Obituaries2017-03-17T11:40:28-05:00

Dr. J. Anthony “Tony” Malerich

In Loving Memory of Dr. J. Anthony “Tony” Malerich
November 7, 1922 – July 7, 2025

With full hearts and profound gratitude, the family of Dr. J. Anthony “Tony” Malerich announces his peaceful passing on July 7, 2025, at the age of 102. A healer, veteran, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and man of deep Catholic faith, Tony leaves behind a legacy that spans over a century of purpose, service, and love.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 7, 1922, Tony was the beloved son of Joseph Anthony Malerich and Phyllis Coles, and was later raised with great care by his stepmother, Helen Cherney Malerich. He graduated from St. Thomas Military Academy in 1940. He served courageously in the U.S. Navy during World War II, surviving his plane going down in the Pacific. Following his naval service, Tony honorably served in the United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged in 1951. These experiences shaped his character with humility, gratitude, and enduring faith.

After the war, Tony pursued medicine with a passion for healing. He earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota and completed his residency at Harvard Medical School. As a General Practitioner, he founded his own private practice and became a trusted caregiver and counselor to generations of patients.

In 1953, Tony married Helen Marzolf Malerich, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage and a life centered on family, faith, and service. She passed away in 1999. In 2003, he married Marjorie Sullivan, whose companionship brought great joy in his later years until her passing in 2025.

A devout Catholic, Tony lived out his faith through both prayer and action. He gave countless hours of service to St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Mendota, where he was a faithful parishioner and dedicated volunteer. In addition, he became a widely respected national speaker for Al-Anon, offering support and hope to countless families across the United States.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Anthony Malerich; mother, Phyllis Coles; stepmother, Helen Cherney Malerich and sisters, Mary Malerich, Sr. Anne Malerich, OSB, and Sr. Kathleen (Carmelle) Malerich, SND.

He is survived by his loving children and their families:

Leah Malerich (Steve) and their children: James Anthony (Tony) Malerich, Phillip Malerich, Dr. Sarah Minka, Mary Malerich, Carol Malerich, Ian Malerich & James (Jimmy) Malerich:

Danette Malerich, and her late husband Jerry, and her children: Daniel Boemer, Thomas Boemer, Gerald Nelson & Jordan Nelson:

Toni Marie O’Daniel (Steve) and their children: Dr. Karrah Cheruyot, Kristin Williams & Major Christopher O’Daniel

To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, “Grandpa Tony” was a quiet source of strength and faith—a storyteller, a listener, and a guide. His life was one of steady devotion: to healing others, serving his community, and leading his family with humility and love.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 17th, 2025, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 1405 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota, MN. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the Mass at 11:00 AM. Mas can be live streamed at: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fm.youtube.com%2Fchannel%2FUC_fywJlEasDKZOZLPd3cIWA&data=05%7C02%7C%7C42bf33528f294387c0e108ddc2ffafbc%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638881125611604173%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xls43IpG371HnFtTC72MtezcWkDSZHVibhQxBQTRq%2BQ%3D&reserved=0 A luncheon will be served immediately following the service, and all are welcome to attend.

Memorials may be directed to Minnesota Hospice – Lakeville, whose compassionate care in Tony’s final days is deeply appreciated by the family.

“To heal, to serve, to love – that was his legacy. And it lives on in all of us.”

Richard E. Sires “Dick”

Age 90 of Eau Claire, WI, Formerly of South St. Paul, MN

Passed away on July 1, 2025.

Preceded in death by wife, Judy; daughter, Cheryl; daughter-in-law, Shannon; son-in-law, Peter Mohrbacher; sister-in-law, Judy. Survived by son, Michael; daughter, Jackie Mohrbacher; 2 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; brother, Robert “Bob”; sister, Jan (Jim) Jackson; also other family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial 12:00 noon Wednesday, July 9th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 11am-12noon prior to Mass. Interment Oak Hill Cemetery, South St. Paul. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

 

William A. Koughan, Jr. “Bill”

A longtime resident of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota passed away on June 26, 2025.

Born to Barbara Trepanier Koughan Donnelly and William Koughan Sr., in McKeesport Pennsylvania on December 20, 1938.

After high school, Bill attended St. Mary’s College, Winona, MN for a couple of years. He then enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Germany during the “Berlin Crisis.” After being discharged, he completed his college degree at the University of Minnesota and College of St. Thomas.

He worked for the state as a statistician for 5 years then transferred Ramsey County and managed computer systems for 26 years. He met the love of his life, Monica “Mae” at work. They married on June 21, 1979 in Rapid City, South Dakota. They toured the west for many years on their Gold Wing motorcycle. They drove the motorcycle to work every day weather permitting. They built their house in Inver Grove Heights in 1980. In 2000 they bought a condo in Burnt Store Marina, Punta Gorda, Florida, and would spend their winter months touring Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands via boat having the time of their lives.

