Gene E. Vierling
Age 82 of St. Paul.
Passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025. Proceeded in death by his parents, Florian and Vera Vierling; Daughter, Laura; and Siblings, Florian Vierling (Eileen), Patti Madland (Donald), Earl Vierling (Joan), Thomas Vierling (Marilyn), Richard Vierling (Pat), Helen Frie (Norb), Jerry Vierling (Barb), and William Vierling.
Survived by son, Donovan; and Siblings, George Vierling, James Vierling (Mary), Judy Foerster (William); and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, October 9th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077 with visitation 1-hour prior to the service. An Interment burial will be held at 1:30 PM at Resurrection Cemetery, 2101 Lexington Ave. So., Mendota Heights, MN 55120.
Memorials Preferred.
Bruce Johnson
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on September 30th at the age of 81.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sherry “Cookie”; his parents, Nels and Ecco Johnson; brother, Jack; sisters, Sue and Jana.
Bruce is survived by his four children, whom he absolutely adored: Tammy (Brian) James, Bruce (Pam) Johnson, Dean (Katie) Johnson, and Christopher (Tanya) Johnson. He is also survived by 4 sisters, 1 brother, 8 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.
Details regarding burial and celebration of life will be communicated at a later time.
Geraldine J. Waldemarsen
Age 88, of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 22, 2025.
Preceded in death by husband, Lloyd; and dog, Nemo. Survived by sons, Jim (Karen), Brent (Sonja) and Dean; grandchildren, Ryan, Bethanie, Adam (Jessica), Tyler (Sophie), Dustin (Missy) Rhein, Lindsey (Brian) Benson & Kyle (Jeanah) Rhein; great-grandchildren, Teddy, Brooks, Wesley, Hadley, Blake, Julia, Robert, Dominic, Bailey, Eli & Wyatt; also other family & friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 3rd, 2025 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm with a memorial service at 5:00 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Please wear your favorite sports team jersey.
Marty Silvi
Age 86 of Inver Grove Heights,
Beloved husband, father, teacher, coach, and community servant, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. His life was defined by service, sisu, and love. He is survived by devoted daughters, Andi (Nick) Palodichuk and Teri Silvi (Andrew Berger); brother, Richard (Brigitta) Silvi; brother-in-law, Bill (Juli) Kramer; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret and his parents.
Raised in Cook, Minnesota, Marty began working young—his first job was as a dock boy at the Life of Riley Resort. He went on to earn both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from Bemidji State College, launching a lifelong career that touched countless lives.
After proudly serving in the Army National Guard, Marty dedicated his professional life to education. He retired in 1999 after a long career teaching students, many with learning disabilities, at Grass Junior High & Henry Sibley High School in West St. Paul, where he also coached wrestling and football. A lifelong mentor and role model, Marty believed every student was a gift, shaping his legacy as an inspiring teacher and coach.
Marty’s community service was equally remarkable. He served for 40 years on the Inver Grove Heights Parks and Recreation Commission, volunteered with the St. Patrick’s Church Men’s Club, and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Minnesota Teachers’ Union. His passion for service reflected his deep commitment to improving the lives of others and strengthening the community he loved.
Beyond his professional and civic commitments, Marty embraced the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid golfer, hunter, and fisherman, and had a special appreciation for classic cars. He especially cherished the waters of Lake Vermilion, where he grew up, finding joy in the outdoors and creating countless memories.
Visitation: Thursday, Oct. 9, 4:00–6:00 PM, Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave. Mass & Burial: Friday, Oct. 10, 10:30 AM visitation, 11:30 AM Mass, Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St. E., Inver Grove Heights, with burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation in Marty’s honor.
Lori Anne Richgels
April 8, 1963 – September 21, 2025
After a courageous 14-year battle with cancer, Lori Anne Richgels, 62, passed away peacefully on September 21st, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on April 8, 1963, in South St. Paul, Minnesota, Lori was the daughter of Shirley and Bill Arland. She met the love of her life, Larry Richgels, in 1979 at NorthStar Lanes Bowling Alley — a moment forever marked by the sparkle of her beautiful green eyes that first caught Larry’s attention.
Lori graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1985 with a degree in Elementary Education. A year earlier, on August 25, 1984, she married Larry, beginning a beautiful life together filled with love, laughter, and family. They welcomed their first child, Brad, in 1986, followed soon by Tom and Jill.
A devoted educator, Lori spent over three decades teaching at KinderCare Learning Centers, where she touched countless young lives with patience, warmth, and joy — especially in her favorite classroom: the two-year-olds.
