Age 48,

Passed away at his home in White Bear Lake in June. He was born on October 12, 1976, to Julie Rojas (nee Sadowski) in Milwaukee, WI. They moved when he was 9 years old, and he called Minnesota home ever since. He worked as an electrical technician at Cummins Inc. for over 20 years, where he met his mentor Jon. He was an avid Vikings and Twins fan—Yogi found joy in the simple pleasures of life—spending time with his family, going to barbecues, gardening, shooting hoops with neighborhood kids, listening to music, taking walks, and watching sports. He especially cherished spending time outdoors, surrounded by nature. We will miss his infectious laughter and amazing smile. Yogi is survived by his son, Joe Jr.; mother, Julie; brother, Mike; nieces and nephews, Joshua, Mariah, Casandra, and Mikey.

A Celebration of Yogi’s Life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN. Friends and family are invited to gather beginning at 11:00 AM, with a special time for sharing stories beginning at 12:30 PM, followed by a service at 1:00 PM.

Age 82, of Inver Grove Heights

Loving sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and very special friend to many. Passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, July 20, just as she had requested. Preceded in death by MOTHER and FATHER, Irene and Leo, BROTHER, Tom (Marge), BROTHER, Greg, FIRST HUSBAND and FRIEND, Tom, and LONG-TIME SIGNIFICANT OTHER, Dale.

Survived by SISTER, Chris (Mike) DAUGHTERS, Colleen (John), Pamela (Jeff), Kimberly (Kurt), SON, Scott (Stephanie), GRANDCHILDREN, Ashley Nicole (Alex), Kiersten Maria (Darryl), Kali Marene, Kristina “Nini” Mary, Emily Elizabeth and Gavin Gregory. GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN, Wilson Daniel, Laura Marie and Shiloh Nicole. SPECIAL FRIEND to so very many. FUR BABY MAMA to Neube.

A special thank you to her very best friend, Karen Hemmingson, who has been there for her through everything over the years, especially over these past several weeks, stepping in and being willing to do anything, including caring for Neube so the family could spend valuable time with Marge.

Marge’s career as a Legal Secretary spanned many years. After retirement, she regularly volunteered her time on the association board where she lived as well as serving multiple hours as a volunteer through St. Patrick’s Church, helping to ensure those who were saying goodbye to their loved ones had a beautiful luncheon to follow their farewell service.

Marge will be missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know her but will continue to live on in our hearts forever.

A special thank you to:

Cornerstone Caregiving in Forest Lake, specifically Rachel, Mackenzie and Amber who came in and provided overnight care for Marge, so the family could get some rest overnight and be refreshed to care for and be children during the daytime hours.

Allina Hospice, specifically Amy, RN, Amanda, RN, Peggy, RN, Molly, Aide. We are so grateful for the support and compassionate care provided to Marge during these very difficult days.

Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Wednesday, July 30^th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd Street E, Inver Grove Heights, with visitation one hour prior to Mass and a luncheon to follow.  Interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery following lunch.

Thomas “Tom, Tommy, TJ” Leibold, beloved father, grandfather, master tale-spinner, and friend to all who appreciated a good laugh and a stronger cup of coffee, passed away peacefully at home on July 5, 2025, in Shoreview, MN, at the age of 84.

Tom lived joyfully, laughed frequently, and loved generously. Born with a twinkle in his eye and a story on his lips in N. St. Paul to Agnes and Adolph Leibold, he was a proud graduate of St. Agnes High School – home of the Aggies – where he forged friendships that would last a lifetime. After high school and studies at the University of Minnesota, Tom joined 3M, where his charm and light-heartedness earned him a lasting place in the hearts of coworkers.

But perhaps the most important chapter of Tom’s life began when he found strength, purpose, and community in Alcoholics Anonymous. Over nearly three decades, Tom not only committed himself to his own recovery, but threw himself headfirst into helping others do the same—with candor, compassion, and character. He sponsored many, mentored countless more, and filled meeting rooms with laughter, hope, and the occasional exaggerated anecdote.

Tom had many loves, but was never happier than with a fishing rod or golf club in one hand and a wild story in the other. He lit up every room – not just because he had a great smile, but because he made sure you did too. He was the kind of guy who could turn a 5-minute errand into a 45-minute conversation with a stranger, and you’d better believe they’d both leave smiling.