Bill was a very special guy. He was a bigger than life character with an endless sense of humor. He left an everlasting impression on everyone he met.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Koughan Sr. and Barbara (Koughan) Donnelly; stepfather, Arthur Donnelly; stepsister, Janie Melanson; father-in-law, John Stroeing; sister-in-law, Susan Wiley.

He is survived by his wife, Monica “Mae” Koughan; son, David (Kelly) Koughan; brother, Michael (Diane) Koughan; stepsister Mary (Tom) Walsh; mother-in-law, Bernice Stroeing; brothers-in-law, Bill (Mary) Stroeing, Ken (Sandra Norman) Stroeing, Greg Stroeing, Kevin Wiley; sister-in-law, Joan (Larry) Dourney; grandchildren, Dustin (Tristan Smyer) Koughan & Lindsey Koughan (John Stone); 4 great-grandchildren; also survived by many special nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews who loved him dearly.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Monday, August 4th, beginning at 10:00 am with a time of sharing beginning at 12:00 Noon at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Interment with cemetery honors will be at 1:30 pm at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Join us for a luncheon following the cemetery gathering at Tinucci’s Restaurant, 396 21st Street, Newport, MN 55055. Memorials preferred to donor’s choice.

Kathryn Langer

Age 71

Of Inver Grove Heights, formerly White Bear Lake, MN

Preceded in death by daughter, Kaitlin, and her parents, Gladys and Don.  Survived by siblings, Sue, Tom, and Diana; cousins; nieces; nephews and great nieces and nephews.  Memorial Service to be held Friday, July 18 at 11:00 am at Union Cemetery, Gate 1, 2505 Minnehaha Ave E, Maplewood, MN  55119.  In lieu of flowers, donate to charity of your choice.

James Patrick Flynn “Jim”

Age 86 of South St. Paul 

Passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025.He will be greatly missed by loving wife of 66 years, Janice; daughters, Debbie (Randy) Lindman, Lori (Jim) McNeese, & Amy (Jim) Jenkins; Proud Grandpa to 10 grandchildren, Nick, Megan, Kayla, Kenny, Jessie, James, Kyle, Corbyn, Branick and Cooper; 11 great-grandchildren, Croix, Connor, Evie, Max, Abe, Ella, Devin, Shane, Maisy, Aoife, and Roísín; sister, Diane Collins; also other family & many friends. Preceded in death by father, Patrick Flynn; Mother and stepfather, Erma and Art Krueger and brother, Tom Flynn.

In his early years he was an accomplished water skier.  Jim played baseball for the So St Paul Packers and was a graduate of the class of 1956. Later he went on to play softball for the VFW.  He was also an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching games outside on multiple TV’s in his garage on a warm summer day.  He was a loyal Minnesota sports fan, catching all the Twins, Vikings, Wild, and Gophers games.  Jim’s love of model railroading gave him many years of enjoyment.  He was always building and improving his layout and had an impressive collection of model trains.

Through the years, he coached softball for his daughters and was a proud spectator and loyal supporter at his grandchildren’s sporting events. 

Always in our hearts.  We will love him forever.

A special thanks to Joe from Allina Hospice.

Gathering of Family and Friends will be held 4:00-7:00 pm Tuesday, July 1st at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights. Private interment.

Memorials preferred to the South St. Paul Educational Foundation.

Joyce E. Delacruz

Age 86 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025. Survived by daughter, Debra (Art) Tuquilar; son, Scott Rosenberger; grandchildren, Alisa (Dane) Phillips & Andrew (Sara) Tuquilar; great-grandchildren, Griffin, Paislee, Sabina & Jackson; also other relatives & many friends.

Joyce loved to stamp – always giving you a beautiful handmade card, she was active with her Red Hat Group, lunches with her High School friends and her friends from The Grove, and loved going up to her “Little Cabin in the Woods” in Breezy Point, MN. She loved her role as GMa to her littles, and they adored her. Special THANKS to all her friends at MN Oncology who were like family to her.

Memorial Service 7:00 pm Tuesday, June 24th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights with visitation 5:00-7:00 pm. In honor of Joyce’s favorite color, please wear purple.

Memorials preferred to Our Lady of Peace Home Hospice.

 

John Paul Metzen

John Paul Metzen, born on May 5, 1968, in St. Paul, MN, passed away on June 16, 2025, in Star Prairie, WI. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, papa and friend, known for his joyful spirit and warm presence.

John is survived by his devoted wife, Rachel Metzen; mother, Linda Metzen; son, Nicholas Presley; daughter, Allie Jones; granddaughter, Emma Presley-Mayhew, whom brought immense joy into his life, often sharing playful moments filled with laughter and their favorite poop jokes. He is also survived by his brother, Jeff Metzen and nephew, Jordy Metzen. John was preceded in death by his father, Senator James Metzen.

A proud graduate of South St. Paul High School, Class of ’86, John continued his education at Augsburg College and then at Inver Hills Community College, where he honed his skills for his future career. He later obtained his Automation and ElectroMech Certification from WITC New Richmond, which paved the way for his successful tenure at Syntegon Packaging Technologies, where he worked his way up to the position of Assembly Team Lead. John’s colleagues often referred to him as the heart of the assembly floor, a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for his work.

