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

Marion Vernitta Lee Romberg

Marion Vernitta Lee Romberg was born to Marvin and Vernitta (Hanson) Lee on August 8, 1938, in Madelia, Minnesota and was baptized into the Christian faith on March 14, 1949. The family lived in many places, including Madelia, Warrensburg, MO, and Fergus Falls where Marion graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1956.  She attended the University of Minnesota “Ag” School for one year.  Marion met her husband Glenn in 1955, while riding horses at her uncle Vincent Robertson’s home near Sleepy Eye.  They married in 1957 in Fergus Falls and then moved to their hog farm in rural Sleepy Eye. She died on her 88th birthday at White Pines Memory Care, Inver Grove Heights Minnesota.

Marion was incredibly close with her four daughters and cherished spending time with her family. She had nine grandchildren; each of whom knew they always had a true friend in Grandma.

Marion was a Charter Member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye.  She served in the Women of Grace in many capacities, including as President, was a member of the Grace Senior Choir and taught Sunday School.  She was a member of the New Ulm Skating Club, (participating in several Ice Shows much to the delight of her children and grandchildren), the Sleepy Eye Saddle Club and Brown County Extension Young Homemakers Group.

Marion was preceded in death by her husband Glenn, parents and parents-in-law, brother Jim and an infant brother, brothers-in-law Don Searles, Charles Romberg and Robert Romberg.

Marion is survived by her daughters Susan (Harold) Abbas of Lakeland, FL, Patty (Tom) Reicks of Shakopee, Debra (Barry) Towle of Inver Grove Heights,  and Cathy (Kurt) Augustin of Eagan, nine grandchildren, Gina Abbas and her fiancé Jake Erickson, Claire Abbas, Kyle (Jennie Eukel) Reicks, Erin (Eric) Plemel, Rachel (Ben) Jongbloedt, Clayton Knight, Vanessa (Rick) Smith, Katie (Chris Mallet) Augustin, and Ryan (Trina) Augustin, and ten great-grandchildren, Joy, Caleb, Mary, Patrick, Isabel, Ricky, Lylah, Gunnar, Ari, and Gio.  She is survived by sisters-in-law Ardis Searles, Jane (Richard) Aukrust, Sally Romberg, and Karen Beech; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Christian Burial will take place on Friday, September 18th at 1:00 pm at the Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye with fellowship from 2:00 – 4:00pm at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Victory Service is scheduled for 11:00 am on Saturday, September 19th at Berea Lutheran Church. 9308 River Valley Blvd., Inver Grove Heights, MN. Visitation 10:00-11:00 am prior to the service at church with a luncheon to follow the service.

 

William “Bill” Franklin Hoots III

Age 69, of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, passed away on August 7, 2026.

Bill grew up in Alton, Illinois, near St. Louis, a city for which he always had a soft spot. He went on to graduate from Western Illinois University before moving to Indianapolis, where he met his wife, Barbara. The two later moved to Minnesota for Bill’s work, where they bought a house, raised their family, and built a life together.

Bill was a lifelong learner with an endlessly curious mind. He was incredibly book smart and loved learning simply for the sake of learning. He could have happily been a full-time student his entire life. His curiosity meant there was rarely a shortage of things to talk about, and conversations with Bill could wander into just about any topic—sometimes interesting, sometimes completely random, and often both.

He began his career as a seed salesman before eventually finding his way into computers, working as a computer technician and analyst.

Bill loved getting in the car and simply driving. He wasn’t one for taking the main road, preferring the back roads and the less direct route to wherever he was going. For Bill, the drive itself was part of the experience. He also loved planting things—though not necessarily gardening—and enjoyed watching the things he planted grow.

Bill had a playful sense of humor and loved to tease the people he cared about, while being just as happy when they gave it right back to him.

Above all, Bill loved his family. He especially cherished being a grandfather to Charlotte and Archie, who brought tremendous joy to his life.

Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara Hoots; his daughter, Kathryn Cavazos and her husband, Matthew Cavazos; his son, Thomas Hoots; and his beloved grandchildren, Charlotte and Archie Cavazos.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Hoots and William Hoots Jr., and his brother, Joe Hoots.

Bill will be deeply missed and remembered for his curious mind, his humor, his love of learning, his love for his family, and the conversations that could take you just about anywhere—much like one of his drives.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St., Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. A Memorial Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Church of St. Patrick’s bounty fund.

