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

Mary A. Ogilvie

Age 87

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on October 24, 2024. Preceded in death by husband, Junior Ogilvie; parents, Conrad and Bertha Schriever; siblings, Elfrieda, Lou, Cora, Alice, Glady, Grace and Victor.

Survived by children, Jeffrey (Lisa Hicks) Ogilvie, Robin Hale; grandchildren, Rachel (Dan) Dunnette, Jacob Ogilvie, Amy Hale; great-grandchildren, Cameron Dunnette, Colton Dunnette, Ellary Dunnette and Jamy Sherman; also other family and friends.

Graveside Service 2:00 pm Tuesday, October 29th, Acacia Park Cemetery, 2151 Pilot Knob Rd., Mendota Heights.

Joseph A. Polakoski

Age 78 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends on October 9, 2024.

Joe loved life and by his own account he lived a good one. It was a life filled with family, friends, hobbies, and travels that gave him and those close to him decades of fond memories and good times. He loved dogs and it was not unusual to see him with two or three pups at his feet. Joe was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed numerous activities related to the great outdoors, including fishing, hunting, shooting (a hobby he shared with his father), fossil hunting, rockhounding, birdwatching, and astronomy to name a few. Joe also enjoyed sports and played baseball in high school for the South Saint Paul Packers and coached youth hockey.

Joe honorably served his country in the Vietnam War from 1964–1968 as a Navy Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class. His three tours of duty included stints on the USS Ticonderoga and USS Hancock. Upon discharge, Joe resided in San Diego and San Francisco before returning to Minnesota and putting down roots in Inver Grove Heights. During this time, he received his Associate Arts degree in mechanical engineering from Inver Hills Community College. He worked in this capacity for several Twin Cities companies including LiquiPack in St. Paul. At LiquiPack, he traveled around the globe and designed a company-sponsored boat for the Aquatennial’s popular annual milk carton boat race on Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. In 1991, Joe opened Outlaw’s RC World, a hobby shop, in Oakdale and later worked at Ace Hardware in Inver Grove during semi-retirement.

In 1984, Joe met Tina, his partner of more than 40 years, and David, their son, was born a couple of years later in 1986. Their house was home to many throughout their years together, including relatives, neighbors and friends, spanning generations young and old.

Joe never lost his sense of wonder and mischief, which would be on full display during the holiday season — much to the delight of the children (both young and old) in his life. We always knew the holiday season was upon us once he donned his “I Still Believe” sweatshirt. He had a generous heart and would spend days on end searching for the perfect gifts for the people in his life. One of his greatest joys was seeing their smiles and delight as they unwrapped their presents.

Joe meant so much to so many and took great pride in his role as a loving partner, father, uncle, brother, Obi, and friend to us all. He was our anchor and not a day will go by that he will not be missed. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Polakoski Sr. and Frances Polakoski, sister Judy Heiss, and brother Gary Polakoski. Left with hearts filled with cherished memories are his loving partner Tina, son David, sisters Laurie (Bob) Seaton and Marnee Sanders, sister-in-law Frances Trice (Donny Cheung), niece Tiffanea (Jeff) Mulder, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family, dear neighbors Norm and Ruth Henslin and John and Rayme Schlichenmeyer, and dear friends Nicole Clausen, Ed and Mike Pfluger, Greg Hakanson, Katie Kammerude, Julie Young, Valerie Zilka, Drew (Kayla), Greg (Kim) and Lloyd Rogers.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Friday, November 1 at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights. Visitation will start at 4:00 p.m. with a short service to follow at 6:00 p.m. officiated by Pastors Dennis and Jackie Durry. The service can be livestreamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/m24101468256585. Joe was never one for formality, so the family encourages you to wear your favorite sweatshirt, DnD cloak, jeans, or whatever you feel most comfortable in. Canine friends are welcome to attend the service. Private interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery on Monday, November 4 at 11:00 a.m.