Outside of the classroom, Lori was happiest with her family — cheering on Minnesota sports teams, fishing on the boat, traveling, and making memories with those she loved most.
Lori is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years, Larry Richgels; her children, Brad Richgels (Andrea), Tom Richgels (Samantha), and Jillian Baxter (Adam); her cherished grandchildren, Annabelle and Benjamin Richgels. She is also survived by her sister, Bonnie Swanson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Shirley Arland and her sister, Bobbie Niskala.
Lori’s strength, kindness, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 1st, 2025 from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm (6:00 pm prayer) at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.
In lieu of flowers, please support Lori’s love of animals by sending donations to the Animal Humane Society.
Frank Andrew Edward Dehrer
Age 90 of Inver Grove Heights.
Passed away peacefully on September 16th, 2025, surrounded by family.
Frank Andrew Edward Dehrer was born August 15, 1935 to Frank Julius Ernest Dehrer and Florence Katherine Ida (nee Krech) Dehrer. He was welcomed into the kingdom of the Triune God on his baptism day, September 1, 1935 at Holy Trinity, St. Paul, MN. He renewed that vow at his April 10, 1949 confirmation at Old Emanuel Lutheran, Inver Grove Heights, MN.
Frank graduated from South St. Paul High School and immediately began a career as a professional driver that spanned 60 years. He drove semi-trucks, both over the road and in town, and later, in retirement drove an airport shuttle and school bus for ISD #197. Over the years, he was a proud member of the Teamsters, AFSCME andSEIU. While driving for Gedney Pickles in Chaska, he met his wife-to-be Judith Helen Happ and they were married by Pastor Otto Kohn on June 16, 1962. To this union were born Jacqueline Judith on June 10, 963 and Joseph Frank on October 23, 1967. Frank lost his beloved wife of 55 years, Judith, on January 20, 2017 to breast cancer. Frank served his county in the Army in the Cold War (1958-1960) and the Vietnam War (1961-1962). He was proud to be a veteran. Frank’s ancestors established themselves in Inver Grove in 1860 and he was a lifelong resident. He prided himself in those community roots. He was proud to have been a volunteer firefighter for 33 years.
His family were some of the founding members of Concordia Lutheran Church in South St. Paul. He was honored, in 2024, to serve as the Grand Marshall in the IGH Days parade. Frank enjoyed several hobbies over the years. He and Judy were avid vegetable gardeners until her passing. He enjoyed feeding the birds at his home. He spent many weekends going to the Cedar Lake Speedway and enjoying the races. In later years, he was a regular at The Grove and IGH Senior Center. He loved meeting people and finding out their story and who they might know in common.
The main focus of his life was his commitment to his Lord and Savior. Over the years he served in many different roles at his church. He and Judy joined St. James in 2002, and it was with eager anticipation that he looked forward to weekly church and Bible study. He especially enjoyed the worship music. He never missed his daily devotions and never failed to add an additional prayer of thanks for his family when everyone was gathered in prayer at a meal. Even at the end of his life, when he was asked about his priorities, he said “getting back to church”. His unwavering faith was a wonderful example to his family.
Frank also loved spending time with his family and leaves behind his devoted children; Jacqueline and Robert Stokke, and Joseph Dehrer, his loved grandchildren; Aaron and Elizabeth Stokke, Paul Stokke, and Rachel Stokke (boyfriend John Harashinski), and beloved great-grandchildren; Liam Stokke and Owen Stokke. He will also be missed by his sisters; Grace Nicoletti, and Marcella (Snooks) and Gene Anderson.
Do not grieve. Those of us who fall asleep in Jesus will be united together in heaven, where there will be great happiness with our God.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, September 25th at St. James Lutheran Church, 460 West Annapolis St., West St. Paul. Visitation 9:00 -11:00 AM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. James Church. Lunch will be served in the Fellowship Room immediately following the service. Burial will be at Union Cemetery in Inver Grove Heights. There will be an escorted procession to the cemetery after lunch and all are welcome.
Pallbearers are: Aaron Stokke, Paul Stokke, JohnHarashinski, Liam Stokke and Owen Stokke.
Frank’s confirmation verse: Titus 2: 11-12
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.
Billie Lane Logan (née Brewer)
Age 99
Passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, in Eagan, Minnesota. She was born October 26, 1925, in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, to Wilsey and Hazel Brewer (née Lane).
After high school, she moved with her family to San Bernardino, California, where she met a handsome young navigator in the Army Air Forces at the close of World War II. Following a whirlwind three-month courtship, she married Jerre F. Logan on October 26, 1945, and went on to share 38 joyful years together—raising a family and creating their dream home and Japanese garden in Mendota Heights.
