Died on August 25, 2017.

Chris was born January 4, 1940 in Owatonna, MN where she graduated high school in 1958. She entered nurses training at Ancker School of Nursing and received her R.N. degree in 1992. Her nursing career included 30 years in the emergency room at Ramsey (now Regions) Hospital. After retirement in 1995 she worked 9 years as a triage nurse at Gorman Clinic in West St. Paul. Chris joined the Air National Guard in 1966 serving in the 133^rd Tac Hospital which provided health services for the 1500 Air Guard members in the Twin Cities. She was the first MN woman to ever receive the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Chris volunteered countless hours at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Inver Grove Heights. In 1984 Chris was asked to work with Project Hope to develop an emergency medical program in Barbados training nursing staff there in emergency room procedures. The family will donate all memorials to Project Hope. She was preceded in death by her dad, Osmon and her mother, Marcella. She is survived by many cousins, nurses and guard friends. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Tuesday, September 5^th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72^nd St., IGH. Visitation 9:30-11 AM prior to Mass.

Age 81 of South St. Paul

Passed away on August 27, 2017 from COPD and lung cancer. Preceded in death by parents, Myron & Myrtle (Bladholm); sister, Joan Peterson. Survived by loving wife of 57 years, Bunny (O’Donnell); children, Patty (Phil) Lindeman, John (Lisa Serbus), Tom (Mary), Debbie (Brent) Tilton & Mark; grandchildren, Matt (Sarah) Lindeman, Kelsey (Mitch Olson), Alex (Leah), Abby & Nolan Tilton, Will, Charlie, Sara, Nora & Violet Grant; great-grandson, Owen Grant Lindeman; sister, Maurine Avery; also other relatives & friends. Mike was a cattle buyer for Rifkin Pack & Green Bay Dress Beef. He was active in the Jaycees, Cursillo and a 3 term SSP City Councilman. After retirement Mike and Bunny moved to their scenic pines lake home north of Grand Rapids where they hosted many visitors, went on fishing trips and Mike played golf with the boys at Eagle Ridge. Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Saturday, September 9^th, at the Church of St. Patrick. 3535 72^nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 4-8 PM Friday, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave. IGH. Also 9-10 AM prior to Mass at church. Interment Acacia Park, Mendota Heights. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the SSP Educational Foundation or donor’s choice.

Age 56 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away on August 22, 1017. Preceded in death by in-laws, Don & Bev Pasket. Survived by loving husband of 36 years, Craig: children, Eric (Amanda), Jen (Jeff) Brainard & Ryan; grandchildren, Brianna, Cole, Charlie, Emma & Nora; siblings, Jeff (Deb), Renee (Mike); brothers & sisters-in-law, Gail, Scott, Keith (Kim); also nieces, nephews & friends. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Monday, August 28^th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72^nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 9:30 – 11 AM prior to Mass. Interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery.

Age  86, died Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, in South St. Paul.

Left to miss her laughter, shenanigans, cinnamon rolls, vats of spaghetti sauce, holiday outfits, crocheted dish cloths, afghans, and guidance are her family and friends.

She is survived by four children, Shelli (Paul) Beck of South St. Paul, Tony (Cris) Kallas of Eagan, Kristy Greene of Mankato and Randi Kallas of Rochester; five grandchildren, Jason and Jeff Kallas, and Emily, Alice and Grace Beck; and three step-great-grandchildren, McKenzie, Gavin and Wyatt; brother Mike (Janet) Brenna of Pelican Rapids, Minn.; sisters-in-law Bernita Kallas and Dorothy Brenna; and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin “Red” and Alice Brenna; her husband, Sam Kallas; brothers Carl and Don Brenna; and sister-in-law Bernice Brenna.

Carol Ann Brenna was born Dec. 18, 1930, in South St. Paul to Red and Alice Brenna. She married Sam Kallas on her 18th and golden birthday, Dec. 18, 1948. As a couple, Carol and Sam raised their family in South St. Paul, becoming very involved in the schools and youth athletics, especially VFW baseball. Their home was always open to family, extended family, old friends and new friends. They always had room for one more at the table, or in the car (or truck) for a ride to whatever game was going on. There was one more water fight to be had, one more bottle rocket to shoot.

Always strong-willed and independent, Carol rebuilt her life after Sam’s unexpected death in 1993. She traveled, spending nearly a month in Hawaii and yet never once stepping on a beach (“It’s just sand and water!”), reveled in her grandchildren’s accomplishments (“They are such nice boys, they are such sweet girls”), continued to boss her kids around (“I’m just helping!”) and maintained a full life as long as she could.

Alzheimer’s disease robbed of her ability to drive, cook and bake, remember names, faces, places, and so many other things, but it never took her sense of humor or independence. In her final days, as she lay with her eyes closed, she would smile at stories we told of her antics, and she’d give her special hand gesture that actually meant “I love you.”

She will be greatly missed, but she will be lovingly remembered.

The funeral will be at 11:00 AM Friday, August 25^th, at Concordia Lutheran Church, 5th Avenue and Douglas Street, South St. Paul, her home church of more than 60 years. Burial will be alongside Sam at Oak Hill Cemetery in South St. Paul. Visitation will be from 9:00 – 11:00 AM until the time of the service.