Betty Lou Brown

Betty Lou Brown was born in Lincoln Nebraska on March 23, 1937, to William and Dorothy Brown. The family eventually moved to Mitchell, South Dakota where she would marry Ron A. Ross in 1954. Together they had two children, Margie and Jay. In 1965 the family moved to Inver Grove Heights MN where Betty raised a family and worked at St. Paul Insurance Company and later retired. Betty enjoyed sewing, collecting elephant and pig figurines, motorcycling, and socializing with friends. Betty passed on April 20,2026 preceded by husband Ron in 2025. Betty’s celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 22nd, at the Moose Lodge located at 5927 Concord Blvd. Inver Grove Heights MN 55075. The COL will start at 1:30 pm and run until 4:00pm.

Robert Donald “Wip” Wiplinger

Age 80 of Inver Grove Heights, MN,
Passed away peacefully on August 4th, 2026.
Preceded in death by parents, Bernard Ben and Helen; brother, Mike; and Willy the bear.
Survived by loving wife of 53 years, Linda; two children (one good looking and one smart): daughter, Nancy (Mike) Pone; son, Charlie “Chuck” (Sara); grandchildren, Ingrid, Helen, Nora, Stella, Michelle, Martin, Gina, Kaleb and Elliette; also many other family, friends and Fred the parrot.
Bob, or ‘Wip’ as he was widely known, loved aviation from the time he was a boy following his father’s footsteps at Fleming Field Airport, refurbishing warbirds into corporate aircraft. As a teenager, He won Linda’s heart by coming to her rescue after his buddy tripped her at a rollerskating rink (on purpose?) and taking her for a ride in his Piper Cub; she knew with him she’d never have a dull life, and she was not disappointed! Bob graduated from the U of M with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering before he continued his father’s legacy in aviation, saving the world from bad floats! He worked as the chief brains of product design in the family business, Wipaire, which was closer to an extension of his family. He befriended employees, customers, vendors, neighbors and anyone else who dropped by. Wip was also known for his love of animals, including his pet black bear, Willy, his parrot, Fred, and many dogs, cats and injured birds he found along the way. He engaged in a perpetual and futile battle of engineering wit against the raccoons to keep them off the bird feeders, while providing them a feast of leftovers. Despite this setback against the raccoons, he is adorned with many awards from the aviation community including the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot award and being inducted into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame. History may show his greatest contribution to society will be the Fire Boss, an Air Tractor agriculture aircraft fitted with floats for scooping water and fighting wildfire. His design has saved the lives and property of countless people around the globe.
Visitation 3:007:00 pm, Tuesday, August 11th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Funeral Service 11:00 am, Wednesday, August 12th, at Crown of Life Lutheran Church, 115 Crusader Ave., West St. Paul with visitation from 10:0011:00 am, prior to the service at church. Interment to be held at Union Cemetery, South St. Paul. Fellowship to follow at the Moose Lodge
#1088, 5927 Concord Blvd., Inver Grove Heights. The details for a Celebration of Life event will soon be announced.
In lieu of flowers, cash memorial funds will be used to create an aviation career centric scholarship in Wip’s honor, or donations may be made to either Crown of Life Lutheran Church Tim Burdorf Tuition Assistance Fund or St. Croix Lutheran Academy Dave Mielke Tuition Assistance Fund in Wip’s honor.

John Gregory Schaeffer

Age 69 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away on August 7th, 2026.

Preceded in death by parents, Jack and Mary; in-laws, Lee and Leona Williams; brother-in-law, Steve Ranum.

Survived by loving wife of 33 years, Linda; stepchildren, David and Stephen (Dayna) Henderson; special grandson, Quinn; brother, Dan (Denise); sister, Roseanne (Jim) Tursso; brother-in-law, Lee (Terri) Williams; sister-in-law, Lori Ranum; also other family and friends.

John retired after 47 years with Cub Foods. He loved all things baseball.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon with a time of sharing beginning at 11:30 am on Thursday, August 13th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.

Rachel Lynn Maternowski

November 21, 2000 ~ July 30, 2026

Rachel Lynn Maternowski passed away suddenly on July 30, 2026 (age 25) in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.  Rachel was the daughter of Ron and Ann Maternowski.  Rachel was born on November 21, 2000 in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Rachel grew up in South Saint Paul, and Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota with her parents.  Rachel attended Kaposia Elementary, South St. Paul High School and completed her education with the Minnesota Connections Academy.

