Verna M. Johnson, age 85 passed away on April 21^st with her family by her side, from complications of Lewy Body Dementia.

Verna Marie (Wobschall) Johnson was born on September 22, 1940, the daughter of Lewis and Dora Wobschall in Waseca, where she was raised and attended public school.

On March 1, 1958, she married John M. Johnson, the love of her life. Together they raised a family of three children: Mike, Deb, and Kevin.

Their journey through life took them across southern Minnesota from Waseca to Butterfield (1962-64), Brainerd (1964-68), Rochester (1968-73), and Byron (1973-2024). They moved to Inver Grove Heights in September of 2024 to an independent living apartment at Timber Hills Senior Living Community (a Presbyterian home).

Verna chose to be a stay-at-home mom until all her children were in school. She then started a long-standing career as a paraprofessional for the Byron School District where she worked for 29 years. She loved her job and all the varied responsibilities that it entailed. She connected with students and made lifelong friends.

She was a great cook and baker, often taking her goodies to work to be shared and enjoyed by others. Many coworkers fondly remember favorites such as the Texas brownies and mint bars. With the assistance of her family, she continued baking two of her favorites: holiday cut-out cookies with her special frosting recipe and rhubarb bars.

Verna possessed an artistic flair and displayed it with her creations of floral arrangements, crafts, sewing, and needlepoint. She loved music and rarely missed Tuesday music events at Timber Hills.

Verna’s greatest love was her family. Her husband was her anchor. She cherished having her children and grandchildren at the cabin. Spending time with her family (and dogs), regardless of the activity gave her the most enjoyment and happiness.

Verna was a farm girl at heart. She loved spending time with extended family at the Kramer family farm when she was young. She frequently shared stories that involved her Uncle Ernie, Aunt Alvena, and her beloved cousins.

Verna passed away at home under the care of her devoted husband and caregiver and a wonderful team that included family members, her personal care attendant Misty, and Minnesota Hospice.

She was preceded in death by her son Kevin, her grandson Derrik, her parents, and brother Willard. She is survived by her husband John, son Mike (Ruth) Johnson, daughter Deb (John) Schad, grandchildren: Justin, Joey, Jinah and Ryan, great-grandson Landon, and her sister BettyAnn (Merle) Higgins.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 9^th, visitation 10-11, chapel service at 11, and luncheon following at Timber Hills Senior Living Community, 6309 Burnham Circle, Inver Grove Heights, MN. Private interment at a later date in Byron.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred as the family will be dedicating those with donations to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Timber Hills, and Minnesota Hospice.

Age 51 of Eagan, MN.

Passed away on April 22, 2026.

Survived by daughter, Mahaila Berres; mother, Sue Berres; father, Jim Berres; sister, Amy Berres; loving dog, Cruz; also family & friends.

Jeff loved to cook and worked at several hotel restaurants in Minnesota and New Mexico. He also catered parties including several celebrities and a couple presidents. BBQ and bowling were his passions, he had a perfect 300 game and won the MN State High School Scholarship Bowling Tournament in high school which paid for chef school. He also loved fishing and was a huge Viking fan.

A Gathering of Family & Friends will be held from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 16th, 2026,  at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.

Age 68 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on April 20, 2026. Preceded in death by parents, Gordon and Arlene; sister, Linda; brother Mike.

Survived by loving wife of 43 years, Brenda; daughters, Cari (David) Brandner, Catie Herber, and Cristy Studeman; grandchildren, Mikayla, Mason, Aubri, and Bexli; siblings, Diane Menton, Roxy (Mike) Nowicki, Tom Studeman, Aimee (Paul) Broten; sister-in-law, Roberta Studeman; also many other family and friends.

Jeff entered the work force as a welder but quickly found his niche in sales. He had a successful career in the manufactured housing industry for over 36 years. He retired in 2021 and started his new job of Mr. Fix It. He was the handyman around the cabin, the house, and his daughters’ homes. Jeff loved to spend time at the family cabin up north. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. Each fall, Jeff spent time hunting elk and deer in MT with his buddies. He has some awesome antlers to show for his efforts. His annual trip to Alaska would fill the freezer with halibut and salmon. Jeff loved hanging out at the Moose Lodge with his Mustang buddies. He could be found shaking dice almost every Tuesday from 4:30 to 5:30, then home for dinner and Wheel of Fortune with his wife. Good friends and a beer would bring Jeff running! He was fiercely protective of his wife and three daughters. He loved to collect things; every time his wife would arrive at the cabin, she would find a new treasure! The words she will miss the most from Jeff are, “Honey, I have an idea. Let’s talk.”  Jeff was blessed to have Jake Strese (the son he never had) and Nikki Conroy (his fourth daughter) in his life. They both truly made his life better.