We know that many of you have a favorite story or picture of Joe, and we would love to see them all. Please  share a memory of Joe or send a condolence to his family at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/twincities/obituary-funeralhome.aspx?fh=roberts-funeral-home&fhid=4291 .

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you take moment to get outside… take a walk, look for rocks, cast a line in your favorite pond, or consider a donation to the Animal Humane Society, Pheasants Forever, or Toys for Tots.

Patricia “Patty” Morgan

Age 68

Patricia (Patty) Morgan (Pep to family) was born on Nov. 8 1955 in Madelia, MN. She passed away on October 17, 2024 in St. Paul, MN.

Patricia was baptized and confirmed at Augustana Lutheran Church in St. James, MN. She graduated from St. James High School in 1974.

Patricia earned her AA degree in nursing from Dakota Wesleyan University, then bachelor’s degree in nursing and psychology from Augsburg College.  After completing schooling, she worked as a traveling nurse, working in the mountains of Colorado and Wyoming. Later, she cared for patients in nursing homes, then worked as a care manager for Health Partners.

Patricia loved traveling, whether it was to the water, mountains or on a cruise in Alaska or the tropics.  She especially loved the North Shore of Lake Superior. She also loved traveling to Arizona to visit her parents. Patricia enjoyed reading murder mysteries and romance novels. She enjoyed entertaining, decorating, baking and hosting family “Christmas in October”.

Preceded in death by parents, Garland & Kaethe Morgan; brother, Jeff. Survived by sister, Nancy Pollock; brother, John (Char); niece & nephew, Gus (Kayla) Pollock, Anna Smith (TJ Marquardt), step-niece and nephew Kayley Baird (Lexi Morley) and Andrew Johnson; great-nephews & great-niece, Max & Barrett Pollock, Victoria Smith.

Memorial Service 11:00 am Saturday, November 2nd, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10:00-11:00 am prior to the service and luncheon to follow.  In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Our Lady of Peace Hospice Home, 2076 St. Anthony Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104.

Florence Marie Raessler

Age 81 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away on October 17, 2024. Preceded in death parents, Violet (Sederstrom) Raessler & Gust Raessler. Survived by sister, Linnea “Naya” Raessler; special friends, Gina & Greg; also cousins and friends.

Florence will be remembered as a “one of a kind, unforgettable” person. She grew up in Muskegon Hts., MI and moved to the San Francisco Bay area in 1965 at the age of 21. She worked for Blue Shield near Fisherman’s Wharf and later at Vandenberg Air Force Base near Santa Maria, CA. Florence moved to Inver Grove Hts. in 1984, working for the V.A. and JC Penney.

Florence wishes were for no services to be held. Forever now at peace.

Paula Maria Dubej

Age 92 of Queen Creek, AZ

Passed away on October 11, 2024 at Sky Vista Care Center in Mesa, AZ. We’re confident she was met by those who went before her: parents Alois and Maria Petter; husband, Stefan; children, Anita (Zeik) and Steven. Paula will forever live in the hearts of those she left behind: children, Ingrid (Mike) Eckberg; son-in-law, John Zeik; daughter-in-law Pam Dubej; Tony (Luanne), Michael (Kim); 11 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

Paula came to the United States from Austria in the 1950s, where she and Stefan resided in the SSP and IGH areas. Paula was an avid gardener, loved to cook and bake. Family favorites were her German Potato Salad, Spaetzle, Beef Rolls, and the Christmas Cookies she baked for them every year.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Saturday, November 2nd, at The Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10:00 -11:00 am prior to Mass. Interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery.

Geroloma Frances “Gerri” Walter (nee Wagner)

Age 81 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away peacefully on October 17, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Nancy Wagner, and stepfather Stanley Newel. She was survived by her loving husband Neil of 54 years; and her children, Lori Kaemmer and Craig (Beth) Walter; grandchildren, Molly (Daniel) Lyons, Max Walter, Joshua Kaemmer, Ryan Kaemmer and Ethan Kaemmer; sister, Jo (Mike) Lewis; nieces, Kim (Rod) Webb and Michelle (Greg) Lewis-Savino.

