Buchl, Walter F. “Wally”

Age 78 of South St. Paul

Passed on peacefully on May 4, 2024.

Survived by loving wife of 53 years, Sue; daughters, Vicki (Jamie) Eggleston, Renae (Todd) Elert, and Alison (Joe) Mather; son, Eric (Samantha); 9 grandchildren, David (20), Scott (19), Christopher (18), Lauren (16), Kieryn (16), Stiles (13), Vincent (10), Conley (10), Emily (9). Also many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Wally was a life-long resident of South St. Paul who understood and was the living embodiment of the ideas of family, community, fellowship, and service. Wally loved his family with his entire being and everything he did in life was for them. To Wally, family was more than just those related to him. Family was everyone and anyone who needed a place to feel safe and belong and his home was often filled with people sharing stories and a laugh around the table or on the deck in the yard. To the end, Wally was instrumental in creating time and space for everyone to gather together from the legendary 4th of July backyard pancake breakfasts to the Curmudgeons Coffee Crew, if Wally was involved there was always good food, good coffee, and a good story with a smile.

Wally was a quiet leader who led by example. He was the first to volunteer and brought many others along with him because many hands make light work. Wally organized and led the beef/snack bar for countless years during the Holy Trinity Church Bazaar and was a proud member of the South St. Paul Lions Club selling Christmas trees and working the pancake breakfasts. He was the ultimate Band-Backer helping with countless fundraisers to support the program and trips the marching band would take and even spearheaded the financing of an equipment trailer that he proudly drove all over the country for the band for many years.

As a craftsman, Wally excelled in all aspects of creation from intricate, beautiful furniture pieces to additions and renovations to the family home. He spent over 20 years constructing many theatrical sets and props for the South St. Paul school and community theater programs. He taught his children well and was so very proud that all his children were just as capable of picking up a hammer and saw as they were at cooking a hearty meal.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 am Wednesday, May 8th, at the Church of the Holy Trinity, 749 6th Ave. S., So. St. Paul. Visitation 9:30 – 11:30 am prior to Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights.

A Luncheon will follow interment starting at 2 PM at the Croatian Hall 445 2^nd Avenue South, South St. Paul, MN 55075

Ogren, Debra R.

Age 73 of West St. Paul

Passed away on April 28, 2024. Preceded in death by husband, Glenn. Survived by sons and families, Jeffrey & Bethany; Zachariah & Jeremiah Ogren, Timothy & Theresa; Thomas, Austin & Ashlee Ogren, Jack & Brie; Mia, Drew & Henry Meyer, Christopher & Kristen; Brandon & Gabriella Ogren, Benjamin Meyer; great-granddaughter, Lakelee; sister, Sherrill (James) McClure.

Debra was a devoted Christian and took great comfort in her faith and family. She worked tirelessly for 30 years to work up from a temp position to management at 3M all while raising a family. She shattered the glass ceiling in the 80’s. In retirement she enjoyed crafting with her grandchildren, spending time at the lake with family and road tripping with her beloved Glenn. She was proud of her work accomplishments, but she took the most pride in her 5 sons and the family she helped create.

Memorial Service 3:00 pm Sunday, May 5th , at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 2075 70th St E., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 2:00-3:00 pm prior to the service at church. Interment at Emanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial in Debra’s name to:

Emanuel Lutheran Church; https://emanuellutheranchurch.org/give/

American Parkinson Disease Association; https://www.apdaparkinson.org/get-involved/memorial-and-trOgren,

Kostka, Richard

Age 87

Passed away peacefully on March 26, 2024.

Richard Kostka was born to Joseph and Florence (Hankins) Kostka on November 12, 1936. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Joseph and John, and sister in law Char. He is survived by his sister Sandra (Michael) Travers, sister in law Deborah Kostka, nieces, nephews, the Dianchrist family, and the Inndale House family.

