Age 81 of Inver Grove Heights

Preceded in death by husband, Jack. Survived by sister, Kathleen Dust; son, Dean Prichard (Sheila); two daughters, Mary (Kevin), Julie; three grandchildren, Kate (Danny) Wood, Jake, Dylan; four great-grandchildren, Mikayla, Savannah, Wesley, & Wyatt.

Sandy was born Sandy Pedersen in St. Paul on July 4, 1942. She graduated from St. Paul Central in 1960. After a stint in Chicago, she returned to St. Paul in the early ‘70’s and married her devoted husband, Jack, shortly thereafter. After a career as a legal secretary in downtown St. Paul, she worked at DARTS as a driver and scheduler and also served as V.P. and then as President of the 18 hole Women’s Golf League at Southview C.C. in West St. Paul. In her subsequent years, she spent her time and energy caring for numerous pets and as a loyal and conscientious homemaker.

Private family services were held.

Age 94 of Inver Grove Heights.

Audrey was born April 14, 1930 in St. Paul, MN and passed away at her home on June 10, 2024.  We are so grateful to have had the opportunity for most of the family to come share their final words of love and gratitude with her before going on to be with Jesus in her eternal home.

Audrey was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She is survived by her children, Thomas (Anne Marie), Susan (Robert) Floum, Richard (Denise Taylor), Kay (Rich) Youngblom, and John (Kelly): 6 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; and brother in-law Paul Peltier. Also, nieces, nephews and friends.

Audrey was preceded in death by her husband of over 70 years, Philip E. Peltier of whom they raised their 5 children together.  She was the daughter of Lawrence Charles and Theresa C. Staudacher (Juen).  They raised her and her sister, Lois (Lutsey-deceased) in a single family home on  Ottawa Avenue on the West side of St. Paul. In fact, recently we drove past her home to reminisce of her pleasant childhood. She attended Saint Matthews grade school and graduated from Humboldt High School in 1948. There she learned many of her faith’s foundational beliefs. After high school, she began working as a secretary at the West Publishing and remained there until she was married.  She would not hesitate to share the story of when our father crashed a party and saw her in the kitchen. He approached her, and told her he was going to marry her. She said, “No Way!!!”  After many persistent phone calls requesting a date from Phil, she finally said, “Yes”. She tells of their first date: “ He bought me a beautiful corsage, we went to the Prom ballroom on University Avenue and danced  and danced. Her favorite that night was “Sentimental Me” by the Ames brothers.” Listening to this song until a few weeks ago was almost a daily routine. She would sing along and motion with her hands to the words, “reaching for the moon and wishing on a star”.  I think this is when she fell in love with our father. The rest is history!!

Audreys birthing of her first son was the beginning of her developing in to a wonderful, compassionate, selfless and giving mother.  Audrey cherished her family and faith above all else. Her exceptional prayer life and infectious laughter touched the hearts of all who knew her. Audrey found joy in traveling with her husband and friends, dancing, singing, tending to her flower and vegetable gardens, doing ceramics,  and ensuring everyone was well fed. Audrey’s legacy of love, faith, and joy will forever be remembered by those whose lives she touched.

Visitation 4:30PM to 7:00PM Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at Roberts Funeral Home at 8108 Barbara Ave E, Inver Grove Heights, MN. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM, Thursday, June 27th held at St. Thomas Becket Catholic Church, 4455 S. Robert Trail, Eagan, MN and can be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJrNXjhsYGY   A visitation will also take place from 10:00 am- 11:00 am prior to Mass. Memorials preferred to Caring and Sharing Hands https://sharingandcaringhands.org

Age 84 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 11, 2024. Survived by loving wife of almost 64 years, Sharilyn; children Lynn (Greg) Bervy, LeAnn (Rob) Tunell, Ann (Darin) Pederson, Tony (Trina) Bilderback, Michelle (Doug) Nilles; grandchildren Chelsea, Nicholas (Mikaela), Chase, Lucas, Ashley, Ava, Leah, Aubrey, Reid and great grandson Jack; siblings Donald (Marilyn), Jim (Theresa), Arnold, Dale, Karen Adams, Steve (Gloria) and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Preceded in death by parents, Earl & Clara; brothers John, Wayne, Gerald and Alan.

Bob loved the Lord and was a devoted family man. He was always happy to help anyone-any physical work was never too much for him.

Bob had a long career at Cenex (Farmer’s Union Co-op) as a computer programmer; his strong analytical mind and gift with numbers served him well. He enjoyed solving puzzles of any kind.

He loved to be outdoors anytime he could. He was a nurturer and farmer at heart with a passion for growing things. He was an avid gardener with a large garden at home and at son, Tony’s. He grew about everything: beans, peas, cukes, raspberries, kohlrabi, strawberries, tomatoes, corn, sunflowers, loofah squash, garlic and more non-plant things, like monarch butterflies.