He loved:

• Chasing golf balls with his buddies, clubs perpetually rattling in the trunk
• Fishing—on the water or on the ice
• Meeting up with his beloved morning coffee crew and “bagel bunch” to solve the world’s problems
• Frequenting the Shoreview Community Center, where he made great friends and occasionally acknowledged the existence of exercise equipment
• Attending AA meetings, mentoring others, and always leaving his mark as a source of good humor and steadfast support
• Discovering his Iowa roots and reconnecting with family
• Spending time with his precious granddaughter Everly, who had him wrapped around her little finger
• Breaking rules and eating sweets even knowing he shouldn’t

Tom is survived by his daughters, Jill and Meghan Leibold, and his cherished granddaughter, Everly, who brought him endless joy (and was a willing listener to all of Grandpa Tom’s bedtime adventure stories).

Tom found his tribe everywhere he went: among Aggies classmates, in fishing boats and golf carts, in AA rooms, and over countless cups of coffee. If you ever heard one of his stories, you know: they weren’t always factually accurate – but they were always full of heart.

Tom’s legacy lives on in every smile he inspired, every tale retold, and every person who found a little light through his warmth, wisdom, or relentless wit. If life were a series of tall tales, Tom’s would be the kind you never wanted to end.

A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN. Friends and family are invited to gather beginning at 4:00 PM, with a special Story Time for all to share your stories about Tom beginning at 6:00 PM – because if Tom taught us anything, it’s that stories are life.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Alcoholics Anonymous in Tom’s honor. (To make a memorial gift, visit contribution.aa.org or contact your local AA chapter.)

Tom’s family finds comfort in knowing that his stories – and his spirit – will live on in every good laugh and kind deed. So honor his memory: tell a tale, hug your people, laugh louder than necessary, and always be generous with your time and your smile.

Age 100 years young

Called to her heavenly home peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 19, 2025. Preceded in death by husband, Lawrence; son, Brian; grandson, Steven; brothers, Eugene Schmidt & James Kingore. Survived by son, Bruce (Sherri) Loftsgaarden; daughter, Lori (Richard “Dick”) Wittnebel; grandchildren, Aimee (Zia) Sheik, Lise Leen, Meg (Joe) Boche, Erik (Pam) Loftsgaarden, Jaime Wittnebel, Alison (Jeremy) Reem, Ben (Tessa) Loftsgaarden, Bryan Wittnebel; special friend, Judy Bakken; 11 great grandchildren; also other family and friends.

Avie loved to spend time with her friends and family. In her younger years she loved to travel; she especially enjoyed a good family road trip. She loved attending school and sporting events for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Avie always had a way to find the special meaning in time spent with her friends and family.

Funeral Service will be held 1:00 pm Friday, July 25^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights with visitation 1 hour prior to service. Interment General Lutheran Cemetery, South St. Paul.

Memorials preferred to Crescent Cove or Soldier’s 6.

February 24, 1939 – July 15, 2025

Roger L. Pfeiffer, 86, passed away in Minneapolis on July 15, 2025, with his family at his side. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 25, at 11:30 a.m. at House of Prayer Lutheran Church, 1470 S Washington St., Bismarck, ND. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service to celebrate Roger’s life and legacy. A private family interment will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.

Born near Redstone, Montana, to Linden and Emma (Severson) Pfeiffer, Roger was deeply proud of his rural Montana heritage where he learned the value of hard work on the family farm. He graduated from Plentywood High School where he participated in the sport of rodeo, was a member of FFA, and went on to live a full life of integrity, humility, and hard work rooted in his deep faith in the Lord.

Roger proudly served in the Army Reserve in Montana before discovering his lifelong passion for aviation. In 1960, Roger traveled to Alaska to work as a mechanic’s helper on the D.E.W. Line. That experience led him to pursue flight training at American Flyers in 1961. His aviation career spanned nearly 50 years, during which he flew more than 35 different aircraft models and logged over 18,000 hours of flight time. In 1962, Roger began flying commercially for Dickinson Air Service where he did charter flights, flight instruction, power line patrol, crop spraying, and ski flying in the winter blizzards in 1964 and 1966.

He married Sally Zastoupil in 1964 in Dickinson, ND, after a courtship that started at the Buckaroo where he always ordered a ribeye steak with “no onions”. They resided on the Dickinson Airport with their dog, Turk, before moving to Bismarck where they raised two children, Karmen and Linden.

Roger served the State of North Dakota as a pilot for 39 years. He joined the North Dakota Highway Department in 1966 and later served as the Assistant Director and Chief Pilot for the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission for 26 years until his retirement in 2007. During his career, he proudly flew every North Dakota Governor from 1966 through 2007 and quite literally mapped the state by flying every section line—twice. Roger was inducted into the North Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame in 2009. In recognition of his exceptional service and safety record, he received the Flight Safety Achievement Award in 1991 for 10,000 safe pilot-in-command hours on behalf of the State of North Dakota.