Although Billie set aside her own college plans to help support Jerre through law school, she forged her own meaningful path as a Movement (Dance) Therapist. A pioneer in the field, she became one of the earliest members of the American Dance Therapy Association and helped many people find healing through movement.
Billie never accepted the word “can’t”—to her, every challenge was simply an opportunity to find another way. She found deep joy in Japanese gardening, shaping each space as if it were a living canvas. In addition, there was no Minnesota Twins fan more loyal or enthusiastic than she was.
Billie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerre; her sister, Jeanne; and her brother, Jack. She is survived by her daughters, Shelly (Arlen) and Melissa (Joe); and by her cherished grandchildren, Sabrina (Ryan), Alexa (Johnny), and Grant (Caitlin).
Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Stonehaven Senior Living and Minnesota Hospice for their kindness and compassion, and to her devoted caregiver, Denise, for her steady presence and care.
Private family services were held. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum are preferred.
Bruce Andrew Krech
Age 83 of Inver Grove Heights
We are heartbroken to share that Bruce passed away peacefully on September 11th, 2025. Preceded in death wife, Pat Krech, who recently passed away on August 23rd, 2025; parents, Albert & Clara, 4 brothers, Russell, LeRoy, Vernon, & Albert; 6 sisters, Aldine DeLong, Vera Kopp, June Tuckner, Gloria Larson, Linda Krech & Ruth Ann Krech.
Survived by daughters, Lisa (Mike) Francour & Vickie (Dan) Blomgren; sons, Bruce II & Dan; grandchildren, Jill (Jordan), Alyssa (Travis), Brady, Allison, Brooke & Tony; great-grandchildren, Jade, Mallory, Weston & Xavier; brother, Armond (Sandy) Krech; sister-in-law, Ingri Krech; also other family & friends.
Bruce was proud to have worked his entire career at Waterous Company. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, time at the cabin, traveling, “going for a ride”, but above all, spending time with Pat, family & friends.
Dad, we will forever love and miss you. We are so happy you and mom are together again.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 17th, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 2075 70th St. E., Inver Grove Heights, MN with visitation 1-hour prior at church. Private interment Fort Snelling.
Cindy Sue Hardy-Heid
Age 67 of Inver Grove Heights, formerly of Saint Paul.
Passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025. Preceded in death by parents, Bob and Donna Hardy; brother, Nels Hardy; sisters, Roxanne Brown and Renee Hardy.
Survived by loving husband, DJ; daughter, Connie (Joe); grandchildren, Kayli (Cole) Frisch and Tyler; brother, Don Hardy; sisters, Georgia (Chuck) Grengs, Robin (Randy) Leiter and Jackie (Jim) Geisbauer; also other family and friends.
Cindy loved to garden and bake. She looked forward to the holidays so she could send goodies to family and friends.
A Celebration of Cindy’s Life will be held on Tuesday, September 30th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm with a time of sharing at 6:30 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.
Ilean Anderson
Age 98
Passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025.
Ilean Anderson is a woman of God with a “servant’s heart”. Born Ilean Eleanor Mallak to Mary and Martin Mallak on June 16, 1927, in Silver Lake, Minnesota.
The second youngest of seven children, her responsibilities were to clean; while the older sisters learned to cook and sew, in order, to help their mother. Everyone contributed something to the family. This was the beginning of her “servant’s heart” in training. She always pitched in to do whatever was needed with a smile. Coming from a large family they didn’t have a lot, but she learned to share whatever they had. Their belief was there was always room for one more at the table. This showed up in Sunday dinners. She always cooked roast beef with potatoes, carrots, and onions. Occasionally, it was pork roast or fried chicken. I asked her why? She said, so if company came to visit, they would always have something to eat. You never let them go home hungry. That is the true gift of hospitality.
At the age of 16, she moved to So. St. Paul to start her work life. She was blessed to live with her sister, Anna’s family while doing so. Again, family meant a lot to her. She was employed at Westinghouse for several years. Then she fell in love and married Harley “Jim” Anderson. They were wed on July 16, 1949, at St. Adelbert’s Catholic Church in Silver Lake, MN. Moving to St. Paul they had three children, Diane, Dennis and Darryl. The three little darlings! She continued to work and was employed at Peters Meat Packing and later at Tru-Part Manufacturing, until she retired in 1992.
