Ewald, Geoffrey S.
Age 64 of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away unexpectedly on February 14th, 2018. Preceded in death by parents, George & Gertrude. Survived by wife, Pam; step-daughter, Tonia (Kurt); grandsons, Joe (Andreanna), Sam, Anthony (Paloma); great-grandchildren, Shane & Mila; brothers, George (Candy), Greg (Deb), Gary (Linda) & Gerry; also many other relatives & countless friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Geoff worked at NWA/Delta Airlines for the past 33 years. Memorial Service 1:30 PM Monday, February 19th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10:30 am – 1:30 pm prior to the service. Luncheon to immediately follow the service.
Hopkins, Rev. Micheal John
Age 47, of Farmington, MN
Micheal John Hopkins, age 47, of Farmington, MN gained his Heavenly reward on Saturday, February 10th, 2018. He went home while being surrounded by his family and friends. With unwavering faith, he courageously fought his battle with kidney cancer.
Mike was born to Gary and Ruth Hopkins on March 10th, 1970 in Knoxville, IA. In 1988, he graduated from Hudson High School. He went on to attend Dakota County Vocational College, where he met his wife, Carol Hopkins. They married on April 17th, 1993. Together, they made an incredible team and loved to serve others and Jesus.
Mike attended church at Zion Pentecostal Assembly in Inver Grove Heights, where he served as a minister. He was an entrepreneur who worked as a software engineer for Great Call and a health coach for My Health 90. He also founded several volunteer and community outreach programs including Mission 25 and Community Connection.
His family meant everything to him. He loved playing with his grandchildren, mushroom hunting, and flea market shopping with Carol. When he was outdoors, he was in his element. He loved all things hunting, fishing, firearms and camo. He believed anything could be fixed with a mobile app, an 11 minute nap, or duct tape. His hobbies included calculating random facts and data, playing the banjo, and making Carol’s crazy ideas a reality.
No matter your age, social status, or background, you were important to Mike. He loved unconditionally and gave selflessly. He never forgot a name. He was an inspiration to all those around him and has left an impact on each and every life he has come in contact with.
From atheist to minister, his life was a testament of the transformation, only God can do. He never forgot where God brought him from and reaching lost souls with the Gospel became his passion. He wanted everyone to experience what he had experienced. He loved Jesus and loved like Jesus.
He is preceded in death by grandparents, John (Gladys) Skrakrud, John (Vera) Hopkins; baby brother, Eric Hopkins; father-in-law, Paul Irrthum.
He is survived by parents, Gary and Ruth Hopkins; wife, Carol Hopkins; children, Terryn (Tony) Kocemba, John (Sara) Hopkins, Dani Jo Hopkins; grandchildren, Henry, Gabriel, Raelee, Owen; siblings, Patrick Hopkins (LaTisha), Brian Hopkins (Angie), Katy Gagne (Tim); mother-in-law, Sara Irrthum; brother-in-law, Daniel Irrthum; also many nieces and nephews.
Visitation Friday, February 16th 4:00 – 8:00 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave. Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077. Funeral Service Saturday, February 17th 11:00 am Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 7600 Cahill Ave. Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076. Visitation one hour prior to service. Interment St. Pius V. Church Cemetery, Cannon Falls, MN.
O’Brien, Demaris
Born March 31, 1926, of Inver Grove Heights,
passed away peacefully on February 5th, 2018. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomond O’Brien, her parents and her sisters. She is survived by son Thomond Barry O’Brien, daughter Caragh O’Brien Bartness, son-in-law Keven Bartness, whom she called “The Hero”, her granddaughter Logan Bartness, grandsons Conor Bartness and Colin Goligoski.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM Monday, February 12th at the Church of St. John Neumann, 4030 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, MN. Visitation 9:30-10:30 am prior to Mass at church. Interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery, Inver Grove Heights, MN.
