Olson, Charles Ellsworth

Charles Ellsworth Olson was born on September 23rd, 1938 in Starbuck, MN, passed away on May 5th, 2024. He was 85. Charles married Lois Kathleen (Anderson) Olson on May 24, 1958. They were life-long members of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Inver Grove Heights, MN, where they raised five children.

Charles loved fishing, hunting, and his family. He enjoyed family gatherings and good conversations with friends. Charles served in the Minnesota National Guard and was a proud member of the United Auto Workers Union. After 30 years, Charles retired from the Ford Motor Company in St. Paul, MN, but couldn’t sit still. He worked parking security for many years at Simley High School, where students and staff alike enjoyed his Mr. Potato Heads greeting them from his rear window.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Kathleen (Anderson) Olson, parents, Chester and Esther (Pederson) Olson, and his brothers, Bob (Terry Glassing) and David (LuAnn) Olson.

He left behind his children, Cynthia (Scott) Welsh, Joan (Patrick) Siedow, Paula Bastian, Ross (Amie) Olson, and Melissa (Amanda Cerne) Olson, 15 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren, as well as his siblings, Beverly (Kenneth) Fischer, Sandy (Kenneth) Hoff, Sanford (Clara) Olson, Janet (Richard) Lundebrek, Ruth (Don) Schwanke, Neil Olson & Naomi (Fred) Anderson and many friends.

A Celebration of Charles Life will be held on Wednesday, May 22^nd, 2024 at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd Street, Inver Grove Heights, MN, 55076. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM, followed by Mass at 11:00 AM. Lunch will be provided at the church afterwards.

Sporcic, Stephen “Stosh”

Age 86 of Inver Grove Heights, MN

Formerly South St Paul, MN

Passed away unexpectedly on April 26, 2024. Preceded in death by his parents, Marko and Anna Sporcic, his siblings, Joe, Emil (Terri), John (Clara), Tony (Margaret), Sophie Bernier (Jack), in-laws Marjorie and Peter Gelao, sister in-law, Patricia Hageman (Jerry), and daughter in-law (Amy).

Survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Joanne, 4 loving children, Stephen, Michael, Cynthia, and Pete, 5 grandchildren, Robert, Jessica Halloran (Clinton Stewart), Stephen, Emily (Francisco Guerra), and Zachary (Brittani), 5 great granddaughters Emma, Lynn, Morgan, Eleanor, and Isabel, bonus great grandchildren, Bella, Vincent and Dominic, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Growing up in South St Paul, he helped his father Marko at the Croatian Hall, and worked the 4H Cafeteria with his mother, Anna. In high school, he wrestled and played Right Tackle for the SSP Packers. South St Paul HS graduate class of 1956. After high school, Steve enlisted in the Navy, and proudly served during the Cold War as a Navy Seaman 1956 – 1958 on the destroyer, USS Zellars (DD-777).

While in the Navy, Steve met his future bride, Joanne, while home on leave at the Kaposia Club. While away, they wrote each other and fell in love through letters. Once returning from service in the Mediterranean Sea, Steve began work on a delivery route with 7UP and met many life-long friends. On October 8^th, 1960, Steve and Joanne were married at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in South Saint Paul, MN and had their wedding reception at the Croatian Hall, South Saint Paul, MN. Not long after they were married, they started their family, and Steve began working his lifetime career as an Insurance Agent. In the early days, agents met with families in their homes, and worked many evenings, but he always came home to have supper with his family before heading out for evening appointments. Steve graduated from Inver Hills CC in 1975 and expanded from life insurance to all types of insurance.

Steve’s passions were his Family, Minnesota Vikings, his Croatian Heritage, new cars, History (especially Native American History), and a love of travel and adventures. Family was the most important thing to Steve ~ celebrating every holiday together with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He also loved having BBQs, pool parties, “Christmas in July”, and attending every wedding, graduation, or funeral he was invited to by family, friends, and clients (it was an honor for him to be invited). For the last 10 years, he and Joanne hosted Saturday morning breakfast with their family EVERY WEEK.