Rachel will be remembered for her infectious laugh and her gift for storytelling.  She loved dance, music, movies, and she enjoyed camping and fishing with her parents. Her greatest adventures were the ones she shared while traveling with her Mom, creating memories that will be held close forever. Rachel also had a deep passion for art and creativity, which she expressed in everything she did.  Rachel was deeply empathetic and cared profoundly for her family, friends, her partner Will and of course her cats. Her spirit, her laughter, and her love will remain with all who knew her.

She is survived by her Parents; sister, Crystal (Kevin); nephew, Dylan; Grandmother, Libby Maternowksi; partner of four years, William Richard Martin Johnson and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her Grandfather, Darrel Maternowski; Grandfather, Roy Oreskovich; Grandmother, Sonya Oreskovich; Grandmother, Bonnie Oreskovich; Uncle, Steve Oreskovich and cousin, Daniel Holmgren.

Memorial Service 12:00 noon on Friday, August 14th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN with visitation from 10:30am – 12:00pm.  Celebration of Life from 12:30 to 5:00pm at the Croation Hall, 445 2nd Ave S, South St. Paul, MN.  Food provided.

Memorials preferred, in lieu of flowers.

Ardys L. Hurley

Age 81 of South Saint Paul.

Passed away on July 29, 2026.

Preceded in death by husband, Bill; daughter, Kim Williams; sister, Jeannie Schaefer.

Survived by children, Karen (Larry) Barlow, Keith (Judy) & Kathy (Mark) Boerner; grandchildren, Jacob (Jenna), Jenna (Jacob), Karlie (Peter), Kammie, Mitchell, Gabrielle, Emma & Jack; 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Dianne (Dennis) Troje; son-in-law, Brent Williams; along with many other relatives and friends.

Ardys loved to travel and spend time at her lake home in Siren, WI and winters in AZ.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM Thursday, August 6th, at the Church of St. John Vianney, 840 19th Ave. N., South St. Paul. Visitation 10:00 – 11:00 am prior to Mass. Interment Calvary Cemetery, St. Paul.

Edward J. “Ed” Oldenborg

Age 89 of Inver Grove Heights, formerly of Blackduck and Minneapolis, MN.

Passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving wife and daughter on July 27, 2026.

Preceded in death by son, Russ; mother, Leota Palmiero; brothers, Ray, Bill and Allen Crawford.

Survived by loving wife of 66 years, Sharon; daughter, Renee (Mike) Extrand; sisters, Ann (Phil Flick) Oldenborg and Dar Durkee; daughter-in-law, Carrie Oldenborg; grandchildren, Jessie (Jake) Johnson and Jeff Oldenborg; great granddaughter, Juliette; also other family and friends.

Ed retired as a superintendent of the scheduling department after 33 years with Metro Transit.

Ed and Sharon enjoyed entertaining family and friends at their lake home on South Twin in Northern Minnesota. Ed loved hunting, fishing and birdwatching. He truly enjoyed any time spent outdoors. He was a devoted fan of the MN Wild, Vikings and Twins. We are eternally grateful for her care and compassion, Ed’s hospice nurse, Christi.

Memorial Service 11:00 am Monday, August 10th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10:00-11:00 am prior to the service. A luncheon will follow. Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

 

James “Jim” Dorothy

Of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully at his home on June 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim found joy in life’s simple moments. He cherished his family and will be remembered for his quiet humor, wisdom and steady presence. Jim shared 49 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Diane.

He is survived by Diane; daughters, Dannielle Therrien (Luke) and Allison Pavlish (Josh); granddaughters, Kelsie and Kenzie Therrien; sister, Kathleen Jamkowski (Frank). He is preceded in death by his brother, Fred Dorothy.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, September 3rd, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:30 pm followed by a Memorial Service from 6:30 to 7:00 pm.

The family respectfully request no flowers please, memorials are preferred.

Alexzander Andrew Lebron

Age 17 of Tampa, FL.

Passed away unexpectedly on July 15, 2026.

Preceded in death by grandfather, Robert Otterson.

Survived by mother, April; father, John; sisters, Arielle & Aliyah; grandparents, Bonnie on his mother’s side, and Hector on his father’s side; step-siblings, Taylor, Theo, Layla & Isabella; stepmother, Rachel; aunt, Gabi and Sam; also other family and friends.

Zander loved to be with his family and friends. A very caring and loving son, sibling, and friend. He always insisted on helping where needed, loved to partake in risk taking sports, and loved to relax, playing his video games.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm Tuesday, July 28th, with a Time of Sharing beginning at 6:30 pm, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN.

Memorials preferred.