Novotny, Marion
Age 83 of South St. Paul
Passed away peacefully on January 31, 2018. Marion was born on May 23, 1934 in St. Patrick, MN to Anna & Henry Cavanaugh. She graduated from Montgomery High School. Marion married Gillard E. Novotny on September 30, 1954 at the Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery. She was first and foremost a homemaker, raising her children and baking her sweet treats. Loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother. Preceded in death by parents, Henry & Anna (Horish) Cavanaugh; beloved sisters, Lorraine & Donna (Beckers). Survived by her loving husband, Gillard of 63 years; children, Roger (Rose) Novotny, Roxanne (Greg) Kronick & Scott (Amy) Novotny; 8 grandchildren, Bob & Dan Kronick, Trent (Chelsey), Shaina, Nicole, Bridget, Olivia & Nathan Novotny; 3 great-grandchildren, Cooper, Brody & Alexis; beloved brother, Leonard (Betty) Cavanaugh; brother-in-law, Joe Beckers; also many nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM Friday, February 2nd, at the Church of St. John Vianney, 789 17th Ave. No., South St. Paul. Visitation 9:30-10:30 am prior to Mass at church. Private family interment Oak Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred.
Morton, Karol Beatrice (Sweetman)
Passed away quietly in the beauty of a perfect winter morning on Friday, January 26, 2018. Homemaker, community builder, and Secular Franciscan for over 47 years, she welcomed all who crossed her path – friends, family, and strangers alike. She welcomed, and provided shelter to refugees, opened her home and family to numerous foster children, and international guests including a Special Olympian and his family from Northern Ireland. An avid bridge player and writer, she built many lifelong friendships. Always encouraging others to trust in their own dreams, she mentored first-time writers who then became authors. The kitchen table always had enough room and all those who joined had a goodly share. Peacemaker, boat rocker, and giver of dignity, she devoted her heart, time, and resources tirelessly to those most in need. Persons experiencing homelessness were of particular importance. She supported Listening House in St Paul and gathered many others to make an even greater impact. Karol married Richard Clair Morton while attending Purdue University in Indiana in 1957. In their 60 years together they had many adventures. Karol is survived by her husband, Richard; two sisters, Sally Barringer and Penny Schricker; five children, Michael Morton, Susan (Richard) Moore Clark, William (Perky) Morton, Katherine (John) Morton-Aslanis, Barbara (Michael) Heitzig; grandchildren, Timothy, Joshua, Matthew, Maya, Laura, Joe, Grace, and Lloyd; great-granddaughter, Emily; and many other relatives and friends. An extraordinary woman, she changed the world with each act of kindness and grace, and set an example for us all. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St. East, Inver Grove Heights, MN. Visitation at the church 9:00-11:00 am prior to Mass. Burial in the spring, date to be determined. In lieu of flowers donations encouraged to Listening House in St Paul, or other organizations supporting the dignity and humanity of individuals.
Kanitz, George A.
Born Aug. 3, 1956, died Jan. 27, 2018, at age 61
After a long Battle with cancer. Preceded in death by father, Leonard; sister, Luella Mitchell. Survived by mother, Angeline McDonald; brothers, Edward (Gloria), Leonard (Ellen) & Roger (Mary); also many nieces & nephews. Memorial Service 12 Noon, Saturday, Feb, 10th, at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 7160 So. Robert Trail, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077. Visitation one hour prior. Lunch to follow.
Ohmann, Delores
(Pudil)
April 21. 1934 ~ January 13, 2018
Preceded in death by husband, Lyle; son, Don; 8 children; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren. Private Family Services.
Swedin, Heather Dawn
Age 36 of Minneapolis
Passed away unexpectedly on January 5, 2018. Preceded in death by grandparents, Donald & Edna Woodard; uncle, William Woodard. Survived by husband, Sean; mother, Audrey McWhite; siblings, Jeremy McWhite, Holly (Joe) Ward & Ryan McWhite; niece & nephews, Cameron, Amelia & Jack; also many other family & friends. Heather loved MN sports, camping, shopping and anything chocolate. She leaves behind many beloved family and friends who will always remember her love of butterflies and the color purple. We will all greatly miss her contagious giggle, competitive nature, selflessness, and big heart. Heaven gained a beautiful angel to watch over us all. Memorial Service 11 AM Thursday, January 18th, at Hosanna Church, 9600 163rd St., (Door 5), Lakeville. Visitation 10-11 AM prior to the service.