Steve loved all Minnesota sports teams especially the Minnesota Vikings. He was a season ticket holder for many years. Steve instilled a love of MN Vikings to his children and had a tradition of going to Minnesota Training Camp in Mankato and Eagan, MN. He enjoyed visiting the Minnesota Vikings Museum in Eagan, MN.

His Croatian Heritage was very special to him. He was a member of the Croatian Hall and always attended the annual Christmas Party, and other events like the 100^th Anniversary party with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Steve and Joanne also became connected with the Strawberry Hill Museum in Kansas City, KS and attended many events there as well. In 1997, Steve and his niece, Marcie traveled to Croatia with one of the first tourist groups after Croatia earned its Independence. In 2005, he went to Italy and returned to Croatia to experience it with Joanne and 3 of his children. While there he visited a Croatian orphanage which touched his heart and he supported for many years.

His love of travel could not be matched! Whether it was a day trip to Brainerd to pick up vanilla from a nephew, driving to a casino to get a free gift he could donate at a fundraiser, or taking a trip with each of his children and grandchildren to Pipestone, MN to visit the Pipestone National Monument (U.S. National Park) visitor center and museum to learn about Native American culture, the historic Pipestone quarries, beautiful tallgrass prairie, and the majestic Winnewissa waterfall.

He and Joanne traveled to all 50 states by the mid-90s (then started over again). Most of their travels the last 20 years were spent visiting his niece Marcie and her family and nephew Tony (Rita) in Texas and connecting with his Navy buddies from the USS Zellars as a member of the “Tin Can Sailors”, the National Association of Destroyer Veterans. He and Joanne traveled to “Bull Sessions” in Oshkosh, WI regularly, and across the United States to many Annual National Reunions to visit other Navy ships and tour the cities they were in (too many to name!). Steve and his bride, Joanne, spread joy, smiles, and handed out pens everywhere they went and traveled. Thank you for being you!!!

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 18^th 9:00-11:00 AM, Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM with luncheon to follow at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 3535 72nd St E, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

Buchl, Walter F. “Wally”

Age 78 of South St. Paul

Passed on peacefully on May 4, 2024.

Survived by loving wife of 53 years, Sue; daughters, Vicki (Jamie) Eggleston, Renae (Todd) Elert, and Alison (Joe) Mather; son, Eric (Samantha); 9 grandchildren, David (20), Scott (19), Christopher (18), Lauren (16), Kieryn (16), Stiles (13), Vincent (10), Conley (10), Emily (9). Also many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Wally was a life-long resident of South St. Paul who understood and was the living embodiment of the ideas of family, community, fellowship, and service. Wally loved his family with his entire being and everything he did in life was for them. To Wally, family was more than just those related to him. Family was everyone and anyone who needed a place to feel safe and belong and his home was often filled with people sharing stories and a laugh around the table or on the deck in the yard. To the end, Wally was instrumental in creating time and space for everyone to gather together from the legendary 4th of July backyard pancake breakfasts to the Curmudgeons Coffee Crew, if Wally was involved there was always good food, good coffee, and a good story with a smile.

Wally was a quiet leader who led by example. He was the first to volunteer and brought many others along with him because many hands make light work. Wally organized and led the beef/snack bar for countless years during the Holy Trinity Church Bazaar and was a proud member of the South St. Paul Lions Club selling Christmas trees and working the pancake breakfasts. He was the ultimate Band-Backer helping with countless fundraisers to support the program and trips the marching band would take and even spearheaded the financing of an equipment trailer that he proudly drove all over the country for the band for many years.

As a craftsman, Wally excelled in all aspects of creation from intricate, beautiful furniture pieces to additions and renovations to the family home. He spent over 20 years constructing many theatrical sets and props for the South St. Paul school and community theater programs. He taught his children well and was so very proud that all his children were just as capable of picking up a hammer and saw as they were at cooking a hearty meal.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 am Wednesday, May 8th, at the Church of the Holy Trinity, 749 6th Ave. S., So. St. Paul. Visitation 9:30 – 11:30 am prior to Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights.

