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

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)

 

Andrienne “Andy” (Polta) Atkins

Age 85 • Inver Grove Heights

Andrienne “Andy” Atkins passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 9, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marion “Gene” Atkins; her parents, Clarence and Mary; and siblings Gene, Dick, Darlene, Gloria, and Joanne.

She is survived by her sons, Joe (Julia) and Randy; grandchildren, John (Lindsay), Tom (Alexanna), and Katie; great-granddaughter, Riley; siblings, Patty and Bill; as well as many treasured nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Andy’s joy came from putting others first and savoring life’s simple pleasures—hosting “Sunday Lunch with Grandma,” catching up with friends at the Sunlight Café, shopping trips to Herberger’s with Patty, dancing to Elvis, celebrating holidays with family, and sipping half a beer at weddings. Her warmth, humor, sincerity, and love touched all who knew her and will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Andy’s Life will be held on June 18, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights. A brief service will take place at 5:00 pm. Private interment at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the IGH BEST Scholarship Foundation or Neighbors, Inc.

Mary L. Rue

Age 91 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully, in her sleep on June 1, 2025. Preceded in death by husband, Larry; parents, Velzie & Luella Woolson; brothers, Loren & Floyd Woolson.

Survived by children, Debby (Tim) Kabrick, John, Diane (Tim) Needham & Steve (Genna); 9 grandchildren and their spouses; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Dan Woolson; 2 sisters-in-law; also other family & friends.

Mary enjoyed singing in various choirs. She loved knitting, making crafts and spending time with family at the cabin on Half Moon Lake. She was a charter member at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church in Inver Grove Heights.

Funeral Service 11 AM Wednesday June 18th, at Faith United Methodist Church, 3239 70th St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 5-7 PM Tuesday at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Also 10-11 AM prior to the service at church. Interment St. Croix Falls Cemetery.

Joseph Martin Furlong

Age 54 of Las Vegas, NV.

Formerly of West St. Paul, MN.

Passed away unexpectedly on May 14, 2025. Survived by daughter, Kayla; parents, Martin and Sylvia; sister, Tracy; brother, Louis (Monica); also many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Joe loved all team sports and he loved to golf. A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday, June 16th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Memorials preferred.

 

 

Mark Lewis Nikodym

Age 58 of Inver Grove Heights, MN,

Died peacefully on May 22, 2025. He was born in St. Paul in 1967 to Arnold and Millie Nikodym. Mark attended Simley High School before studying HVAC and building his own business, Heights Heating and Air Conditioning, which he was so proud of.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents and best friend, Todd.

He is survived by his wife, Pattie and daughter, Paige; sisters, Judy (Steve), Debi (Bob); brother, Scott; nephews, Alex (Jenna), Brian, Dale (Kerry), Dylan (Chloe), and Nolan; nieces, Adrian (Chris), Erin (Chris), Kayla (Logan), Kristi, and Savannah (John) along with many great nieces and nephews and of course, so many friends.

Thank you to everyone who has been there and helped care for Mark these last few years, your love has kept us going and we could not be more grateful.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Moose Lodge #1088, 5927 Concord Blvd, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 on July 19th from 1:00-5:00 pm.

Evelyn Josephine Ehret (nee Einberger)

Evelyn Ehret of Inver Grove Heights, MN, died at age 91 on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. She led a long, full life and went to be with the Lord in peace.

Evelyn (Evie) was born in St. Paul on September 5, 1933, grew up on St. Paul’s West Side, and graduated from Humboldt High School in 1951. She and her sisters loved to take the streetcar down Smith Avenue to shop in downtown St. Paul or to go dancing. On one occasion dancing, she met Richard (Dick) Ehret. They subsequently married on September 10, 1955, and moved to South Saint Paul, later relocating to Inver Grove Heights. Together they raised six children and spent more than 40 years together until Dick’s passing in 1997.

Evelyn loved cards and all things paper and worked for American Greetings for a time. She spent many years pursuing hobbies such as league bowling, making beautiful ceramics, playing cards, and gardening. She and Dick spent years in card clubs with dear friends, fishing and vacationing in northern Minnesota during the summers, and later, making trips to the casino. They also traveled and visited Europe twice.

In later years, Evelyn continued to live in Inver Grove Heights, spending time with family, friends, and neighbors, and continuing to tend her garden. She moved to assisted living in 2023 and continued to have her tea and cookie in the mornings, be lucky at bingo, and always decorate for the upcoming holiday or season. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, as well as her tenacity and strength in the face of adversity.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Dick; her parents, Frank and Catherine Einberger; and her siblings, Lucille, William (Bob), and Marie.  She is survived by her sister Margaret York; her brother-in-law Larry (Edda) Ehret; her children Gary (Sherry) Ehret, Lori (John) McBride, Steven (Lisa) Ehret, Susan (Kevin) Ehret Lay, Michael (Tracey) Ehret, and Debra (Ben) Ehret Miller; and 17 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren (with more on the way!)

A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home, located at 8108 Barbara Avenue in Inver Grove Heights. A light meal will be available beginning at 5:00 p.m., and a brief service will take place at 6:30 p.m. Private interment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Inver Grove Heights.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are welcome and appreciated to Community of Saints (https://www.communityofsaints.org) or Children’s Hospital Minnesota (https://give.childrensmn.org/page/34886/donate/1.)

Mary Jean Garvie “Jean” (Nee Jensen)

of Inver Grove Heights, MN

May 24, 1935 ~ May 28, 2025.

Jean is preceded in death by parents, Ernest and Mary Jensen; brother, Robert. Survived by children, Jody Seidel, Jay (Connie) Emerson & Lea Ebensteiner (partner, Jerry); 9 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Judy; also nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Jean enjoyed ceramics, country music, playing Farkle, playing Canasta, square dancing and family time at the cabin on Platte Lake. A private gathering is planned for a later date.