In the last several years, he would grow plants from his plate-planting avocado pits, pineapple crowns, peach pits, watermelon, pumpkins, squash, sweet corn and popcorn. And the man planted, grew and cut down almost a whole forest! Willow trees, maples, pines, apple, pear, peach, black walnut, cherry, Russian olive and flowering crab trees to name a few.

Bob enjoyed riding his Harley, hunting, fishing and MANY, MANY games of cribbage. Though Bob was often quiet, he truly enjoyed being around people-family, friends and neighbors. Bob will be greatly missed.

Visitation 10:00 am-12:00 noon with a Memorial Service at 12:00 noon, Monday, June 24^th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave. E., Inver Grove Heights, MN. Luncheon to follow at the Veterans Memorial Community Center.

Memorial preferred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Feed My Starving Children.

Age 92 of South St. Paul

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on June 11, 2024. Preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, George; parents, Mathew and Anna Kustritz; and 2 elder siblings, Dorothy Moser and Donald. She is survived by children Susan (Greg) Zweber; Mike; Mary Jo (David) Schrader; and James (Geri); grandchildren Jennifer, Lottie, Emily, Lindsay, Rachel; Seth, Brianna, Allison; Heather; great-grandchildren Willie, Greta; Maggie, Lily, Renae; Mallory, Roman, Mayzie; Annelise, Bennett; Eleanora, Lainey; Evelyn; one great-great-grandchild due in July; and sister-in-law, Claire Kustritz.

Gloria was an admirable, remarkable, multi-talented, and loving person to so many. As a child, it became evident that Gloria had a unique talent for hand-sketching, especially people’s faces. In her high school years, Gloria was active in a myriad of activities ranging from the a cappella choir and glee club to all-star soccer, bowling, and girls’ athletic association, as well as being on staff for the Hi Times student newspaper and assistant editor of her senior yearbook. A proud member of the class of 1950, she had even served as secretary for her class’s senior council and was voted the girl with the most “ideal eyes” among her classmates. Long after high school, Gloria continued to coordinate gatherings with her remaining classmates.

When she was just a senior in high school, George proposed to Gloria, and she set her sights on being “a good wife to George.” And that she was. They married a mere six months after she graduated in 1950 and remained inseparable until George was called Home in 2021. Gloria was devoted to making a home and life for them to share.

Less than a year after they married, they started their family. In addition to being wife and mom, she kept busy with small sewing tasks, creative household projects, and making sure a homecooked meal was always on the table. She did all the little things that would escape most people. Taking care of everyone was always top priority for Gloria, and for decades, she was a steadfast supporter of George while he spent many days coaching hockey and attending games.

After raising their own children, in 1985, she was inspired by their daughter Sue to take in their first of 87 foster babies, a passion Gloria and George shared together until 2002. They regarded each one of these babies as their own and gave so much love and attention to them, regardless of whether they had them for a week or many months.

Gloria once explained that these often-high-risk babies need extra love. “We give them at least 100 hugs and kisses a day. They know they’re loved.”

She also sketched the sweet baby faces of many of the fosters she cared for.

Following their foster care tenure, Gloria enjoyed providing day-care for a few special children, as well. She believed this natural desire to care for babies and children ran in her family, as her mother had been a nanny in Austria.

In addition to the foster babies, Gloria doted on every single one of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who all loved her dearly and enjoyed getting their socks from her each Christmas. Her first grandchild was unable to clearly say “Grandma” and it came out sounding like “Germunga,” which was abbreviated to “Ger,” a loving nickname everyone in the family called her from that point forward.

Gloria’s special heart for babies never left her. When she was experiencing troubling days while grappling with the effects of Alzheimer’s, showing her photos of babies (or bringing one to visit her) would always bring her back to us.

In all her years, Gloria never learned to drive, yet her love was spread far and wide. She was known for doing thoughtful things, like bringing a plate of her freshly baked bars to the local fire station. She was a devout Catholic, serving in the kitchen on donut Sundays, baking bars for funeral luncheons, helping during Fall Festival, and even teaching CCD classes with George.

The world lost an exceptional woman the day Gloria was called Home. Her heart was bigger than most, and her love for others was poured into everything she did. She never uttered an unkind word about anyone. In fact, she always found something good in everyone. She was humble and gracious, thoughtful and selfless. Her love knew no bounds.

We envision Gloria and George reunited in heaven, once again, holding hands.

Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Fri., June 21 at the Church of St. John Vianney, 840 19^th Ave. No., South St. Paul. Visitation 9:30-11 AM prior to the service at church.  Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights. Memorials preferred to St. John Vianney Church or Alzheimer’s Association.