Gerri was a 1961 graduate of St. Paul Harding High School.  She graduated from Northwestern School of Nursing in Minneapolis in 1964. Gerri’s nursing career of thirty plus years encompassed different areas of nursing including gynecology and cardiology, however, psychiatric care was her favorite.  In her later nursing years, she changed her focus to teaching and educating. Gerri met her husband to be Neil in 1966 and they were married in 1970 at St. John’s Catholic Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.  They made their home in Inver Grove Heights for fifty plus years where they raised their two children.

Gerri was very enthusiastic about her relationship with God and was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She volunteered countless hours with choir, being eucharistic minister, a member of the ugly quilt club, member of the finance committee, and actively involved in fundraising for the new church.

Gerri retired in 1998 where she could spend more time on her interests and hobbies.  These included: being a member of the St. Paul Harding reunion committee, teaching adults how to read English, doing needle point, cross stitch, and sewing.  She also enjoyed cooking her favorite Italian dishes for her family, socializing with her friends, neighbors and family and especially her weeklong vacation at 8th Crow Wing Lake.  The love that she had for her grandchildren was abundantly apparent by the various activities she shared with them and the joyous smile they brought to her face.

Gerri’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Therese of Woodbury and St. Croix Hospice for their exceptional care.

Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Saturday, October 26th at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St. E., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10-11 AM prior to Mass. Private interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials preferred to the American Diabetes Association.

Patrick Thomas “Sarge” Ryan

Age 94

Passed away peacefully, on October 17, 2024 at the villages of Lonsdale in Lonsdale MN, where he had been a resident since May 1, 2024.

Patrick was born on a farm in Hampton Township, MN on October 31, 1929, the son of Francis and Catherine (Glynn) Ryan. He later moved to Cannon Falls, where he attended school and graduated with the class of 1949. Patrick served in the US Army as an MP on active duty from 1949 to 1951 and in the Army Reserves from 1951 to 1956. He was a member of the 1952 Class A Amateur State Champion Cannon Falls Bears Baseball Team. Patrick worked as a general labor and was a proud member of LIUNA Laborers International Union of North America, Local Union #563. He moved to Apple Valley, MN, where he raised his three sons.

One of Patrick’s greatest passions was coaching his sons and hundreds of other young men in Apple Valley where he was known to be a firm but fair coach and earned the nickname Sarge. In 1983 as an assistant coach he helped lead Apple Valley’s 13-year-old Babe Ruth team to the state and regional championships and a trip to the Babe Ruth World Series. During his retirement years he was often a steady fixture in the bleachers of the local high school, college and town team baseball games. He will always be remembered for ending his phone calls with his signature words, “Be good.”.

He survived by his sons, William (Julie) of Lonsdale, Thomas (Jolynn) of Lakeville and Robert (Kara) of Elko New Market; sisters, Rose Maring of Kenyon, and DeDee (Ed) Erickson of Rosemont; grandchildren, Ellie (Ryan) Nichols, Jack, Cooper, Parker, Cullen, and Keegan great-grandson, Harlan; also many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary (Dick) Daniels, Ellen (Fran) Gall and Margaret Ryan; brothers, Edward & James Ryan.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Friday, October 25th, at the Church of St. Nicholas, 51 Church St., Elko New Market, MN, and can also be livestreamed at https://stncc.net/live-stream. Visitation 10:00-11:00 am prior to Mass at church. Interment St. Pius Church Cemetery, Cannon Falls, MN.

Patrick was a generous man, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Samaritan’s Purse: https://www.samaritanspurse.org.

David Elmer Leadabrand

David Elmer Leadabrand, age 80, passed away October 12, 2024 with his wife of 55 years at his side.

Dave was born September 9, 1944 to Ruth Belle White and Wesley Leadabrand, at their home on the family farm in Eaton, Colorado.