Richard was a happy, gentle soul. His smile lit up a room and warmed your heart. He had an infectious belly laugh. He loved sweets, especially ice cream and circus peanuts. He was extremely proud of his 14 years at Walmart, working into his 80’s. He participated in Special Olympics bowling. He enjoyed doing many activities with friends and family, such as bowling, arts and crafts, hiking, fishing and playing games. He would grin ear to ear when he got a BINGO. He played the accordion and enjoyed listening to Whoopee John.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, May 15th, at 11:30 am at All Saints Catholic Church, 19795 Holyoke Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044. A visitation one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial at Resurrection Cemetery following lunch. Memorials preferred to the Special Olympics Minnesota.

Giblin, Maureen Ann

Age 87, of Eagan, MN

Was welcomed into heaven on April 28, 2024. She was born to Emmett and Lorraine Murphy in Belle Plaine, MN on July 6, 1936, and was the oldest of nine siblings: Pat, Margaret Ann, Sharon, Mary Ellen, Mike, Kevin, Dave and Dennis. She married Donald Giblin on December 27, 1958, and they had four children: Greg, Mike, Dave and Colleen (Kyle) Dupre, and three grandchildren: Grace, Rose, and Max Giblin were her pride and joy. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two brothers, Pat and Kevin. As a Reservationist for Northwest Airlines, she loved her wonderful travel benefits and fun adventures. After she raised her children, she enjoyed interacting with her accounts as a Customer Service Representative at Kraft Foods. Maureen loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, extended Murphy family, and many dear friends. Her hobbies included traveling, playing bridge, attending musical performances at the Ordway and Orchestra Hall, and volunteering at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Maureen’s spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us, reminding us to approach life with humor and kindness.

A special thank you to Eagan Pointe Assisted Living for their wonderful care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association, Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter, 12701 Whitewater Drive, Suite 290, Minnetonka, MN 55343.

Her funeral will be Friday, May 3, 2024, at St. Peter’s Historic Church, 1405 Sibley Memorial Highway, Mendota, MN 55150 with the visitation at 10 am, Mass at 11 am, private burial, and luncheon to follow at the church.

Brotzman, Vicki Lynn (nee Tollin)

Age 64

Passed away on March 28, 2024 in Inver Grove Heights, MN. She was born on May 25, 1959 in St. Paul, MN. Preceded in death by her parents, Sheldon and Louralle Tollin; brother Jules. Vicki is survived by her husband, Michael; her loving children, Melissa, Matthew, and Kayla; twin brother, Brian (Loretta); sister, Elsie; brother-in-law, David (Tonneta). Memorial Service 3:00 pm Saturday, May 4^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 2:00 pm- 3:00 pm prior to the service.

Lawrence “Larry” R. Hillstead

Age 89, Passed away on April 12, 2024

Larry was born and raised in Big Falls, MN and made his home in Mendota Heights, MN. He was preceded in death by parents, Ralph and Regina (Wilkowski) Hillstead and two infant brothers.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Judy (Sifferle); children Tom (Danielle), Laura (Don) Smith, Rita (Brian) Thoemke, and Brian (Beth Lovro). He is adored by his grandchildren, Ashley and Evan (Eryn Miles) Smith, Cassie (Cody) Meyers, Jordan Hillstead (Matthew Bauer), Catie Thoemke (Hiram Diez), Clara and Leah Thoemke.

Larry graduated from the University of Minnesota and then served in the US Army. He enjoyed traveling throughout Europe while based in Heidelberg, Germany. Larry married Judy in 1966 and raised their four children in Mendota Heights. He always made time to coach the kids in their many sports. The annual August road trip in the family station wagon is fondly remembered as he showed his family all the national parks and historic sites. Larry retired from a career with the federal government at age 55 to make room for his life’s passions of golf, travel, genealogy research, and strawberry picking. Larry shined most brightly in his role of Grandpa. He was the greatest supporter of his grandchildren, never missing a game, match, concert, dance recital, or theater production. He was a fan of all Minnesota sports teams, but took an odd pleasure in their many notorious struggles.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on May 1 at 11:00 at the Church of St. Peter, 1405 Hwy 13, Mendota, MN. Visitation one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery following lunch. Memorials preferred to Saint Peter’s Historic Church or the Dorothy Day Place, St. Paul.