John’s happy place was undoubtedly the Cabin at Big Sandy Lake, where he loved to pontoon around and immerse himself in the beauty of nature. He enjoyed spending time at local taverns playing pull-tabs and proudly embraced his role as a Viking cheerfully cheering on Minnesota sports teams while living in Cheesehead territory. Golfing was another favorite pastime, along with “begrudgingly” tending to the garden alongside Rachel, which he secretly cherished. John also took great pleasure in puttering around his property on his new golf cart, often accompanied by his two beloved dogs, Melvin and Milo.

Travel was another passion of John’s; he cherished trips to the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas and enjoyed the sun-soaked beaches of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL. His friendship with his “wing man,” Danny Boesen, was a precious connection in his life, one marked by shared adventures and deep camaraderie.

John’s legacy is one filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories. He was a remarkable man who touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 11:00 am at Grace Lutheran Church, 149 8th Ave S, South Saint Paul, MN 55075 with visitation from 10:00-11:00 am prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will follow the service at the Croatian Hall, 445 2nd Ave S, South Saint Paul, MN 55075. A private family burial will take place at General Lutheran Cemetery, South St. Paul, on a later date. Memorials preferred to South St. Paul Educational Foundation.

Denise E. Cady

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Denise E Cady, a beloved sister, aunt, great aunt, and friend. Denise was born July 11, 1955, in St Paul, MN, and passed away June 17, 2025, in West St Paul, MN.

She is survived by sisters, Carol and Judy; brothers, Richard (Anna) and David (Janice); nieces and nephews, Leah (Tamrin), Shoshanna (Tom), Marhea (James), Mavis, Megan (Luis), James, Brittany (Rob); great nieces and nephews, Brendan, Danielle, Kayla, Connor, Micah; and friend and helper, Harold. Denise is also survived by an accomplice in adventure, sister from another mother, Kristen.

Denise was preceded in death by her father and mother, Roland and Ruth; and nieces, Siobhan and Melissa.

From birth Denise was plagued with health issues, but she was determined to enjoy life in spite of that. She enjoyed swimming and participated in Special Olympics, winning many medals and ribbons. Going to Camp Courage was another highlight of her years as was the State Fair. She loved fireworks and went to every display she could find, at any time of the year.

As a young adult Denise lived in two Dungarvin homes to increase her independence and maximize her quality of life. From there she lived in her own apartment for over four decades. She was employed at MDI for over 20 years.

Denise has been a member of Southeast Christian Church where she enjoyed serving in various capacities. Denise loved God with the simplicity of a child’s heart. Denise was an active member of Advocating Change Together (ACT) for many years and other organizations.

She spent the last few years of her life under the care of The Sanctuary (assisted living), Southview Acres (long-term care) and Lake Valley Hospice, all in West St Paul. Denise grew to love them as they served her, even when she demanded them to do it her way and at her speed. The family will never forget that you understood her and gave her excellent care. The Walk of Dignity will remain in our hearts and bring comfort as we remember her life.

Denise had a drive and a love for life and the occasions it offered to party, especially on birthdays. She faced her challenges in life with determination and a plethora of systems to control the challenges it brought her. Denise’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her and loved her. If you are one of them, you will never again dance the Chicken Dance without a smile on your face in memory of a beloved child of God, Denise E Cady.

There will be a visitation on Friday, June 20 from noon until 1:00 pm at Roberts Funeral & Cremation Chapel, 8108 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077. She will be interred at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 3400 Century Ave N, St Paul, MN 55110 on Friday, June 20 at 2:00 pm. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, July 11 at Southeast Christian Church, 960 15th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Southeast Christian Church, 960 15th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.

Matt Skoog

Age 44 of Cottage Grove

Passed away unexpectedly on June 8, 2025.

Preceded in death by grandmother, Mary Rogers. Survived by children, Catrina & James Skoog and their mother, Tracy Skoog; parents, John & Bonnie; brother, David (Charisse); sister, Michelle (Chris) Fisher; nieces, Shannon (Logan) Shuneson & Stephanie (Brad) Skoog; nephews, Cameron Fisher & Jake (Christine) Fisher; great-nephews, Colten & Wesley Shuneson; beloved dog, Diggs; also other family & friends.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held Friday, June 27th, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM with time of sharing at 6:30 PM at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.

Marilynn Joyce Demma

Age 86 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025. Preceded in death by husband, Sonny; grandson, Benjamin; parents; sister, Betty Seidl; brother, George Steiner; and many precious pets. Survived by daughter, Deborah (Tom) Rhody; sons, Tony (Teresa) & Tim Demma; granddaughters, Marissa Demma, Samantha Rhody, Melina Johnson; great-grandson, Exton; dear friend, Milan Keichler. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held Monday June 23rd, 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. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Animal Human Society or ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)