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

Roger L. Pfeiffer

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.

AnnMarie Rose Cotton

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 24th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.

Carol A. Hermanson

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 29th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights with visitation 1 hour prior to service.

Jerald Hansen, Sr.

Age 82 of Inver Grove Heights, MN

Peacefully passed away on July 8th, 2025 with his wife Mary Anne of 61 years by his side and his children.

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 13th at 1pm (Visitation) service at 2pm.  All are welcome.

Norman Gene Olsen

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. 

 

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.