Jeff will be missed by those that knew and loved him for who he was – not a perfect person, but one hell of a loyal husband, father, grandfather, friend, brother, and son.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am, Wednesday, April 29th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 9:30 am to 11:00 am prior to Mass at church. Private interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery.

In lieu of Flowers memorials preferred to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Wounded Warriors Project.

Age 76 of St. Paul.

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 18th, 2026. Preceded in death by husband, Gregory; parents, Phillip and Clara Geschwill. Survived by children, Christine (Vernon) Wilkinson, Curtis (Amber), Joe (Connie) & Jennifer (Benito) Briseno; 9 grandchildren, Lisa, Izaiah, Kayli, Benito Jr., Tyler, Sophia, Curtis Jr., Maelynn & Bella; sisters, Shirley Kern, Lorraine (Dave) Chapman, Doris (Rick) Eckenstein & Karen (Alan) King; brothers, Loren, Dave, Curt (Theresa) Geschwill; also many other family and friends. Judy love to thrift shop, drink coffee, play with her cats and talk on the phone with all her family. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm with the time of sharing at 6:30 pm, Tuesday, May 12^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077.

Dennis G. Walter, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend went home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 15, 2026, at the age of 77. He was preceded in death by his parents Loren and May (Klein) Walter. He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie; daughter, Diana; son, Matt; granddaughter; Tarja; sister, Lori (Richard) Lund; nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, and friends.

Dennis was born June 27, 1948, in Inver Grove Township, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at Salem Methodist Church, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.

He graduated in June 1965 from Simley High School, Inver Grove Heights. He graduated in 1969 from Hamline University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and mathematics and in 1972 with a Master of Science degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Dennis was employed as a personnel analyst for more than 36 years, from 1973 through 2010, for Ramsey County.

Funeral Service 2:00 pm, Saturday, May 9^th, at Grace Church of the Nazarene, 7950 Blaine Ave E, Inver Grove Heights, MN. Visitation for one hour prior to service. Memorials preferred to Connection Church of Inver Grove Heights or The Gideons International.

Age 89 of South St. Paul

On April 9. 2026 our silly, fun-loving dad passed away. At the time, he was with Mike and his 1947 Ford Convertible (AKA his fifth and favorite child) was parked just outside. As we knew his time was coming to an end, we talked about what his perfect heaven would look like and concluded it would be endless car shows, kids he could make silly faces at to make them laugh, lots and lots of dogs, TV and endless snacks It gives us such PEACE knowing he is in a place where there’s no such thing as dementia, tremors or pain. We love you dad!!!!!

Paul is survived by loving wife of 60 years, Ruth Henderson; children, Mike Henderson (Laurie), Steve Henderson, Gina Sivly. William Henderson; grandchildren, Scott Henderson (Jessie), Allison Henderson (Taylor), Alex Henderson, Sam Henderson (Ryan), Camryn Sivly, Caitlyn Sivly; great grandchildren, Wyatt Henderson, Ashlyn Henderson, Jett Henderson, Colby Fischbach; also other family & friends.

Paul served as a Private First Class in the US Army from November, 1959 – February, 1962. He retired after 35 years of service as a Pressman at West Publishing.

Funeral Service 1:00 PM Wednesday, April 15th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Private Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Alzheimer’s Association.

Age 97 of Inver Grove Heights, MN

Mitzi Ann DiMarco comfortably passed on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at her home with family present.

Mitzi was born October 4, 1928 the adopted daughter of Leland F. Creglow and Florence A. (Mulligan) Creglow of Clinton, Iowa. She was baptized at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church.  Her Catholic faith was front and center all her life.  Mitzi graduated high school from Our Lady of Angels Academy.  She attended Clark College in Dubuque, Iowa then continued her education at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa.  Mitzi met Alfonso DiMarco at the University of Iowa and they were married on December 28, 1948.  They were together for 55 years and had 4 children.

The family first lived in Eagle Grove, Iowa where Mitzi was a devoted stay-at-home mother and a dedicated wife. She became a member of the Catholic Daughters of America Court Madonna 157 at Sacred Heart Church.