Age 95 of South St. Paul, MN

Passed away June 6, 2024. Preceded in death by mother, Margaret and father Frank; husband, Lowell; brothers, Richard and Donald Garcia. Survived by son, Gary (Nancy) Hovey; granddaughter, Melissa (Dameon) Dombrock; great- grandchildren, Aiden and Ethan Hovey and Liv and Jack Dombrock.

Raised on the West Side, later resided on the East Side of St. Paul and then in South St. Paul for the past 50 years. Retired from Gross Givens Mfg. after 31 years. After retirement, she enjoyed her roads trips with Lowell until his passing in 2002. She was able to live independently on her own and still drive to the age of 95. She always had Turner Classic Movies on her TV along with a 1000 piece puzzle on her table she did weekly. She really enjoyed her day trips on Bob’s Get a Way bus where she met so many new friends. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, relatives.

Funeral Service 11:00 am Tuesday, June 18^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave. Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10:00 am-11:00 am prior to the service. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights, MN.

Age 38 of Farmington

Passed away on June 3, 2024.

A Gathering of Family & Friends will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Monday, June 17th, with a time of sharing beginning at 3:00 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.

Please continue to check for full notice.

H. Blake Kettles passed away at the age of 59 at his home in Vadnais Heights, MN on May 29, 2024.

Blake was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patricia L (Patty) Kettles; his father, William B Kettles, Jr; brother, William B Kettles III and brother-in-law, James Pierce. Blake is survived by mother, Patricia L Kettles; sisters, Ruth Pierce and Barbara (Scott Sutton) Bates; the extended Kettles family; his mother-in-law, Lucy Rooney and the Rooney extended family.

Blake was born July 1, 1964 in Duluth, MN.  He was a skilled auto mechanic for 30 years.  Blake enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.  He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

A private service and burial will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Animal Humane Society or to the ASPCA.

Age 92 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away on June 3rd, 2024. Sonny was born on Sept 11, 1931 in So. St. Paul where he met Shirley, his wife for nearly 70 years.  They had seven children.

Sonny served in the Air Force during the Korean war, missing the birth of his first two daughters as so many did back then. He and Shirley enjoyed square dancing with many friends for decades.  Sonny was a faith-filled Catholic who spent much of his spare time ushering, directing Christmas plays, and running the annual car show.   He was in construction his entire life, having worked on numerous buildings and homes around the twin cities.

He loved to tell jokes. He loved his siblings and extended family events. He dearly loved his Shirley. He loved our Lord, and he loved his children. He absolutely adored his ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Sonny is survived by his children, David (Helen), Doug (Carolyn), Don (Shelly), Denise, Dale (Karyn); grandchildren, Aaron (Jen), Carisa (Julian), Katy (Mason), Nick, Jake, Emily, Clair (Sean), Leah, Evelyn, Jack; great-grandchildren, Josie, Clark; six siblings and three step-siblings. He is preceded in death by beloved wife, Shirley; daughters, Debi and Nancy in addition to three siblings.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 13^th, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Hts. There will be a memorial service at 6:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church,1405 Sibley Memorial Hwy., Mendota Hts., on Friday. June 14^th, at 11:00 am, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am.  Mass will be followed by lunch and burial.

Age 90 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully on May 29th, 2024 with his family at his side.  Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Rupert and Harriet; brothers, Dick and Fred. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Peg; children, Mark (Lori), Sue Taylor, Jim (Lynn), Paul, Greg (Jena), Jeannine Salzer (Tim), and David (Tonya); daughter-in-law, Lorri; 19 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ron and Don. Jim proudly served in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War. He had a long career working for 3M Chemolite. Jim especially enjoyed spending time with family as well as fishing, golf, bowling and playing bridge.  Jim was an advocate for volunteering and gave many hours of his time to Habitat for Humanity as well as Neighbors, Inc.

A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Jim’s life will be held at 12:00 noon Friday, June 14^th, at The Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72^nd St., Inver Grove Heights with visitation one-hour prior to Mass and a luncheon to follow.  A private burial at Ft. Snelling will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Habitat for Humanity and/or Neighbors Inc.

Age 89

Died peacefully on June 3, 2024 at Inver Glen Sr. Living in Inver Grove Heights, MN. Preceded in death by parents, Oliver and Lucille (Clark) Johnson; husband, Richard “Dick” Pemberton Sr. Survived by one sister; four children; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; one great-grandchild. Funeral Service 11:00 am Tuesday, June 11^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights MN. Visitation one-hour prior. Memorials requested to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Fergus Falls, MN.

Burial service 4:00 pm Tuesday, June 11^th, at Riverside Cemetery, Highway 169 S. Blue Earth, MN 56013.