A Luncheon will follow interment starting at 2 PM at the Croatian Hall 445 2^nd Avenue South, South St. Paul, MN 55075

Ogren, Debra R.

Age 73 of West St. Paul

Passed away on April 28, 2024. Preceded in death by husband, Glenn. Survived by sons and families, Jeffrey & Bethany; Zachariah & Jeremiah Ogren, Timothy & Theresa; Thomas, Austin & Ashlee Ogren, Jack & Brie; Mia, Drew & Henry Meyer, Christopher & Kristen; Brandon & Gabriella Ogren, Benjamin Meyer; great-granddaughter, Lakelee; sister, Sherrill (James) McClure.

Debra was a devoted Christian and took great comfort in her faith and family. She worked tirelessly for 30 years to work up from a temp position to management at 3M all while raising a family. She shattered the glass ceiling in the 80’s. In retirement she enjoyed crafting with her grandchildren, spending time at the lake with family and road tripping with her beloved Glenn. She was proud of her work accomplishments, but she took the most pride in her 5 sons and the family she helped create.

Memorial Service 3:00 pm Sunday, May 5th , at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 2075 70th St E., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 2:00-3:00 pm prior to the service at church. Interment at Emanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial in Debra’s name to:

Emanuel Lutheran Church; https://emanuellutheranchurch.org/give/

American Parkinson Disease Association; https://www.apdaparkinson.org/get-involved/memorial-and-trOgren,

Kostka, Richard

Age 87

Passed away peacefully on March 26, 2024.

Richard Kostka was born to Joseph and Florence (Hankins) Kostka on November 12, 1936. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Joseph and John, and sister in law Char. He is survived by his sister Sandra (Michael) Travers, sister in law Deborah Kostka, nieces, nephews, the Dianchrist family, and the Inndale House family.

Richard was a happy, gentle soul. His smile lit up a room and warmed your heart. He had an infectious belly laugh. He loved sweets, especially ice cream and circus peanuts. He was extremely proud of his 14 years at Walmart, working into his 80’s. He participated in Special Olympics bowling. He enjoyed doing many activities with friends and family, such as bowling, arts and crafts, hiking, fishing and playing games. He would grin ear to ear when he got a BINGO. He played the accordion and enjoyed listening to Whoopee John.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, May 15th, at 11:30 am at All Saints Catholic Church, 19795 Holyoke Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044. A visitation one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial at Resurrection Cemetery following lunch. Memorials preferred to the Special Olympics Minnesota.

Giblin, Maureen Ann

Age 87, of Eagan, MN

Was welcomed into heaven on April 28, 2024. She was born to Emmett and Lorraine Murphy in Belle Plaine, MN on July 6, 1936, and was the oldest of nine siblings: Pat, Margaret Ann, Sharon, Mary Ellen, Mike, Kevin, Dave and Dennis. She married Donald Giblin on December 27, 1958, and they had four children: Greg, Mike, Dave and Colleen (Kyle) Dupre, and three grandchildren: Grace, Rose, and Max Giblin were her pride and joy. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two brothers, Pat and Kevin. As a Reservationist for Northwest Airlines, she loved her wonderful travel benefits and fun adventures. After she raised her children, she enjoyed interacting with her accounts as a Customer Service Representative at Kraft Foods. Maureen loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, extended Murphy family, and many dear friends. Her hobbies included traveling, playing bridge, attending musical performances at the Ordway and Orchestra Hall, and volunteering at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Maureen’s spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us, reminding us to approach life with humor and kindness.

A special thank you to Eagan Pointe Assisted Living for their wonderful care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association, Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter, 12701 Whitewater Drive, Suite 290, Minnetonka, MN 55343.

Her funeral will be Friday, May 3, 2024, at St. Peter’s Historic Church, 1405 Sibley Memorial Highway, Mendota, MN 55150 with the visitation at 10 am, Mass at 11 am, private burial, and luncheon to follow at the church.