The family moved to Des Moines, Iowa and, after her children were in school, Mitzi finished her Bachelors of Science in Education taking night classes at Drake University.  As part of her graduation requirement, she taught first-grade at Holy Trinity Catholic School.  She went on to teach high school business courses at St. Joseph Academy and finished her teaching career at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, Iowa.  She was the Senior Moderator for several years and an assistant freshman girls’ basketball coach for one year. Mitzi took golf lessons at an Urbandale golf course where she was a member with her husband.

Mitzi and Al retired to Bella Vista, Arkansas and became members of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church. She was active in several golf leagues and recorded a hole-in-one.  After her husband died, Mitzi moved to Minnesota to be near family and became a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church where she was active in Bible Study, Wit and Wisdom, RCIA, and Just MarketPlace Ministry.  Along with golf, she enjoyed knitting, reading, taking cruises, and visiting her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mitzi was preceded in death by her husband Alfonso and her parents.

Mitzi is remembered by her children Daniel (Sandi) DiMarco, Apple Valley, MN, Dennis (Nancy) DiMarco Denton, TX, Jerome DiMarco Bozeman, MT, and Mary DiMarco, Inver Grove Heights, MN.  In addition, there are 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St John Neumann Catholic Church, 4030 Pilot Knob Rd, Eagan, MN on Monday, May 11, 2026 with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM and Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM.  Mass will also be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@SJNChannel/streams.  A luncheon immediately follows in the same location.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Dowling Catholic High School, West Des Moines, IA, https://www.dowlingcatholic.org/, or Mary’s Pence, St. Paul, MN, https://maryspence.org or a charity of your choice.

December 15, 1940 – April 4, 2026

Gary Joseph Pechmann, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated public servant, passed away after a 5-year battle with colon cancer peacefully at his home on Holy Saturday, April 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 85 years old.

Born on December 15, 1940, in North St. Paul, Gary was the son of Dorothy and Joe Pechmann. He grew up in the tight-knit community of North St. Paul, attending St. Peter’s Grade School alongside his brother, Robert. Gary’s pursuit of education and his commitment to the well-being of his community began early. After attending St. Thomas University, he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Public Health. Ever a lifelong learner, Gary returned to the classroom at the age of 50, earning his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Hamline University.

In 1967, Gary married the love of his life, Jeannie Mutch. Together, they shared 58 years of marriage built on a foundation of deep affection and shared adventures.

Gary dedicated over 30 years of his professional life to the St. Paul Health Department. As a key figure in the department, he oversaw restaurant inspections throughout the city and managed dangerous dog hearings, tasks he performed with a characteristic blend of fairness and commitment to public safety.

Outside of his career, Gary was a man of many passions. He found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, from family vacations to Duluth, Brainerd, and the Wisconsin Dells, to his intricate hobbies at home. He was an avid woodworker, maintained beautiful aquariums, and spent countless hours perfecting his model train sets. In his retirement, Gary and Jeannie enjoyed numerous cruises and their frequent “treasure hunts” at garage sales, Goodwill, and his favorite stop, Menards.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Jeannie; his children, Gary Jr., Tim (Holly), and Sandra; his four grandchildren, Brady, Jonah, Brandon, and Allison; and his sister, Susan Pechmann. He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel, with whom he is now reunited.

Gary will be remembered for his endless supply of repetitive jokes, his infectious laugh, his dedication to his city, and, above all, his unwavering love for his family.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Wednesday, April 15, 2026 with Visitation 9:30 am-11:00 am at Lumen Christi Catholic Community, 2055 Bohland Ave., St. Paul. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights.

Memorials preferred to Lumen Christi Catholic Community.

Age 81 of West St. Paul, formerly of South St. Paul

Passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026.

Orell Pieper was born on February 21, 1945, to Arnold Anton Pieper and Myrtle Lenore (Prestegord) Pieper in St. Paul, Minnesota. He joined siblings Merriell, Lyle, and Carole. He was baptized on March 18, 1945, at Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church, Eagan, and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Evangelical Lutheran Church in South St. Paul. He grew up in South St. Paul and attended Central Elementary School and South St. Paul Junior and Senior High School.

He also attended night classes at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul.  After marriage, he lived in South Saint Paul, Inver Grove Heights, and West St. Paul.

On completion of high school, Orell worked about a year at West Publishing and then enlisted in the U. S. Army. While stationed in Germany, he worked in the office of the Commanding Officer and later supervised a section of Personnel. Once he completed his military service, he went back to West Publishing and worked in several various departments. He spent the majority of his career in the Accounts, Advertising, and Marketing departments.