Roger was an active member in numerous organizations, including the North Dakota Aviation Council (serving over 20 years as secretary), the North Dakota Flying Farmers (21 years as secretary), the North Dakota Agricultural Aviation Association, and the NASAO Aviation Research and Education Board. He loved attending annual NASAO conventions with Sally. Roger was a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and served on his church council.

Those who knew Roger remember him as a kind, honest, and humble man who never met a stranger. Whether standing in line at the grocery store, at the FBO, or in the hotel lobby, Roger was always ready to strike up a conversation. He had a remarkable memory for first names and faces and seemed to know someone in every town and airport he visited.

He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Karmen (Bart) Sorenson of Bismarck, ND; his son, Dr. Linden (Julie) Pfeiffer of Hastings, MN; his cherished grandchildren, Aiden, Elias, and Olivia Pfeiffer and Bridger Sorenson; his brother, Larry Pfeiffer of Great Falls, MT; his sister-in-law, Marcella Knight of Bismarck; and many dear relatives and lifelong friends. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jackie, and his beloved wife of 56 years, Sally.

Roger’s legacy lives on in the skies he loved and the lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Bismarck, ND or the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot, ND.

Age 51 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025. Preceded in death by parents, William and Frances Cotton. Survived by siblings, David Cotton, Mark (Beth) Cotton, Mary (Lou) Anderson & Mike (Angela) Cotton; nieces & nephews, Brianna, Danielle, Caitlin, Andrew, Sam, Seth & Sarah; great-nieces & great-nephews, Jack, Joseph, Madeline & Olivia; also other family & friends.

AnnMarie love to spend time with her nieces and nephews.  She also spent time collecting teddy bears & candles. She developed a love of bowling, which she did for the last 30 years, making lasting friendships and memories. Also loved spending time with Snickers and Cuddy.

AnnMarie will be remembered by her friends and family as always seeing the good in everyone she met and truly having a heart of gold

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Thursday, July 24^th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.

Age 83 of Minneapolis 

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 27th, 2025. Preceded in death by husband, Clayton and sister, Sharon. Survived by daughters, Christine (David) and Nancy; son, Michael; grandchildren, Roger (Anthony), Stephanie (Micah), Brad, and Rebecca; great-grandchildren, Isaac and Amelia; siblings, Joe, Kent, Cathy and also by many other family and friends.

Carol loved to spend her time reading, playing games, caring for animals, and spending time with family.

Memorial Service will be held 4:00 pm Tuesday, July 29^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights with visitation 1 hour prior to service.

Age 82 of Inver Grove Heights, MN

Preceded in death by parents, Miles & Adalia Hansen; brother, John Hansen; son-in-law, Paul Heimkes.

Jerry is survived by his loving family of four children, Jennifer Heimkes, Rosemount, Joan Vertefeuille (Taz), Homosassa, Fl, Jerald Hansen, Jr (Heidi), West St. Paul, and Jill Sweet (Brian), Savage.

Jerry was blessed by seven grandchildren, Jacqueline, Jordan, Alexandra, Ella, Isaac, Erica and Taylor and four great grandchildren Iverson, Mila, Lakai, Colby and by a sister Jean Blaser, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Jerry was born in Rice Lake, WI and married his high school sweetheart. They ended up living   in Inver Grove Heights for the last 40 years of his life.

Jerry was active in his church, loved being with his family, NWTF, loved to deer hunt, turkey hunt, fish and always trying for that BIG fish, camping, selling Nolting longarm quilting machines, collecting Lionel trains and helping his wife with daycare.

Jerry had many health struggles but lived life to the fullest, his strong faith in God and his family is what he lived for.

Our family is grateful for all the prayers and love given on dad’s end of life journey and he is at peace with God.

Services will be held at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 7160 So. Robert Trail, Inver Grove Heights, MN on August 13^th at 1pm (Visitation) service at 2pm.  All are welcome.

Age 93 of Cottage Grove 

Passed away at home on July 5, 2025. Preceded in death by wife, Caroline; grandson, William; son in law, Tom Heimerl and three sisters.  Survived by children, Rick (Luanna), Tim, Kari Heimerl, Jeff (Kathy), Gayle (Mike) Carlin, Jeanette (Butch) Waidelich and Russ (Lola); 24 grandchildren; 43 great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; brother, Lee (Muggs) and other extended family and friends. Funeral service 11:00 am, Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at All Saints Lutheran Church, 8100 Belden Blvd S., Cottage Grove, MN. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment at the Cottage Grove Cemetery. 

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.”