Brotzman, Vicki Lynn (nee Tollin)

Age 64

Passed away on March 28, 2024 in Inver Grove Heights, MN. She was born on May 25, 1959 in St. Paul, MN. Preceded in death by her parents, Sheldon and Louralle Tollin; brother Jules. Vicki is survived by her husband, Michael; her loving children, Melissa, Matthew, and Kayla; twin brother, Brian (Loretta); sister, Elsie; brother-in-law, David (Tonneta). Memorial Service 3:00 pm Saturday, May 4^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 2:00 pm- 3:00 pm prior to the service.

Lawrence “Larry” R. Hillstead

Age 89, Passed away on April 12, 2024

Larry was born and raised in Big Falls, MN and made his home in Mendota Heights, MN. He was preceded in death by parents, Ralph and Regina (Wilkowski) Hillstead and two infant brothers.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Judy (Sifferle); children Tom (Danielle), Laura (Don) Smith, Rita (Brian) Thoemke, and Brian (Beth Lovro). He is adored by his grandchildren, Ashley and Evan (Eryn Miles) Smith, Cassie (Cody) Meyers, Jordan Hillstead (Matthew Bauer), Catie Thoemke (Hiram Diez), Clara and Leah Thoemke.

Larry graduated from the University of Minnesota and then served in the US Army. He enjoyed traveling throughout Europe while based in Heidelberg, Germany. Larry married Judy in 1966 and raised their four children in Mendota Heights. He always made time to coach the kids in their many sports. The annual August road trip in the family station wagon is fondly remembered as he showed his family all the national parks and historic sites. Larry retired from a career with the federal government at age 55 to make room for his life’s passions of golf, travel, genealogy research, and strawberry picking. Larry shined most brightly in his role of Grandpa. He was the greatest supporter of his grandchildren, never missing a game, match, concert, dance recital, or theater production. He was a fan of all Minnesota sports teams, but took an odd pleasure in their many notorious struggles.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on May 1 at 11:00 at the Church of St. Peter, 1405 Hwy 13, Mendota, MN. Visitation one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery following lunch. Memorials preferred to Saint Peter’s Historic Church or the Dorothy Day Place, St. Paul.

Pedelty, Kevin

Age 64, of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away on April 6th, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. Preceded in death by his parents, Holmes and Jane Pedelty; brother-in-law, Scott Stoffregen. Survived by his wife, Joan; and three daughters, Veronica Pedelty, Griffin (Joe) Pedelty-Schmitz, and Samantha Pedelty; sister, Lori Pedelty; brother, Mark Pedelty (Karen Miksch), mother-in-law, A. Lorraine Escher; sisters-in-law, Diane (Dave) Caley & Marsha (Dave) Wilkens; nieces, nephews, many loving relatives and friends.

Kevin began his career in banking at First Bank and ended his career at Vermillion State Bank where he helped to open the IGH branch. He went above and beyond to serve his community as a past member of the Lion’s Club, Optimist International, BEST Foundation, Jaycees, and the River Heights Arts Alliance. Kevin’s greatest joy in life was his family. He could always be counted on to be at all his kid’s activities. When he was not working, he loved to go on adventures with his wife and daughters. Never one to sit at home, Kevin’s go to question on the weekends was “What are we doing today?”

A visitation will be held for Kevin on Saturday, May 4th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights from 9:30-11am, followed by a brief service.

Memorials may be made to the University of Iowa at www.foriowa.org and click on give back.

Palumbo, Gary Louis

Age 84 of St. Paul

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a brief illness on April 12, 2024.

Preceded in death by wife, Judith; parents, Joe & Marie.

Survived by sons, Joe (Joanne), David, Gary Michael (Kim Erspamer); grandchildren, Catherine, Tom, Mark, Tim.

Proud Marine Veteran. Retired as Captain after 30 years with the Department of Corrections. Gary liked to golf, bowl, and be with friends drinking beer and pulling tabs.

Visitation 4-7 pm Tuesday, April 23, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights.

Special thanks to Ecumen Lakeview Commons and Hospice Care.