I remember a time when she wasn’t employed outside the home, which wasn’t very often. At 3p.m., Monday-Friday, she would stop what she was doing to put on a crisp, fresh blouse, comb her hair and put on a little lipstick to greet my dad as he came home from work. She always had a smile on her face and said, “hello, Jim, how was your day?”
You felt her love and warmth as you entered her home. She had a “twinkle” that drew people to her. She was the glue that held our family together.
Her formal education may have been limited, but her intellect was sharp and quick. Math was her strong suit. I remember in the early 1960’s when I was in grade school, “new division” math was being taught. I was having a problem with it. Mom took out paper and pencil and solved it the “old, traditional” way without a problem.
Reading was another of her passions. In the early evening, after supper was cooked, dishes washed and put away, kids bathed and in bed, she would finally sit down at the kitchen table with a black cup of coffee and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. She read it front to back. Always informed on current events and human interest stories. But don’t be fooled. She knew her sports also. She loved the Twins and the Vikings. Depending on the season she always had a game on tv. She could tell you which players were “good” and which ones you should trade. She may have been known to make a friendly wager or two, or three. Just for fun, of course!
In the early 1960’s, she learned how to run a business without any previous experience or training. She learned on the job. My father and her owned and operated an off-sale liquor store, Andy’s Liquor. She ran it during the day and my father came after work about 3:30p.m. to relieve her. She ran home, cooked dinner and fed the kids and took dinner back to him and he stayed til close at 8:00p.m. She returned home to bathe the kids and get them in bed. I don’t know how she did it day after day. The house as always clean, our clothes were washed and pressed, and dinner was always on the table. Mom somehow I didn’t get “that gene” from you.
Her montra to everyone crossing her threshold was: Have you eaten? Are you hungry? Let me make you a sandwich. You need to eat something before you leave. Hospitality and service.
She never forgot a birthday. She kept a list of everyone’s birthday, immediate and extended family and friends. There was always a card in the mail.
She lived her life in a mixed faith marriage. My father was Methodist. On their 25th wedding anniversary, he surprised her and told her he had converted to Catholicism. God works in mysterious ways. Those beginning years she remained steadfast and committed to raising her children Catholic. Now she had a partner in God for the next 17 years until his death.
Being born in the 1920’s, she developed great compassion and empathy. Living through the depression, when a piece of bread spread with lard and sprinkled with sugar was a treat, two world wars, my father’s injuries and her own health concerns and almost 100 years of history. Her faith had been challenged many times and though it was difficult, she remained diligent, committed and faithful to following to where God was leading her.
She was a member of the CCW (Council of Catholic Women) at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in So. St. Paul, MN for many years. Their mission is to support, empower, and educate Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. She served many years at funeral luncheons in preparing the food and the tables for the guests. Again, a servant’s heart.
Years later in the early 1990’s, she had volunteered to clean the rectory for the priests. God was using her service to provide for the priests, but also to comfort her by keeping her busy after her husband’s death in 1992. She is the definition of service and hospitality.
After selling her house in 2004 of 48 years, she moved into a senior apartment in Inver Grove Heights. There God continued to use her. She would drive her elderly neighbors to their doctor appointments, to buy groceries, just to go shopping, or to go to church. God’s work is never done and she loved it!
Her favorite color was blue; favorite food-fried chicken; favorite dessert-hot fudge sundae, of course, calorie free; favorite music and dance-polka; favorite band-6 Fat Dutchmen and her favorite song-Let Me Call You Sweetheart.
In the last few years when she wasn’t physically able to attend Mass, she watched it every Sunday on tv. Steadfast to the end.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harley, “Jim”, of 42 years; parents, Mary and Martin; siblings, Anna, Lucille, Magdeline, Clarence, Gertrude and Robert; great grand daughter-Natalie and many other family and friends.
Survived by daughter, Diane Steinkopf; sons, Dennis (Kathy) and Darryl; eight grandchildren, Matthew (Amy), Nicole, Adam (Rachel); Derek (Elizabeth), Daniel (Margaret), Kristi (Bruce), and Kari (Dustin); and Harley; sixteen great-grandchildren, Josie; Evan and Preston; Willow and Zander; Alexander, Isaac, Gabriella, Luke and Katelynn; Oscar; Charlotte, Landon, and Brooklynn; and Brady and Bennett.
There are many more things to be said, but how do you summarize a life of 98 years?
Matthew 25:21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to the American Heart Association.
Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 am Thursday, September 18th, at the Church of the Holy Trinity, 749 6th Ave. S., South St. Paul. Visitation 10:30 am to 11:30 am prior to Mass at church. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Luncheon following the interment at the Inver Grove Heights Community Center, 8055 Barbara Ave E.,Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077.