He graduated from Iliff, Colorado High School and went on to Calvary University, Kansas City, where he met his wife, Elaine Vanderau.  They were married on August 9, 1969.

He began teaching 5th grade while continuing his education working toward advanced degrees. He completed his goals at University of Northern Colorado, where he studied for a doctorate in educational administration.  His career of 40 years in education took him from elementary teacher, to principal to district superintendent.

He spent his retirement doing woodworking, making pens, fishing, and spending time with his family and spoiling seven grandchildren.  He also spent many hours relaxing under the gazebo which he built, always with his faithful dog and loving cats at his side.

David is survived by his wife, Elaine; daughters, Nichole Breuer, Shoreview, MN; Noelle Garza (JR) Plainview, TX; Nichelle Valdez (Chris) Clermont, FL; grandchildren, Taylor (Adrian), Sarah, Zach, Taryn (Preston), Anna and Fedelina; brothers-in-law and sisters-in law, Gary (Chris) Persons, Eileen (Skip) Hazel, Chris (Larry) Graham, Judy  (Gil) Halbakken, Dick (Gloria) Persons, Jim (Lois) Persons, Beverly (Dave) McLaughlin, Janalee (Ken) Gilsrud, Keith (Kathy) Persons, Fay Van Vliet, Neil (Tami) Persons, Nancy (Apollo) Arismendy, numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wesley; grandson, Andrew; sons-in-law, Steven Encinias and Michael Breuer, father of Zachary and Anna.  Also brothers-in-law, Dave Van Vliet and Gordon Persons, and sisters-in-law, Carol Leadabrand and Diane Persons.

Memorial Service 11:00 am Tuesday, October 22nd, at Southside Baptist Church, 5613 S. Robert Trail, Sunfish Lake, MN with a visitation 10:00 am to 11:00 am prior to the service.

Service will be available on-line at http://www.youtube.com/.southsidebaptistchurch2741

Priscilla Irene Gillen

Age 92 of South St. Paul, MN.

Passed away peacefully on October 8, 2024.

Preceded in death by, husband, Dennis; brothers, Stanley & Norman; sister, Brunelle; granddaughter Kari.

Survived by children, Ken (Barb), Karen Chermak, Kathy (Dan) Wunrow & Kevin (Julie); 11 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; sister, Marlis; brother, Mervin; also other family and friends.

Priscilla loved to spend time with family and friends over a delicious home cooked meal that she would prepare, topped off with hot fudge carmel ice cream sundaes.  At a young age Priscilla gave her life to Jesus at Temple Baptist Church in St Paul. Her greatest joy was to see family and friends give their lives to Jesus.

Memorial Service 11:00 am Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 9:30 am – 11:00 am prior to the service. Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

Frances Romanowski

Age 95, died peacefully on August 29, 2024 following a brief illness.

Frances was born in The Netherlands and immigrated to the U.S. in 1957. After settling in South St. Paul, Frances began a long career at the Donaldson’s, then Carson Pirie Scott Department Store in St. Paul’s Town Square. There, she worked at the cosmetics counter for nearly 25 years. After retirement, she moved to West St. Paul where she remained active with the Red Hat Society, as a volunteer at the Church of St. John Vianney, and spending time with many friends and family. In 2021, she relocated to Berlin, Maryland to be closer to family. A loving and always stylish mom, “Oma,” “Oma-oma,” and friend, she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Frances is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Anton; sister, Elly Baars; and brother, Bernard Baars. She was followed in death by daughter-in-law, Vicky. Frances is survived by daughter, Franci (David) Howard of Ocean View, Delaware; son, Bernard of Salt Lake City; grandchildren, Stephanie (Chris) and Anton; great-grandchild, Logan; special grandchildren, Christina, Leonard, and Eric; many special great-grandchildren; and nephews and their families in Canada.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, October 18 at 11:00 am at the Church of St. John Vianney, 789 17th Avenue N., South St. Paul. Private family interment to follow.