Orell always felt blessed that he met Cindy, the love of his life, so early in his life. They first started dating when he was a Senior in high school. There was a hiatus due to military service, but they were married October 6, 1968, about a year after his honorable discharge. They shared many good times together and supported each other in the hard times. Orell and Cindy were blessed with four beautiful children–Jeremy (1970), Jessica (1974), Jenae (1980), and Jameson (1987–adopted in 1990). Both Orell and Cindy enjoyed and appreciated being a part of their children’s lives and sharing their faith with them.

Orell enjoyed most sports, playing on various football, golf, and softball teams.  He served as Commissioner of all five of West Publishing’s golf leagues for ten years. He managed to get two holes-in-one during his lifetime. He also coached many youth teams in T-ball, softball, baseball, and basketball.

At Emanuel Lutheran Evangelical Church (later named Crown of Life) he served on the Board of Full-time Education, Board of Elders, Project ’93, the Riverview Cemetery Board, and the Long-Range Planning Committee.  On the Church Council he served as Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman.  He was very proud when the congregation approved this draft to establish the “Endowment Fund” and to be elected Co-Chairman of the new Crown of Life Church along with his good friend, Dave Sorgatz who had been Chairman of Trinity Lutheran Church before the merger with Emanuel.

Orell was also involved with St. Croix Lutheran High School (Academy) which all of his children attended. He helped to facilitate the purchase of the building on Oakdale and pitched in to make it ready to open. After Jeremy died in a car accident in 1987, Orell started an endowment called the Jeremy Ryan Pieper Scholarship Fund which has given many students help with tuition.

Orell also served on the Board of Regents and coached basketball at St. Croix.

Orell is preceded in death by son, Jeremy Ryan; parents, Arnold & Myrtle; brother, Merriell.

Besides his wife, Orell is survived by his children, Jessica Biggar-Larson (Chris), Jenae Vieregge (Brian), Jameson Pieper (Angel); Grandchildren include Cami, Noah, Max, Jack, Savannah, Jacob, Maverick, Evan, Khaylin, Taylor, and Bella. He is also survived by brother, Lyle Pieper (Ardis); sister, Carole Wencel (LaMoyne), sister-in-law, Denise Pieper; brothers-in-law, Doug Stoerzinger (Kathleen) and Charles Stoerzinger (Rose) and many nieces, nephews, friends, and relatives.

Orell loved, enjoyed, and was very proud of his grandchildren. He tried to share his tickling and teasing equally.  Some took it better than others, but not one could escape it completely. May they all continue to grow in their faith in Jesus Christ and set their goals high in life.

On Monday, April 6, Orell took the hand of his risen Savior Jesus Christ and went to heaven to join his son Jeremy, friends Dave Sorgatz, and Jim Haberkorn, his parents, and all the saints who have gone before him.

Memorial Service 11:30 AM Monday, April 20th at Crown of Life Lutheran Church, 115 Crusader Ave W, West St. Paul, Visitation 10-11:30 AM prior to the service. Interment Riverview Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to Crown of Life Lutheran Church School or St. Croix Lutheran Academy (Jeremy Ryan Pieper Scholarship Fund).

Age 82, of South St. Paul.

Beloved Mother and Grandmother

Passed away on April 3, 2026. Preceded in death by husband, Roger; parents, George & Adeline Kryzer; sister, Leita Antonson. Survived by children, Brad (Chandra), Jennifer (Mac) Noland, Todd (Shelly) and Michael (Elizabeth); grandchildren, Sam, Griffin, Ella, Cam, Chase, Nate, Ryan, Haley, Jacob and Addie; sister, Vickie (Michael) Beberg; brothers, George II (GayeLee) & Mark (Bonnie) Kryzer; brother-in-law, Jim Antonson; in-laws, nieces, nephews, loving relatives and friends.

Dianne resided in South Saint Paul with her late husband Roger and was married for over 55 years.  Dianne held various positions over her lifetime; payroll, property manager and community volunteer.  As a devoted mother of four, Dianne considered motherhood as her most meaningful achievement.  She found joy in cooking and baking for both family and friends.  Dianne also enjoyed entertaining, playing cards, vacationing and shopping with her daughter, sister and niece.  Dianne was a steady and principled soul, positive and trustworthy, believer, caring, hard working, and more often than probable … lucky, lucky.

Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00 AM Monday, April 13th, at the Church of St. John Vianney, 840 19th Ave. N., South St. Paul. Visitation two hours prior to Mass at church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial preferred to Alz.org.