Franciscus, Bernadine Rose
(Nee Bertrand)
Age 78 of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away on January 9, 2018. Preceded in death by great-grandson, Austin James Friesz & niece, Aime`e Kurysh. Survived by loving husband of 58 years, Jerry; children Cindy, Shelly McPhillips (Robert Zilla), Tony (Kari), Lisa (Kevin) Solberg; grandchildren, Tonya, Brandon (Danielle), Jordan (Jenny), Crystal (Justin), Kara (Brooks), Whitley, Brook, Joshua, Jerod, Antonio, Angelo, Lisa; great-grandchildren, Chloe, Charlotte, Nolan, Deanna, Ethan & Adler; sisters, Corinne (Tom) Kurysh & Kathy (Dave) Fletcher; also many relatives and friends. Bernie enjoyed traveling, playing board games, bowling and watching her MN Vikings. She especially enjoyed spending time with her sisters on bonding trips. Bernie loved being surrounded by her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Visitation 10 am – 2 pm on Sunday, January 14, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. In honor of Bernadine’s dedication to the MN Vikings, feel free to wear your purple or Vikings apparel. Mass of Christian Burial 11 am Monday, January 15, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St. Inver Grove Heights. Viewing from 10 am – 11 am prior to the 11 am Mass. Interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery.
Mandel, Jerome Michael
Age 89 of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away on January 7, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Born September 19, 1928 in St. Paul, Jerome (Jerry) was a graduate of Monroe High School and the College of St. Thomas. On September 8, 1951, he married Joan LeClaire. The two cherished a 66-year marriage, raising 7 kids, and doting on 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
A dedicated family man, Jerry provided for his family working at American Hoist & Derrick and Waterous Company, where he finished his career as the company’s president. Jerry was a faithful student of the stock market, spending hours in his office analyzing the exchange and tracking his gains and losses. In his retirement, he became enamored with jigsaw puzzles, lining the walls of his office with completed puzzles and eager to tell you the story behind each one of them. He prided himself in completing the hardest of puzzles and would even create a replacement puzzle piece if one was missing.
Throughout his life, Jerry completed countless outdoor projects, often helping his kids build their decks, re-roof their homes, landscape their yards, or whatever else they needed. He was a longtime member at both the St. Paul Athletic Club (where he was the 1967 Class A handball champion) and the St. Paul Club.
Jerry loved to travel with Joan and passed that love on to his children through family road trips across the country. He and Joan vacationed internationally, as well as traveling to each of the 50 states. Later in life, Jerry relished his winter vacations to Orlando to soak up the sun, read lots of books, and, of course, visit Disney World with his grandchildren.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, 7 of his 9 siblings, and his son James (Jim). He is survived by his loving wife, Joan, his children: Jodell Vidas, Jerome, Jr. (LuAnn), daughter-in-law Phyllis, Mary Walker (Chris); Mark (Keely), Gregory (Andrea), and Christopher (Jennifer), his grandchildren: Julie, Brian, Ashley, Andrew, Alexander, Lindsay, Michael, Laura, Mitchell, Michaela, Grace, Benjamin, Henry, Jack, and Oliver, his great-grandchildren: Katherine, Owen, Addison, Blair, Sloane, Spencer, Lincoln, and Joseph. He is also survived by his brother William and sister Cecilia Lay.
Visitation will be on Friday January 12 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at Roberts Funeral & Cremation Center; 8108 Barbara Avenue; Inver Grove Heights. Funeral services will be Saturday January 13 at 10:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Church of the Assumption; 51 West 7th Street; St. Paul. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jerry’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.” John 11:25