Pedelty, Kevin

Age 64, of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away on April 6th, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. Preceded in death by his parents, Holmes and Jane Pedelty; brother-in-law, Scott Stoffregen. Survived by his wife, Joan; and three daughters, Veronica Pedelty, Griffin (Joe) Pedelty-Schmitz, and Samantha Pedelty; sister, Lori Pedelty; brother, Mark Pedelty (Karen Miksch), mother-in-law, A. Lorraine Escher; sisters-in-law, Diane (Dave) Caley & Marsha (Dave) Wilkens; nieces, nephews, many loving relatives and friends.

Kevin began his career in banking at First Bank and ended his career at Vermillion State Bank where he helped to open the IGH branch. He went above and beyond to serve his community as a past member of the Lion’s Club, Optimist International, BEST Foundation, Jaycees, and the River Heights Arts Alliance. Kevin’s greatest joy in life was his family. He could always be counted on to be at all his kid’s activities. When he was not working, he loved to go on adventures with his wife and daughters. Never one to sit at home, Kevin’s go to question on the weekends was “What are we doing today?”

A visitation will be held for Kevin on Saturday, May 4th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights from 9:30-11am, followed by a brief service.

Memorials may be made to the University of Iowa at www.foriowa.org and click on give back.

Palumbo, Gary Louis

Age 84 of St. Paul

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a brief illness on April 12, 2024.

Preceded in death by wife, Judith; parents, Joe & Marie.

Survived by sons, Joe (Joanne), David, Gary Michael (Kim Erspamer); grandchildren, Catherine, Tom, Mark, Tim.

Proud Marine Veteran. Retired as Captain after 30 years with the Department of Corrections. Gary liked to golf, bowl, and be with friends drinking beer and pulling tabs.

Visitation 4-7 pm Tuesday, April 23, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights.

Special thanks to Ecumen Lakeview Commons and Hospice Care.

Facente, JoAnn (nee Heatherston)

Age 81 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away peacefully on April 3, 2024. Preceded in death by her husband, James D. Facente Sr.; sister, Sandra Meissner. Survived by daughter, Jennie (Dan) Viner; grandchildren, Trevor (Bethany), Dominic, Carter, Brooke & Brady; nephew, Brian; also survived by other relatives & friends.

JoAnn loved her grandchildren dearly and travel, especially cruises with her sister, Sandy. Memorial Service 12:00 Noon, Friday, April 19^th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 1 hour prior to the service.

Sellner, Mary L.

Age 80 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully on April 9, 2024. Preceded in death by husband, George; parents, Otto & Ethel Deustermann; sister, Judy Peterson. Survived by daughters, Laurie (Mark) Thelen, Michele Paine & LeeAnn (Shawn) Ockwig; 8 grandchildren, Tyler (Corinne) Paine, Quinci Paine, McKinley Paine, Devinn Paine, Matthew Thelen, Jacob Thelen, Caitlyn Ockwig (Joe Mangin) & Rebecca Ockwig; siblings, Carol (Bob) Stage, Ron (Betty) Deustermann & Nancy (Jim) Tuerk; brother-in-law, Richard Sellner; also many other family & friends.

Mary grew up on the West Side of St. Paul, attending St. Matthew’s School and graduating from Humboldt High School in 1961. She worked as a legal secretary, meeting her husband George at the water cooler at Sperry Univac, where he worked as a techical draftsman. Mary and George raised their three daughters in So. St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights, and in 1981 and she returned to work at Brown & Bigelow. She continued her career at Murnane Law Firm and St. Paul Traveler’s, retiring after decades as a legal secretary. Mary became a widow in 1999, after 35 years of mairriage. She enjoyed her 8 grandchildren, taking great joy in their milestones and accomplishments over the years. Mary traveled widely, exploring the world with wonderful friends. She kept busy in retirement exercising at the YMCA in Eagan, where her friend group deepened each week as they spent lunch at Panera, laughing and sharing stories. She enjoyed singing in the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church choir and volunteering at Neighbors, Inc., in So. St. Paul, in the footsteps of her father. Mary developed Type 1 Diabetes later in life, along with M.S. and Lewy Body Dementia. She ended her days at Valley Ridge Retirement Community in memory care.

Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am, Saturday, April 13^th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72^nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 9:00-10:00 am prior to Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred.