during those 28 years.

He enjoyed traveling. Some of his highlights were seeing the Redwoods, Alaska and he took multiple trips to Germany. He also enjoyed cooking, canning, and fishing. He was always challenging himself. At age 80, he started teaching himself how to play the Concertina.

He also enjoyed spending time in his well-equipped shop where he did woodworking and metal working. He treasured making gifts for family members, which included: 13 Grandfather clocks, reproduction ice boxes, cedar chests, curio cabinets and highchairs just to name a few. He made rocking chairs for the great grand kids. He also remodeled many kitchens and bathrooms. Some of his metal working projects involved designing and making all kinds of gadgets from something small like a paper shredder to things that moved. He designed and built a functioning bulldozer and tractor and made his own Gantry crane to lift heavy objects in his garage.

Family was very important to him. He truly enjoyed knowing what everyone was doing, especially the grandkids and great grand kids.

Homer will be missed by Children: Vickie Flohrs, DeAnn (Dennis) Persells, and Jim (Laureen) Hansen. Grandchildren: Shellie Brunner, Jason (Liz Olson) Flohrs, Daniel (Sarah), and Jeff (Heather) Persells. Chris (Angie) Hansen, Shawna (Ryan) Wensmann, John (Shelby) Hansen, and Ann (Hunter) Beauclair. Great-Grandchildren: Riley Brunner, and Eddie Flohrs.  Nora, Max, and Lucas Persells, Tesla and Tilly Persells. Michaela and Andrew Wilson, Isla and Sloane Wensmann, Vera and Arlo Hansen, Scarlett Beauclair. Sisters: Vonnie Beberg and Judy Kunz, and many other family members and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, sister Aleta Pantlin, brothers, Kirby and Denny Hansen. Grandson, Tim Flohrs.

A time of gathering will be on June 12th from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. A Service will be held at 6:00 pm at the Roberts Funeral Home at 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights. A special thank you to Homer’s many caregivers: Suite Living, Rosemount, BrightStar Care, IGH, and MN Hospice.

Raymond “Ray” Welch of Inver Grove Heights, passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved him.

Ray proudly served in the United States Air Force Intelligence/Strategic Air Command (SAC) before dedicating 30 years as a Sales Manager at Buerkle Honda. Friends and family knew they could confidently send anyone to Ray when it came time to buy a car, knowing he would treat them honestly, fairly, and like family.

Ray enjoyed college football, cycling, music, McDonald’s coffee, and his daily walks. Never one to sit still for long, he was always tinkering around the house or yard or working on a project. When the projects were done for the day, you could usually find Ray sitting on the back patio with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, quietly taking in nature with his loyal Corgi, Barley, by his side.

Known affectionately as “Ray Ray,” Ray was a kind, dependable, and deeply loved man whose quiet nature spoke volumes through his actions. He was someone family and friends could always count on—for thoughtful advice, a helping hand, or simply a steady presence.

Ray is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 50 years, Nancy; his children, Brooks (Heidi) Welch, Jim (Dana) Bell, Scott (Kelli) Bell, and Meghann (Chad) Hanson; and his cherished grandchildren, McKenzie, Reagan, Alexis, Blake, Ramsey, Gus, and Esmé. He was preceded in death by his son, Ryan Bell. While both are deeply missed, their family finds comfort in knowing they are together, watching over those they loved.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, hard work, and quiet wisdom that will continue to live on through all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 19, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tom Reid’s Hockey City Pub, 258 7th Street West, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102. Family and friends are invited to gather to share stories, memories, and raise a glass in Ray’s honor.

Age 75 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 27, 2026. Preceded in death by wife, Gerrie: parents, Harold & Rose; brothers, Ken & Bob. Survived by sons, Brian (Patty) & Brad (Amber); grandchildren, Jake (Vilane), Josh (Hattie), Carter, Hunter, Gunner, & Rylie; great-grandchildren, Claire, Connor & Josie; also other loving relatives & friends.

Randy worked at the South St. Paul Post Office for 30 years. In his free time, Randy loved to hunt and fish.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 pm Friday, June 19^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Private interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred.

Age 90 of Hugo, formerly of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026.

Preceded in death by husband, Alden; parents, Joseph & Isabel Handwerk; sisters, June Twardy & Lucille Mausolf. Survived by son, Steve (Mayme); daughters, Sandy Heinz & Sheila (Andy) Pierucki; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; also other family & friends.

JoAnn was born in St. Paul, MN and graduated from South St. Paul Senior High School. She met Alden, the love of her life, after he returned from the Korean war, and they were married in 1955. Together they raised three children. When the children were of school age, she went to work outside the home and held a few different clerical positions over the years. She ultimately retired from Northwest Airlines after having been employed as an accounting clerk.
After retiring, they moved out to the country and enjoyed many outdoor activities such as; gardening, bird watching and watching the various wildlife animals. She was an animal lover at heart, especially dogs.
JoAnn enjoyed hosting family gatherings, whether it was for a holiday or birthday get-together. She loved to cook for family when they would visit. Spending time with her family and friends brought her joy.
She was very creative and it was reflected in her paintings and home decorating. Listening to music and the occasional “bopping” to the beat put a smile on her face. She was a very giving, loving, happy lady who always had a positive outlook on life.

Memorial Service 6:00 pm Monday, June 8th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 4:00 – 6:00 pm prior to the service. Private interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

February 27, 1936 ~ May 4, 2026

Sara “Sally” Hickey, age 90, passed away peacefully in Minneapolis, MN on May 4, 2026. Born to Irvin and Mary Langhoff in Shorewood, WI, Sally attended Divine Savior Holy Angels High School in Milwaukee and Rosemont College in Pennsylvania.

Sally met her soul mate, Paul T. Hickey, through the Vagabond Ski Club and they skied their way across the U.S. and Europe together. They married at St. Robert’s in Shorewood, WI on April 20,1963 and went on to raise six children in Whitefish Bay, WI.

While “Mom” was her favorite title, Sally somehow found time to serve countless hours at St. Monica: teaching catechism, guiding newly engaged couples, and even launching a Habitat for Humanity chapter. She and Paul also supported Somali immigrant families as they settled into life in the U.S., and she shared her love of writing with students at Milwaukee County Jail.

A lifelong lover of ballet, Sally danced through her early adulthood and later turned that passion into two published teen novels about a ballerina. Naturally, her daughters were required to leap and pirouette across the backyard and basement — whether they wanted to or not. Tennis was another of her great joys, and she spent countless hours on the court with kids and grandkids hoping the love of the game might stick. She and Paul taught all six children to ski in Wisconsin and Colorado.

Sally leaves behind a legacy of love, empathy, and selflessness. Her family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care she received at Friendship Village in Minneapolis.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul and is survived by her sister Elizabeth of Edisto Island, SC; her children Joseph (Melissa) of Cottage Grove, WI; Mary (Thomas) of Minneapolis, MN; Peter of Miami, FL; Sara (Gary) of Twin Lakes, WI; Christopher (Shirley) of Silverthorne, CO; Kevin (Barbara) of Denver, CO; and 12 grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Friday, June 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial — both at St. Monica Catholic Church (5681 N Santa Monica Blvd, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217). A reception will follow at the church. Sally loved color, and we are sure she is dancing in a brilliant kaleidoscopic in heaven. Feel free to incorporate into your outfit!

In lieu of flowers, please honor Sally with a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

Laurel Grace Venhuizen was born on December 14, 1928 to Charles and Hilda Fluetsch in Wimbledon, ND.  She married Ralph Venhuizen of Hannaford, ND on Oct. 29, 1946.  They raised their family of 5 children and farmed outside of Wimbledon, ND until Ralph’s death in 1981.

Laurel is preceded in death by her husband Ralph Venhuizen, son, Randy Venhuizen, grandson Marcus Triantafellu, and son-in-law Patrick Fiedler. She is survived by her children Holly (Harvey) Cain of Inver Grove Heights, MN, Joanne (Patrick) Fiedler of Fresno, CA, Carol (Stanley) Triantafellu of New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Scott (Kim) Venhuizen of Spring Grove, PA, 7 living grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

We will have a celebration of life at Westwood Ridge Senior Living Facility at 1 Thompson Ave W, West St. Paul, MN on May 29, 2026 at 1:30 pm. She will be laid to rest near her husband and son in Prairie View Cemetery, Wimbledon, ND.

Memorials preferred to Lions Gift of Sight, 1000 Westgate Drive, Suite 260, Saint Paul, MN 55114.

Age 61 of South St. Paul

Passed away courageously in her faith on May 21, 2026 surrounded by her husband and her 4 girls. Kim’s strength provided her enough time to say goodbye to her grandchildren, siblings, and other loved ones.

Preceded in death by her mom, Carol Nadeau.

Survived by her loving husband, Kevin Kuehn, her 4 daughters, Cassandra Bruber, Madison Wilson (Quinten), Sadie Patet (Jared), and Kallie Kuehn (Lukas Vigil), her 6 grandchildren, Lydia, Wyatt, Luna, Piper, Sonny, and Lorenzo, father, Jerry Nadeau, siblings Kerri Lagoo (Jeff), Kory Nadeau (Chris), Kurt Nadeau (Pam), and Klint Nadeau (Katie), and many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Kim loved to make others smile. She loved to create and share her art.  She adored her family more than anything, especially her grandchildren who were the lights of her life. She held many titles but nana was her favorite.

Visitation 3:00 – 6:00 pm on Thursday, May 28th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave. Inver Grove Hts. Memorial Service immediately following at 6:00 pm.